Updated on 20/03/20

NEW Friday 20th March – TT No.122: Brian Buck – ‘The pitch, a bumpy one, was rather hemmed in on all sides, but it was not unattractive and daffodils dotted around made it look quite pleasant'. It’s a trip up to Norfolk for Brian as he takes in East Ruston (v Hickling) in the North East Norfolk League Division One fixture played on 14/03/20…read more about his hop by logging on to the TT Reports page for 2019-20… NEW Friday 20th March – Latest Images: Ian Brown – It’s a trip to for Ian as he brings us plenty of ground photos from 1874 Northwich (vs Barnoldswick Town) in the North West Counties League Premier Division played on 14/03/20…now added to the FGIF album gallery… NEW Friday 20th March – Latest Images: Richard Panter – Check out Richard’s matchday photos from a hop to Darlaston 1874 (v Shawbury United) in the West (Regional) League Premier Division played on 14/03/20…now added to the FGIF album gallery… NEW Friday 20th March – TT No.121: Keith Aslan – ‘It's a sports complex…there's nothing wrong with it, just a bit samey from the neutrals point of view’. Stoneham Saunters. Read more about Keith’s trip to watch AFC Stonham (v Solent University) in the Wessex League Premier Division played on 14/03/20…now added to the TT Reports page for 2019-20… NEW Friday 20th March – Latest Images: Gary Spooner – Don’t miss Gary’s awesome selection of matchday photos from a trip to Boston Town (v Shepshed Dynamo) in the Premier Division played on 14/03/20…now uploaded to the FGIF album gallery… Gary adds via E-Mail sent on 15/03): ‘Trip to Boston yesterday where the mighty Dynamo won comfortably to keep up their title challenge. Were it not for the Boston keeper Shepshed could have had double figures!’. NEW Friday 20th March – Latest Images: WebEd – View the ground, action and matchday pictures from Hykeham Town (v Wyberton) in the League Supplementary Cup Semi-Final played on 14/03/20…now added to the FGIF album gallery… NEW Friday 20th March – Weblog Update: Simple Pieman - Read all about Steve's visit to watch RB Leipzig (v Tottenham Hotspur) in the UEFA Champions League, Round of 16, 2nd Leg played on 10/03/20……now uploaded to his excellent Weblog Pie and Mushy Peas at the following link/address: https://pieandmushypeas.blogspot.com/2020/03/rb-leipzig-fc.html NEW Friday 20th March – R No.37: WebEd – ‘Pride of place goes to the bijou main (well, only) stand…It certainly adds to the attraction’. Read all about a hop to watch Briston (v Hopton) in the Norfolk FA Junior Cup Quarter-Final played on 07/03/20…now added to the Read Ramblings Reports page and index… NEW Friday 20th March – Latest Programme News: Steve Hardy - Our highly esteemed programme professor sends us details from over SIXTY CLUBS covering men’s; ladies’; Sunday; Northern Irish; Welsh and Scottish football teams. Go to the Programme News 2019-20 tab found on the main FGIF Programme section for more… NEW Friday 20th March – TT No.120: Brian Buck – ‘…one of the poorest games I’ve seen this season’. For the second part of his Saturday Double Brian attends Hazlemere Sports (v Stokenchurch) in the ulhsport Hellenic League Division 2 South played on 07/03/20…read more from his underwhelming report now added to the TT Reports page for 2019-20… NEW Friday 20th March – TT No.119: Brian Buck – ‘The pitch is on the sloping common and is cut out of it to give a banked view on one side, on top of which are some park benches’. Part One of a Saturday Double as Brian takes in Gold Hill (v Christchurch Ware) in the Herts & Borders Churches League Division 2 played on 07/03/20…now uploaded to the TT Reports page for 2019-20… NEW Friday 20th March – TT No.118: Keith Aslan – ‘The ground is a work in progress but what’s there, is all good. Covering the length of the far touchline are seven rows of terracing, some covered, broken only by the obligatory Atcost stand’. Skelmersdale Saunters. Check out the essential details from Keith’s trip to West for Skelmersdale United (v Charnock Richard) in the North West Counties League Premier Division played on 07/03/20… now added to the TT Reports page for 2019-20… NEW Friday 20th March – TT No.117: Steve Hardy – ‘…this was yet another new 3G pitch to add to my collection. Not a very good 3G pitch either. Loads of squares and strips on the pitch have been removed and replaced by brand new pieces in a different colour to the rest of the pitch’. Read more about Steve’s trip to watch Mickleover Sports Reserves (v Ripley Town) in the Central Midlands League Division One South played at the University Sports Centre 3G facility on 07/03/20…now uploaded to the TT Reports page for 2019-20… NEW Friday 20th March – Latest Images: Richard Panter – Match of the Day! View Richard’s terrific matchday photos from a trip up to Cumbria for Barrow (v Notts County) in the National League played on 07/03/20…now added to the FGIF album gallery… Richard writes via E-Mail (sent on 08/03): ‘Barrow vs. Notts County; 07.03.20; National League; 0-2; Attendance: 3307 (433 away). A good afternoon all round, as Neil (sic- my travelling mate) is a Pies fan, I am one on such days. As Neil sad it had the feel of a big game, excellent entertainment’. NEW Friday 20th March – Latest Images: Gary Spooner – The magic of the Vase continues. Don’t miss Gary’s superb matchday photos from a hop down to Kent for Corinthian (v Leighton Town) in the FA Vase Quarter-Final played on 07/03/20…now uploaded to the FGIF album gallery… Gary writes via E-Mail (sent on 08/03): ‘It was definitely the magic of the Vase yesterday!! Another excellent quirky Kent ground and a brilliant game. Corinthian took the lead on 8 minutes. Two minutes later it was level. Two minutes later it was 2-1. It was an explosive start. No more goals before half time but it was end to end stuff with shots, saves, no quarter given and no quarter asked for! Two minutes into the second half and Leighton Town equalised. More shots, saves and thudding tackles before Leighton Town took the lead after 65 minutes to the delight of their travelling fans. More pulsating cup tie action followed until on 84 minutes Corinthian equalised. Extra time beckoned. An extra half hour would have been brilliant! Then the final twist - 93 minutes in and Corinthian scored the winner. Cue wild scenes of celebration and the end of a fantastic game of football. Credit to both sides - brilliant entertainment!!’. NEW Friday 20th March – Latest Images: Steve Hardy – Derby Diversion. Check out Steve’s ace pictures taken on a visit to Mickleover Sports Reserves (v Ripley Town) in the Central Midlands League Division One South played at the Derby University Sports Centre 3G facility on 07/03/20…now uploaded to the FGIF album gallery… NEW Friday 20th March – Latest Images: WebEd – View the ground, action and matchday photos from a hop to watch Briston (v Hopton) in the Norfolk FA Junior Cup Quarter-Final played on 07/03/20…now added to the FGIF album gallery… Friday 13th March – Website Update: WebEd – A week of extended family celebrations!! Please note that all of the current ‘Inbox Updates’ (that’s stuff on this page) covering news items, the latest photo albums, reports and programme additions covering games from last week (07/03/20) together with a refreshed FGIF Home page, will now be carried over until the end of next week. The Inbox will also include articles etc for this coming Saturday 14/03/20. Apologies to readers and contributors for the inconvenience. In the meantime, please keep sending in your eagerly-awaited news and check out the main pages and Album Gallery on the site to find out what’s been happening. Phew! Cheers, Martin. Thursday 5th March - Latest Programme News: Rod Grubb - Our regular programme supremo and editor for Griff FC () sends us details from a further selection of programmes covering his club and many other picked up during his travels with NGFC so far this season. Go to the Programme News 2019-20 tab found on the main FGIF Programme section for more… Thursday 5th March – TT No.116: Brian Buck – ‘…this ground was a bit of a gem’. It’s a favourable report from Brian who along with Keith and many other hoppers attends Kensington & Ealing Borough (v Godalming Town) in the Combined Counties League Division One fixture played on 29/02/20…now added to the TT Reports page for 2019-20… Thursday 5th March – R No.36: WebEd – ‘Considering the dreadful weather, we have endured during the last few months, Briggensians have not had one single game called off both home and away all season’. Read about a hop to watch Briggensians (v Ashby Bowl) in the & District League Division Two fixture played on 29/02/20…now uploaded to the Read Ramblings Reports page and index… Thursday 5th March – Weblog Update: Simple Pieman - Read all about Steve's visit to watch Workington AFC (v Clitheroe) in the Northern North West Division fixture played on 29/02/20……now uploaded to his excellent Weblog Pie and Mushy Peas at the following link/address: https://pieandmushypeas.blogspot.com/2020/02/workington-afc.html Thursday 5th March – TT No.115: Steve Hardy – ‘…a club that was fed up with not playing week after week due to the rain, had proactively gone out looking for a 3G pitch they could use to get a game played’. A sign of the times. Read more from Steve’s visit to the outskirts of Derby for Ripley Town (v Wirksworth Ivanhoe) in the Central Midlands League Division One Cup played on the hastily rearranged 3G pitch at Lees Brook School in Chaddesden on 29/02/20…now uploaded to the TT Reports page for 2019-20… Thursday 5th March – TT No.114: Keith Aslan – ‘This ground should be on every hoppers bucket list’. Acton Ambles. With plenty of hoppers in force at this one, check out Keith’s uplifting report covering the nomadic Kensington & Ealing Borough (v Godalming Town) in the Combined Counties League Division One fixture played on 29/02/20…now uploaded to the TT Reports page for 2019-20… Thursday 5th March – Latest Images: Gary Spooner – Plan B Perfection! Don’t miss Gary’s awesome photos from his trip to Kent for Rusthall (v Kent Football United) in the Southern Counties East League Division One played on 29/02/20…now uploaded to the FGIF album gallery… Gary reports via E-Mail (sent on 01/03): ‘Yesterday saw a 3rd attempt this season to visit Corinthian. Alas their Vase game was off. We'll be trying again next week for a fourth time! Plan B was Rusthall. Cracking set up and a club who are well in the frame for promotion and winning the league. Their cause was helped yesterday with a 5-0 demolition of bottom club Kent Football United. Very happy to get a game on grass and save the back up of Chatham for another rainy day!’. Thursday 5th March – Latest Images: Steve Hardy – Switching Made Simple! Steve heads to Ripley Town (v Wirksworth Ivanhoe) in the Central Midlands League Division One Cup played on the hastily rearranged 3G pitch at Lees Brook School in Chaddesden on 29/02/20…now uploaded to the FGIF album gallery… Thursday 5th March – Latest Images: Richard Panter – Check out Richard’s matchday pictures from a hop to Hereford Lads Club (v Moreton Rangers) in the Hellenic League Division 1 West including some incredible ground shots at Allpay Park showing the severe flooding at neighbours Westfields FC (Hellenic League Premier Division) both sets taken on 29/02/20…both now uploaded to the FGIF album gallery… Richard writes via E-Mail (sent on 01/03): ‘Yesterday - Hereford Lads Club v Morton Rangers, 6-0, Hellenic D1 West, Att. 64. Not much to see at the Lads, who share with the FA’s. in truth the match was not much of a contest and there was little to photograph. However next door was a different story. Westfields Allpay Park was under water, this can be seen in the FGIF album, it is a thin silvery sliver. We had a look at the sodden ground and met a pair of club officials who were trying to restore order to the clubhouse. They told us that due to the latest rainfall, the water level on the pitch had risen 6” that morning. It was very sad to realise that this pair would still hard at work when we were next door watching a game on a 3g surface. Our chosen venue had the benefit of being a couple of feet higher that Westfields and was consequently out of danger from the nearby swollen brook. We chatted to the two men who asked the usual questions to hoppers and they told us what a good club the Lads next door were, this proved to be correct. At the risk of sounding patronising, these men were what non-league football is all about’. Thursday 5th March – Latest Images: WebEd – View the ground action and matchday photos from a hop to watch Briggensians (v Ashby Bowl) in the Scunthorpe & District League Division Two fixture played on 29/02/20…now uploaded to the FGIF album gallery… Friday 28th February – TT No.113: Brian Buck – ‘…having to go through this process every time you want to watch a game will surely drive the fans away, especially visiting fans…’. Find out more about Brian’s visit to the County FA Stoneham Lane Complex for AFC Stoneham (v Hamble Club) in the Sydenhams League (Wessex) Premier Division match played on 22/02/20…now uploaded to the TT Reports page for 2019-20… Friday 28th February – R No.35: WebEd – ‘The seemingly never-ending rain has battered their pitch at the Pelican Park playing field so much that this is not only their third home game since October but also their first of the new year’. Read more from a hop to watch Pelican Rangers (v South Park Rangers) in the East Riding County League Division Two played on 22/02/20…now added to the Read Ramblings Reports page and index… Friday 28th February - TT No.112: Steve Hardy - ‘The venue is a typical 3G pitch in a cage, with half of one side being set aside for spectators. The rest was out of bounds as I discovered whilst trying to walk round the pitch to take some pictures…’. Read more from Part Two of Steve’s Loughborough Double with a trip to Asfordby (v GNG) in the Senior League Premier Division game played at the Charnwood Leisure Centre 4G on 22/02/20…now uploaded to the TT Reports page for 2019-20… Friday 28th February - TT No.111: Steve Hardy – ‘Well done to Thorpe Acre, who realised their normal venue was unplayable early in the week, and booked the 3G pitch at the East Leake Leisure Centre’. Read more from Part One of Steve’s Loughborough Double with a visit to Thorpe Acre (v Quorn Rangers) in the North Leicestershire League Championship Division fixture played on the East Leake Leisure Centre 4G pitch on 22/02/20…now uploaded to the TT Reports page for 2019-20… Friday 28th February – TT No.110: Keith Aslan – ‘The heady combination of plastic grass and bits of vulcanised rubber made for a perfect playing surface and the whole ensemble is surrounded by the ubiquitous green chain link fence’. Pontypridd Peregrinations. Following in the footsteps of Jeremy Corbyn and Prince Charles on a visit to the Rhondda in South this week, Keith takes in a game (thankfully) at Pontypridd Town (v ) in the; played on 22/02/20…now added to the TT Reports page for 2019-20… Friday 28th February – Latest Images: Gary Spooner – Check out Gary’s super pixels from a visit to Potters Bar Town (v Corinthian Casuals) in the Premier Division played on 22/02/20…now uploaded to the FGIF album gallery… Gary reports via E-Mail (sent on 23/02): ‘It was a trip to London yesterday with footie at Potters Bar Town. Wet and windy conditions were not great for football but at least the game was played. Disaster struck Casuals when their keeper was stretchered off in the sixth minute. No spare on the subs bench so it was a forward who went in goal. As expected, Potters Bar took advantage and won comfortably with Casuals consolation coming two minutes from the end’. Friday 28th February - Latest Images: Steve Hardy - Loughborough Double – Part Two. Don’t miss Steve’s matchday pictures from Asfordby (v GNG) in the Leicestershire Senior League Premier Division game played at the Charnwood Leisure Centre 4G on 22/02/20…now uploaded to the FGIF album gallery… Friday 28th February – Latest Images: Steve Hardy – Loughborough Double – Part One. View the matchday pictures from Steve’s from Thorpe Acre (v Quorn Rangers) in the North Leicestershire League Championship Division fixture played on the East Leake Leisure Centre 4G pitch on 22/02/20…now uploaded to the FGIF album gallery… Friday 28th February – Latest Images: WebEd – Check out the ground, action and matchday pictures from Pelican Rangers (v South Park Rangers) in the East Riding County League Division Two played on 22/02/20…now added to the FGIF album gallery… Friday 28th February – R No.21: WebEd – ‘Since acquiring the land much work has been undertaken during the summer months to bring it up to a reasonable standard and one acceptable to the CML for hosting matches…’. Read about a trip to watch Epworth Town Colts (v Woodhouse Colts) in the Central Midlands League President’s Cup Conferences Round played on 14/12/19…now added to the Read Ramblings Reports page and index… Friday 21st February – TT No.109: Brian Buck – ‘The Blues, or more of a bluey green these days if you looked at their shirts, aren’t doing that well this season’. University Challenge. Brian takes in the BUCS League fixture Cambridge University (v University of Derby) in the Midlands Tier 1A Division played at the Queens & Robinson Sports Ground in Cambridge on 19/02/20…read more of his report now added to the TT Reports page for 2019-20… Friday 21st February – TT No.108: Brian Buck – ‘The facilities here were in one respect better than I had expected in that they had two seated stands, each seating about 50 spectators…’. It’s a hop to Northolt for Brian as he takes in St Panteleimon (v New Salamis) in the Spartan South Midlands League Division 1 fixture played on 15/02/20…now uploaded to the TT Reports page for 2019-20… Friday 21st February – Projected Pyramid Leagues for 2020-21: Brian Buck – writes: ‘Want to know which league your side will be playing in next season? Then click on the link below to get an idea. As with last season, these selections are not set in stone and they change almost weekly, dependent on if a team enters either a relegation zone. Some say that it is not accurate, but whoever compiled last season’s lists got pretty close to the eventual outcome’. WebEd - Click the following link for more: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1mmUMBlqSylxdNrvwbXnUljQoWmjw5J0 RNRUTgVhKYTo/edit#gid=0 Friday 21st February - Mick Burt RIP: Brian Buck - writes via E-Mail (sent on 17/02): ‘It saddens me to bring you news of the passing of Mick Burt, aged 71 at about this time last week. Like many of us he started out as just a spectator, just enjoying watching the beautiful game. But over the years he was able to put much back into the game by writing about his exploits for The Football Traveller. He became a legend and his regular comments about grounds having a well-stocked tea bar or a purpose-built overhang, were regularly recalled by other Groundhoppers. His articles were very detailed and fair. Mick had a great memory and could recall players names from many years ago. But most of all I think he encouraged others to follow in his footsteps by trying to copy him, putting something back into the game by in effect becoming ‘journalists’ as well as Groundhoppers. People would take notice of what Mick wrote and over the years he helped improve the lot of Non-league football. I certainly looked up to him and I suspect many others did too, apart from the fact that he was a Millwall fan of course!’ Friday 21st February – R No.34: WebEd – ‘After all the pre-match concern and hype over Storm Dennis, most of us standing pitch-side agreed that we got off rather lightly under the circumstances’. Read all about a hop to watch Reckitts AFC (v Walkington) in the Premier Division played on 15/02/20…now uploaded to the Read Ramblings Reports page and index… Friday 21st February – Latest Programme Reviews: Richard Panter - View the latest issues from Widnes (v Colne) in the North West Division played on 15/02/20 and Shepshed Dynamo (v Wellingborough Town) in the United Counties League Premier Division on 18/02/20 …both now uploaded to the to the FGIF PR page for 2019-20… Friday 21st February – Latest Images: Richard Panter – View the matchday photos from a very short visit to a wind and rainswept Dovecote for Shepshed Dynamo (v Wellingborough Town) in the United Counties League Premier Division match abandoned after only five minutes on 18/02/20…now uploaded to the FGIF album gallery… Richard reports via E-Mail (sent on 19/02): ‘Shepshed Dynamo vs Wellingborough Town; UCLP; Abandoned after 5 minutes due to a hail storm, then rain; Entry: £4/£7 and Score: 0-0. The referee blew the final whistle as he led the players off the pitch in the face of a ferocious hail storm. At this point it was a sensible decision to vacate the pitch. That said, once the hail and rain had stopped after ten or so minutes the pitch was wet but as some players kicked a ball round it looked playable with a little common sense, after all the officials were happy to start the match’. ‘If we don't think global warming is fake news, and as such conditions are becoming more frequent, it seems time for considering playing on wet pitches. In the past matches were played on less than perfect surfaces, anyone my age (65) will remember the slide tackle with fondness. Frozen surfaces, or summer bone dry ones are a different matter I have been to plenty of late season matches played on very soggy puddled surfaces, so what is the difference? There you go Martin, rant over’. Friday 21st February – Latest Images: Ian Brown – Don’t miss Ian’s awesome ground photos from AFC Darwen (v Holker Old Boys) in the North West Counties League Division One North played on 15/02/20…now uploaded to the FGIF album gallery… Ian adds via E-Mail (sent on 16/02): ‘WEC Anchor Ground; North West Counties Football League Division 1 North; AFC Darwen 3 Holker Old Boys 0; Crowd: 127; Admission: £6; Programme: £1.50; Badge: £3; Refreshments: Hot beverages £1 & Meat & Potato Pie £1.50. With Storm Dennis wreaking havoc, The Mersey Bus Pass Football Enthusiasts minus 1 and The Sofa Bear paid a revisit to Darwen with its artificial surface for the first time in quite a while’. Friday 21st February – Latest Images: Richard Panter – Check out Richard’s superb matchday pictures from a hop to watch Widnes (v Colne) in the Northern Premier League North West Division played on 15/02/20…now added to the FGIF album gallery… Richard writes via E-Mail (sent on 15/02): ‘Widnes vs Colne; NPLD1N; Result: 1-2 and Attendance: 204. Storm Dennis didn't stop us thanks to a solid stadium and 3G!’. Friday 21st February – Latest Images: WebEd – View the ground, action and matchday photos from a hop to Reckitts AFC (v Walkington) in the Humber Premier League Premier Division played on 15/02/20…now uploaded to the FGIF album gallery… Friday 21st February – Latest Images: Gary Spooner – writes via E-Mail (sent on 15/02): ‘No pics this weekend. I've decided to switch sports and avoid driving or travelling far by attending Tigers v Wasps. Original plan had been a trip to Kent! Hope you manage to beat Storm Dennis today and find a game to watch’. Friday 21st February – R No.33: WebEd – ‘You will notice immediately that the playing area is not set inside a cage (like most 3G multi-use facilities these days) but is surrounded by a regular metal fence you would expect to find at any ground’. Read all about a hop to watch Consett AFC (v Deal Town) in the FA Vase Round Four tie played on 08/02/20…now uploaded to the Read Ramblings Reports page and index… Friday 14th February – RIP Mick Burt: WebEd – It is with great sadness that I have to report the recent passing of Mick Burt on 8th February. I am sure that many of us of a certain age would have crossed paths with Mick at one time or another on our travels. He was a most likeable, well-known and extremely knowledgeable, hopper who came from Slough. I first learned about Mick back in the early 1990’s when as a rookie traveller I started subscribing to the esteemed The Football Traveller magazine and read the legendary weekly Burt’s Travels column. His many, varied and inspirational reports were often the catalyst for me to visit a new ground, guided by his expert description and detailed low-down not only about the club but also some of the players. He had his idiosyncrasies too (don’t we all) and was a stickler for arriving at the game early and ensuring he got that much coveted matchday programme. In fact I can well remember how he once berated a club official at Cornard United FC (in 1989) when he found out that the editor had failed to issue due to printer problems – you can imagine his frustration – I bet he would still remember that if you asked him. This was in fact the first time we met. Over the years we would often attend the same games (maybe once a season) and have a brief chat sharing stories about our recent trips. He would often remark about the standard of the roped-off pitches I was visiting. He was always lovely company and we met at some quite random and far flung places such as Warlingham FC, Wolverton Park FC and Renhold United FC and even closer to home (when I lived in East Anglia) at Witchford 96 and Longstanton FC both for County League games. He always stood close to the half-way line usually with his carrier bag or rucksack, near enough to get those essential match stats (scorers and subs) from the adjacent dug outs. Mick also contributed several excellent reports for FGIF in its early days all beautifully written, well-crafted and packed full of precise detail. They are all still in the archive to this day. Although I hadn’t seen Mick over the last few years, his hopping mate Alan Wiggins did tell me (at Immingham Town FC in 2018) about his failing health and battle with dementia which came as a bit of a shock to me then. It’s an awful condition which seemingly drains the life out of you. We have certainly lost one of the great hoppers on the circuit and our thoughts are with his friends and family at this sad time. Thanks for your enthusiasm and introducing us all to this terrific hobby. RIP Mick. Friday 14th February – TT No.107: Brian Buck – ‘The new ground exceeded my expectations’. NEW GROUND ALERT! Brian attends Stofold (v London Lions) in the mid-week Spartan South Midlands League Division 1 fixture played on 11/02/20… now uploaded to the TT Reports page for 2019-20… Friday 14th February – TT No.106: Brian Buck – ‘The only spectator facility was a public WC’. It’s a hop up to for Brian as he attends Beeston (v Robin Hood Colts) in the Notts Senior League Division One played on 08/02/20…now added to the TT Reports page for 2019-20… Friday 14th February – Latest Images: Ian Brown – Ground photos from the 1885 Arena home of Chester FC (National League) taken on 13/02/20…now added to the FGIF album gallery… Friday 14th February – Latest Programme Reviews: Richard Panter - View the latest issues from Ashford United (v East Grinstead Town) in the Isthmian League Division One North played on 01/02/20 and Runcorn Linnets (v Pickering Town) in the Northern Premier League North West Division on 08/02/20 …both now uploaded to the to the FGIF PR page for 2019-20… Friday 14th February - Weblog Update: Simple Pieman - Read all about Steve's visit to watch Boston United (v York City) in the Division fixture played on 08/02/20……now uploaded to his excellent Weblog Pie and Mushy Peas at the following link/address: https://pieandmushypeas.blogspot.com/2020/02/boston-united-fc.html Friday 14th February – TT No.105: Keith Aslan – ‘The ground was just what a village ground should look like with a rope along the nearside being the sum total of spectator facilities…’. Earsham Expedition. Tempted by the lure of a programme Keith heads to the outskirts of Bungay for Earsham (v Castle Acre Swifts) in the League Division Three 1st v 2nd encounter played on 08/02/20…now added to the TT Reports page for 2019-20… Friday 14th February – TT No.104: Steve Hardy – ‘The venue is a work in progress. It has just one floodlit 4G pitch and a portacabin for changing rooms at the moment’. Well worth the wait! Read about Steve’s trip to for The Empress (v Waterloo GSOB) in the Liverpool Premier League George Mahon Cup played on 08/02/20…now uploaded to the TT Reports page for 2019-20… Friday 14th February – Latest Images: Richard Panter – It’s a hop to Cheshire for Richard as he takes in Runcorn Linnets (v Pickering Town) in the Northern Premier League North West Division played on 08/02/20…now added to the FGIF album gallery… Friday 14th February – Latest Images: Gary Spooner – Don’t miss Gary’s superb matchday photos from a visit to Plymouth Parkway (v West Auckland Town) in the FA Vase Round 5 tie played on 08/02/20…now uploaded to the FGIF album gallery… Gary writes via E-Mail (sent on 09/02): ‘It's a long way to Plymouth for me but my journey was short compared to that of visitors West Auckland Town and their supporters. There was a bumper crowd at Bolitho Park and the majority were celebrating wildly at the end after Plymouth Parkway came from a goal behind to beat West Auckland Town 2-1 and progress to the quarter finals. Parkway even had the luxury of missing a penalty on their way to victory. They're definitely dreaming of Wembley in Plymouth!! Cracking day out’. Friday 14th February – Latest Images: WebEd – View the ground, action and matchday photos from a hop to Consett AFC (v Deal Town) in the FA Vase Round 5 tie played on 08/02/20…now added to the FGIF album gallery… Friday 14th February – Latest Images: Steve Hardy – Toxteth Trip. Don’t miss Steve’s super snaps from a hop to Merseyside for The Empress (v Waterloo GSOB) in the Liverpool Premier League George Mahon Cup played on 08/02/20…now uploaded to the FGIF album gallery… Friday 14th February – Latest Images: Gary Spooner – Check out Gary’s awesome photos from a weekend double hop in Germany and covering matches at Alemannia Aachen (v Borussia Dortmund U23’s) in the Regionalliga West played on 01/02/20 and RSC (v RE Mouscron) in the Belgian Jupiler Pro League on 02/02/20…both sets now added to the FGIF album gallery… Gary reports via E-Mail (sent on 09/02): ‘Last Saturday saw Mandy and I heading to Aachen via Eurostar and Thalys. 1 hour 55 minutes to and then 1 hour 10 minutes to Aachen. Venue was the New Tivoli some seven years and a bit after my visit to the (old) Tivoli which also featured on FGIF. That was for a Bungesliga 2 fixture. Aachen were relegated that season and the following season went down from 3 into the Regionalliga West where they have remained ever since. As expected, crowds are considerably lower now though their average attendance of just over 5000 is the second highest in the division. There were 4800 spectators present for this fixture which turned out to be a cracker. Aachen raced into a 2-goal lead only for Dortmund to pull two back before the half hour mark. Early in the second half Aachen missed a penalty and looked to have lost all the points when Dortmund took a 3-2 lead. End to end stuff then followed with Aachen grabbing a deserved equaliser and the game ended 3-3. Tremendous stuff! Word of warning for anyway attending the New Tivoli. Bags are not allowed into the stadium and it took plenty of consultation and negotiation before I was allowed to take my camera in. Admission to the seats was 18 euros and an excellent programme was available for 1 euro. Usual souvenirs and refreshments were available’. ‘Sunday saw Mandy and I back in Brussels and heading for , home of Anderlecht. Tickets had been obtained online for 34 euros each and there was a free programme on entry. No bags or camera allowed so pics are from my mobile. Usual refreshments available but a card system is in operation with no cash accepted. Pre match there was a moving tribute to Robbie Resenbrink. Resenbrink was an Anderlecht and Dutch legend. Anderlecht won a host of domestic trophies and twice won both the European Cup Winners Cup and European Super Cup with him in the side. The Anderlecht team all had Resenbrink on their shirts in his honour. Despite the return of Vincent Kompany to his first club the Anderlecht fans around us said that this was the worst team in their history. Anderlecht are 9th in the table and it is likely that they will not qualify for Europe for the first time in over 50 years. We were told that it is only because of Kompany returning that a lot of fans still turn up to watch. It was easy to see where the problem lies. Anderlecht had a massive majority of possession but created very few chances. They have already had 7 nil-nil draws this season and it would have been no surprise to see another. Luckily, we were spared when Anderlecht finally scored in the 75th minute. Great ground and a great atmosphere but a truly dreadful game!’. Friday 14th February – Latest Images: Peter Leigh – View Peter’s cracking ground photos from his Andalucian travels featuring Motril Club de Futbol (v Melilla CD) in the Tercera Group 9 played on 25/01/20 and Juventud Torremolinos (v Villacarillo) in the Andalucia Group 2 and Marbella (v UCAM Murcia) in the Segunda B Group 4 both played on 26/01/20…all now uploaded to the FGIF gallery… Friday 7th February – TT No.103: Brian Buck – ‘For a new ground, it was well designed and the people and facilities were smashing. It seems that the pitch drains well, as I’m told that others came here after their games were postponed today’. New Ground Alert! Brian heads into West Sussex for Broadbridge Heath (v Saltdean United) in the Southern Combination Football League Premier Division fixture played on 01/02/20…now added to the TT Reports page for 2019-20… Friday 7th February – Latest Programme Info - Earsham Football Club (ACL): Gyles Basey-Fisher - Paper-chasing travellers may be interested to learn that Earsham Football Club (Anglian Combination League) are issuing this coming Saturday. WebEd – writes: I have just received a tweet from Gyles whose company MasterSeal is one of the club sponsors. Gyles has informed me that: ‘The club is doing a programme on Saturday. My company sponsor Earsham and I do a sporadic programme, which covers the ref’s costs’. Details of the match are as follows: 08/02/20 v Castle Acre Swifts, Anglian Combination League Division Three, Kick-Off 2pm at the Earsham Playing Field, The Street, Earsham, Norfolk, NR35 2SZ. Travellers interested in visiting EFC and obtaining a programme can contact Gyles via Twitter on his account at: @NLgyles or the club directly to Adam Honeywood on 07870 812506 or via Twitter @TheEarsham Friday 7th February – R No.32: WebEd – ‘The game which turned out to be a real belter went right down to the hopping wire’. Read about a hop to watch AFC North (v St George) in the East Riding County FA Intermediate Cup Quarter-Final played on 01/02/20…now uploaded to the Read Ramblings Reports page and index… Friday 7th February – Latest Images: Ian Brown – View Ian’s superb ground photos from Broadbridge Heath (v Saltdean United) in the Southern Combination Football League Premier Division played on 01/02/20…now added to the FGIF album gallery… Ian writes re-match details via E-Mail (sent on 02/02): ‘Saturday 1st February 2020... Southern Combination Premier League; Broadbridge Heath 2 Saltdean United 0; Admission: £6 and Programme £1’ Friday 7th February – TT No.102: Steve Hardy – ‘The ground has a very unique couple of stands too. One could hold 4 people at a pinch, but neither have seats, just a single plank of wood in each. Absolutely wonderful’. For the second game of his Double hop Steve takes in Oughtibridge War Memorial SC (v Frecheville Davys) in the Sheffield County Senior League Premier Division played on 01/02/20…now both added to the TT Reports page for 2019-20… Friday 7th February – TT No.101: Steve Hardy – ‘Facilities wise there are a couple of grass pitches and a floodlit 3G pitch in a cage on offer’. Sheffield Double Hop Part One. Read about Steve’s trip to watch Sheffield Trinity (v Treeton Terriers) in the Sheffield Fair Play League Division Four played on 01/02/20…now added to the TT Reports page for 2019-20… Friday 7th February – TT No.100: Keith Aslan – ‘Corwen’s ground, a 5-minute walk from the bus station, is a cracker with a brand-new stand behind the goal’. Find out more about Keith’s hop to for Corwen (v Bangor City) in the fixture played on 01/02/20…now added to the TT Reports page for 2019-20… Friday 7th February – Latest Images: Richard Panter – When Richard’s first chosen game is called off, he quickly rearranges his hopping plans to take in Ashford United (v East Grinstead Town) in the Isthmian League South East Division played on 01/02/20…now uploaded to the FGIF album gallery… Richard writes via E-Mail (sent on 02/02): ‘…vs East Grinstead Town; ILD1E; 01.02.20; 5-0; Attendance: 269 and Entry: £6/£9. We were outside Tonbridge Angels and at 13.35 the game was postponed by the match referee. We had Ashford United as a 3g back up, we arrived there at 14.45. For the second week running we were thwarted by the weather, for the second week running we enjoyed five goals for the home side at our substitute venues’. Friday 7th February – Latest Images: Steve Hardy – Sheffield Double Hop. Don’t miss Steve’s cracking pictures from matches covering Sheffield Trinity (v Treeton Terriers) in the Sheffield Fair Play League Division Four and Oughtibridge War Memorial SC (v Frecheville Davys) in the Sheffield County Senior League Premier Division both played on 01/02/20…now both added to the FGIF album gallery… Friday 7th February – Latest Images: WebEd – View the ground, action and matchday photos from a hop to AFC North (v St George) in the East Riding County FA Intermediate Cup Quarter-Final played on 01/02/20…now uploaded to the FGIF album gallery… Friday 7th February – Latest Programme Review: WebEd - View the latest issue from Hull City (FL Championship) (v Chelsea) in the FA Cup Fourth Round tie played on 25/01/20…now uploaded to the to the FGIF PR page for 2019-20… Friday 31st January – R No.31: WebEd – ‘...attracted 24109 spectators, making it a record crowd for an FA Cup tie at the KCOM’. Read about a memorable hop to watch Hull City (v Chelsea) in the FA Cup Fourth round tie played on 25/01/20…now uploaded to the Read Ramblings Reports page and index… Friday 31st January – TT No.99: Brian Buck – ‘…the Falcons eventually did score on 89 minutes after a shot hit a defender’. It’s a midweek hop for Brian as he takes in Anglia Ruskin (Cambridge) University (v Cambridge University Falcons) in the BUCS Play League Midlands Tier 3 Division 3B fixture played on 29/01/20…now added to the TT Reports page for 2019-20… Friday 31st January – TT No.98: Brian Buck – ‘This ground is in an unattractive industrial estate. (It’s) not the most attractive you’ll ever see… two sections of seating behind one goal and there was shallow cover behind the other goal’. Read about Brian’s hop up to Mersey-side for City of Liverpool (v Droylsden) in the BetVictor Northern Premier League North West fixture played on 25/01/20…now added to the TT Reports page for 2019-20… Friday 31st January – Latest Ground News re- Stotfold FC: Brian Buck - writes via E-Mail (sent on 27/01): ‘It looks like Stotfold will be on their new ground very soon. A statement on Twitter states that they will receive the keys to the new ground on 1st February. So, unless there are any last-minute hitches, the first scheduled home match at New Roker Park after this date is due to be on Saturday 8th February against Shefford Town & Campton, thus making the last game at their current Roker Park on Tuesday 28th January against New Salamis’. Friday 31st January – Latest Programme Reviews: Richard Panter - View the latest issues from the following clubs Prestwich Heys (v AFC Darwen) in the North West Counties League Division One North played on 18/01/20; AFC Mansfield (NCELP) (v Notts County) in the Notts Senior Cup Round Four on 21/01/20 and Shelley (v Chadderton) in the North West Counties League Division North on 25/01/20…all now uploaded to the to the FGIF PR page for 2019-20… Friday 31st January – Latest Hopping News: Richard Panter – writes via E-Mail (sent on 26/01): ‘In October I went to Golcar United only to find the game off due to water logging. Their next home game was on Tuesday last (21/01) so as the weather has been dry since we took in a match at Sheffield Wednesday Academy at 11.00am and drove the 30-odd miles to Golcar only to find the game was water logged off once again. In October we went to Penistone Church as a back-up, we had to choose either these again or Shelley. The former ended 1-1, the latter provided us with four spectacular goals in the second half in a 5-0 victory, how often does this happen?’. Friday 31st January – R No.30: WebEd – ‘…the scored remained 4-1 to give Costello all three points and see them move up to fourth leap-frogging their opponents’. Read about a hop to watch Costello (v Little Driffield) in the East Riding County League Division Five played on 25/01/20…now uploaded to the Read Ramblings Reports page and index… Friday 31st January – TT No.97: Steve Hardy – ‘It was 9-0 by half time and I did wonder if Leafield might hit 20, but they managed just the 4 more in the second half’. Check out Steve’s review from a goal-fest at Leafield Athletic (v Sporting Sandwell) in the & District Football League Division Five played on 25/01/20…now uploaded to the TT Reports page for 2019-20… Friday 31st January – Latest Images: Gary Spooner – Our super snapper heads to Essex for his footy fix with a trip to watch Newbury Forest (v Wormley Rovers) in the Eastern Counties League Division One South fixture played on 25/01/20…now added to the FGIF album gallery… Gary reports via E-Mail (sent on 26/01): ‘It was a trip to London yesterday. While Mark and Ji went to West Ham United FC, I was a few stops down the tube line at Redbridge FC where Newbury Forest entertained Wormley Rovers. Nearly 59,000 in for a tenner at West Ham but just 15 in attendance for Newbury Forest. It wasn't a great game either. Wormley were 2 up at half-time and though Newbury improved in the 2nd half it is easy to see why they have just 5 points so far this season. The club staff were all friendly and helpful despite the lack of supporters. Tea bar wasn't opened but hot drinks and snacks were available in the bar. No paper programmes as they are now online only though the one for yesterday has yet to be put on the website. Birds and tube trains provided additional viewing to the football. Many geese flew over the ground during the game and I was informed that green finches can be seen on the far side of the ground though I didn't spy any myself. As is nearly always the case an enjoyable day out was had’. Friday 31st January – Latest Images: Steve Hardy – Check out Steve’s awesome pictures from a hop into his favourite league with a visit to Leafield Athletic (v Sporting Sandwell) in the Birmingham & District Football League Division Five played on 25/01/20…now uploaded to the FGIF album gallery… Friday 31st January – Latest Images: WedEd – Exciting Saturday Double! Check out the ground, action and matchday photos from visits to Costello (v Little Driffield) in the East Riding County League Division Five and Hull City (v Chelsea) in the FA Cup Fourth Round both played on 25/01/20 and both sets added to the FGIF album gallery… Friday 24th January – In Conversation With: WebEd – Following an in-depth Q&A conversation with Dan and Jay Hayden ace joint-editors of the superb Squires Gate FC programme (recently covered in the FGIF Programme Review page) the lads kindly reproduced an article in the club’s terrific festive Talk of The Gate 40 page double-issue programme (vs Charnock Richard on 21/12 and Avro on 28/12 both in the NWCLP) featuring WebEd’s hopping background and travels. Please click here to open the link: http://footballgroundsinfocus.com/SGMWHopdoc1.pdf . Many thanks to both them for taking the time and trouble for doing this! Any hoppers reading this who would like to contribute their own hopping experiences to the SGFC programme can contact Dan via E-Mail at: [email protected] or by sending Jay a DM via twitter at: @sgfcjay. Friday 24th January – TT No.96: Brian Buck – ‘They played on the pitch furthest pitch away from the dressing rooms, which was very bumpy, even though it had been landscaped a bit. But because it was slightly raised you could get some good scenic views of the local country side’. Our super scribe heads to Stamford for his footy fix at Casterton (v Kings Cliffe) in the & District League Cup 3rd Round played on 18/01/20…now uploaded to the TT Reports page for 2019-20… Friday 24th January – Latest Images: Albert Cooper – View Albert’s superb matchday photos from Squires Gate (v Skelmersdale United) in the North West Counties League Premier Division fixture played on 18/01/20…now added to the FGIF album gallery… Friday 24th January – Recent Northern Travels & Hopping Plans: Martyn Girdham (of Winterton) writes via an E-Mail to WebEd on 21/01: ‘Yes, I'm still thinking of Hykeham (Lincs Football League) on Saturday (25/01). Where have I been recently? Harrogate Railway v Winterton (NCEL1, 2-3) on January 4th, a re- visit after almost 30 years! Lovely people, a shame to see them struggling. Winterton Rangers v Brigg (NCEL1, 2-1) the week after (11/01), crowd of 251 and I wrote about Briggs old Brocklesby Ox ground in the programme (including three pictures and a 1950's Brigg programme cover – to open the article click: http://footballgroundsinfocus.com/MGBriggTarticle.pdf). They left for the Hawthorns around 1959 and I think my dad took me to the Brock Ox to watch a local cup final around 1958. The ground is now a mobile home caravan park and the pub of the same name on the main road (the ground was behind it) was replaced by housing a few years ago. If my dad did take me there, it counts as my first ever 'tick'. Last Saturday (18/01), Colin (Colpic on the Tony Kempster website) took me to Whittlesey Athletic v Birstall S&S (UCL1, 1-1). That re-completed the UCL for me. I want to get to St josephs's Rockware in Worksop and Nottingham Education to re-complete the CML too, hopefully this season. I am helping out at Winterton home games (some weeks) too and hoping for promotion this season. As for you? Well, if you have not been, here are a few more ideas from the top of my head of grounds that you must visit....Whitkirk Wanders FC (WYFL); Robin Hood FC (a must – also WYFL); Bedale FC (North Riding League); Boroughbridge FC (WYFL); Easingwold (York FL); Pocklington (Humber PL), Denaby Main (at the old Denaby United ground – Sheffield CSL); Houghton Main FC (SCSL); South Kirkby Colliery FC (Sheffield CSL); Kinsley Boys FC (Sheffield CSL) and Littletown (Yorkshire Amateur). Most of them have stands (not Pocklington or Whitkirk Wanderers). Keep up the great work on the website and enjoy your travels’. Friday 24th January – TT No.95: Steve Hardy - ‘…playing on a 4G pitch in a cage built by the Hants FA on the site of the old Havant Leigh Park ground’. For his final hop of five Steve watches Denmead (v Michelmersh & Timsbury) in the Division One played on 18/01/20……now added to the TT Reports page for 2019-20… Friday 24th January - TT No.94: Steve Hardy - ‘The University of Portsmouth have a huge footprint at their Furze Lane sports ground in Southsea’. On the final day of his Hampshire itinerary Steve takes in Portsmouth U18 (v Bristol Rovers U18) in the EFL Youth Alliance South West Division played on 18/01/20……now added to the TT Reports page for 2019-20… Friday 24th January - TT No.93: Steve Hardy - ‘The weather was dreadful…I really couldn’t turn the opportunity to see the first Stoneham match at their new ground’. Despite the heavy rain Steve reports from AFC Stoneham (v Sholing) in the Hampshire Senior Cup 3rd Round played on 14/01/20… now uploaded to the TT Reports page for 2019-20… Friday 24th January - TT No.92: Steve Hardy - ‘Embarrassingly, I discovered later that I had actually never been to this ground, so it was a new tick.’. A bonus for Steve as his second hop of the week takes him to Southampton FC Women (v Chesham United Ladies) in the FA Women’s National League Division One South West played at AFC Totton on 12/01/20…now added to the TT Reports page for 2019-20… Friday 24th January - TT No.91: Steve Hardy – ‘In the shadow of the vast oil refinery at Fawley, I really loved this ground. Perfect for step six, with a super stand down one side of the pitch, and two covered standing areas along the other side’. Read about Steve’s first game (during his five match Hampshire Hop) on a visit to Fawley (v Andover New Street) in the Wessex League Division One fixture played on 11/01/20…now uploaded to the TT Reports page for 2019-20… Friday 24th January - Latest Images: Ian Brown – Mersey Magic! Don’t miss Ian’s top ground photos following a midweek trip to watch Prescot Cables (v Colne) in the Northern Premier League North West Division fixture played on 21/01/20…now added to the FGIF album gallery… Friday 24th January - R No.29: WebEd – ‘It is found in quite a remote setting with rolling open countryside backing onto two of its sides’. Read all about a hop to watch Cherry Burton (v Hutton Cranswick RSA) in the East Riding League Premier Division played on 18/01/20…now uploaded to the Read Ramblings Reports page and index… Friday 24th January - Latest Images: Steve Hardy - Hampshire Hop Part Five! Steve rounds off a memorable match hopping week with a visit to Denmead (v Michelmersh & Timsbury) in the Hampshire League Division One played on 18/01/20…view the full set in the FGIF album gallery… Friday 24th January - Latest Images: Steve Hardy - Hampshire Hop Part Four! On the final day of his winter break Steve takes in Portsmouth U18 (v Bristol Rovers U18) in the EFL Youth Alliance South West Division played on 18/01/20……now added to the FGIF album gallery… Friday 24th January - Latest Images: Steve Hardy - Hampshire Hop Part Three! For his third hop Steve heads to a very wet AFC Stoneham (v Sholing) in the Hampshire Senior Cup 3rd Round played on 14/01/20… now uploaded to the FGIF album gallery… Friday 24th January - Latest Images: Steve Hardy - Hampshire Hop Part Two! For his second game of the week Steve attends Southampton FC Women (v Chesham United Ladies) in the FA Women’s National League Division One South West played at AFC Totton on 12/01/20…now added to the FGIF album gallery… Friday 24th January - Latest Images: Steve Hardy – Hampshire Hop Part One! For the first game of a five-game itinerary Steve takes in Fawley (v Andover New Street) in the Wessex League Division One fixture played on 11/01/20…now uploaded to the FGIF album gallery… Steve reports via five separate E-Mail messages (sent on 20/01) covering all above games: ‘Well, I am back from the south coast and despite the appalling weather, managed to see 5 games at 5 new grounds. First up: Saturday 11th January 2020 - Wessex League - Division One. Fawley 0-5 Andover New Street. Part Two: FA Women's National league - Division 1 South West. Southampton FC Women 8-2 Chesham United Women at AFC Totton. Part Three: Tuesday January 14th 7.45ko - Hampshire Senior Cup round 3. AFC Stoneham 1-1 Sholing (4-5 on pens). Only a few photos as the weather was foul and I didn't want to leave my snug (and dry) seat at the back of the stand. Match Four was at: EFL Youth Alliance South West Division. Saturday 18th January 2020. 12 noon ko - Portsmouth U18s 3-2 Bristol Rovers U18s at University of Portsmouth sports ground in Southsea. Last one: Saturday 18th January 2020, 3.00pm ko. Hampshire League Division One. Denmead 7-0 Michelmersh & Timsbury. I am off for a snooze now’. Friday 24th January - Latest Images: Ian Brown – Sheerness Part Two! Check out Ian’s cracking matchday photos from Sheppey United (v Erith Town) in the Kent Senior Trophy Q-F played on 18/01/20…can added to the FGIF album gallery… Ian reports via E-Mail (sent on 19/01): ‘A big hand to The Lens Meister Pixel Perfection General Gary Spooner for transporting The Mersey Football Tourist Bus Pass Brigade Mafia and The LS Sofa Bear down to The Isle of Sheppey for the Kent Trophy tie between Sheppey United and Erith Town. Admission: £7; Programme: £1 & Badge £4’. Friday 24th January - Latest Images: Richard Panter – Don’t miss Richard’s superb photos from a hop to watch Prestwich Heys (v Darwen) in the North West Counties League Division One North fixture played on 18/01/20…now uploaded to the FGIF album gallery… Richard adds the match details via E-Mail (sent on 19/01): ‘vs AFC Darwen. 18/01/20. 2-1. NWCLD1N. Entry £3/£5. Attendance 129’. Friday 24th January - Latest Images: Gary Spooner – Sheerness Part One! View Gary’s awesome matchday photos from Sheppey United (v Erith Town) in the Kent Senior Trophy Q-F played on 18/01/20…can added to the FGIF album gallery… Gary adds via E-Mail (sent on 19/01): ‘Tremendous day out yesterday in the company of (my mates) The Welsh and The Scouse. We headed to Sheppey United. Very impressed with the set up and friendly welcome. Cracking ground and a healthy crowd though the game was not great. The best description would be a dour cup tie! We were spared extra time when Sheppey scored the winner with the last kick of the match in the 3rd minute of injury time. A visit is highly recommended’. Friday 24th January – Latest Images: WebEd – View the ground, action and matchday photos from Cherry Burton (v Hutton Cranswick RSA) in the East Riding League Premier Division played on 18/01/20…now uploaded to the FGIF album gallery… Friday 24th January – TT No.90: Keith Aslan – ‘The game was frisky, over-frisky at times, the two-all draw being about the right result’. Ecclesfield Expeditions!! Read about Keith’s hastily re-arranged hop as he averts disaster to makes his way (eventually) to Ecclesfield Red Rose (v North Gawber Colliery) in the Sheffield Senior Premier Division match played on 18/01/20…now added to the TT Reports page for 2019-20… Friday 24th January – R No.22: WebEd – ‘On a crisp, bright afternoon it was Kingfields who took all three points to consolidate their position at the top of the table’. Read all about a hop to watch Kingfields (v Brandesburton) in the Humber Premier League Premier Division played on 21/12/19…now uploaded to the Read Ramblings Reports page and index… Saturday 18th January – Latest Programme Reviews: Richard Panter - View the latest issues from the following clubs and games attended by Richard on his travels to: Cheadle Town (v Cheadle Heath Nomads) in the North West Counties League Division One South played on 26/12/19; Farnham Town (v Jersey Bulls) in the Combined Counties League Division One fixture and Badshot Lea (v Egham Town) in the Combined Counties League Premier Division both played on 28/12/19; Cove (v Jersey Bulls) in the Combined Counties League Division One and Fleet Town (v Christchurch) in the Wessex League Premier Division both played on 04/01/20 and Hastings United (v Ramsgate) in the Isthmian League Division One South West played on 11/01/20…all now uploaded to the FGIF PR page for 2019-20… Saturday 18th January – TT No.89: Brian Buck – ‘Norsemen are a well-established Southern Amateur League club and they still run at least seven Saturday sides…’. Before going to watch his beloved Spurs FC, Brian attends his second game of the day with a visit to Norsemen (v Dorkinians) in the Southern Amateur League Senior Cup 3rd Round played on 11/01/20…now uploaded to the TT Reports page for 2019-20… Saturday 18th January – TT No.88: Brian Buck – ‘Three games today starting with a revisit to Presdales’. For his first game of a cracking Saturday Treble Hop Brian takes in Latton (v Soul Survivor (Watford)) in the Herts & Borders Churches League Open Cup 1st Round played on 11/01/20…now added to the TT Reports page for 2019-20… Saturday 18th January – R No.28: WebEd – ‘This was a feisty but never bad- tempered affair, featuring two fully committed sides who wanted to play attacking football’. Read all about a really entertaining hop to watch Osbaldwick (v Strensall Tigers) in the Division One played on 11/01/20…now added to the Read Ramblings Reports page and index… Saturday 18th January – TT No.87: Keith Aslan – ‘A nice ground, fully railed, wooden dugouts and changing rooms with an overhang that would shield spectators from any precipitation’. Clyst Canters! Despite the irritating train scheduling Keith travels to Exeter to watch Clyst Valley (v Witheridge) in the Devon League played on 11/01/20…now uploaded to the TT Reports page for 2019- 20… Saturday 18th January – Latest Images: Ian Brown – Check out some ground photos from Ian’s hop to Moor Lane for Salford City (v Macclesfield Town) in the Football League Division Two fixture played on 23/11/19…now added to the FGIF album gallery… Saturday 18th January – Latest Images: Richard Panter – Check out Richard’s superb matchday pictures following a visit to Hastings United (v Ramsgate) in the Isthmian League Division One South West played on 11/01/20…now added to the FGIF album gallery… Saturday 18th January – Latest Images: WebEd – View the ground, action and matchday photos from a hop to Osbaldwick (v Strensall Tigers) in the York Football League Division One played on 11/01/20…now uploaded to the FGIF album gallery… Saturday 18th January – Salford City FC Travel Info: Gary Spooner – After attending Moor Lane to watch Salford City v Town on 11/01/20, Cobblers superfan Gary writes via E-Mail (sent on 12/01): ‘Good day out at Salford (yesterday) and the right result as well. Yesterday I drove to the park and ride at Sale Water Park. From there it was a tram into the centre, pizza for lunch and then a bus to the ground. Combined bus and tram pass for the day was £7.50. I love taking the tram and it’s a great way to see the sights of Manchester as you travel. Very little parking available near the ground and not an abundance of eateries. I didn’t want to drive around or through Manchester so this worked very well. Afterwards it was bus and then tram back to SWP arriving at 6. M6 behaved and I was home for just after 8pm’. Saturday 18th January – R No.23: WebEd – ‘Stockton Town FC was formed as recently as 1979 under its original name Hartburn Juniors’. Boxing Day Double – Part One. Read about a hop to watch Stockton Town (v Thornaby) in the Northern League Division One played on 26/12/19…now added to the Read Ramblings Reports page and index… Friday 10th January - Latest Programme Reviews: WebEd - View the latest issues from the following clubs and games: Gainsborough Trinity (v Matlock Town) in the Northern Premier League Premier Division played on 01/01/20 and Stockton Town (v Thornaby) in the Northern League Division One and Darlington (v Spennymoor Town) in the National League North both played on 26/12/19…all now uploaded to the FGIF PR page for 2019-20… Friday 10th January - R No.27: WebEd – ‘This was pure grass roots football at its very best’. Read about a local hop to Swanland Rangers (v Holme Rovers) in the East Riding County League Premier Division fixture played on 04/01/20…now added to the Read Ramblings Reports page and index… Friday 10th January - Weblog Update: Simple Pieman - Read all about Steve's visit to watch Lakenheath (v Framlingham Town) in the Eastern Counties League Division One North fixture played on 04/01/20……now uploaded to his excellent Weblog Pie and Mushy Peas at the following link/address: https://pieandmushypeas.blogspot.com/2020/01/lakenheath-fc.html Friday 10th January - TT No.86: Brian Buck – ‘…a very pleasant scenic ground. I watched the game on the raised banking between the two wooden dugouts…a good view…’. It’s a hop down to Surrey for Brian as he attends Hambledon (v Lightwater United) in the Surrey Intermediate League (Western) Premier Division played on 04/01/20…for more go to the TT Reports page for 2019-20… Friday 10th January - TT No.85: Steve Hardy – ‘The venue was the Hatton Sports and Social club, where behind the super looking social club there are two football pitches…’. Gone for a Burton! Find out more about Steve’s hop to watch Willington (v Burton United) in the Midlands Regional Alliance Division One game played on 04/01/20…now added to the TT Reports page for 2019-20… Friday 10th January - TT No.84: Keith Aslan – ‘The ground boasts two very ornate wooden dug outs and wooden changing rooms with tea and coffee available…’. Rowsley Rambles! Read all about Keith’s favourable review from Rowsley '86 (v Mickleover Royal British Legion) in the Central Midlands South Division... now uploaded to the TT Reports page for 2019-20… Friday 10th January - Latest Images: Ian Brown – West Sussex Wanderings! Check out Ian’s terrific ground photos from East Court as he takes in East Grinstead Town (v Sittingbourne) in the Isthmian League South East Division played on 04/01/20…now added to the FGIF album gallery… Friday 10th January - Latest Images: Richard Panter – Hampshire Hopping Heaven! Don’t miss Richard’s cracking pictures featuring a Double Hop with visits to Cove (v Jersey Bulls) in the Combined Counties League Division One and Fleet Town (v Christchurch) in the Wessex League Premier Division…both played on 04/01/20 and both added to the FGIF album gallery… Friday 10th January - Latest Images: Steve Hardy – It’s a hop to Burton for Steve as he takes in Willington (v Burton United) in the Midlands Regional Alliance Division One game played on 04/01/20…now added to the FGIF album gallery… Friday 10th January - Latest Images: Gary Spooner – Check out Gary’s awesome pictures from a visit to Worcester Raiders (v Dudley Town) in the Regional League Premier Division fixture played on 04/01/20…now uploaded to the FGIF album gallery… Gary reports via E-Mail (sent on 05/01): ‘Yesterday saw me visit Nunnery Wood Sports Complex, the current temporary home of Worcester Raiders as covered in the latest TTs. Unlike Keith I did not get a belting game. The first half saw both sides trying to kick lumps out of each other and both teams and benches were very verbose. Not a lot of respect shown here! Second half was slightly better. Raiders took the lead only for Town to equalise in the last minute. Allegedly Raiders will be back home on the 25th January though I wouldn't count on it!’. Friday 10th January - Latest Images: WebEd – View the ground, action and matchday pictures from Swanland Rangers (v Holme Rovers) in the East Riding County League Premier Division fixture played on 04/01/20…now added to the FGIF album gallery… Friday 10th January – Latest Images: Gary Spooner – Don’t miss Gary’s stunning matchday photos from Newcastle Town (v Market Drayton Town) in the Northern Premier League South West Division One match played on 01/01/20…now uploaded to the FGIF album gallery… Gary adds via E-Mail (sent on 04/01): ‘My first game of the new decade was a relegation six pointer at Newcastle Town. The first half was dreadful and saw Newcastle winning 1-0. The second half was much better and saw Market Drayton take a 2-1 lead with a belting goal. Newcastle equalised and looked the likely winners but couldn't get the goal they needed. With the game heading towards a draw Market Drayton scored another belting 25 yarder in the 94th minute to take the spoils. Hope the rest of the decade continues in the vein of the second half!’. Friday 10th January - R No.26: WebEd – ‘This has to be right up there in my favourite all-time list of grounds visited. What is there not to like here. It quite simply ticks all the boxes for the avid grounds’ collector’. Check out the report from a New Year’s Day trip to The Northolme for Gainsborough Trinity (v Matlock Town) in the Northern Premier League Premier Division played on 01/01/20… now added to the Read Ramblings Reports page and index… Friday 10th January - TT No.83: Brian Buck – ‘Overall a good night out with the East End Boys!’. Monday night down at the track. Read about Brian’s trip (the last one of the decade) to watch Barkingside (v Wormley Rovers) in the Eastern Senior League Division 1 South played on 30/12/19…now added to the TT Reports page for 2019-20… Friday 10th January – TT No.82: Brian Buck – ‘I had a good feeling about the place and with plenty of people around the atmosphere was great and it didn't feel like a reserve game’. strolls! Brian was suitably impressed on his visit to watch Needham Market Reserves (v Cornard United) in the Eastern Counties League Division 1 North fixture played on 28/12/19…now uploaded to the TT Reports page for 2019-20… Friday 10th January - R No.25: WebEd – ‘As you would expect the facilities here are extremely basic’. Check out the hopping review from Cliffe (v Stamford Bridge) in the York Football League Division One fixture played on 28/12/19…now uploaded to the Read Ramblings Reports page and index… Friday 10th January – R No.24: WebEd – ‘…the second highest attendance this season since 3006 were crammed in here for the visit of for an FA Cup First round replay back in November’. Read about part two of a Boxing Day Double Hop to watch Darlington (v Spennymoor Town) in the National League North played on 26/12/19… now added to the Read Ramblings Reports page and index… Friday 3rd January - Latest Images: WebEd – First game of the new year (and decade)! It’s a short hop to the wonderful Northolme for Gainsborough Trinity (v Matlock Town) in a terrific closely-fought Northern Premier League Premier Division fixture played on 01/01/20…now uploaded to the FGIF album gallery… Friday 3rd January – Happy New Year: WebEd - May I take this opportunity in wishing all our readers and our dedicated and hard-working team of contributors a very Happy New Year! I hope that you continue to enjoy your travels throughout 2020. Remember to get in touch with your inspirational news, reports and photos to put onto the site or drop us a message on our twitter feed…as always it will be very much appreciated. Have fun wherever you go. Cheers Martin Friday 3rd January - TT No.81: Steve Hardy – ‘Very sensibly, Anstey Town had booked the 3G pitch at the rear of the grass pitch Aylestone Park use, as their own ground was, once again, unplayable’. For his second game of the day Steve takes in Anstey Town (v Greenhill YC) in the Leicestershire Senior League Division One (played at the Saffron Lane 3G home of Aylestone Park FC) both on 28/12/19…now uploaded to the TT Reports page for 2019-20… Friday 3rd January - TT No.80: Steve Hardy – ‘Turning off the Glenfield Road you enter a decent sized car park with the clubhouse and changing rooms in front of you. Directly behind the clubhouse is the floodlit 3G pitch we used today’. For the first game of a tasty Leicester Double Hop Steve heads to Allexton & New Parks U21 (v Nuneaton Borough U21) in the Midland League U21 Division East played on 28/12/19…now added to the TT Reports page for 2019-20… Friday 3rd January - TT No.79: Keith Aslan – ‘This temporary venue (at the Nunnery Wood Sports complex) has not been without its problems with the league giving them special dispensation to play here. An early kick off (not as early as it should have been) as the floodlights aren't up to standard’. Worcester Wanderings! Check out Keith’s trip to the West Midlands for Worcester Raiders (v Black Country Rangers) in the West Midlands Premier Division fixture played on 28/12/19…now added to the TT Reports page for 2019-20… Friday 3rd January - Latest Images: Gary Spooner – For his final game of the year (and decade!) Gary takes in Andover Town (v Bemerton Heath Harlequins) in the Wessex League Division One played on 28/12/19… Gary reports via E-Mail (sent on 30/12): ‘Bit of a mare on Saturday which turned out to be OK in the end. Plan A was Farnham Town at 12.30pm to be followed by Badshot Lea at 3. All went well until I hit the M25 which was gridlocked and extremely slow moving. It soon became obvious that there was no way I'd get to Farnham for KO so I diverted and went to Andover Town arriving with plenty of time to spare for a 3.00pm kick off. Nice big stand and a reasonable game despite there being only one goal. Unbeknown to me at the time the Jersey Bulls plane had been delayed and then they also had to battle the traffic so the Farnham game didn't kick off until 1.30pm. I could have made KO but still wouldn't have got a double. Lots of hoppers who did make Farnham missed half an hour at Badshot Lea so in the end I was happy with going to Andover’. Friday 3rd January - Latest Images: Gary Spooner – South Midlands Boxing Day Double! Don’t miss Gary’s awesome matchday photos from a tasty double covering matches at: Wellingborough Whitworths (v Burton Park Wanderers) in the United Counties League Division One and Town (v St Neots Town) in the Southern League Division One central both played on 26/12/19 and now both sets added to the FGIF album gallery… Gary adds via E-Mail (sent on 30/12/19): ‘Twas a Boxing Day double for me also. As my planned early kick offs kept falling by the way-side I received a text from the Whitworth secretary saying game on. That was good enough for me and I made the short trip to Wellingborough. Visitors Burton Park Wanderers led 1-0 at half time but Whitworth came back in the second half and deservedly won 2-1. From Whitworth it was another short trip to Bedford Town who were hosting St Neots Town. Special mention here for the supporters’ tea hut which was selling a selection of homemade cakes for just 30p each. The flapjack was absolutely delicious! A shock result at this one with St Neots grabbing a 2-1 victory to the great delight of the travelling fans. I had a relatively trouble-free trip home and was delighted at beating the weather to get the traditional Boxing Day double’. Friday 3rd January - Latest Images: WebEd – View the matchday pictures from a hop to Cliffe (v Stamford Bridge) in the York Football League Division One played on 28/12/19…now added to the FGIF album gallery… Friday 3rd January – Latest Images: Steve Hardy – Check out Steve’s cracking pictures from a Leicester Double featuring Allexton & New Parks U21 (v Nuneaton Borough U21) in the Midland League U21 Division East and Anstey Town (v Greenhill YC) in the Leicestershire Senior League Division One (played at the Saffron Lane 3G home of Aylestone Park FC) both on 28/12/19…both sets now added to the FGIF album gallery… Friday 3rd January - Latest Images: Richard Panter – Combined Counties Double! Richard brings us plenty of cracking matchday photos from Farnham Town (v Jersey Bulls) in a top of the table Combined Counties League Division One fixture and Badshot Lea (v Egham Town) in the Combined Counties League Premier Division…both played on 28/12/19 and both sets now added to the FGIF album gallery… Richard writes via E-Mail (sent on 29/12): Farnham Town v Jersey Bulls. 28/12/19. Combined Counties D1. 2-0. Att.231. Jersey were delayed, they changed on their coach and ran onto the pitch through the crowd. Then the game started without any warmup for them’. Friday 3rd January - Latest Images: WebEd – North East Boxing Day Double! View the ground, action and matchday photos from Stockton Town (v Thornaby) in the Norther League Division One and Darlington (v Spennymoor Town) in the National League North both played on 26/12/19…both sets now added to the FGIF album gallery… Friday 3rd January - Latest Images: Richard Panter – Cheadle Boxing Day Derby Chase! View the terrific ground photos following a hop to Cheadle Town (v Cheadle Heath Nomads) in the North West Counties League Division One South played on 26/12/19…now added to the FGIF album gallery… Friday 3rd January - TT No.78: Brian Buck – ‘This was the third venue I’ve watched football in this complex. I saw Walton Casuals play on their original ground, which is behind the current ground and is now an athletics stadium’. Brian opts for a 3G weather-beater as he takes in Walton Casuals (v Blackfield & Langley) in the BetVictor Southern League Premier Division South played on 21/12/19…now added to the TT Reports page for 2019-20… Friday 3rd January – TT No.77: Keith Aslan – ‘This is the coldest ground I've ever visited (and I've been to Lydd). The wind blows straight in off the North Sea with the rope offering little protection’. Southwold Strolls! Despite his debilitating knee injury Keith goes the extra mile to bring us a mouth-watering report from his hop (oops – no pun intended there!) to Suffolk for Southwold Town (v Coddenham) in the Suffolk & Ipswich League Division One played on 21/12/19…now uploaded to the TT Reports page for 2019-20… Friday 3rd January - Latest Images: Richard Panter – View Richard’s matchday photos from a hop to Garstang (v Lower Breck) in the North West Counties League Division One North played on 21/12/19…now added to the FGIF album gallery… Friday 3rd January – Latest Images: Gary Spooner – Check out Gary’s matchday pictures from Anstey Nomads (v Saffron Dynamo) in the United Counties League Premier Division played at the Beaumont Park Sports Ground 3G pitch at the De Montford University, Leicester on 21/12/19…now uploaded to the FGIF album gallery… Gary adds via E-Mail (sent on 22/12): ‘Very local game for me yesterday as Anstey Nomads moved their game to De Montfort University 3G. Table topping Shepshed opened the scoring in the second half only for Anstey to equalise with a cracking direct free kick. Shepshed had a penalty to win it but the Anstey keeper made a great save so the spoils were shared. Let’s hope the weather makes things easier on Boxing Day!!’. Friday 3rd January – Latest Images: WebEd – View the ground, action and matchday images from Kingfields (v Brandesburton) in the Humber Premier League Division One fixture played on 21/12/19…now uploaded to the FGIF album gallery… Friday 3rd January – Latest Images: Ian Brown – Check out Ian’s ace photos taken at the former Barcelona Olympic Stadium (used for hosting the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games) on 16/12/19…now added to the FGIF album gallery… Ian writes via E-Mail (sent on 20/12): ‘The culmination of a long weekend away in Barcelona for the Mersey Football Tourist Bus Pass Mafias` Don & Henchman as well as me saw us take in games at Vic, Sants, Barcelona Youth and the new home of Barcelona B. Before flying back, we took in the Olympic Stadium Montjuic former home of Espanyol…’ Monday 23rd December – Guardian Sport Article: Steven Bloor - Finger flickin’ good – Subbuteo through the Ages. With Christmas just around the corner I thought readers might be interested in the following article which appeared on the Guardian.com website earlier today. It will certainly bring back many fond memories if, like myself, you received the legendary football game as a Christmas present. There are some cracking photos and plenty of lovely anecdotal comments from readers (scroll to the foot of the page). Click on the following link for more: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/gallery/2019/dec/23/finger-flickin-good- subbuteo-through-the-ages-in-pictures Monday 23rd December - Seasonal Greetings: WebEd – May I take this opportunity to wish all our readers a Happy Hopping Christmas! I would also like to thank our hard-working, dedicated and loyal contributors for their continued and much valued support over the last year. Here’s hoping that you all manage to find some festive footy action over the busy holiday period. If you are going to a game or visit a new ground, please get in touch we would love to hear about it. Best wishes, Martin Friday 20th December – TT No.76: Brian Buck – ‘You can get inside the cage to watch proceedings here, but although there is a designated spectator viewing area, it isn’t very big’. It’s a hop to Romford for Brian as he takes in Petrocub (v London Cranes) in the Essex Alliance League Premier Division fixture played on 14/12/19. Click on the TT Reports page for 2019-20 to read more… Friday 20th December - TT No.75: Steve Hardy – ‘It is a competition for clubs who are way down the pyramid below step 7 in the north of ’. Read about Steve’s hop to the Cheshire FA HQ for Hartford (v Lord Raglan) in the (little publicised) Northern Cup Round One tie played on 14/12/19…now added to the TT Reports page for 2019-20… Friday 20th December – Latest Images: Ian Brown – Triple Spanish Hop! It’s a busy day of travelling for Ian as he attends the following games: UE Sants (v Castelldefels) in the Tercera Group 5; FC Barcelona Youth (v Jabac Terrasa) in the d’Honor played at the Joan Gamper Complex (FC Barcelona Training Facility) and Barcelona B (v La Nucia) in the Segunda B Group III played at the Estadi Johan Cruyff…all on 15/12/19…all now uploaded to the FGIF album gallery… Friday 20th December – Latest Images: Ian Brown – Spanish Sojourn! During a recent trip to Ian takes in four matches including Unio Esportivo de Vic (v La Jonquera) in the Primera Catalana Group 1 fixture played on 14/12/19…now uploaded to the FGIF album gallery… Friday 20th December – Latest Images: WebEd – View the ground, action and matchday pictures from Epworth Town Colts (v Woodhouse Colts) in the Central Midlands League President’s Cup Conferences Round played on 14/12/19…now added to the FGIF album gallery… Friday 20th December – Latest Images: Steve Hardy – Don’t miss Steve’s superb matchday pictures from Hartford (v Lord Raglan) in the Northern Cup Round One tie played on 14/12/19…now added to the FGIF album gallery… Friday 20th December – Weblog Update: Simple Pieman - Read all about Steve's visit to watch FC Bayern Munich U19 (v Tottenham Hotspur U19) in the UEFA Youth League Group Stage fixture played on 11/12/19……now uploaded to his excellent Weblog Pie and Mushy Peas at the following link/address: https://pieandmushypeas.blogspot.com/2019/12/bayern-munich-fc-u19.html Friday 20th December – TT No.74: Brian Buck – ‘This was my first visit here for a few years and in the intervening time the club have erected some very bright floodlights and have shifted the dugouts over to the other side of the pitch’. Read a most illuminating report from Brian’s Monday evening visit to watch Letchworth Garden City Eagles (v Hitchin Town) in the Vince Paige Memorial Trophy played on 09/12/19…now uploaded to the TT Reports page for 2019-20 Friday 20th December – Latest Images: Ian Brown – Check out Ian’s ground photos from a visit to Darlington (v Chester FC) in the National League North played on 07/12/19…now added to the FGIF album gallery… Friday 20th December – TT No.73: Steve Hardy – ‘(AFC Alsager) have moved in to this brand-new Sports Complex on the site of the now demolished MMU Alsager complex. The new site is impressive’. Read more from Steve’s report covering AFC Alsager (v Congleton Vale) in the Crewe District FA Cup Round 1 played on 07/12/19…now uploaded to the TT Reports page for 2019-20… Friday 20th December – Latest Images: Steve Hardy – Don’t miss Steve’s terrific matchday pictures from AFC Alsager (v Congleton Vale) in the Crewe District FA Cup Round 1 played on 07/12/19…now uploaded to the FGIF album gallery… Friday 20th December – TT No.72: Keith Aslan – ‘Chunky terracing that would send the health and safety brigade into paroxysms, an old stand and changing rooms, everything a proper ground should be with glorious views of the surrounding hills…’. Ynyshir Yomps! It’s an (unplanned) re-visit for Keith as he takes in Ynyshir Albion (v Newport City) in the Welsh League Division 2 played on 07/12/19…now added to the TT Reports page for 2019-20… Friday 20th December – Latest Images: WebEd – View the ground, action and matchday photos from a hop to South Kirkby Colliery (v Ecclesfield Red Rose 1915) in the Sheffield & Hallam County Senior League B & J Bradley Memorial Cup Round 2 played on 07/12/19…now added to the FGIF album gallery… Friday 20th December – Latest Images: Richard Panter – Check out Richard’s awesome matchday pictures from a visit to Eastwood CFC (v Belper United) in the East Midlands Counties League played on 07/12/19…now added to the FGIF album gallery… Richard reports via E-Mail (sent on 07/12): ‘I took these (photos) on my mobile ‘phone for a change. It was a really good match. Eastwood were 0-2 down until the 75th minute. Played on a wonderfully clear and crisp December day, does it get better than that? Friday 20th December – Latest Images: WebEd – View the ground, action and matchday photos from a hop to watch Driffield Junior (v Westella & Willerby) in the Humber Premier League Premier Division played on 30/11/19…now uploaded to the FGIF album gallery… Friday 20th December – TT No.71: Keith Aslan – ‘…situated in the middle of the picture postcard village…this is the highest football ground in Kent’. Ide itinerary! It’s all about location as Keith attends Ide Hill (v Stansfield Oxford & Bermondsey Reserves) in the Premier Division fixture played on 30/11/19…now added to the TT Reports page for 2019-20… Friday 29th November – Hopping News - ICW: Daniel Hayden - FGIF catches up with Squires Gate FC joint programme editor Dan Hayden for a Q&A article. Having received rave reviews for his Talk of The Gate programme this season, Dan talks about his involvement with the NWCFL club, what it's like being an editor and his hopes for the future. For more go to the Hopping News section on the FGIF Home page and click on the link… Friday 29th November – R No.18: WebEd - ‘Pride of place goes to a cracking stand built on a further bank over on the right-hand side of the field’. Find out more about a hop to Bedricks Worth (v Ufford Sports) in the top of the table Suffolk & Ipswich League Division Two fixture played on 23/11/19…now added to the Read Ramblings Reports page and index… Friday 29th November – TT No.70: Brian Buck - ‘Today I selected this game, partly because of the weather, as the host club are known to have a good draining pitch’. Brian reports from a trip to Buckingham United (v Pitstone & Ivinghoe) in the Spartan South Midlands League Division 2…now uploaded to the TT Reports page for 2019-20… Friday 29th November – TT No.69: Keith Aslan - ‘For those who appreciate the architecture of football grounds this is the one for you’. Wombwell Walks. Keith travels up to and goes ‘old school’ for his footy fix with a hop to watch Wombwell Town (v New Bohemians) in the Pete's Patisserie Sheffield County Senior League Division 1 played on 23/11/19…read more from his cracking report now added to the TT Reports page for 2019-20… Friday 29th November – Latest Images: Gary Spooner – It’s a hop up to Wrexham for Gary as he takes in Llay Miners Welfare (v Llanrwst United) in the Welsh FA Trophy Fourth round tie played on 23/11/19…view the full set of pictures…now added to the FGIF album gallery… Gary adds via E-Mail (sent on 24/11): ‘Went to a wet Wales yesterday for a Welsh Trophy game at Llay Miners Welfare. Cracking venue and a decent game despite the weather. Very challenging conditions for photography!’. Friday 29th November – Latest Images: WebEd – View the ground, action and matchday photos from a trip to Suffolk for Bedricks Worth (v Ufford Sports) in the Suffolk & Ipswich League Division Two played on 23/11/19…now added to the FGIF album gallery… Friday 29th November – R No.17: WebEd – ‘Hoppers will not only be impressed by the superb facilities but also the warm welcome they will receive on a visit here’. Find out more about a hop to Newark Town (v Appleby Frodingham) in the Central Midlands League North Division played on 16/11/19…now added to the Read Ramblings Reports page and index… Friday 29th November – Weblog Update: Simple Pieman - Read all about Steve's visit to watch Moors (v AFC Fylde) in the National League Premier Division fixture played on 16/11/19……now uploaded to his excellent Weblog Pie and Mushy Peas at the following link/address: https://pieandmushypeas.blogspot.com/2019/11/solihull-moors-fc.html Friday 29th November – Latest Programme Review: WebEd - View the latest issue from Newark Town (v Appleby Frodingham) in the Central Midlands League North Division played on 16/11/19…now uploaded to the FGIF PR page for 2019-20… Friday 29th November – TT No.68: Brian Buck – ‘This is quite a large complex, which includes the village hall, crown green bowling and a multiuse netball/football/basketball court’. Find out about a visit to watch Watlington Sports & Social Club (v Wells Town Reserves) in the Norfolk Primary Cup 3rd Round tie played on 16/11/19…now added to the TT Reports page for 2019-20… Friday 29th November – TT No.67: Steve Hardy – ‘Southam United are just completing a brand-new ground, and with that not yet ready, and with there being no chance of playing on their current venue, they very cleverly switched this match to nearby Southam College and its ubiquitous 3G pitch in a cage’. Read more from Steve’s trip to attend Southam United (v Old Bradwell United Development) in the Hellenic League Division 2 North played at the Southam College 3G on 16/11/19…now added to the TT Reports page for 2019-20… Friday 29th November – TT No.66: Keith Aslan – ‘Roe Hill is a 25-minute stroll from Hatfield Station and has all the facilities you would expect in the Herts County League. None’. Hatfield Hikes. Check out Keith’s report from a hop to watch Hatfield United (v Glenn Sports) in the Herts County League Division 1 played on 16/11/19…now uploaded to the TT Reports page for 2019-20… Friday 29th November – Latest Images: Gary Spooner – Don’t miss Gary’s awesome matchday pictures from Bridlington Town (v Grimsby Borough) in the Northern Counties East League Premier Division played on 16/11/19…now uploaded to the FGIF album gallery… Gary reports via E-Mail (sent on 17/11): ‘An excellent afternoon at Bridlington Town yesterday. The game was on - cracking stadium, friendly locals, a programme shop, great pie and peas and a decent game to boot. Bridlington Town ran out 5-1 winners but it was 1 each when Borough had a player sent off just before half-time. This proved to be the turning point as the 10 men were overrun in the second half and Town leap frogged Borough in the table’. Friday 29th November – Latest Images: WebEd – View the ground, action and matchday photos from Newark Town (v Appleby Frodingham) in the Central Midlands League North Division played on 16/11/19…now added to the FGIF album gallery… Friday 29th November – Latest Images: Steve Hardy – Check out Steve’s superb matchday photos from a hop to Southam United (v Old Bradwell United Development) in the Hellenic League Division 2 North played at the Southam College 3G on 16/11/19…now added to the FGIF album gallery… Friday 29th November – Latest Images: Ian Brown – Don’t miss Ian’s ground photos from Fulwood Amateurs (v Lytham Town) in the West Lancashire League Premier Division played at the UCLan Sports Arena 3G, Preston on 16/11/19…now uploaded to the FGIF album gallery… Friday 29th November – R No.16: WebEd - ‘It’s a unique set up – a long low roof stand provides plenty of seating to the right. To the left there is open standing behind a metal barrier which continues along the full length of the Community Centre behind’. Check out a review from Nostell Miners Welfare (v Skegness Town) in the Northern Counties East League Division One played on 09/11/19…now uploaded to the Read Ramblings Reports page and index… Friday 29th November – R No.15: WebEd – ‘…a visit to the Vertigo Stadium is to be recommended to all football travellers…’. Read about a visit to watch Skegness Town (v Brigg Town CIC) in the Northern Counties East League Division One played on 02/11/19…now uploaded to the Read Ramblings Reports page and index… Friday 15th November – TT No.65: Brian Buck – ‘The club share the ground with two other sides and it was marked out by one of those, rather than the Council’. It’s a Saturday morning game for Brian as he takes in Christchurch Ware (v Holy Rood) in the Herts & Borders Churches League Division 2 played on 09/11/19...for more go to the TT Reports page for 2019-20… Friday 15th November – Latest Programme Review: WebEd - View the latest issue for Nostell Miners Welfare (v Skegness Town) in the Northern Counties East League Division One played on 09/11/19…now uploaded to the FGIF PR page for 2019-20… Friday 15th November – TT No.64: Keith Aslan – ‘…this is one of the most remote grounds in the league with some fine views across the River Severn of the mist shrouded Forest of Dean’. Sharpness Strolls! This week Keith takes a rather circuitous route to get to his chosen game at Sharpness (v Patchway) in the Gloucester County League fixture played on 09/11/19. Read more by going to the TT Reports page for 2019-20… WebEd - Congratulations are also in order as our super scribe and hopper extraordinaire Keith re-completes visits to all clubs/grounds in the league with this visit…!!! Friday 15th November – Latest Images: Gary Spooner – writes via E-Mail (sent on 10/11/19): ‘The weather got the better of me yesterday. As games were being called off and knowing that several roads in Leicestershire were closed for flooding, I decided to stop playing weather watch and headed for a very low-level game at a local school 3g cage. Have to say it was a pretty miserable experience. It was freezing, it rained and I got soaked, the game was mediocre at best. Given the rain and lack of facilities (there were none!) my camera stayed firmly in my bag. I described attending the game afterwards as being only marginally better than staying at home which is perhaps what I should have done!’. Friday 15th November – Latest Images: Richard Panter – Rain buster! It’s a hop with a difference for Richard as he takes in the United Counties League Division One match between Saffron Dynamo (v Wellingborough Whitworths). The match played on 09/11/19 was switched to Aylestone Park FC – on the 3G pitch. All matchday photos now added to the FGIF album gallery… Richard adds via E-Mail (sent on 10/11): ‘Saffron Dynamo v Wellinghborough Whitworths; UCLD1: 1- 2; This was played at Aylestone Park’s 3g pitch. Attendance was 28, as an estimate. Bit of a dull day’. Friday 15th November – Latest Images: WebEd – View the ground, action and matchday pictures from a hop to watch Nostell Miners Welfare (v Skegness Town) in the Northern Counties East League Division One played on 02/11/19…now uploaded to the FGIF album gallery… Friday 15th November – Latest Programme Review: WebEd - View the latest issue for Skegness Town (v Brigg Town CIC) in the Northern Counties East League Division One played on 02/11/19…now uploaded to the FGIF PR page for 2019-20… Friday 15th November – Latest Images: Ian Brown – Check out the matchday pictures from Fisher (v Glebe) in the FA Vase Round 2 tie played on 02/11/19…now added to the FGIF album gallery… Ian writes via E-Mail (sent on 04/11): ‘Saturday 2nd November 2019; FA Vase 2nd Round; Fisher FC 1 Glebe FC 2; Attendance: 116; Admission: £8/£5; Programme: £2; Badge: £3. In the company of Peter and Harry as well Pixel Perfection/the Lens-meister himself Gary Spooner. Travelled down to Leicester to meet up with Gary, set out to do Corinthian but with a pitch inspection and possible problem with the Dartford Crossing, decided on the playing the 4G card at Fisher as none of us had done it. Gary informed us he had done the Surrey Docks Stadium. All credit to him for getting us through London as it took nearly as long to get from The M1 to the St Pauls Sports Ground as it did to get from Leicester to the end of the M1!’ Friday 15th November – Weblog Update: Simple Pieman - Read all about Steve's visit to watch Harwich & Parkeston (v Lopes Taveres) in the Eastern Counties League Division One South fixture played on 02/11/19……now uploaded to his excellent Weblog Pie and Mushy Peas at the following link/address: https://pieandmushypeas.blogspot.com/2019/11/harwich-parkeston-fc.html. Friday 15th November – TT No.63: Brian Buck – ‘The ground is pleasing on the eye. On the car park side there is a stand, giving spectators a decent view of proceedings and with it was well used today. Next to it there is space for a seated stand to be put in, soonish I believe’. It’s not a cat-astrophe after all! Read about Brian’s hastily arranged visit to watch Shefford Town & Campton (v Cranfield United) in the Senior Trophy Round 2 tie played on 02/11/19…for more go to the TT Reports page for 2019-20… Friday 15th November - TT No.62: Steve Hardy – ‘The football was indeed still on, but it was on one of the many grass pitches the University has, and one that I had visited before (or was it?)’. Is it a tick? Read more from Steve’s hop to Keele University (v Milton United) in the County League Division One played on 02/11/19…now added to the TT Reports page for 2019-20… Friday 15th November – TT No.61: Keith Aslan – ‘The stadium is an excellent place to watch your football with an elevated 510 seat stand a great vantage point and today providing shelter from the incessant rain’. Wanderings! Keith is right on track with his visit to AFC Wakefield (v Wombwell Main) in the Sheffield Senior Cup played on 02/11/19…read his superb (as always) report now uploaded to the TT Reports page for 2019-20… Friday 15th November – Latest Images: WebEd – View the ground, action and matchday pictures from Skegness Town (v Brigg Town CIC) in the Northern Counties East League Division One played on 02/11/19…now uploaded to the FGIF album gallery… Friday 15th November – Latest Images: Steve Hardy – Check out Steve’s matchday pictures from a hop to Keele University (v Milton United) in the Staffordshire County League Division One played on 02/11/19…now added to the FGIF album gallery… Friday 1st November – Website Update: WebEd – The following changes/additions have been made to the Links Menu item 01 – Football Pyramid Websites page to now show: (1) New leagues - Wearside League (replaces the now defunct Durham Alliance); Midlands & Notts Alliance and Yorkshire Amateur League (replacing the West Riding County League); (2) Deleted leagues – Durham Alliance; Northampton Town League and West Riding County League (all now defunct); (3) Name changes – Mercian Football League becomes the Premier League and the Reading League now becomes the Thames Valley League; (4) New competition logos – Bet Victor logo added for Isthmian League; Northern Premier League and Southern League competition link jpgs; new sponsor for Welsh Premier League and (5) Updated links - All leagues using the FA Full-Time system template for fixtures, results and tables are now active for the current 2019-20 season. This page now provides a comprehensive list covering 115 links from a wide range of competitions/leagues throughout Britain. Please let me know if you spot any errors or if there are any new league links you would like to see added to the list. Martin. Friday 1st November – TT No.60: Brian Buck – ‘The match was played out on the pitch furthest from the dressing rooms…’. More Border League action. The second game of the day takes Brian to Little Clacton (v Lawford Lads Reserves) in the Essex & Suffolk Border League Division 3 played on 26/10/19…now uploaded to the TT Reports page for 2019-20… Friday 1st November – TT No.59: Brian Buck – ‘Sudbury Sports are in effect AFC Sudbury U18 Academy, first students…’. For his first game of the day Brian takes in Sudbury Sports (v Mersea Island) in the Essex & Suffolk Border League Division 1 played on 26/10/19...now added to the TT Reports page for 2019-20… Friday 1st November – R No.14: WebEd – ‘To reach the sports ground you will need to walk through the modern…PE Department… passing the changing rooms…to the floodlit 3G MUGA around the back’. Read a report from West Hull Amateurs (v Cherry Burton) in the high-scoring East Riding County League fixture played on 26/10/19…now uploaded to the Read Ramblings Reports page and index… Friday 1st November – Latest Programme News: Rod Grubb - Our regular programme supremo and editor for Nuneaton Griff FC (Midland Football League) sends us details from a selection of programmes covering his club and many other picked up during his travels with NGFC so far this season. Go to the Programme News 2019-20 tab found on the main FGIF Programme section for more… Friday 1st November – TT No.58: Keith Aslan – ‘I was very impressed with the set up here. The reserves play on an adjacent ground to the first team but an entirely separate entity, a bit like Haverhill’. Needham Navigations! Read Keith’s excellent from his trip to Suffolk for Needham Market Reserves (v Wisbech St. Mary) in the Eastern Counties League Division One North played on 26/10/19...now uploaded to the TT Reports page for 2019-20… Friday 1st November – Latest Images: Richard Panter – It’s FA Trophy action for Richard on what was a terrific hop to Brighton for Whitehawk (v Hendon) in a First Qualifying Round tie played on 26/10/19…now uploaded to the FGIF album gallery… Richard adds via E-Mail (sent on 27/10): ‘I felt really moved by the experience, they are genuinely a true fans club and want and welcome all sorts at the club. I have never experienced this anywhere in getting on for sixty years of watching what can be called at Whitehawk ‘The Beautiful Game’. They also had a very rhythmic group of drummers. Sorry to sound a bit soppy but I was so happy to visit the Hawks. (Check out the final picture in the album): this is a panorama which my mate Neil took yesterday. I wonder who is that devilishly handsome chap to left on the top step?’. Friday 1st November – Latest Images: Gary Spooner – Don’t miss Gary’s awesome ground, action and matchday photos from a memorable hop to Ayrshire for Dalry Thistle (v Dundee North End) in the Scottish FA Junior Cup Round 3 tie played on 26/10/19…now added to the FGIF album gallery… Gary reports via E-Mail (sent on 27/10): ‘Junior Cup day in Scotland yesterday and I saw a feisty cup tie at Merksworth Park where visitors Dundee North End took the spoils and home side Dalry Thistle had two sent off to end the game with 9 men. The weather in Scotland yesterday ranged from sunny to absolutely lashing down and that was just during the game. Considerably worse weather further south caused severe disruption on the trains home and at one point it looked like I might be spending the night in Preston. Eventually got home at 1 in the morning. An eventful day! Friday 1st November – Latest Images: WebEd – View the ground, action and matchday pictures from a hop to West Hull Amateurs (v Cherry Burton) in the high-scoring East Riding County League fixture played on 26/10/19…now uploaded to the FGIF album gallery… Friday 1st November – R No.13: WebEd – ‘The match is played on an immaculate award-winning surface (it was voted the best pitch in the county by the Lincolnshire FA Last season)’. Check out a report from Louth Town (v Horncastle Town) in the Lincolnshire League fixture played on 19/10/19…now uploaded to the Read Ramblings Reports page and index… Friday 1st November – R No.12: WebEd – ‘Indeed, the larger than anticipated crowd certainly witnessed what was a cracking tie and one certainly which lived up to all the (pre-match) expectations…’. Read all about a cracking hop to watch Knaresborough Town (v Stockton Town) in the FA Vase Round 1 tie played on 12/10/19…now added to the Read Ramblings Reports page and index… Friday 25th October – Latest Programme News: Steve Hardy – Paper-chasing heaven! Our programme supremo Steve brings us his first list of issuers for the current season. His selection includes details from over thirty clubs covering English; Ladies, Sunday; Scottish and Welsh football who have produced a matchday programme in 2019-20. Go to the Programme News 2019-20 tab found on the main FGIF Programme section for more… Friday 25th October – TT No.57: Steve Hardy – ‘ are newcomers to the league this season, and are currently bottom of the bottom division with no wins at all so far’. It’s back to Brum for Steve as he takes in his second successive game in the Birmingham & District League with a trip to Selly Oak Colts (v Tipton Town Reserves) in the Birmingham & District League Division Six fixture played on 19/10/19…now added to the TT Reports page for 2019-20… Friday 25th October – Latest Images: Steve Hardy – Checkout Steve’s latest photos from a hop to watch Selly Oak Colts (v Tipton Town Reserves) in the Birmingham & District League Division Six fixture played on 19/10/19…now uploaded to the FGIF album gallery… Friday 25th October – TT No.56: Keith Aslan – ‘Lace Hill is a brand-new estate built with young families in mind and looks to be a pleasant place to live. The Community Centre is the hub of everything and apart from the football there is a wide variety of activities…’. Buckingham Byways! Read all about Keith’s mouth- watering hop to watch Buckingham United (v MK Robins) in the Berks & Bucks Trophy tie played on 19/10/19…now added to the TT Reports page for 2019-20… Friday 25th October – Latest Images: Ian Brown – It’s FA Cup action for Ian as he takes in Hayes & Yeading United (v Poole Town) in the Fourth Qualifying Round tie played on 19/10/19…now added to the FGIF album gallery… Ian writes via E-Mail (sent on 21/10): ‘Skyex Community Stadium; FA Cup 4th Qualifying Round; Hayes & Yeading United 1 Poole Town 1; Crowd: 416 (equalled ground record crowd); Admission: £10/£6; Programme: £2. Not the best of games and not the best of grounds. Like most new venues I found it aesthetically unappealing. Ground dominated by covered seating area, whilst rest of ground is hard standing on one level’. Friday 25th October – Latest Images: Gary Spooner – Double Top! Don’t miss Gary’s cracking matchday photos from a hop to watch Bilborough Town (v Sandiacre Town) in the Notts Senior League Premier Division played on 19/10/19…now uploaded to the FGIF album gallery… Gary adds via E-Mail (sent on 20/10): ‘A sporting double yesterday with footie in the afternoon followed by darts at Leicester in the evening. Due to the darts I wanted somewhere close in the afternoon and Bilborough Town at the Harvey Hadden Stadium fitted the bill nicely. I wasn't expecting a great game between sides that were third bottom and bottom respectively but did not expect the game to be as dreadful as it was! Sandiacre were no doubt delighted with their first win of the season’. Friday 25th October – Latest Images: Steve Ayre – Check out the latest ground photo taken at Buckingham United (v MK Robins) in the Berks & Bucks Senior Trophy tie played on 19/10/19…now added to the FGIF album gallery… Steve writes via E-Mail (sent on 20/10): ‘Buckingham United’s excellent facilities in Use for the Berks Bucks Senior trophy game 19/10/19 lost 3-1 to MK robins in front of a crowd that peaked at 70. Well worth a visit’. Friday 25th October – Latest Images: WebEd – View the ground, action and matchday photos from a hop to Louth Town (v Horncastle Town) in the Lincolnshire League fixture played on 19/10/19…now added to the FGIF album gallery… Friday 25th October – Latest Images: Richard Panter - Check out Richard’s superb ground and action pictures from a hop to Chirk AAA (v Llannefydd) in the FAW Round 1 tie played on 19/10/19…now uploaded to the FGIF album gallery… Richard writes via E-Mail (sent on 20/10): ‘Chirk AAA v CDP Llannefydd. FAW Welsh Cup round one. 19.10.19. 0-3. Attendance 69 est. Not a bad back drop! I didn't even know there was a place called Chirk let alone a football team, until Friday afternoon. They are just over the border south of Wrexham. My occasional travelling partner ‘Pencil man’ selected this game and I am very glad he did. Entry was £2 including a programme, it will be £1 for me next year, what a bargain’. Friday 18th October – TT No.55: Brian Buck – ‘Today the whole setup, just across the road from Totternhoe’s ground, looked a lot smarter. You had to walk round the roped off boundary of the cricket ground to get to the pitch’. The third and final game of the Bedfordshire Hop takes Brian to Lancot Park (v Luton Allstars) in the Bedfordshire County Football League Division Three played on 12/10/19…now added to the TT Reports page for 2019-20… Friday 18th October – TT No:54: Brian Buck - ‘As for the ground itself it was a pleasant eye-opener for the Hoppers as it had three steps of concrete terracing down one side, cut into a bank’. For his second Hop game of the day Brian attends Stopsley United (v Harlington Juniors) in the Bedfordshire County Football League Division Three played on 12/10/19…now uploaded to the TT Reports page for 2019- 20… Friday 18th October – TT No:53: Brian Buck - ‘Of the three matches which took place this one was given the most publicity…’. Bedfordshire Hop Bonanza! For the first game of a mouth-watering Saturday Triple Brian takes in Real Haynes (v Blunham) in the Bedfordshire County Football League Division Three played on 12/10/19…now added to the TT Reports page for 2019-20… Friday 18th October – TT No:52: Brian Buck - ‘The pitch slopes from side to side, with the clubhouse being on top of a bank in one corner’. Brian ends his holiday footy extravaganza with a hop to Callington Town (v Dobwalls) in the South West Peninsula League Premier West fixture played on 09/10/19…now uploaded to the TT Reports page for 2019-20… Friday 18th October – TT No:51: Brian Buck - ‘This stand is quite impressive and the seats are high up above the dressing rooms below. From here you can see the substantial banking behind the uncovered goal. On the other side of the pitch, there is also substantial double banking’. Brian brings us a report from Wadebridge Town (v Wendron United) in the South West Peninsula League Premier West played on 08/10/19…now added to the TT Reports page for 2019-20… Friday 18th October – TT No:50: Brian Buck - ‘…the club play very few home games on Saturdays, preferring to play on Fridays and Mondays’. Brian reports on Crediton United (v Holsworthy) in the South West Peninsula League Premier East played on 07/10/19…now uploaded to the TT Reports page for 2019-20… Friday 18th October – TT No:49: Brian Buck - ‘The ground was actually quite nice. It had a stand on the halfway line with a few chairs in it and behind the goal where we’d come in there was a pleasant bar and tea bar’. During his holiday break Brian takes in Beer Albion (v Chagford) in the Macron Devon & Exeter League Premier Division fixture played on 05/10/19…go to the TT Reports page for 2019-20 for more… Friday 18th October – TT No:48: Brian Buck - ‘You get an excellent view from the large main stand and it’s in a kind of bowl with steep banking behind both goals, with the clubhouse being behind one of them’. It’s a holiday hop for Brian to Bodmin Town (v Wadebridge Town) in the South West Peninsula League Premier West played on 04/10/19…now uploaded to the TT Reports page for 2019-20… Friday 18th October – TT No:47: Brian Buck - ‘Since (my previous visit in 1990) most of the ground has changed beyond recognition’. It’s a week’s holiday for Brian down in Devon and Cornwall. Check out his report from the first game on his itinerary with a visit to watch Exeter City U23 (v Aston Villa U23) in the Premier League Cup Group D played on 03/10/19…now uploaded to the TT Reports page for 2019-20… Friday 18th October - WebLog Update: Simple Pieman – Read all about Steve's visit to watch Cefn Druids (v Newtown) in the played on 11/10/19……now uploaded to his excellent Weblog Pie and Mushy Peas at the following link/address: https://pieandmushypeas.blogspot.com/2019/10/cefn- druids-fc.html Friday 18th October – Latest Images: Ian Brown – Check out the excellent ground photos from Ian’s hop to Maine Road (v Glasshoughton) in the FA Vase Round 1 tie played on 12/10/19…now uploaded to the FGIF Album gallery… Ian reports via E-Mail (sent on 14/10): ‘FA Vase 1st Round; Saturday 12th October 2019; Maine Road 4 Glasshoughton Welfare 2 (AET); Att: 130; Adm: £5/£3; Programme: £1.50; Pin Badge: £1.50. Cracking cup tie in which Maine Road came back from 2-0 at half time. They rattled the frame of the goal a couple of times, pulled a goal back 10 mins from time and equalised in stoppage time. Much to our chagran we had to miss the extra-time as we were going to Old Trafford for the Grand Final. In the company of Peter, John, Graham and last by no means least FGIFs' very own lens-meister pixel perfection Gary Spooner’. Friday 18th October – Latest Programme Review: WebEd - View the latest issue for Knaresborough Town (NCELP) (v Stockton Town) in the FA Vase Round 1 played on 12/10/19…now added to the FGIF PR page for 2019-20… Friday 18th October – TT No.46: Steve Hardy – ‘The venue for the game was the Solihull 6th Form College. At the rear of the buildings there are three grass football pitches and one rugby pitch’. Steve takes in a game from one of his favourite leagues with a visit to Hillfields (v Birmingham Medics) in the Birmingham & District League Senior Cup 1st round tie played on 12/10/19…now uploaded to the TT Reports page for 2019-20… Friday 18th October – TT No.45: Keith Aslan – ‘The hop season draws to a close as always with the excellent Bedfordshire extravaganza, another organizational triumph for the flame haired Craig Dabbs’. Bedford Bustles! A triple treat for his fans as Keith reports on the annual Bedfordshire Hop featuring three matches (all BCFL Division Three) played at: Real Haynes FC; Stopsley United FC and Lancot Park FC…all now uploaded to the TT Reports page for 2019-20… Friday 18th October – Latest Images: Steve Hardy – Solihull Sojourn. Check out Steve’s ace pictures from Hillfields (v Birmingham Medics) in the Birmingham & District League Senior Cup 1st round tie played on 12/10/19…now uploaded to the FGIF album gallery… Friday 18th October – Latest Images: WebEd – View the ground, action and matchday photos from a hop to Knaresborough Town (v Stockton Town) in the FA Vase Round 1 tie played on 12/10/19…now added to the FGIF album gallery… Friday 18th October – Latest Images: Ian Brown – Despite the match against South Manchester been called off Ian manages to get in and take plenty of ground photos from the Kings Road home of Whalley Range FC (Lancashire & Cheshire AFL) on 12/10/19…all now uploaded to the FGIF album gallery… Ian adds via E-Mail (sent on 13/10): ‘Ground Pics ...scheduled Game Whalley Range v South Manchester was called off Friday evening as parts of pitch were underwater ... Whalley Range FC manager was at the ground lamenting the leagues decision to call off early....’ Friday 11th October – Latest Programme Review: Dan & Jay Hayden – Don’t miss this one! Check out this rather special programme issued by the lads at Squires Gate (North West Counties League Premier Division) v Irlam played on 05/10/19…you will not be disappointed! Go to the FGIF PR page for 2019-20 for more… Dan & Jay write via E-Mail (sent on 16 & 20/09 & 07/10): ‘Attached is one of our PDF versions of Saturday's programme, we've sent a paper one to you in the post too. So, looking forward to hearing your feedback, as we think that this one is an improvement on the last copy (v West Auckland Town – FAV) we sent you! Me and my brother work hard to produce a programme for every home game, in which we only sell around 20 programmes, and the feedback from the visitors this year has been better than ever so hopefully we can finally win programme of the year! We do try and improve it on a week by week basis, always looking for new content and interviews to include each game’. WebEd writes: ‘Wow! Readers and paper-chasers would certainly agree that this is an excellent programme in terms of content, layout and production. To check out a PDF version of their latest programme click on the twitter link (on Jay’s account) at: https://issuu.com/squiresgatefc/docs/irlam_new_version_2 . Any comments would be most appreciated either to FGIF or by writing directly to Daniel at: [email protected] Friday 11th October – Latest Programme Review: Martyn Girdham – View the latest issue for Epworth Town Colts (v Linby Colliery Welfare Reserves) in the Central Midlands League Division One North played on 14/09/19…now added to the FGIF PR page for 2019-20… Friday 11th October – Latest Programme Review: WebEd – Back for 2019-20! View the matchday programme covers and match details from the following clubs who have issued this season: to Barton Town (v Yorkshire Amateur) in the Northern Counties East League Premier Division played on 03/08/19; East Hull (v North Ferriby) in the Northern Counties East League Division One on 10/08/19; Horbury Town (v Hall Green United) in the League Premier Division on 14/08/19; Garforth Town AFC (NCELP) (v Colne) in the FA Cup Preliminary Round tie on 24/08/19 and Northallerton Town (Northern League Division 1) (v Barnoldswick Town) in the FAV2Q on 14/09/19…all now uploaded to the FGIF PR page for 2019-20… Friday 11th October – Latest Images: Steve Ayre – Avid women’s football fan Steve brings us some matchday photos from Bohemians 1905 FC () for the Women’s Euro 2021 Group D Group match between Czech Republic Women (v Spain Women) played on 08/10/19…now uploaded to the FGIF album gallery… Steve writes via BlueMail (sent during the game) on 08/10: ‘Not sure the FA would pass this in a ground grading above non-league but nice buzz at Bohemians 1905 for Czech Rep Woman v Spain in Euro 2021 qualifier here in Prague and at least stand keeps the rain out’. Friday 11th October – R No.11: WebEd – ‘The club plays its games on a pitch at the rear of the Holton-le-Clay Junior School. It’s found off Picksley Crescent in a desirable area of the village and the venue is, as you would expect, very basic indeed’. Read about a hop to watch Holton-le-Clay (v Pointon) in the Lincolnshire Junior Cup 1st round tie played on 05/10/19…now uploaded to the FGIF album gallery… Friday 11th October – Latest Images: Ian Brown – Don’t miss Ian’s terrific matchday photos from a hop to watch Fleet Spurs (v Chessington & Hook) in the Combined Counties League Division One fixture played on 05/10/19…now added to the FGIF album gallery… Friday 11th October – TT No.44: Steve Hardy – ‘The club play at a sports ground in Langer Lane to the south of Chesterfield. The pitch is partially roped off before each game, and the club have also set up an excellent tea room inside the changing room block from where the shiny new programmes are to be purchased’. Read about Steve’s second game of the day with a visit to Chesterfield Town (v Boynton Sports) in the Central Midlands League Division One North played on 05/10/19…now uploaded to the TT Reports page for 2019-20… Friday 11th October – TT No.43: Steve Hardy – ‘The match was played on the main 3G pitch at City and turned out to be the most one-sided one goal victory I have ever seen’. Check out Steve’s report from the first game in his Saturday Double as he attends Lichfield City U21 (v Wyrley Titans) in the Staffordshire 2nd Round tie played on 05/10/19…all the details can be found on the TT Reports page for 2019-20… Friday 11th October – TT No.42: Keith Aslan – ‘The club play at Markewood recreation ground which is a 20-minute walk from Walmer station’. Walmer Wanderings! Read about a very local hop for Keith as he visits Cinque Ports (v Folkestone Town) in the Kent Junior Cup tie played on 05/10/19… now uploaded to the TT Reports page for 2019-20… Friday 11th October – Latest Images: Steve Hardy – For the second game of the day Steve attends Chesterfield Town (v Boynton Sports) in the Central Midlands League Division One North played on 05/10/19…now uploaded to the FGIF album gallery… Friday 11th October – Latest Images: Steve Hardy – For the first part of a Saturday hopping double Steve takes in Lichfield City U21 (v Wyrley Titans) in the Staffordshire Challenge Cup 2nd Round tie played on 05/10/19…now added to the FGIF album gallery… Friday 11th October – Latest Images: Gary Spooner – Check out Gary’s terrific matchday photos from the Bedfordshire derby at Langford (v Shefford Town & Campton) in the Spartan South Midlands League Division One played on 05/10/19…now added to the FGIF album gallery… Gary writes via E-Mail (sent on 06/10): ‘A very local derby in the SSML yesterday where Shefford Town 7 Campton put Langford to the sword, running out 7-2 winners. A surprisingly small crowd of just 23 saw a pretty average game despite the (number of) goals’. Friday 11th October – Latest Images: WebEd – View the ground, action and matchday pictures from a hop to watch Holton-le-Clay (v Pointon) in the Lincolnshire Junior Cup 1st round tie played on 05/10/19…now uploaded to the FGIF album gallery… Saturday 5th October – R. No10 – ‘Visitors here will be impressed by the standard of all of the playing areas which are lovingly maintained by a full-time groundsman…’. Read about a hop to watch Otley Town (v Oxenhope Recreation) in the West Yorkshire League Cup First Round played on 28/09/19…now uploaded to the Read Ramblings Reports page and index… Saturday 5th October – TT No.41: Steve Hardy – ‘Up until today, I had always thought that the two closest grounds to each other in the UK were the Dundee clubs. A drastic revision of that thinking is now called for as Totton & Eling and AFC Totton are as close as you can be, and actually share the same complex’. Read about his final hop of the weekend as Steve visits Totton & Eling (v Andover New Street) in the Wessex League League Cup Second Round tie played on 01/10/19…go to the TT Reports page for 2019-20 for more… Saturday 5th October – TT No.40: Steve Hardy – ‘I really liked the ground in an eccentric sort of way’. For is second game of the day Steve reports on Hythe & Dibden (v US Portsmouth) in the Wessex League Division One played on 28/09/19… now uploaded to the TT Reports page for 2019-20… Saturday 5th October – TT No.39: Steve Hardy – ‘Facilities wise the main pitch was on grass, fully railed off with spectators only allowed along one side of the pitch’. Read about the first game of his Southampton hop as Steve reports on AFC Bournemouth U18 (v Newport County U18) in the EFL Youth Alliance South West Division played on 28/09/19… now added to the TT Reports page for 2019-20… Saturday 5th October – Latest Programme News: Martyn Girdham – Don’t miss the latest local programme news covering a few sides that have issued in the Lincolnshire area this season. Go to the Programme News 2019-20 tab found on the main FGIF Programme section for more… Saturday 5th October – Latest Images: Steve Hardy – Steve wraps up his Southampton hop with a visit to Totton & Eling (v Andover New Street) in the Wessex League League Cup Second Round tie played on 01/10/19…check out all the matchday photos now uploaded to the FGIF album gallery… Saturday 5th October – Latest Images: Steve Hardy – For his second game of his Southampton hopping weekend Steve brings us matchday pictures from Hythe & Dibden (v US Portsmouth) in the Wessex League Division One played on 28/09/19…now added to the FGIF album gallery… Saturday 5th October – Latest Images: Steve Hardy – Southampton Weekend Hop. For his opening game Steve takes in AFC Bournemouth U18 (v Newport County U18) in the EFL Youth Alliance South West Division played on 28/09/19…all matchday pictures added to the FGIF album gallery… Saturday 5th October – TT No.38: Martyn Girdham – ‘Colts have moved to Carrside, the old home of now defunct Epworth Town FC… and have worked wonders resurrecting the overgrown area and revamping the changing rooms and tea bar’. NEW GROUND ALERT! Winterton based hopping legend Martyn reports from a visit to watch Epworth Town Colts (v Linby Colliery Welfare Reserves) in the Central Midlands League Division One North played on 28/09/19…read more by clicking on the TT Reports page for 2019-20 link… Saturday 5th October – TT No.37: Keith Aslan – ‘As these things go this ground one was one of the better examples (of a plastic pitch)’. Newark Navigations! Our roving reporter heads to Nottinghamshire for Newark Town (v Sutton Rovers) in the Central Midlands League Division One North played on 28/09/19…check out his uplifting report now added to the TT Reports page for 2019-20… Saturday 5th October – Latest Images: Gary Spooner – Belgian Belter! Don’t miss Gary’s awesome matchday pictures from a hop to watch Royale Union Saint Gilloise (v Royale Excelsior Virton) in the Proximus League played on 28/09/19…now added to the FGIF album gallery... Gary adds via E-Mail (sent on 29/09): ‘Mandy and I took a trip to Brussels on Eurostar this weekend. Footie action was a 2nd tier Proximus League top of the table clash at the wonderful Joseph Marien Stadium which was opened in 1919 and hosted three football matches in the 1920 Olympics. Four minutes in and REV took the lead. It didn't last long. 7 minutes gone and RUSG converted a penalty to equalise. No more goals before half time but a highly competitive game in monsoon like conditions for most of the half. Second half saw more of the same with RUSG scoring the winner on the hour mark. Party atmosphere in the rain from the home fans who saw their team go top of the table for a few hours until Leuven won the evening game. As is usual in Belgium bags and cameras were not allowed into the stadium so I had to make do with taking pics on my mobile. Despite the rain an excellent weekend was had!’. Saturday 5th October – Latest Images: Richard Panter – Check out Richard’s superb matchday photos from Swallownest (v Selby Town) in the Northern Counties East League Division One fixture played on 28/09/19…now uploaded to the FGIF album gallery… Saturday 5th October – Latest Images: WebEd – View the ground, action and matchday photos from a hop to Otley Town (v Oxenhope Recreation) in the West Yorkshire League Cup First Round played on 28/09/19…now uploaded to the FGIF album gallery… Thursday 26th September – Latest Programme News: Rod Grubb – Our regular programme aficionado and editor for Nuneaton Griff FC (Midland Football League) sends us details from a selection of programmes picked up during his travels with NGFC so far this season. Go to the Programme News 2019-20 tab found on the main FGIF Programme section for more… Thursday 26th September – TT No.36: Brian Buck – ‘This season they have moved to Great Whelnetham and as Community Centre grounds go, this one was up with the best of them’. It’s Suffolk & Ipswich League action for Brian as he reports from his hop to Bury St. Edmunds for Bedrics Worth (v AFC Yourshirts) in a Division 2 fixture played on 21/09/19…read more by clicking on the TT Reports page for 2019-20 link… Thursday 26th September – Weblog Update: Simple Pieman – Read all about Steve's visit to watch Olympiacos U19 (v Tottenham Hotspur U19) in the UEFA Youth League Group Stage match played on 18/09/19……now uploaded to his excellent Weblog Pie and Mushy Peas at the following link/address: https://pieandmushypeas.blogspot.com/2019/09/oylmpiacos-u19.html Thursday 26th September – R No.9: WebEd – ‘…the playing field is in fact located down in a hollow below ground level making it quite a surreal setting’. Read about a hop to watch Hornsea Town (v Walkington AFC) in the Humber Premier League Premier Division played on 21/09/19…now uploaded to the Read Ramblings Reports page and index… Thursday 26th September – TT No.35: Keith Aslan – ‘The ground is about a 10- minute stroll from the station and is adjacent to the railway line with a terrific backdrop of the Peak District’. Cromford Canter! It’s another paper-chasing dream for Keith as he reports from his visit to watch Cromford & Wirksworth Town (v Thorne Colliery) in the Central Midlands League Cup tie played on 21/09/19…now added to the TT Reports page for 2019-20… Thursday 26th September – TT No.34: Steve Hardy – ‘It would be fair to say the ground is a work in progress at the moment.’ Steve heads to the outskirts of for his second game of the day and brings us an upbeat report from Golcar United (v AFC Darwen) in the North West Counties League First Division North played on 21/09/19…now added to the TT Reports page for 2019-20… Thursday 26th September – TT No.33: Steve Hardy – ‘…they play their home games at the Partington Sports Village in Partington, which is a small village to the south west of Manchester. This is a multi-pitch set up which includes a 3G pitch in a cage, although today’s game was played on a grass pitch’. For his first game of the day Steve reports from Salford City U18 (v Rochdale U18) in the EFL Youth Alliance U18 North West fixture played on 21/09/19…now added to the TT Reports page for 2019-20… Thursday 26th September - WebLog Update: Simple Pieman – Read all about Steve's visit to watch Olympiacos (v Tottenham Hotspur) in the UEFA Champion’s League Group Stage match played on 18/09/19……now uploaded to his excellent Weblog Pie and Mushy Peas at the following link/address: https://pieandmushypeas.blogspot.com/2019/09/olympiacos-fc.html Thursday 26th September – Latest Images: Steve Hardy – Check out Steve’s ace matchday photos from Golcar United (v AFC Darwen) in the North West Counties League First Division North played on 21/09/19…now added to the FGIF album gallery… Thursday 26th September – Latest Images: Steve Hardy – Partington Perambulation! For his first game of the day Steve brings us matchday photos from a hop to Salford City U18 (v Rochdale U18) in the EFL Youth Alliance U18 North West fixture played on 21/09/19…now added to the FGIF album gallery… Thursday 26th September – Latest Images: WebEd – View the ground, action and matchday photos from Hornsea Town (v Walkington AFC) in the Humber Premier League Premier Division played on 21/09/19…now uploaded to the FGIF album gallery… Friday 20th September – TT No.32: Steve Hardy – ‘The Stafford campus is full of red brick buildings with the football pitch located at the far end of the grounds behind the 6th form science block. No facilities at all by the pitch, of course, although it was roped off as per the competition rules’. Find out more about Steve’s local hop to watch Stafford Grammar School U18 (v GS U18) in ISFA Cup Round 1 tie played on 18/09/19…now uploaded to the TT Reports page for 2019-20… Friday 20th September – Latest Images: Steve Hardy – It’s back to school for Steve as he covers Stafford Grammar School U18 (v Wolverhampton GS U18) in ISFA Cup Round 1 tie played on 18/09/19…check out his awesome pictures now uploaded to the FGIF album gallery… Friday 20th September – R No.8: WebEd – ‘Visitors here will be well-impressed by this cracking ground’. Read about a hop to watch Northallerton Town (v Barnoldswick Town) in the FA Vase Second Qualifying Round tie played on 14/09/19…now added to the Read Ramblings Reports page and index… Friday 20th September – No.31: Keith Aslan – ‘…on a joyfully warm day there can't be any better way of spending a Saturday…’. Ducklington Drives! Check out Keith’s matchday review following the more than favourable official hop to watch Ducklington (v Wootton Sports) in the Witney & District League Division 2 fixture played on 14/09/19. Who’d be a referee though? Now uploaded to the TT Reports page for 2019-20… Friday 20th September – TT No.30: Steve Hardy – ‘I really liked the set up, and the behind the scenes staff were really friendly’. It’s FA Vase action for Steve as he attends Wythenshawe Amateurs (v Selby Town) in a Second Qualifying Round tie played on 14/09/19…check out his matchday report now added to the TT Reports page for 2019-20… Friday 20th September – TT No.29: Steve Hardy – ‘This is just a public Park really, with a kiddie’s play area, a dilapidated changing room block and a football pitch at the bottom of a suicidally-steep hill at the far end of the park’. For his first game of a Saturday Double in Steve reports from Hazel Grove (v Brownley Albion) in a Manchester Saturday Morning League Division One fixture played on 14/09/19…now added to the TT Reports page for 2019-20… Friday 20th September – Latest Images: Gary Spooner – It’s FA Vase action for Gary as he brings us plenty of superb photos from in Holmesdale (v Egham Town) in a Second Qualifying Round tie played on 14/09/19…now uploaded to the FGIF album gallery… Gary adds via E-Mail (sent on 15/09): ‘The magic of the Vase deserted us yesterday. The game at Holmesdale was dour and competitive with few highlights. Egham scored the only goal to progress on a red-hot afternoon’. Friday 20th September – Latest Images: WebEd – View the ground, action and matchday photos from Northallerton Town (v Barnoldswick Town) in the FA Vase Second Qualifying Round tie played on 14/09/19…now added to the FGIF album gallery… Friday 20th September – Latest Images: Steve Hardy – For the second game of his Stockport Hop Steve takes in the FA Vase match at Wythenshawe Amateurs (v Selby Town) in a Second Qualifying Round tie played on 14/09/19…check out his matchday photos now added to the FGIF album gallery… Friday 20th September – Latest Images: Steve Hardy – Stockport Hop Part One. Steve brings us some cracking matchday photos from a morning hop to Hazel Grove (v Brownley Albion) in a Manchester Saturday Morning League Division One fixture played on 14/09/19…now added to the FGIF album gallery… Friday 20th September – Latest Images: Richard Panter – Don’t miss Richard’s terrific ground, action and matchday photos from a hop to East Thurrock United (v Bognor Regis Town) in the Isthmian League Premier Division played on 14/09/19…now added to the FGIF album gallery… Friday 20th September – Latest Images: Steve Ayre – View the ground photo taken and sent DURING the game at Haddenham United (v Long Marston) in the Aylesbury & District League Presidents Cup Round 1 tie played on 14/09/19…now uploaded to the FGIF album gallery… Steve writes via Blue Mail (sent on 14/09: ‘Make your own stand at Haddenham United! President’s League Cup - HUFC v Long Marston at Woodways, Haddenham. Slightly smaller crowd than for my last game, the female Manchester Derby. This Aylesbury and District League presidents cup game played on a hot September day’. Friday 20th September - WebLog Update: Simple Pieman – Read all about Steve's visit to watch Banbury United (v Gainsborough Trinity) in the FA Cup 1st Qualifying Round tie played on 07/09/19……now uploaded to his excellent Weblog Pie and Mushy Peas at the following link/address: https://pieandmushypeas.blogspot.com/2019/09/banbury-united-fc.html Friday 13th September – R No.7: WebEd – ‘The Slazenger’s Sports Club is a multi- sport facility built in the 1940’s and has served the local community since with high grade sports facilities’. Read about a hop to watch Horbury Town (v Boroughbridge Town) in the West Yorkshire League Premier Division played on 07/09/19…now added to the Read Ramblings Reports page and index… Friday 13th September – TT No.28: Brian Buck – ‘This fully railed off ground is actually in a public park, but with a mixture of trees, a tarmacked footpath, a block of flats and the main road surrounding it, the venue felt more enclosed than it really is’. It’s a trip down to Hampshire for Brian as he takes in Bush Hill (v Fleetlands) in the League Senior Division fixture played on 07/09/19…now uploaded to the TT Reports page for 2019-20… Friday 13th September – TT No.27: Steve Hardy – ‘Just like every other school, college and University we passed whilst we were in the States, the UNCW set up is vast. A full baseball ground, athletics track, American football stadium as well as the ‘Soccer’ stadium which were all floodlit and played on a 4G pitch’. Read about Steve’s hop to watch University North Carolina Women (v Coastal Carolina Women) in the Colonial Athletics League fixture played on 29/08/19…now added to the TT Reports page for 2019-20… Friday 13th September – Latest News Eynesbury United FC (Cambridgeshire County League): Brian Buck – writes via E-Mail (sent on 10/09): ‘After the excitement of getting a 16-page programme last Friday watching Eynesbury United, I went back there tonight and there was no programme, so it seems that that are infrequent issuers. Tonight, they played in royal blue tops, rather than in pink and they won 5-2. So, everything was different!’. Friday 13th September – Latest Images: Steve Hardy – The American Dream! View the matchday photos from Steve’s trip to the United States for University North Carolina Women (v Coastal Carolina Women) in the Colonial Athletics League fixture played on 29/08/19…now added to the FGIF album gallery… Friday 13th September – TT No.26: Keith Aslan – ‘Pomphrey Park (is) the delightful setting for today’s entertainment. A large cultivated open space with the football ground near the entrance’. Mangotsfield Meanderings! Check out Keith’s uplifting report following a trip to watch Bromley Heath United (v Frampton United) in the Les James Cup played on 07/09/19… now added to the TT Reports page for 2019-20… Friday 13th September – Latest Images: Gary Spooner – Don’t miss Gary’s awesome photos from a trip to the outskirts of Glasgow for Cambuslang Rangers (v Arthurlie) in the Scottish JFA West Region Championship played on 07/09/19…now uploaded to the FGIF album gallery… Gary adds via E-Mail (sent on 08/09): ‘Trip to Scotland yesterday and a glorious sunny day. Decent game at Somervell Park where the crowd basking in the sun saw Arthurlie get three points with a 2-0 victory. Trains behaved and a good day was had’. Friday 13th September – Latest Images: WebEd – View the ground, action and matchday pictures from Horbury Town (v Boroughbridge Town) in the West Yorkshire League Premier Division played on 07/09/19…now added to the FGIF album gallery… Friday 13th September – Latest Images: Ian Brown – View the cracking matchday pictures from Ian’s trip to watch Portstewart (v Tobermore United) in the Northern Ireland Intermediate Football League played on 07/09/19…now uploaded to the FGIF album gallery… Ian adds via E-Mail (sent on 08/09): ‘Saturday 7th September 2019; Northern Ireland Intermediate Football League (3rd Tier); Portstewart 2 Tobermore United 2; Crowd: Peter-guestimate 120; Admission: £5 £3. Proverbial game of two halves. Tidy venue. Standing on club house side offers elevated views. Seated cover area straddles halfway line opposite the clubhouse. Hard standing on three sides. Quirky dugouts which are underneath the clubhouse. A very friendly club to visit’. Friday 13th September – R No.6: WebEd – ‘You pass the White Swan pub (surprise, surprise) in the centre of the village before turning right into the modern Leisure and Sports centre car park’. Read the report from Bubwith White Swan (v Wheldrake) in the York Football League Division Two played on 31/08/19…now added to the Read Ramblings Reports page and index… Friday 13th September – R No.5: WebEd – ‘…the club is also proud of its on-site facilities which include a superb new brick changing pavilion built four years ago now with the assistance of local funding and a welcomed Football Foundation grant’. Check out the report from Hessle Sporting Club (v Howden) in the Humber Premier League Division One played on 27/08/19…now uploaded to the Read Ramblings Reports page and index… Friday 13th September – R No.4: WebEd – ‘Situated at the end of a cul-de-sac the site is dominated by the large cantilever stand decked out neatly in contrasting blocks of seats sporting the club’s colours’. Read the report from a hop to watch Garforth Town AFC (v Colne) in the FA Cup Preliminary Round tie played on 24/08/19…now added to the Read Ramblings Reports page and index… Saturday 7th September – TT No.25: Brian Buck – ‘Eynesbury United are in effect a new club, playing at Eynesbury Rovers FC’. Friday evening footy fix! Check out Brian’s report from Eynesbury United (v Cherry Hinton) in the Cambs County League Premier Division played on 06/09/19…now added to the TT Reports page for 2019-20… Friday 6th September – TT No.24: Brian Buck – ‘Today’s match was played on the Stadium Pitch, which is in the middle of a six-lane running track, but viewing was not so distant as you might think. Also, it had a covered stand, no seats, but I reckon you could get 50 or so in there at a push’. It’s a hop on the banks of the River Thames (well almost) as Brian takes in Stonewall (v Larkspur Rovers) in the Cherry Red Books Middlesex County League Premier Division played on 31/08/19…now added to the TT Reports page for 2019-20… Friday 6th September – TT No.23: Keith Aslan – ‘The pitch is plastic and guess what, it's surrounded by a green fence, surprise, surprise. There is a covered area with seats just outside the enclosure which at a pinch would give you sight of the match and keep you dry’. Oracle Outings! Keith brings us the latest from his hop to watch Oracle Components (v St. Margaretsbury Reserves) in the Herts Senior County League Division 1 fixture played on 31/08/19…now uploaded to the TT Reports page for 2019-20… Friday 6th September – TT No.22: Brian Buck – ‘This match was played at The Recreation Ground, Islington Road in Towcester and as recreation grounds go, this was not an unattractive venue’. For his midweek footy fix Brian attends Towcester Town (v City Colts) in the North Bucks & District League played on 28/08/19…for more go to the TT Reports page for 2019-20… Friday 6th September – TT No.21: Brian Buck – ‘With temperatures into the thirties today I was fortunate that there was some shade to stand in here, under some trees’. Brian heads to the Scarning Playing Field for Dereham Taverners (v Watton United Reserves) in the Barnes Print Central & South Norfolk League Division 1. Read more by clicking on the TT Reports page for 2019-20… Friday 6th September – TT No.20: Steve Hardy – ‘The club plays on Station Road in Llanymynech and behind the village hall. No spectator facilities at all of course, just an un-roped pitch in the local park’. For his second game of the day Steve takes in Llanymynech (v Newtown Wanderers) in the Montgomeryshire League Division Two played on 24/08/19…now uploaded to the TT Reports page for 2019-20… Friday 6th September – TT No.19: Steve Hardy – ‘The venue for is this actually called the Lythwood Sports Complex which consists of a bowling green and two football pitches’. Check out the first game in Steve’s Saturday Double with a hop to watch Town Supporters Club FC (v Bury Supporters FC) in the Internet Football League played on 24/08/19…read about his trip by clicking on the TT Reports page for 2019-20… Friday 6th September – Latest Images: Gary Spooner – Don’t miss Gary’s awesome photos from a cracking high-scoring hop to Lydd Town (v Raynes Park Vale) in the FA Vase 1st Qualifying Round tie played on 31/08/19…now uploaded to the FGIF album gallery… Gary adds (enthusiastically) via E-Mail (sent on 01/09): ‘I attended my first ever football match in 1970 and I've been to many games since. Before yesterday, in all those games I had never seen a 5 all draw. For my footie fix yesterday I was accompanied by three members of The Welsh & The Scouse. The members of this inveterate travelling triumvirate had also never seen a 5-5 draw. We all have now! It was a long haul to Lydd and the traffic was not great which meant that we arrived too late for a leisurely stroll along the beach. After parking up we were warmly greeted and welcomed to Lydd. The friendliness of the locals was evident throughout the day. The game started in windy conditions and within 3 minutes it was 1 each. Definitely a sign of things to come. After 10 minutes the Raynes Park Vale keeper was sent off and a defender donned the jersey. After 20 minutes it was 2-2. A frenetic first half ended with Lydd 3-2 up. The second half started and Lydd went 4-2 up. Surely the 10 men would now capitulate? No way! Two late goals made it 4-4 and meant extra time. Lydd again took the lead in the first half of extra time but with just a few minutes of the match left Raynes Park Vale made it 5 all. An absolutely brilliant match. It was most definitely the magic of the Vase yesterday!!!!!!!!’. Friday 6th September – Latest Images: Richard Panter – Check out Richard’s excellent matchday pictures from a hop Wythenshawe Town (v Goole AFC) in the FA Vase 1st Qualifying Round played on 31/08/19…now added to the FGIF album gallery… Friday 6th September – Latest Images: WebEd – View the ground, action and matchday photos from Bubwith White Swan (v Wheldrake) in the York Football League Division Two played on 31/08/19…now added to the FGIF album gallery… Friday 6th September - WebLog Update: Simple Pieman – Read all about Steve's visit to watch Western Super Mare (v Poole) in the Southern League Premier Division South played on 24/08/19……now uploaded to his excellent Weblog Pie and Mushy Peas at the following link/address: https://pieandmushypeas.blogspot.com/2019/08/weston-super-mare-afc.html Friday 6th September – Latest Images: Ian Brown – It’s a trip down to Woking for Ian as he takes in Knaphill (v Fareham Town) in the FA Cup Preliminary Round tie played on 24/08/19…now added to the FGIF album gallery… Ian writes via E-Mail (sent on 27/08): ‘Saturday 24th August: FA Cup - Knaphill v Fareham Town 0-1; Attendance: 109; Admission: £8 (adult) £4 (conc); Programme: £2; Refreshments: Tea, Coffee etc £1. A deserved win for visitors whose margin of victory would have been greater if it had not been a missed penalty. Game started at decent pace but slowed as it progressed due to the heat. Tidy little set up. Thanks to Harry for driving and Peter’s usual patter’. Friday 6th September – Latest Images: WebEd – Ground, action and matchday pictures from Hessle Sporting Club (v Howden) in the Humber Premier League Division One played on 27/08/19…now added to the FGIF album gallery… Friday 6th September – Latest Images: Steve Hardy – Saturday Double Hop! Check out Steve’s cracking pictures from Shrewsbury Town Supporters Club FC (v Bury Supporters FC) in the Internet Football League and Llanymynech (v Newtown Wanderers) in the Montgomeryshire League Division Two both played on 24/08/19…both sets now uploaded to the FGIF album gallery Friday 6th September – Latest Images: WebEd – View the ground, action and matchday photos from a hop to watch Garforth Town AFC (v Colne) in the FA Cup Preliminary Round tie played on 24/08/19…now uploaded to the FGIF album gallery… Friday 6th September - WebLog Update: Simple Pieman – Read all about Steve's visit to watch Taffs Well (v University) in the Cymru South played on 23/08/19……now uploaded to his excellent Weblog Pie and Mushy Peas at the following link/address: https://pieandmushypeas.blogspot.com/2019/08/taffs- well-fc.html Friday 23rd August – TT No.18: Steve Hardy – ‘What is the most difficult to find ground you have ever visited? My answer is this one!’. Read more about Steve’s review from his trip to watch Stone Outlanes (v Canal Tavern) in a Pre-Season Friendly played last night…now added to the TT Reports page for 2019-20… Friday 23rd August – Latest Images: Steve Hardy – Sunday on a Thursday! View Steve’s ace pictures from a midweek visit to Stone Outlanes (v Canal Tavern) in a Pre-Season Friendly played on 22/08/19…now added to the FGIF album gallery… Friday 23rd August – R No.3: WebEd – ‘Like many grounds in this top division, it has a neat post and rail fence around its perimeter to give it a nice fully enclosed feel’. Read about a hop to watch Thorpe United (v Sporting Knavesmire) in the York Football League Premier Division played on 17/08/19…now uploaded to the Read Ramblings Reports page and index… Friday 23rd August – TT No.17: Brian Buck – ‘It’s a rather large complex and there were at least four or five full sized pitches in it. However, the one today’s game took place on was fully railed off, just ten days prior to this game, as a surprised home official told me’. Find out more about Brian’s hop to the East Midlands for Bottesford (v St Andrews Reserves) in the Everards Brewery Leicestershire Senior League Division 2 played on 17/08/19…now uploaded to the TT Reports page for 2019-20… Friday 23rd August – TT No.16: Steve Hardy – ‘News of this programme spread throughout the groundhopping community like wildfire, and I would guess that at least 30 of the 37 spectators were ‘hoppers’. Read about Steve’s programme- induced hop for the eagerly awaited debut fixture at Madelely White (v Cheadle Town Reserves) in the Staffordshire County League Division Two played on 17/08/19…now added to the TT Reports page for 2019-20… Friday 23rd August – Latest Images: Gary Spooner – Don’t miss Gary’s awesome matchday photos from a high-scoring Hull derby hop featuring Hall Road Rangers (v East Hull) in the Northern Counties East League Division One fixture played on 17/08/19…now uploaded to the FGIF album gallery… Gary writes via E-Mail (sent on 18/08): ‘Mandy and I visited Wray country yesterday. Pre-match entertainment was a gentle stroll along Withernsea beach. Then it was onward to Haworth Park where Hall Road Rangers won a very one- sided game against East Hull 9-0. Plenty of goals but little in the way of a competitive match. I'd much prefer a fiercely contested 0-0!’. Friday 23rd August – Latest Images: Steve Hardy – Check out Steve’s cracking pictures from Madelely White Star (v Cheadle Town Reserves) in the Staffordshire County League Division Two played on 17/08/19…now added to the FGIF album gallery… Friday 23rd August – Latest Images: WebEd – View the ground, action and matchday pictures from a hop to watch Thorpe United (v Sporting Knavesmire) in the York Football League Premier Division played on 17/08/19…now uploaded to the FGIF album gallery… Friday 16th August – East Hull FC News: WebEd – After attending the East Hull v North Ferriby NCEL Division One fixture played at Dunswell Park on Saturday 10/08/19, the following article concerning the much publicised £5K raffle draw prize appeared in the Hull Daily Mail two days later (on Mon 12/08). Some readers may like to read a copy of it: click here for more . Friday 16th August – R No.2: WebEd – Check out a report following a memorable trip to watch East Hull (v North Ferriby) in the Northern Counties East League Division One played on 10/08/19…now added to the Read Ramblings Reports page and index… Thursday 15th August – R No.1: WebEd – ‘Visitors to the Easy Buy Stadium will discover that this is one of most friendly and proactive clubs in the NCEL’. Read about a hop to watch to Barton Town (v Yorkshire Amateur) in the Northern Counties East League Premier Division played on 03/08/19…now uploaded to the Read Ramblings Reports page and index… Thursday 15th August – TT No.15: Keith Aslan – ‘You can get a picture of what the ground is like, plastic of course, so it has to be surrounded by a green mesh fence. Plenty of spectator room on three sides with a stand due to be erected when finances permit’. Liverpool Loiterings. Keith travels up to Merseyside for some nostalgia and to visit South Liverpool (v Maghull) in the West Cheshire League Division One played on 10/08/19…now added to the TT Reports page for 2019-20. Thursday 15th August – TT No.14: Steve Hardy – ‘At present they have a decent sized stand along one side of the pitch, with a covered standing area behind the goal nearest the entrance’. Second game of the day. It’s FA Cup action as Steve makes the short journey to watch Charnock Richard (v Lower Breck) in the Extra Preliminary Round tie played on 10/08/19. Click on the TT Reports page for 2019- 20 for more… Thursday 15th August – TT No.13: Steve Hardy – ‘I was really impressed by this Academy. Loads of pitches available, including a floodlit 3G pitch next to lake car park’. For the first game of his Lancashire Saturday Double Steve watches Bolton Wanderers U18 (or should that be U16?!) (v Watford U18) in the U18 Professional Development League – North played on 10/08/19…now uploaded to the TT Reports page for 2019-20. Thursday 15th August – TT No.12: Brian Buck – ‘This was far more than a friendly as in reality, as the colourful 8-page programme revealed…’. A hop with a difference and for an excellent cause. Brian takes in a game at RAF Regiment Honington (v Thetford Town Reserves) in a Charity Friendly Match played on 07/08/19…now added to the TT Reports page for 2019-20. Thursday 15th August – TT No.11: Brian Buck – ‘Although this is a new football ground, it actually had a bit of a ‘lived in’ look about it. This is because it was the former home of Farnham Rugby Club’. New Ground Alert! Read all about Brian’s trip to watch Badshot Lea (v Frimley Green) in the Cherry Red Records Combined Counties League Premier Division fixture played on 06/08/19…now uploaded to the TT Reports page for 2019-20. Thursday 15th August – TT No.10: Brian Buck – ‘…the ground is of major historical significance, in that it once staged League football’. Check out Brian’s memorable visit to watch Bakewell Town v Pinxton in the Abacus Lighting Central Midlands League Chairman’s Cup played at Peel Croft home of Burton Club on 03/08/19 by going to the TT Reports page for 2019-20. Thursday 15th August – TT No.9: Keith Aslan – ‘Winches Field or Altera Stadium as it is now known is a 12-minute walk from the station, plenty of seats and cover on three sides of the ground all built without recourse to the Atcost shop’. Herne Hikes! It’s definitely a case of blood, sweat and tears as Keith defies doctor’s orders for his footy fix and bring us his must see report from Herne Bay (v Witham) in a Pre-Season Friendly played on 03/08/19…read more about his epic hop by clicking on the TT Reports page for 2019-20. Thursday 15th August – Latest Images: Steve Hardy – Lancashire Double! Steve heads north up the M6 for his chosen games at: Bolton Wanderers U18 (v Watford U18) in the U18 Professional Development League – North) and Charnock Richard (v Lower Breck) in the FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round both played on 10/08/19…both sets now added to the FGIF album gallery…’ Thursday 15th August – Latest Images: Richard Panter – It’s another Saturday Double Hop in Kent. Star snapper Richard brings us some terrific matchday pictures from Punjab United (v Broadbridge Heath) in the FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round and Rochester United (v SC Thamesmead) in the Southern Counties East League Division One both played on 10/08/19…both sets now added to the FGIF album gallery… Richard writes via E-Mail (sent on 11/08): ‘Please find some pictures from Punjab United v Broadbridge Heath, FA Cup extra preliminary round. Score 0-1. This was played in a gale! Felt sorry for the home side who were exceedingly friendly as were their fans. It was a 12.30 kick off which left us enough time to get to our second game in time enough to secure the second and third last programmes at Rochester United (v SC Thamesmead; Southern Counties East League; 2-1)’. Thursday 15th August – Latest Images: WebEd – View the ground, action and matchday photos from East Hull (v North Ferriby) in the Northern Counties East League Division One played on 10/08/19…now added to the FGIF album gallery… Thursday 15th August – Latest Images: Gary Spooner – Cracking Kent Double! Our super snapper Gary brings us loads of superb ground, action and matchday pictures from his trip to Kent for Punjab United (v Broadbridge Heath) in the FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round and Rochester United (v SC Thamesmead) in the Southern Counties East League Division One both played on 10/08/19…both sets now uploaded to the FGIF album gallery… Gary writes via E-Mail (sent on 11/08): ‘It was a Kent double for me yesterday. Plenty of other hoppers also took advantage of an early kick off in Gravesend as the first ever FA Cup game for Punjab United was being streamed live by the BBC. From there it was a short journey for my second game at Rochester United. Very friendly welcome at both clubs and given the conditions (windy at Rochester, very windy at Punjab) the games were better than expected’. Thursday 15th August – Latest Images: Ian Brown – Don’t miss Ian’s ace ground photos from his second hop of the day taken at Kirby Muxloe (v Stapenhill) in the Midland Football League Division One played on 03/08/19…now uploaded to the FGIF gallery… Thursday 15th August – Latest Images: Ian Brown – Check out Ian’s superb ground pictures on a visit to Peel Croft home of Burton RUFC for Netherseal St Peters v Renishaw Rangers in the Central Midlands League Invitational Cup Final played on 03/08/19…now added to the FGIF album gallery… Ian adds via E-Mail (sent on 04/08): ‘Saturday August 3rd 2019... Netherseal St Peters 1 Renishaw Rangers 3 played at @ Peel Croft, Burton RUFC...K-Off: 12pm; Admn: £5/£3; Programme: £2; Coffee: £2’. Thursday 15th August – Latest Images: WebEd – View the ground, action and matchday photos from a hop to Barton Town (v Yorkshire Amateur) in the Northern Counties East League Premier Division played on 03/08/19…now uploaded to the FGIF album gallery… Friday 2nd August – The New Season 2019-20: WebEd – On behalf of the FGIF team - Welcome back. I hope that you all had a wonderful summer break and are now looking forward to another exciting new football season. After all that sofa- surfing watching a festival of televised sport it will be nice to get off the settee and back on the road (by car and bus) or rail again to watch some live football and of course tick off some more important new grounds along the way. With so much to look forward to it goes without saying that here at FGIF we would love to share your news, reports and ground pictures. If you have been to see a great game or visited a cracking little ground that you think might be of interest to other fans then please get in touch. From the humble roped off pitch to the hi-tech international stadium it doesn’t matter, you can send us an e-mail, use our IMS service or even a post a tweet. You can be sure that our dedicated team of snappers and roving reporters will certainly bring you the very best coverage from matches and grounds visited on their travels up and down the country. I really hope that you will share a great season with us wherever you go. In the mean-time please find below details and contributions covering the very latest news updates, TT reports and photo albums featuring a number of Pre-Season matches attended during the last few weeks. Best wishes, Martin and the rest of the FGIF team Friday 2nd August – Website Updates: WebEd – over the summer months the following updates covering last season’s photo albums, TT reports and news items have been made: (1) The Complete A2Z Ground Club Photo Index – this has been updated to show an additional 200 albums added to the site/album gallery from last season. The anorak in you may be may be interested to learn that we now have 5843 albums in the index (and gallery) giving a total of 105304 photos and covering 3472 separate clubs/grounds; (2) The TT Reports and TT Index for 2018-19 have now been added to the TT Archive in the Reports Section of the site and (3) The Inbox Updates page for 2018-19 has been added to the News Updates menu page. Friday 2nd August – UK Non-League Football Programme Database: Steve Hardy - Our outstanding contributor, programme guru, super hopper and dedicated archivist has now COMPLETELY UPDATED all sections of his extensive UK Non- League Football Programme Database featuring 1000's of clubs covering English, Scottish, Welsh, Northern Irish, Ladies, School and Youth and Sunday football. The impressive catalogue lists include EVERY KNOWN CLUB THAT HAS ISSUED up to the end of the 2018-19 season. Reference to any alterations/additions since last year's database are handily highlighted in red ink for ease of identification. As you will appreciate an incredible amount of work has gone into making this possible and we are indebted to Steve for his painstaking efforts. You'll agree it's an absolutely fantastic resource for programme collectors and ground hoppers alike. To find out more click on the following link: http://footballgroundsinfocus.com/UKPDBHome.htm Friday 2nd August – Bedfordshire County Football League Hop News: Brian Buck - writes (via E-Mail sent on 21/07): ‘The Bedfordshire County Football League Hop takes place on Saturday 12th October 2019 and the provisional line-up features visits to Real Haynes FC, Stopsley United FC and Lancot Park FC. Fixtures to follow in due course’. Friday 2nd August – Ground News – Spurs Women: Brian Buck – writes (via E-Mail sent on 07/07): ‘Contrary to the rumours I heard that Spurs Women may be playing their home games at Haringey Borough FC this season, it has now been confirmed that they will be at The Hive, home of Barnet FC, instead’. Friday 2nd August - WebLog Update: Simple Pieman – Read all about Steve's visit to watch Hamilton Academical (v Queens Park) in the Scottish Football League Betfred League Cup Group F tie played on 13/07/19……now uploaded to his excellent Weblog Pie and Mushy Peas at the following link/address: https://pieandmushypeas.blogspot.com/2019/07/hamilton-academical-fc.html Friday 2nd August – TT No.8: Steve Hardy – ‘The Cheslyn Hay Leisure Centre…houses a floodlit 3G pitch in a cage, yet isn’t used by any local clubs as I understand it is too short for FA approval’. Not the best of Games! Steve has a wretched day on his travels to watch Wyrley United (v Coven Athletic) in a Pre- Season fixture played on 27/07/19…now added to the TT Reports page for 2019-20. Friday 2nd August – TT No.7: Brian Buck – ‘Fyfield’s ground is quite a nice venue for football. The modern and spacious looking village hall flanked the football pitch, which was very green and flat’. For his second game of the day Brian travels to watch Ongar Town (v Buckhurst Hill) in a Friendly Match played at Fyfield on 20/07/19… now uploaded to the TT Reports page for 2019-20. Friday 2nd August – TT No.6: Brian Buck – ‘…basically a pitch hewn out of a field full of long grass. In one corner there were some newish looking wooden changing rooms, complete with an overhang, to shelter under should there be rain’. North Hertfordshire Hop! For Part One of an exciting Saturday Double Brian attends Weston (v Foxton) in a Friendly Match played on 20/07/19…now added to the TT Reports page for 2019-20. Friday 2nd August – TT No.5: Steve Hardy – ‘Quite when the club will be able to start playing all their games at Trentmill Road, I don’t know. It looks pretty good to me already, with a railed off pitch, a tea bar and a super clubhouse’. Steve heads to Stoke for the Pre-Season Friendly at Eastwood Hanley Development (v Leek CSOB Reserves) played on 20/07/19…for more click on the TT Reports page for 2019-20 Friday 2nd August – TT No.4: Keith Aslan – ‘I liked the ground, a very large clubhouse behind the near goal, two small examples of Atcost architecture along the left-hand side and another one behind the far goal but the piece-de-resistance is the capacious stand straddling the right-hand touchline…’. Horsham Hop! New Ground Alert! Our roving reporter Keith takes in Horsham (v Crawley) for a Pre- Season Friendly played on 20/07/19. Go to the TT Reports page for 2019-20 for more. Friday 2nd August – TT No.3: Steve Hardy – ‘The attraction of this game was, once again, an obscure venue that I had never heard of before’. Steve heads to the Hilton Park Community Centre in the Lanesfield area of Wolverhampton for his footy fix featuring Gornal Athletic (v Coven Athletic) in a Pre-Season Friendly played on 16/07/19…now added to the TT Reports page for 2019-20. Friday 2nd August – TT No.2: Brian Buck – ‘I’m told that it is or was known locally as the ‘Tidy Tip’ ground, because of its close proximity to the local Tidy Tip and I recall that Ampthill Athletic FC used to play here’. Brian makes a rare visit to a new ground in Bedfordshire with a hop to watch Ampthill Town U18 (v Ampthill Town Development) for a Friendly Match played on 03/07/19…now uploaded to the TT Reports page for 2019-20. Friday 2nd August – TT No.1: Steve Hardy – ‘This turned out to be yet another 3G pitch in a cage, but none the worse for that. The crowd of 5 were able to watch the match from a balcony overlooking the pitch (and) were allowed to go inside the cage’. It’s a hop to the Heartlands Academy in Birmingham for Steve as he takes in Birmingham Tigers (v Bolehall Swifts) in a Pre-Season Friendly played on 06/07/19…now added to the TT Reports page for 2019-20. Friday 2nd August – Latest Images: Ian Brown – Ayrshire coast cup tie trip! View Ian’s terrific ground photos from Irvine Victoria (v Troon) in the SJFA West Championship Group 2 Sectional League cup tie played on 27/07/19…now added to the FGIF album gallery… Ian writes via E-Mail (sent on 29/07): ‘Saturday 27th July 2019 - Irvine Victoria 1 Troon 4; Group 2 Sectional League Cup (West Region); Admission: £6/Conc.£3; Programme: £1; Refreshments: Pie & Drink - £2. Thank you to 'Pixel Perfection'/Lens-meister-in-Chief from the FGIF parish Gary Spooner for providing the transport for the founder members of the Merseyside bus pass brigade football tourist mafia (MBPBFTM) - Peter Leigh, Harry Merry and me up to the North Ayrshire Coast. Victoria Park is set below the main train line between Glasgow and Ayr. Spectator facilities are confined to two sides with the other two being hemmed in by the railway and an expanse of land with a training pitch offering a view of the hills lying further north. There are a couple of bits of terracing and two covered enclosures down one side. A tidy compact venue’. Friday 2nd August – Latest Images: Steve Hardy – Check out Steve’s ace matchday photos from an uninspiring hop to Wyrley United (v Coven Athletic) in a Pre- Season fixture played on 27/07/19…now added to the FGIF album gallery… Steve adds via E-Mail (sent on 28/07): ‘Please find a report and a few photos from a thoroughly depressing afternoon in Cheslyn Hay yesterday’. Friday 2nd August – Latest Images: Steve Hardy – Hoping for better times ahead! Steve heads to Trentmill Road (a former NPL ground) for his footy fix as he takes in Eastwood Hanley Development (v Leek CSOB Reserves) in a Pre-Season Friendly played on 20/07/19…now added to the FGIF album gallery… Friday 2nd August – Latest Images: Ian Brown – It’s a local match for Ian as he takes in Heswall (v Witton Albion U21) in a Pre-Season Friendly played on 17/07/19…now uploaded to the FGIF album gallery… Friday 2nd August – Latest Images: Steve Hardy – View Steve’s matchday photos from a trip to watch Gornal Athletic (v Coven Athletic) in a Pre-Season Friendly played on 16/07/19…now added to the FGIF album gallery… Friday 2nd August – Latest Images: Ian Brown – Don’t miss Ian’s cracking ground pictures following a Scottish trip to Glasgow for Benburb (v Stranraer) in a Pre- Season Friendly and Partick Thistle (v Airdrieonians) in the both played on 13/07/19…both sets now uploaded to the FGIF album gallery… Ian writes via E-Mail (sent on 15/07): ‘Bet Fred Cup - 13th July 2019; Partick Thistle 1 Airdrieonians 0; Attendance: 2241; Admission: £12; Programme: £2. Decent venue, three sided, a mixture of new and traditional at the ground closest to Glasgow City centre. Scruffy own goal won it deservedly for hosts; final ball let the visitors down in dangerous areas of the pitch’. Friday 2nd August – Latest Images: Steve Hardy – Check out Steve’s superb matchday photos from a hop to watch Birmingham Tigers (v Bolehall Swifts) in a Pre-Season Friendly played on 06/07/19…now added to the FGIF album gallery... Friday 2nd August – Latest Images: Ian Brown – View the Ian’s ace ground photos covering his early pre-season matches at: Chirk Town (v Plas Madoc) and Cerrig-y- Drudion (v Caeryws) both played on 29/06/19; Holywell Town (v Runcorn Town) on 03/07/19 and Chester Nomads (v Rhos Aelwyd) on 06/07/19…all now uploaded to the FGIF album gallery…

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