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Pyramid Patrol 2017/18
Topic Started: Sunday, 30. July 2017, 14:26 (32,819 Views)
Jim Carr Fan Club
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Monday 9th April 2018
Evo-Stik Division 1N
Brighouse Town 1 v 0 Mossley
Johnathon Bickerdike (Leeds); Akeel Ahmed, James Price.

The Brighouse team selection was more encouraging and though Mossley looked marginally stronger, the first quarter was open and relatively even: Brighouse headed over from a corner and on 17 minutes Mossley shot wide when the Town keeper could only parry the ball. Things changed on 27 minutes when a Mossley attacker was allowed to get goal-side of the defender, who pulled him back. Mr Bickerdike was quick to take control of the situation, correctly producing a red card and off trotted the home number 3. For the rest of the half Mossley used their numerical advantage well, without managing to make it count in terms of goals.

The same pattern continued after the break and there were yellow cards for the home number 17 for a trip on the hour and for their resident card-collector, back from suspension again, though not for his normal type of foul, but rather a clumsy effort as he clutched a certain tender part of his anatomy that had been on the receiving end of a firmly-struck ball a minute previously.When the Brighouse keeper, who had an excellent game, made a brilliant save on 81 minutes, thoughts began to form that Town might just cling on for a point. A minute later they won a corner and took the lead, desperate work against a fading Mossley side enabling them to hang on to all three points. The gap has now stretched to 10 points, with Goole having five matches to play.

Some years ago Mr Bickerdike appeared somewhat hesitant and lacking in confidence, but things have certainly changed. He was loud and confident in his vocal input, strong on praise where appropriate and his sanctions were correct. His triage was generally sound and, if odd things possibly slipped through the net, his decisive manner provided few grounds for contestation and decisions were accepted without argument. A good effort indeed! One final note - it was a pity to see Mr Price on the line rather than in the middle, but he appeared to be enjoying himself, despite the dismal weather.
Edited by Jim Carr Fan Club, Thursday, 12. April 2018, 09:19.
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Wednesday 11th April 2018
NCEL Premier
Albion Sports 3 v 0 AFC Mansfield
Conor Brown (Rochdale); Ian Muncaster, David Chisnall.

Table-topping - but somewhat obstreperous - Mansfield started strongly, penning Albion on their own half for the first fifteen minutes. One of their officials declared - probably correctly - that if they scored one, they would get five. Sadly we never got to find out. On the quarter hour Albion at last broke free, launching a strong run, but finally shooting over the bar. So annoyed were the visiting bosses at this impertinence that Mr Brown sprinted over to warn one of them. Albion went ahead on quarter time, adding a second two minutes later. Mr Brown allowed Albion an advantage, the player surging forward 50 yards before losing possession - only to be rebuked for not giving the free-kick. Unsurprisingly, moments later he whistled immediately for a free-kick and Albion were annoyed that advantage had not been allowed. Mr Brown looked apologetic, JCFC rather thought it served them right. There was a caution for a foul by the Mansfield number 2, a warning for their gobby number 9 for dissent (Mr Brown had actually had his back to a spot of timewasting by Albion defenders - walking the ball forward before a restart kick) and moments later an indisputable yellow for the Mansfield number 8 for a loud outburst of dissent, clearly audible from 60 yards away. At the break representations were made by both sides to the officials - undeservedly so.

The best moment of the evening came just before the restart, when a home official arrived in the stand with a tray of warm sausage rolls, insisting that JCFC take two. No second invitation was needed.

The visiting number 11 was soon cautioned for a studs-first challenge and his side escaped with a corner when a shot was blocked onto the crossbar. Mansfield pressed to get back into the game, but on 59 minutes their striker got goalside and was pushed from behind, just short of the area, the Mansfield number 5 receiving - and accepting - a red card. He soon had company, number 2 joining him for a second yellow just two minutes later. Things were becoming a little fractious: an apparent dive by the Albion number 10 drew an angry response from the Mansfield number 7 and there was a moment or two of silliness between them, wisely, perhaps, ignored by the officials before the Albion number 11 was cautioned for a trip, Mansfield's number 9 following him a minute later. By now Mansfield were chasing shadows and Albion missed several chances, but did score their third - set up by a crafty backheel.

It had not been the easiest of games for Mr Brown, but once again he stuck to his guns and did a good job - though the Mansfield boss was probably slightly less convinced at the end. The second half appeared to end a shade prematurely, but this allowed JCFC to catch the bus and be home well before eleven.
Edited by Jim Carr Fan Club, Thursday, 12. April 2018, 10:11.
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paulfootballfan
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Sat 14th April
Wimborne Town 1 v 1 Taunton Town
Southern League West
Ref-Martin Underhay (Weymouth) Assistants-Robert Finn and John Foster

A very pleasant afternoon with the sun shining and clear blue skies. Taunton have already won the league whilst Wimborne could still get the second automatic place. Taunton started well with their 7 heading a corner wide and their 9 shooting over. Taunton took the lead after 20 minutes when their 3 scored with a shot from outside the area. Wimborne’s 9 shot wide but Mr Finn already had his flag up for offside. Taunton’s 8 and 7 were spoken to for separate offences and then Taunton had a shot saved. Wimborne equalised after 29 minutes when their 5 headed in a free kick. Taunton’s 9 was spoken to after committing a foul with Mr Underhay leaving a few seconds before blowing for the free kick as Wimborne still had the ball but weren’t really going anywhere. Wimborne’s 11 shot over after a nice build up. Taunton’s 7 was booked for a high boot/dissent. Mr Finn flagged for a Wimborne offside but I don’t think Mr Underhay saw him as Taunton attacked and eventually Mr Finn lowered his flag.

The start for the second half was slightly delayed as the Taunton goalie had not reappeared when Mr Underhay was about to restart the match. Taunton’s 2 had a cross shot saved. Wimborne’s 10 shot wide and then Taunton had a corner hit someone and fall into the Wimborne goalies arms. A Taunton defender looked to have handled the ball from where I was stood but think it may have been on a blind side for all the officials with the Wimborne attacker stopping to appeal and if he had carried on might have been through. Taunton were unhappy after an offside was given against them. Wimborne’s 9 shot over and Taunton’s 4 headed into the roof of the net. Wimborne’s 5 was booked for a late tackle, Taunton’s 2 shot over and late in the game Wimborne’s 2 was booked for pulling back a Taunton player as he attacked. With Salisbury winning who are second and Bristol Manor Farm also winning and going above Wimborne this was not the best result for them but of course the best third placed team at this level gets automatically promoted too.

Nothing obviously wrong with Mr Underhay’s decisions that he had views of. Called players over to show them the cards then let them go as he noted number. Moved forwards at goal kicks and movement overall was okay. Positioning seemed okay though didn’t seem to take wide positions or work right into the corners. A change of pace on occasions but did seem a bit behind play when it broke. Made sure free kicks were taken from the right places if the teams tried to encroach and signalled and used his whistle to show where he wanted throw ins to be taken from. Always tried to allow advantages to be played. An audible voice and heard plenty of vocal encouragement and also notice some interaction with the players. Stayed close to the players after the goals but didn’t encourage them back. Did move towards the Taunton goalie a few times in the first half when he was being slow taking a goal kick and was about to blow for him to hurry late in the game but when he saw the whistle near Mr Underhay’s mouth he started to jog. Not much head hair between the 3 officials. Both assistant’s looked to get their decisions right with Mr Foster signalling for fouls close to him and Mr Finn offered some verbal encouragement to the players when close to him.
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watchingtoomuchtelly
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. Called players over to show them the cards then let them go as he noted number.

Incorrect caution procedure?

used his whistle to show where he wanted throw ins to be taken from

Overuse of whistle?
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Well JCFC got it wrong again - pause required to allow readers to recover from the surprise? No, thought not. With no prospect of anything for Brighouse at Scarborough, the trip was made instead to see Goole go down at

Saturday 14th April 2018
Evo-Stik Division 1 North
Clitheroe 1 v 2 Goole
Mark Reeves; Tom Elliott, Oliver Noonan.

Clitheroe were accompanied onto the field by a number of tiny mascots: Mr Noonan duly bent double to shake hands; Mr Reeves would doubtless have followed suit, but as previously noted, he did not have so far to bend; the beanpole Mr Elliott settled instead for holding his arm down for a fist bump.

Goole made a decent start, putting a diving header wide, but Clitheroe came into the game after ten minutes. There were chances at either end, largely through defensive lapses, but the keepers did well, the visiting one in particular making a number of great saves - and when he did finally miss one, Clitheroe's header came back off the bar and he made a further good save.

Two minutes after the restart further defensive shortcomings left the Goole number 10 clear to lift the ball gently over the keeper and give the visitors the lead. On 57 minutes a collision in the box saw Clitheroe appealing for a penalty, quickly rejected, with little complaint. A promising attack by Clitheroe was stopped by Mr Noonan's offside flag: to JCFC, in line, it looked onside, but that was an impression rather than a certainty as it was tight, so Mr Noonan gets the benefit of the doubt. A below par Clitheroe did look for the equaliser, without coming close to finding it and left themselves stretched at the back. On 84 minutes Goole took advantage, Mr Elliott's confident flag indicating that the defender's clearance off the line gad come too late. Goole players developed injuries at almost every stoppage, resulting eventually in a caution for their number 4, who having been helped to his feet went down again as Mr Reeves ran into position. He may have been a shade unlucky as he had to be replaced with cramp, but he had been the one thorn, or little prickle at least, in Mr Reeves's flesh all afternoon. Clitheroe did get one back through a stoppage time penalty - again, with no complaints. On 94 minutes there was an almost identical repeat of the earlier offside decision: JCFC saw it coming and was certain the attacker was not offside. Maybe that was an error of perception as discussed elsewhere, but Mr Noonan will be scrutinised carefully in future!

Three weeks ago at Colne, JCFC thought that Mr Reeves had a good game. This time it was different - he was excellent. His decisions were very sharp, missing little or nothing and making every effort to combat timewasting. His coverage of the ground was superb and his manner good, with many "thanks" - although he was rather brusque with the departing player at a stoppage-time substitution, deservedly so. Not so much "a poor man's Alan Young" as suggested last time, but "an Alan Young for a person of comfortable means." With luck he may go on to make similar upward moves.

One thing JCFC did get right - Brighouse were tonked at Scarborough and remain in danger. It is to be hoped that Clitheroe put in an equally mediocre display on Monday night!
Edited by Jim Carr Fan Club, Sunday, 15. April 2018, 14:22.
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paulfootballfan
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Sun 15th April
London Bees 1 v 3 Durham Women
The FA WSL 2
Ref-Michael Chard Assistants-Martyn Cannon and Babajide Ogunba

The first chance fell to Durham when their 17 shot at the London Bees goalie. Durham’s goalie saved with her legs when a London Bees free kick was headed on. Durham had a penalty shout when one of their players went down under pressure from a London Bees defender but Mr Chard waved away their appeals and to me there didn’t look an obvious foul. London Bees 17 had a long range shot go wide. Durham’s 3 was spoken to after a foul. Durham opened the scoring when their 6 headed in a corner with the London Bees goalie coming out for the ball and missing it. London Bees 4 headed a cross over. Durham’s 3 was booked after she lunged in to a tackle and caught the London Bees player. Durham’s 9 shot wide when clean through. Just before half time Durham extended their lead when their 7 scored direct from a free kick from the edge of the area.

Durham had an early second half chance when their 17 had a shot saved onto the post with the ball coming back to the goalie. Mr Chard had a word with London Bees 15 and 17 but I am not certain what about. Durham scored their third after 48 minutes when their 17 finished low into the net when through. Durham’s 14 was booked for pulling back an opponent and it took a bit of whistle blowing from Mr Chard to get her to come back to be booked. Mr Chard had a word with the Durham 17 and captain after a foul. London Bees 4 had a low shot saved for a corner. Durham’s 7 shot at the London Bees goalie. Durham’s 9 and a London Bees player got into an altercation when the London Bees player was on the ground but Mr Chard calmed the silliness that followed quickly and after a word with Mr Cannon gave London Bees a free kick. London Bees were awarded a penalty when a cross hit the raised arm of a Durham defender with Mr Ogunba flagging for the penalty. The penalty was scored low into the net by London Bees 9 after 75 minutes. The final chance fell to Durham’s 22 who had a shot saved after a defensive error.

Couldn’t fault any of Mr Chard’s decisions with nothing obviously wrong to me. Mainly backward movement at goal kicks and movement overall I thought was good with his occasionally looking over his shoulder to make sure he didn’t bump into anyone when moving backward. A very good change of pace and was always close and up with play. Took some very wide positions and worked well into the corners. Signalled the area where he wanted free kicks to be taken from and vocally said and signalled where to take throw ins from. Allowed advantages when he could and left a lag to see if it came to anything before coming back for free kicks. An audible voice and plenty of vocal encouragement with “easy” seeming to be his favourite phrase. Saw some interaction with the players. Close to players after the goals but didn’t encourage them back. Did hear him vocally encourage players to get on with things and had a word with a Durham sub to carry on jogging as she left the pitch. The assistants decisions looked correct and both were confident for flagging for offences they had better views of.
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Sunday, 15. April 2018, 13:59
It is to be hoped that Clitheroe put in an equally mediocre display on Monday night!
As things turned out, they did - or were possibly even worse at

Monday 16th April 2018
Evo-Stik Division 1 North
Brighouse Town 2 v 0 Clitheroe
Jamie Rhodes (Normanton); Neil Munday, Mark Findlay.

With Clitheroe perhaps thinking more about next week's Lancashire Cup Final, Brighouse were able to take the lead on the half hour, a second effort shortly afterwards being correctly ruled offside. Despite picking up a couple of cautions - numbers 3 and 8 for fouls, Brighouse maintained their lead to the break.

The second half was something of a non-event: a mystery caution on 77 minutes for a Clitheroe player, a second goal for Town a minute later and yellows for the home number 5 and the visiting number 11 for a pair of strong pushes in the closing stages. Rarely can a poor match have been so enjoyable, as Brighouse ensured that they would avoid relegation.

Mr Rhodes has returned to Level 3 this season and though his triage was perhaps less certain than that of some of his peers, his general handling of the game was good, with decent movement, sensible advantage interpretation and solid vocal input. One late free-kick for dangerous play drew loud disapproval from the stand and "Great decision Jamie" from the supportive Foghorn Findlay. Not great, maybe, but clearly correct. Incidentally, Mr Findlay's instructions at a throw had previously been ignored by the taker, resulting in a rare reversal of the throw.

Edited by Jim Carr Fan Club, Monday, 16. April 2018, 23:11.
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The return of the sun, a visiting side assured of a promotion play-off spot and a home side finally safe from relegation combined to make for a pleasantly entertaining afternoon at

Saturday 21st April 2018
Evo-Stik Division 1 North
Brighouse Town 2 v 1 Prescot Cables
Andy Smith (Castleford); Ronan Coller-Booth, Kevin O'Donnell

The early stages were fairly even until the 17th minute when a Town defender gave the ball away, recovered to concede a corner ... at which point the raffle ticket seller arrived, so that the visitors' goal went unseen. The rest of the half contained a number of head injuries, Mr Smith being quick to stop play and call for attention, leading to treatment and a couple of substitutions and several minutes of additional time, extended by further injuries.

Seven minutes after the restart Brighouse tried an unfamiliar tactic - putting together something approaching a proper move - and the ball ended up in the net. Just after the hour they added a second, the nippy little substitute outpacing the defenders. From then on the chances fell to Cables: a touch by the home keeper diverting a cross away from the attacker lurking at the far post, a great shot skimming the bar and eventually a bad miss with a header off target. In between they had claims for a penalty when the home captain challenged from behind - suffice it to say that there was a measure of relief among the home fans when Mr Smith immediately waved them away. This was followed some minutes later by the game's one major note of dissent: the assistant flagged for a clear push in the back by a Prescot player, who turned on him and gave him a piece of his mind. The flag attracted a slightly reluctant-looking Mr Smith, who had a brief word with the offender before the restart - in context a decent enough decision.

Mr Smith, with his grey hair (don't worry, Scally Bob, it's not quite as distinguished as yours!) is reminiscent of referees of my youth and in many respects his refereeing follows suit, with assistants taking left wingers, and a wish to let play go as much as possible. He is not normally keen to produce cards and on this occasion he was the ideal official, supported by two efficient and accurate-looking assistants.
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Sat 21st April
Winchester City 2 v 0 North Leigh
Southern League West
Ref-Brian Channing Assistants-Niall Clinton and Linda Lindskog

A nice afternoon apart from one short shower during the second half and after the recent drier, warmer weather the pitch was bobbly. Not many early chances and the only notes I made were regarding some good natured banter between Mr Clinton and the Winchester bench and a short delay when a ball went out of the ground and someone had forgotten to bring the spare balls out so one of the Winchester staff had to get them from the dressing rooms whilst play continued with a ball that was there but was changed when the balls arrived. North Leigh’s 7 had a shot well saved with the first chance. Winchester took the lead after 23 minutes when their 11 scored directly from a free kick. Winchester’s 7 had a shot blocked and Winchester also had a penalty appeal waved away by Mr Channing. North Leigh’s bench appealed for a free kick to be given when their goalie was pushed but he had collected the ball so Mr Channing just let play continue.

Winchester’s 11 had a shot saved and their 4 shot wide. North Leigh’s 10 had a long range free kick go straight at the Winchester goalie. Winchester’s 4 forced North Leigh’s goalie to make a double save. Winchester’s 9 and North Leigh’s 4 were both booked after some pushing between the two and Mr Channing dealt with the situation quickly. Winchester’s 11 was spoken to after committing a foul. Winchester’s 11 had a cross go right across goal and missed by everyone. Winchester scored their second after 86 minutes when their 9 lifted the ball over the North Leigh goalie as he rushed out. Winchester’s 17 had the last chance of the match but headed over.

Mr Channing’s decisions looked mostly correct though I thought some of the fouls he gave for nudges/pushes looked a bit soft on occasions. Movement was good and mainly run backwards at goal kicks. An okay change of pace but didn’t always seem up with play and a bit behind. Positioning was okay but didn’t really take up many wide positions or work into the corners. Could be heard telling players where to take throw ins from. Tried to allow advantages and left a lag before coming back for free kicks. An audible voice and could hear verbal encouragement to the players and also to his assistants. Some interaction with the players. Didn’t stay close to the players after the goals or encourage them back. Did encourage them to get on with things vocally and with signals. Didn’t always stay near injured players when they were being treated but was quick to stop play for a head injury. Most of the assistants decisions looked right though Mr Clinton gave a corner to Winchester when he was a bit behind play with the ball on the far side from him whilst Ms Lindskog had to make few offside decisions that looked very marginable with some given and others not.
Edited by paulfootballfan, Saturday, 21. April 2018, 23:00.
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A little research into the unfamiliar referee appointed for the rearranged fixture had thrown up (an apposite phrase, perhaps) a Linked-in profile crammed with so much irritatingly vacuous, self-aggrandising corporate guff - not that it deterred Manchester FA from employing him - that it was a relief to find on arrival that he had been replaced by a more down to earth sort of chap.

Monday 23rd April 2018
Evo-Stik Division 1 N
Brighouse Town 3 v 2 Ramsbottom United
Peter Simm (Wigan); Ian Claridge, Matthew Archibald.

It was not long before Mr Simm was obliged to have a word with the two number 8s, the resident Brighouse head-case showing little interest in his strictures and having to be called back when he wandered away part way through. The first quarter produced one decent chance at either end before Town took the lead, heading home powerfully from a corner. Before the restart there was further dialogue between Mr Simm and the home number 8. On the half hour there was a long lecture for the Rammy number 11 and three minutes later the two number 8s were involved once more: the visiting one fouled from behind, the home one reacted and as the players tangled he struck out at his opponent. The free-kick was rightly awarded to Brighouse as the spectators waited to see if the card would be yellow or red. In the end it was neither, nor even a formal warning as the player just wandered away. On 42 minutes Rammy had a penalty appeal for a tackle from behind, Mr Simm judging that the ball had been played cleanly and awarding a corner. Rammy players were not impressed and made their views known, but opinions among their official party were divided, so Mr Simm, well-positioned, was probably correct. At the half-time whistle the visiting number 5 remonstrated at length with the referee, with much miming of use of the arms.

Brighouse added a second, again from a corner, soon after the restart, but Rammy pulled one back on 55 minutes. Two minutes later it was the home team's turn to have a penalty appeal (for holding?) turned down decisively. Their number 8 finally received a yellow card, for persistent infringement on the hour and was eventually replaced thereafter. On 66 minutes a foul by the Brighouse number 5 led to a yellow card, a penalty and an equaliser. The game was becoming increasingly scrappy and Mr Simm had his work cut out trying to decide who did what to whom - not always totally convincingly. A yellow card for the Town number 3 drew a shout from the stand "Have a word with yourself, Ref." There had been a couple of occasions when Mr Simm had been slow to pick up offside flags from Mr Archibald - buzzer problems with one flag, Mr Claridge's coming across loud and clear. On 80 minutes this happened once more, play continued and in the absence of an acknowledgement Mr Archibald stood his ground, play continuing for some considerable time into the other half, where it was the turn of the home number 12 to see yellow, Mr Simm finally waving his assistant down when his attention was drawn to the still-raised flag. On 86 minutes Rammy had another penalty appeal turned down, leading to a very long tirade form the visiting boss, ignored by Mr Simm. In time added a Brighouse substitute tried a long shot, and the keeper's fingertips could only tip the ball into the net for a winner that had seemed unlikely.

It was not the easiest of games for Mr Simm, who perhaps might have regretted his first-half attempts to manage things. He was in regular dialogue with players, but to little obvious effect - a case of casting sham pearls before genuine swine, perhaps. In the end it was an adequate display, with an end of term feel to it. If he wants to get ahead, though, "passionate about paperclips" is the way to go, it seems. Or maybe JCFC's vision, confirmed in today's eye-test to be less good than it was, let him down again.
Edited by Jim Carr Fan Club, Tuesday, 24. April 2018, 14:36.
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A day of persistent rain led to a number of cancellations, but fortunately despite a certain amount of surface water, JCFC's match of choice went ahead at

Tuesday 24th April 2018
Evo-Stik Division 1N
Ossett Town 0 v 2 Tadcaster Albion
Jack Hall (Sheffield); Samuel Wright, Matthew Malton.

Now, everyone learns at an early age that back-passes are dangerous on very wet pitches, but Ossett had forgotten that rule and when a 9th minute attempt fell short, the visitors nipped in to take the lead. Ossett had the territorial advantage, but Tadcaster looked the more dangerous, causing alarms in the home goalmouth and eventually adding a second on 24 minutes.

Ossett largely dominated the second half, a shot rolling just wide and it took a fair amount of desperate Tadcaster defending to prevent further scores. There were a couple of cautions - Tad 11 for one foul too many and their 3 for a wilful foul after he had lost his footing.

This was Town's penultimate match before being subsumed into the new Ossett United club with their neighbours Ossett Albion and this has had an unsettling effect on the players, with a consequent loss of form. It is to be hoped, at least, that the new club's programme will continue to contain the "man in the middle" feature. From this we learnt that Mr Hall is 23 - JCFC would have guessed a couple of years younger - and is a sales executive, though he does not display the brashness one might expect in such a job. Following an excellent performance last season at Level 4, it was good to see him promoted for this year. An early match this season suggested that he was initially rather uncertain of his ability at the higher level, though he grew into the match as it progressed. It was good, therefore, on this occasion to see him confident, alert and comfortably in control from the start in a very good performance. He worked well with his assistants, handling a double half-flag from Mr Wright diplomatically and effectively, and was accurate, without excess, in his decisions. The poor chap is in grave danger of joining the list of JCFC favourites. Mr Observer Taylor was in attendance and will hopefully have arrived at a positive assessment, with no major development points.

Now, will tonight's pitch be playable?

Edited by Jim Carr Fan Club, Wednesday, 25. April 2018, 10:50.
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There were, in fact, no pitch problems at

Wednesday 25th April 2018
NWCFL Division 1
Chadderton 4 v 3 Daisy Hill
John Dillnutt (N Manchester?); Victor Evans, Ollie (Oli/Olly?) Holland

Mr Dillnutt seemed a cheery wee chap, with dark hair, coat-hanger shoulders and a black bandage on his left knee. Despite this he moved effectively, in a manner based on an apparent admiration for Tigger (or maybe Jason Knowles.)

Lowly Daisy Hill, fighting to avoid the trap door to the outer darkness of Step 7, went ahead on 3 minutes, a long fee-kick bouncing off the keeper to allow an easy finish, prompting the parent of one player to comment "It's like kicking against a wall is our keeper." The lead, though, was short-lived, Mr Dillnutt doing well to spot a handball in a crowded penalty area. Daisy Hill were less convinced about the "well" element, suggesting that it was not deliberate, but Mr Dillnutt demonstrated a movement of the arm, showed the visiting number 5 a yellow card and Chadderton converted the spot-kick. In the month since last visiting Chadderton, JCFC had forgotten what an unpleasant, whining bunch they were, but was soon reminded - though on this occasion they were rather better behaved - except for the constant bad language. Daisy Hill were not far behind in this, solely through the efforts of their captain, the goalkeeper, who was doing a passable imitation of Mr Angry. Neat work around the Daisy Hill box set up a header for Chadderton to go ahead midway through the half. They continued to press, but the nearest they came was a ball off the post. At the break the visiting number 5 sought to plead his case once more with Mr Dillnutt.

Early in the second half there was a very long - overlong even - warning for the Chadderton number 8: perhaps having summoned the captain to attend, Mr Dillnutt wanted him to feel his journey was really necessary. A flag from Mr Evans saw the home number 6 cautioned for a foul on 61 minutes, but Chadderton added a third goal a minute later. It was soon 4-1, the keeper trying to claw the ball out of the net, Mr Holland flagging for a goal - and as Mr Angry had nothing to say on the subject, it must have been a good decision. As the game meandered towards its conclusion Daisy Hill won a free-kick on 85 minutes, a spot of handbags ensued, with assistants making stately progress to form their triangle, though their input was not required, Mr Dillnutt calling the home number 5, lecturing him for some time before showing him a red card. The free-kick brought the score back to 4-2 and in the fourth added minute Daisy Hill grabbed another, but there was no time for them to grab what might have been a vital equaliser.

It had been an enjoyable game and JCFC had enjoyed the work of the officials. Mr Dillnutt showed excellent judgement in the time-lag on his whistle and was accurate in his decisions, giving little scope for dissent to develop. He and his assistants worked well together, with the stentorian Mr Evans occasionally pulling the referee's strings, sending him forward into position by taking control of placements of the ball. Good work by all three! For Mr Evans, incidentally, this was his penultimate appearance, as he has decided to retire from adult football - he can tuck into as many pies as he likes after Saturday!
Edited by Jim Carr Fan Club, Friday, 27. April 2018, 21:56.
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If JCFC was perhaps feeling a little jaded at a fourth match in as many days, spare a thought for the visiting side, who were playing for the third time in the same period at

Thursday 26th April 2018
NCEL Premier
Penistone Church 1 v 1 Liversedge
Gareth Myers (Huddersfield); Michael Brownsett, M Ali.

On arrival, JCFC saw Mr Myers sitting in solitary state in the VIP area. This master of disguise has now gone for the popular almost shaven look, which had been more successful on the top than on the bottom (of his head, one must hasten to add.) In fact his state was not quite solitary, as he was being entertained by the club hostess, attracted no doubt by his after-shave, his magnetic personality or even his good looks - she was of a certain age and heavily bespectacled after all. At length the two assistants joined him. Both team-sheet and PA merely gave the initial of their first name and while Mr Brownsett's is known to be Michael, that is unlikely to be the case for Mr Ali, though the former bishop whose Episcopal signature will have been Michael Roffen shows that it is not impossible.

Liversedge started the more strongly, taking the lead on 14 minutes - once again coinciding with the arrival of the raffle ticket seller. Church looked shaken and fallible, but eventually settled - though not in terms of their finishing. As yet another.chance went begging, a loud Yorkshire voice declared "Mo Salah would have had a hat-trick by now." As another effort from close range departed over the bar, his friend suggested, not without justification, that so would Mo Farah. The subsequent suggestion of Moby Dick, however, lacked credibility, not to mention elegance.

Church had the better of the second period. On 62 minutes a cross skimmed the bar with the keeper nowhere, but the equaliser quickly followed, the eventual draw being a fair result.

Mr Myers had a loud, if shrill, whistle on occasions and proved fleet of foot when following long balls. That apart, he did not appear to do a great deal - which was just what the situation called for! A well-judged evening's work.

A mention must go to the Sedge left back, who on a number of occasions expressed his disagreement with decisions - sometimes at length - with such a disarming smile that Mr Brownsett could only laugh.
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Belloc showed great precience in describing the Midlands as "sodden and unkind" as tonight's fixture at Northampton Sileby Rangers has been called off. An evening watching TV in the hotel beckons - and a nervous wait to see whether things will be better tomorrow!
Edited by Jim Carr Fan Club, Friday, 27. April 2018, 18:07.
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Sat 28th Apr
Holland 0 v 0 Norwich CBS
Eastern Counties League Division 1
Ref-James Pope Assistants-Nathan Oakes and Johanna Withams

No pre match handshakes in this match. Mr Pope had an early word with a Norwich player after a foul but he did have to blow his whistle a number of times to get him to come back. Norwich’8 had a free kick go wide. Mr Pope had a quick word with the Norwich bench after they had complained about an offside Ms Withams had given against them. Norwich’s 3 shot wide after a quick break. Holland’s 7 put in a dangerous cross that was put behind by a Norwich defender for a corner with again some complaints from the Norwich bench who thought it should be a goal kick. Norwich’s 11 shot wide from distance. Norwich appealed for a penalty when it did look like one of their players was pushed as he run into the area but Mr Pope waved the appeals away. Holland finished the half with a shot go over.

Holland appealed for a penalty early in the second half but to me looked like he was already going down so probably right not to give this one. Holland’s 8 had a shot saved. Norwich’s 6 headed over a corner. Holland’s 9 had a shot saved for a corner after a defensive mistake and from the succession of corners that followed the same player had another shot saved. Norwich’s 7 shot just wide. Norwich’s 9 was spoken to after going down in the area in a challenge it looked like the Holland defender had clearly won the ball fairly. Holland’s 9 hit the post with an effort. Norwich’s 7 went down under pressure in front of an open goal but again Mr Pope waved away the penalty appeals with the Norwich bench saying why would their player go down in front of an open goal unless had been fouled. Holland’s 17 shot over and was later spoken to after an elbow lead challenge where Mr Pope seemed more interested in having a word with him rather than checking on the Norwich player who was down with a potential head injury. Towards the end of the match, Mr Pope was a bit slow in stopping play when it looked like a Holland player had tried to get in the way of the Norwich goalie taking a quick drop kick out and I am not sure Mr Pope saw the incident and by the time he did blow for the free kick, Norwich were attacking at the other end.

I didn’t agree with all Mr Pope’s decisions with a number of pushes (forceful nudges) and shirt pulls missed or if seen no signal for advantages shown or just generally let go. Mainly backward movement at goal kicks and movement was okay. Positioning looked okay. A bit of a change of pace but was not always up with play. Signalled and whistled to indicate where he wanted throw ins taken from. A few good advantages played but was a bit mixed on occasions in allowing them. Could hear some vocal encouragement with his most popular phrase seeming to be “nothing silly” and saw some interaction with the players and the occasional smile. The odd signal to get on with things but didn’t do anything to hurry a slow moving Norwich sub. Some encouraging signals to his assistants after they had made decisions. Pulled a hanky from his pocket to blow his nose during the second half. Both assistants did look to get their decisions mostly correct but Ms Withams did look to be a bit behind play.
Edited by paulfootballfan, Tuesday, 1. May 2018, 19:26.
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Friday, 27. April 2018, 18:06
... a nervous wait to see whether things will be better tomorrow!
They weren't, at least initially, though a check at 10 am did not show any postponements. Northampton was still sodden, the X7 bus to Leicester threw up copious plumes of spray and it was no surprise on reaching the wifi of Haymarket Costa to find that JCFC's intended fixture - at Anstey - was off, though it was only the visitors' Twitter that reported this. Other matches in the vicinity had also been called off, but things looked a little more promising further North and a conveniently timed train allowed a break of the homeward journey in Nottingham, whence a tram continued to

Saturday 28th April 2018
East Midlands Counties League
Radford 3 v 0 West Bridgford
Tom Bingley (Leicester); Dan Seward, Alex Orchiston.

The home club proved most hospitable, and its officials very friendly - apart from twice accusing me of coming from Essex. On purchasing a drink and a raffle ticket, I learnt that their ground is rarely unfit through rain, it having been laid on the site of some old terraced housing, with the result that water swiftly drains into the cellars. Fortunately the stand did not follow suit and indeed the pitch appeared to be in excellent condition given the circumstances.

The two solidly built, mature assistants were soon joined by Mr Bingley, a tall, fair young man with the sort of outré hairstyle that hitherto only Jan Suchecki had been brave enough to affect. Still, one mustn't hold that against him.

The first half could not be described as a classic: after 8 minutes the ball had been kicked out of the ground four times, something that was to be repeated at regular intervals throughout the match. West Bridgford had an early appeal for a penalty rightly rejected. The arrival of the raffle ticket seller on 11 minutes did not for once result in a missed goal and JCFC actually invested a second pound. There was little excitement until the 36th minute, when a West Bridgford header hit the post. Three minutes later Radford appealed for a penalty for what appeared to be an excellent tackle. The home keeper punched a dangerous shot over the bar and finally on 45 minutes there came a goal ... with the shot passing out again through the side netting. At the break the Radford number 3 found reason to interrogate Mr Bingley.

At half-time JCFC took advantage of a kind invitation to have a cup of tea ... and also found that his second raffle ticket purchase had won him a bottle of wine. That was really carrying hospitality too far!

The goal had clearly given Radford greater confidence and they were well on top in the second half. They hit the bar after a minute, appealing for a handball penalty - ever the optimists - seconds later. Soon it was the a combination of keeper and post that prevented a second for Radford, but one did arrive on 56 minutes with a good header from a free-kick. There were further alarms in the visitors' goalmouth, the keeper diving to touch the ball for a corner. He was left exposed again on 73 minutes, did well to get a foot to the ball and might have expected his defenders to do better, as Radford added their third. Radford were awarded a free-kick near the West Bridgford penalty box as a defender hoofed the ball down towards the distant corner. The Radford keeper began to stroll to collect it, but his colleagues suggested that he leave it, which seemed somewhat childish. In the end a visiting substitute returned it.

Mr Bingley's decisions had not met with unanimous approval from the players, though generally he appeared to be accurate in his triage and controlled the game pretty well, with a confident manner and plenty of smiles. There was one very late caution for a West Bridgford defender. Midway through the second half each team replaced their captain - a few minutes apart - and it was interesting to see Mr Bingley make a point of going over to the new skipper to establish amicable relations. On the whole it was a good performance for this level and Mr Bingley can perhaps enter the Pantheon of Toms at number 6 - though he might have to adjust his coiffure if he is to climb higher. ;-)

The man of the match award, though, must surely go to the various club officials who spent most of the afternoon retrieving balls from all parts of the surrounding area.

Edited by Jim Carr Fan Club, Sunday, 29. April 2018, 16:26.
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It was a bright sunny evening at

Monday 30th April 2018
NCEL Division 1
Eccleshill United 2 v 4 Yorkshire Amateur
Neil Munday (East Ardsley); Aaron Hallam, Ian Cox.

The average attendance at Eccleshill this season had been 67, at Yorkshire Amateur 68, but this match drew a crowd of 376, as it was effectively a promotion decider. The sides were level on points, with Ammers having the better goal difference. The draw, however, would not be enough if Grimsby Borough won (in the end they only drew,) Mr Munday was therefore a wise selection as he has been one of the division's top officials for some time, appearing in the promotion lists, without, it appears, making the step up. (A slight lack of sprinting pace perhaps?)

The first half hour was all Ammers, from the 7th minute header against a post to the excellent turn and shot that gave them the lead on 24 minutes. Mr Munday was doing a good job of keeping the play moving - settling for goal-kicks rather than offside a few yards away - and some very good football was being played. Eventually Eccleshill did work an opening, thanks to an impetuous Ammers keeper, but the ball was easily cleared by a defender. The Ammers number 8 and his captain were called for a warning, then a run from half-way and a clinical finish gave the visitors their second on 31 minutes. The third was not long delayed, the ball being lifted over the keeper. On 36 minutes the home number 4 received a yellow card for a trip, and five minutes later Eccleshill were awarded a penalty for handball - a better decision than some of the visiting players seemed to think - their captain received a yellow card and the deficit was reduced from the spot. Thus encouraged, Eccleshill saw a further shot deflected wide in added time. The visiting number 5 had a word with the officials before passing the baton to their keeper, who continued the conversation the length of the field, with a physio or coach joining in briefly with a number of leaps as he walked backwards.

Mr Munday had words with various players in the early stages of the second half, for minor tangles, but on 51 minutes he went to his pocket again following a foul and as the offender was once again the Ammers captain, off he had to go. The punishment seems draconian for the two offences committed, but was nonetheless correct - lex dura sed lex. The resulting free-kick came back off the bar, and after several attempts was finally cleared to safety - a crucial moment. Despite being down to ten men, Ammers still posed a threat, netting on 58 minutes, with Mr Cox flagging for offside. On 66 minutes a long Eccleshill shot bounced down and out off the crossbar, Mr Hallam's flag being raised for offside against the attacker who prodded it home. Ammers retaliated with a shot off the post and another ball lifted over the keeper gave them a fourth goal on 70 minutes. An Ammers defender was spoken to for chirruping in the wall at an Eccleshill free-kick. A second penalty on 86 minutes gave the home side another goal - the visiting number 6 receiving the yellow card this time - but Ammers were deserved winners to earn promotion to the Premier Division for the first time. Eccleshill still have a chance to join them if they can win two play-off matches.

It had been an excellent game, skilfully handled by Mr Munday, who did not court attention but did not hesitate to make the necessary decisions. He was well supported by his two assistants - at opposite ends of the experience scale!



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Sunday, 29. April 2018, 16:21
Jim Carr Fan Club
Friday, 27. April 2018, 18:06
... a nervous wait to see whether things will be better tomorrow!
They weren't, at least initially, though a check at 10 am did not show any postponements. Northampton was still sodden, the X7 bus to Leicester threw up copious plumes of spray and it was no surprise on reaching the wifi of Haymarket Costa to find that JCFC's intended fixture - at Anstey - was off, though it was only the visitors' Twitter that reported this. Other matches in the vicinity had also been called off, but things looked a little more promising further North and a conveniently timed train allowed a break of the homeward journey in Nottingham, whence a tram continued to

Saturday 28th April 2018
East Midlands Counties League
Radford 3 v 0 West Bridgford
Tom Bingley (Leicester); Dan Seward, Alex Orchiston.

The home club proved most hospitable, and its officials very friendly - apart from twice accusing me of coming from Essex. On purchasing a drink and a raffle ticket, I learnt that their ground is rarely unfit through rain, it having been laid on the site of some old terraced housing, with the result that water swiftly drains into the cellars. Fortunately the stand did not follow suit and indeed the pitch appeared to be in excellent condition given the circumstances.

The two solidly built, mature assistants were soon joined by Mr Bingley, a tall, fair young man with the sort of outré hairstyle that hitherto only Jan Suchecki had been brave enough to affect. Still, one mustn't hold that against him.

The first half could not be described as a classic: after 8 minutes the ball had been kicked out of the ground four times, something that was to be repeated at regular intervals throughout the match. West Bridgford had an early appeal for a penalty rightly rejected. The arrival of the raffle ticket seller on 11 minutes did not for once result in a missed goal and JCFC actually invested a second pound. There was little excitement until the 36th minute, when a West Bridgford header hit the post. Three minutes later Radford appealed for a penalty for what appeared to be an excellent tackle. The home keeper punched a dangerous shot over the bar and finally on 45 minutes there came a goal ... with the shot passing out again through the side netting. At the break the Radford number 3 found reason to interrogate Mr Bingley.

At half-time JCFC took advantage of a kind invitation to have a cup of tea ... and also found that his second raffle ticket purchase had won him a bottle of wine. That was really carrying hospitality too far!

The goal had clearly given Radford greater confidence and they were well on top in the second half. They hit the bar after a minute, appealing for a handball penalty - ever the optimists - seconds later. Soon it was the a combination of keeper and post that prevented a second for Radford, but one did arrive on 56 minutes with a good header from a free-kick. There were further alarms in the visitors' goalmouth, the keeper diving to touch the ball for a corner. He was left exposed again on 73 minutes, did well to get a foot to the ball and might have expected his defenders to do better, as Radford added their third. Radford were awarded a free-kick near the West Bridgford penalty box as a defender hoofed the ball down towards the distant corner. The Radford keeper began to stroll to collect it, but his colleagues suggested that he leave it, which seemed somewhat childish. In the end a visiting substitute returned it.

Mr Bingley's decisions had not met with unanimous approval from the players, though generally he appeared to be accurate in his triage and controlled the game pretty well, with a confident manner and plenty of smiles. There was one very late caution for a West Bridgford defender. Midway through the second half each team replaced their captain - a few minutes apart - and it was interesting to see Mr Bingley make a point of going over to the new skipper to establish amicable relations. On the whole it was a good performance for this level and Mr Bingley can perhaps enter the Pantheon of Toms at number 6 - though he might have to adjust his coiffure if he is to climb higher. ;-)

The man of the match award, though, must surely go to the various club officials who spent most of the afternoon retrieving balls from all parts of the surrounding area.

Mr JCFC,

I have passed on your comments to the home team who are a local team to me.

Thanks
NottmRef

FA Level 7 Referee
Ball Hockey UK Referee

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Sun 29th Apr
Watford Ladies 0 v 4 Millwall Lionesses
The FA WSL 2
Ref-Darren Knox Assistants-Jon Panconi and Jonathan Was

Winter came back for this match with a very cold wind blowing in Kings Langley. Millwall’s 8 scored two early goals after 5 and 8 minutes. Mr Knox had words with Millwall’s 22 and after she committed a foul, Millwall’s 5 and captain were spoken too. Millwall’s 7 had a shot well saved. Watford’s 5 was spoken too after stopping the Millwall goalie taking a drop kick out. Millwall hit the crossbar with a shot. At half time the officials didn’t wait for all the players to leave the pitch.

Watford’s 7 shot wide at the start of the second half with their first decent effort of the match. Watford had a cross go across goal from which Millwall broke and their 9 finished low into the net after 59 minutes. Millwall scored again after 64 minutes when their 11 shot into the net from outside the area. Millwall were awarded a penalty when a player was bought down whilst turning in the area but their 8 hit the crossbar with the spot kick. Millwall’s 12 was spoken too after a foul with Mr Knox having to blow his whistle a few times to get her to come back. Millwall continued to create chances but could not extend their lead. Watford’s 4 was spoken to with her captain after committing a late foul and perhaps was fortunate not to be shown a yellow card. Millwall finished the better side and a few efforts cleared off the Watford line near the end.

Nothing obviously wrong with Mr Knox’s decisions. Preferred words with players and their captains when yellow cards could have been shown. Didn’t seem the most energetic and didn’t have the most fluent of movement. Mainly forward movement at goal kicks. Positioning seemed okay and tried to take up some wide positions. A bit of a change of pace but was not always right up with play. Signalled and the occasional whistle to indicate where he wanted throw ins to be taken from. Allowed advantages when he could and left a bit of a lag. Heard some verbal encouragement and also saw some interaction with the players. Wasn’t really any slow play and after the goals stayed close to the players but didn’t encourage back. Both assistants looked like they got their decisions right.
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The possibility of extra time makes evening play-off matches difficult, so instead JCFC headed for

Tuesday 1st May 2018
NCEL Division 1
Selby Town 2 v 1 Dronfield Town
Glenn Whitehead (Barnsley); Jeremy Hyke, Ryan Boult.

Curiously, my recollection of Mr Whitehead from a match as assistant was of a young man, but he is of more mature years - certainly nearer 40 than 30, at a generous estimate. Youth came in the form of the ultra-slim Mr Boult, who gained brownie points for having a proper long-sleeved shirt.

Selby are coming towards the end of a run of six home matches in 11 days. They had harboured hopes of a play-off place, but despite an 8-0 victory the previous evening, Glasshoughton Welfare's win at Worsborough Bridge had secured the final slot. Perhaps unsurprisingly, having played the previous evening, they started rather sluggishly and their keeper had to make a couple of early saves. One frustrated onlooker shouted "Pass the ball for goodness sake" only to add, when his advice was heeded "Preferably to one of our players." They improved from that point and took the lead on 20 minutes, curling a free-kick which the keeper could only parry to an attacker. The PA announcement was not successful, but a better second attempt some minutes later began with an apology for a Norman Collier microphone - a blast from the past there. The Selby number 8 was called for a lecture when he thought he had been fouled and was slow to attend, reluctant to listen and determined to fiddle with his socks, Mr Whitehead showing inordinate patience through all this. Three minutes from the end he passed a message that there would be one added minute, and though the board was not shown until the proper time, it did not spare him abuse from one fan behind the goal, who repeatedly shouted that the minute was up.

Selby went further ahead on 56 minutes, forward and keeper arriving simultaneously to latch onto a long ball, the attacker winning out to roll the ball into the net. The first yellow card went to the home number 10 just after the hour and his side had a couple of near misses, with a powerful header coming back off the bar. Understandably Selby began to tire a little and a header from a corner gave Dronfield a goal with twenty minutes to go. The best chance in the rest of the match, however, went to Selby, a header being parried and the follow-up blocked. There were three further yellows: Selby's left back for kicking the ball away, their irate number 15, more for the nature of his challenge than its outcome and ultimately the Dronfield number 8 when his side were awarded a free-kick. The assumption is that it was for chirruping, as Dronfield had proved fairly argumentative for most of the evening. It is odd that mediocre players expect total perfection from officials - and then often fail to recognise it when they get it.

Mr Whitehead may not have achieved perfection, but performed pretty well. His voice is not particularly strong, but he did offer some praise and thanks and his work was of a higher standard than the general play of the participants. Good, without necessarily suggesting a glittering future.
Edited by Jim Carr Fan Club, Wednesday, 2. May 2018, 14:18.
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After a blank Wednesday the plan had been to head for nearby Liversedge. Sedge had unfortunately had to play away fixtures on Monday and Tuesday, the first in Nottinghamshire and the second in Lincolnshire, when they had struggled to field a team, the match being abandoned late on through insufficient players, Thursday's match was therefore postponed for a week, leaving JCFC the longer trip back to

Thursday 3rd May 2018
NCEL Division 1
Selby Town 3 v 1 Swallownest
Peter Creagh (Winchester/Leeds); George Paterson, Peter Hartley.

Mr Creagh is young, dark haired and very slim. He wore long sleeves (commendable) and a permanently glum expression (less so!) It seemed at first as if his patter was to consist solely of "Steady!" and "Good tackle!" but his repertoire turned out to be quite varied - one nearby spectator remarking "The ref's doing a commentary." Sadly he has not yet acquired a sensible Northern accent. Indeed in his regular polite instructions the word "please" was so strangely rendered that JCFC was reminded of Jeremy Taylor's song "Ag pleez Deddy" - not remembered by many, no doubt. A cynical foul earned the Selby number 4 a yellow card after just 8 minutes, but otherwise the first quarter was fairly uneventful. A tackle on 24 minutes left a visiting player on the ground, the ball being played forward to a colleague in the centre circle. Mr Creagh's intentions were good as he called advantage, but the attacker was surrounded, so the free-kick would probably have been the wiser option: Swallownest clearly thought so. They had had the better of the play to this point, but went behind on 29 minutes. Eight minutes later there was a nasty challenge from behind by the Swallownest number 4. The surmise is that there was possibly a bit of Beckham-style retaliatory footwork by the fouled player as he was assailed as he regained his feat and a spot of handbags attracted a few participants. Mr Paterson was already in the vicinity, the amiable Mr Hartley took a few tentative steps onto the pitch before thinking better of it. The upshot was a red card for the Swallownest number 4 and a yellow for the Selby player (7?) The visitors put a shot just past the post before the break. The visiting number 7 made representations to Mr Creagh before they left the pitch.

Swallownest, as one of their supporters remarked, were playing better with ten men than they had with eleven and continued to pose a threat, shooting just over the bar on the hour. Three minutes later a well-timed run allowed them to lift the ball over the keeper and equalise. Selby came back, hitting the post and then forcing a decent save. A Swallownest attack was stopped illegally by Selby, with Mr Paterson's flag already raised for offside. Mr Creagh headed for the scene, fortunately checking on the man down rather than producing a hasty card. Mr Hartley, from the other half was crying "Peter, Peter" to try to draw his attention to the flag, but to no effect. At length the players alerted him and the offside decision prevailed, though the nature of the foul might still have warranted a yellow perhaps. Selby went ahead through a rapid break on 81 minutes, adding a third on 80 minutes, the match ending with the visitors' goal under siege.

Mr Creagh was well received at the final whistle, deservedly so on the whole. A reasonable non-advantage had irked the visitors in the second half, but there had not been many contentious moments. His work displayed plenty of promise, though his personality could have been deployed a touch more. Oh, and he needs to learn to speak Yorkshire!
Edited by Jim Carr Fan Club, Friday, 4. May 2018, 22:32.
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The programme promised/threatened a team of officials from Greater Manchester, so it was a pleasant surprise on heading towards the tea bar to find that it was to be a sensible trio from the right side of the Pennines that was to be in charge of

Saturday 5th May 2018
NCEL Premier
Thackley 4 v 3 Rainworth Miners Welfare
Jamie Rhodes (Normanton); Gareth Thomas, Mark Findlay.

The programme revealed that this was to be Rainworth's last match as they have asked to be moved down to a level more commensurate with their resources (or listening to their committee, they were looking forward to trips to Skegness, where they were assured of good fish and chips.) That may explain why JCFC arrived to overhear a crisis phone call from their coach: the players had been promised, it seemed, that they would be paid on the day, but he had only been given an envelope with £200 and some players were reluctant to turn out. He must have received a satisfactory response, as the game went ahead.

Thackley came close early on, a cross running along the crossbar, but Rainworth took the lead on the quarter hour - once again missed by JCFC, not, for once, because of a raffle ticket seller, but as he was gallantly fishing out some tissues to help a damsel in distress, who had spilt her can of Coke. There was an end of term feel to proceedings, with little of note: Thackley's best chance was badly mishit, Rainworth's blocked by the keeper's leg. A clear foul by the home number 11 was disputed by the offender, earning him a word of warning - and it was pleasing to see Mr Rhodes sending others away beforehand. An altercation between the two number 6s a minute later earned them a yellow card apiece.

Thackley had possibly discovered during the break that the Rainworth keeper was actually a stop-gap, being normally an outfield player, or perhaps it was coincidence that within a minute a long shot passed through the keeper for the equaliser. Five minutes later a medium-range shot again passed through the keeper for Thackley's second, the third following immediately with a ricochet from a free-kick that hit the post. On 58 minutes a Rainworth shot came back off the post and a cross was headed home. Thackley's fourth came just after the hour - again something of a comedy effort, as the keeper parried, a defender attempted to clear but instead the ball struck an attacker and ended up in the net. Again Rainworth pulled a goal back, but Thackley maintained their lead to the end.

There were perhaps one or two free-kicks that some referees might not have given, but that is not to say Mr Rhodes was wrong. The game never caused him any problems and he was always well in control. His patter was confident, though the repeated shouts of "Good jump" when nobody was leaving the ground were somewhat bemusing. Banno fils was also in attendance: if he could only have given Mr Rhodes a small injection of his normally excellent body language, a good display would have looked even better - but maybe different personalities come across in different ways.
Edited by Jim Carr Fan Club, Sunday, 6. May 2018, 18:39.
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The hot sunshine and the prospect of seeing the already promoted home side crowned as champions drew a crowd of 517 to

Monday 7th May 2018
NWCFL Division 1
Silsden 5 v 0 Holker Old Boys
Rob Denton (Lancaster); Charles Veighey, Matthew Cooper.

The officials were already ensconced in the clubhouse when JCFC arrived. Mr Veighey has many decades of life experience to talk about, and was in full flow, with Mr Denton responding occasionally. Mr Cooper, less burdened by years, corresponded to the teenage stereotype, toying in a bored fashion with his phone. Mr Denton was not immediately recognisable, but when he took the field, his plunge neckline was instant confirmation.

Things started badly for the officials, a defender appearing to play the ball out for a corner in the first minute: Mr Denton looked at Mr Veighey, Mr Veighey looked at Mr Denton, who was obliged to give a goal-kick. That, though, was as bad as it was going to get. Silsden attacked repeatedly without finding the target. On 15 minutes Mr Veighey flagged for a free-fick to Silsden, thereby forcing the Ancient Sages to revise their opinion that he was a cardboard cut-out. The kick was floated across and met with a powerful header to give Silsden the lead. The Silsden keeper did have to make a good diving save to turn the ball round the pos, though it was from a rebound off a defender. Silsden had several more chances, but the first half ended without further scoring.

Ten minutes after the restart a jump tackle fortunately - for both players - missed its target and it was perhaps surprising that Mr Denton did not seem to issue so much as a rebuke. Silsden's second came just after the hour, courtesy of a couple of deflections. Holker had arrived with just one sub - the manager - and at this point he decided it was time to make an entrance, which he did with the outgoing player still 30 yards or more short of the touchline. The home keeper had to rescue his defenders, but on 69 minutes a lovely lofted pass was brought down well and finished strongly by the Silsden number 11 - who was promptly substituted. The susbstitute played a great part in the next goal with some rapid interpassing and a good cross leading to an emphatic strike by the number 10 - who was in turn promptly substituted. There was a yellow late on for a sliding challenge with his studs by the home left back. Holker seemed determined to get their name on the scoresheet - a defender firing only just over his own crossbar - and finally succeeded on 88 minutes, a good Silsden break ending with an own goal by the Holker number 9.

The match had not presented any great difficulties for Mr Renton and in the end it was well handled. Young Mr Cooper won brownie point with genuine long sleeves - despite the temperature - and the Sages were complimentary, even when Silsden were caught offside, though JCFC suspected that he did not always have an eye on the defensive line, meaning that he was having to catch up once or twice.

As ever, a trip to Silsden had proved enjoyable and entertaining, both on the field and in the stand. Unfortunately the rail timetables are being rejigged in a fortnight and it will be difficult, or maybe impossible, to attend evening matches there next season - along with Ashton United, Curzon Ashton, FCUM and Chadderton.
Edited by Jim Carr Fan Club, Tuesday, 8. May 2018, 09:14.
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As JCFC was approaching the entrance gate, he received once again a pleasant greeting from the referee, who was about to lead his team out to warm up, prior to

Tuesday 8th May 2018
NCEL League Cup Semi-Final
Liversedge 5 v 2 Handsworth Parramore
Luke Watson (Barnsley); Matt Tyers, Liam Smith.

After the ritual hand-slapping Mr Tyers, pulling rank in the light of his promotion, gloatingly set off to check the near nets, leaving Mr Smith to make the longer run to the far end.

Liversedge took a slightly surprising lead after 6 minutes, heading home a corner. On 17 minutes Mr Smith flagged for a Parramore free-kick near the touchline: the smiling number 3 from Sedge's match at Penistone proceeded to argue, initially minus smile, that the ball was a foot away from the right spot, but the kick was lifted forward and another header gave the visitors the equaliser. Their keeper had to make a decent save after a defensive slip, before another flag from Mr Smith saw the free-kick headed clear this time. On the half-hour another Sedge corner was headed goalwards, parried by the keeper but bundled in to restore the home side's lead. A big deflection five minutes later gave them their third. A wild-looking tackle by a Sedge defender drew a flag from Mr Tyers, with a quick word from Mr Watson. The half ended bathetically with a call for a replacement ball at a goal kick, a wait while it reached the keeper and of course the whistle as soon as it was kicked.

For the second half Mr Tyers had to check his own net. Liversedge added a fourth on 62 minutes, a reward for the persistence of their striker, who chased a lost cause, beat the keeper to it at the edge of the penalty area and finally tapped the ball into the net. Another flag from Mr Tyers led to the game's only yellow card, when a Sedge defender kicked the ball away. A tangle as the ball went out for a goal-kick looked about to result in trouble, but Mr Tyers was very quick to intervene. The home keeper made a brilliant one-handed save with a cat-like leap, but could do nothing to prevent Handsworth's second goal shortly afterwards. The three goal margin was restored after just a minute, thanks to brilliant work down the right wing, ending with a great cross, nodded in at the far post. Liversedge therefore duly progressed to the final at Bramall Lane - which sadly coincides with JCFC's forthcoming German trip.

Mr Watson is a very familiar figure - the original four-letter Watson - and has had many a mention on here. He is more tolerant of upper body contact than some of his colleagues, which inevitably provokes a certain amount of contestation - though significantly, more from the spectators than from the players (the unpleasant Sedge number 6 being the exception) who otherwise quickly adjusted and got on with the game. As a result it flowed well - and eventually even the spectators stopped complaining and enjoyed a decent match. Mr Watson's approach does somehow seem to keep on producing them!

JCFC's only decision was whether or not to turn left uphill and make the long walk home. Instead he turned right downhill, swallowed his Yorkshire Pride and waited for the bus.
Edited by Jim Carr Fan Club, Wednesday, 9. May 2018, 12:37.
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nemesis
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Jim Carr Fan Club
Wednesday, 9. May 2018, 12:32


JCFC's only decision was whether or not to turn left uphill and make the long walk home. Instead he turned right downhill, swallowed his Yorkshire Pride and waited for the bus.

Sounds like the easiest decision anyone has ever had to make !
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