Managed to convince a couple of family members to get out to the Boxing Day game between Ossett and Matlock, but sadly not one of the ones who ended up arguing with each other at home. No contest here as the hosts put the Gladiators to the sword 3-0.
If not, treat yourself to the kindle version: amzn.eu/d/9nNB0Pt
Shouldn’t take too many sales on a day like to today to briefly propel me up the best sellers list!
Merry Christmas to you all, especially to all you #groundhoppers on the one day of the year you’re unlikely to get to a game. Hopefully Santa got you something #groundhopping related to read instead.
Showing some love over on the blog to Frickley Athletic after Friday’s #groundhopping visit.
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It also helped that it’s a classic non-league venue, which was long overdue a visit.
I finally have my first contender for the prestigious honour of being my Futbology game of the season. Frickley v Bottesford was 10 goals shy of matching the league cup meeting I missed, but had chances, robust challenges and some questionable refereeing in an entertaining win for the 10-man hosts.
Not too many opportunities to point out things for her to learn from, as headers are banned at her age group. There was some classic physical defending, so I ended up imparting yet more shithousery tips. All from behind the same pole I inexplicably booked seats behind again.
Harrogate Town won’t be in L2 much longer going on tonight’s showing. They did gain one new fan as my daughter loved it. I was pretty pleased the tickets were free after she attended a half term camp, so they weren’t second best in all departments if we count their community dept.
It’s December, so I’m contractually obliged* to point out I have two ideal stocking fillers for sale…
amzn.eu/d/6BWui3s
amzn.eu/d/9LIKN38
*It’s not actually in my contract, but I feel compelled to do it anyway 🎅🏻🎄🎁
Completed all the grounds in the greater St Neots area with Eaton Socon tonight. Not something that’s going to attract a Futbology badge anytime soon, although I deserve it for enduring a poor game in the cold.
Really enjoying the new Bunch of Amateurs series, which is worth checking out, especially if your game is postponed today. Personally quite relieved not to be standing in a field watching u10s this morning.
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Let’s go for a nice gentle ride in the Lake District while travelling up for a meeting we thought…
A rare gig outing for me and Mrs C tonight at The Hyde Park Book Club. Some great 80s inspired dreamy pop from Roller Derby. Well worth checking them out.
The rugby is an ideal way to tick off Everton’s new ground. It beats u21s or a friendly, and since I got away with including rugby in my #groundhopping book (barring any library copies with remarks in pencil, or it being the reason for my anonymous 1 & 2 star reviews) I’m counting it!
One of those non-league games tonight where it felt wrong not to be friends or family with one of the players.
Harrogate Railway beat Nostell MW on a pitch suitable for rugby, with one cracking goal and one calamitous OG. Always good to get to a new ground though. Nice elevated view and hot choc.
Even managed to capture the only goal of the game on video and it wasn’t a penalty. Railways throw-ins were a big threat though.
Nice to see Harrogate Railway going well. Not least as my kid’s various clubs are limiting where I can get out #groundhopping. It was the very definition of a hard fought win tonight as they clung on to a 1-0.
My 137 game run since I last saw a 0-0 came to an end, but I had the consolation of a penalty shootout as Harrogate Railway progressed in the league cup.
In a weekend of sporting highlights I’m glad I went to this even if it wasn’t the result I was hoping for. I suspect it will largely overlooked, but RL once again proving what a great game it can be. These highlights only cover half the incidents.
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Blog post on following this season’s FA Vase…
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A topsy turvy tie in the Alan Turvey trophy as Kingstonian came from behind to beat Merstham 4-2. Game was most notable for the best football pie I’ve had south of the Watford Gap and a couple of well taken goals.
Successful day. Cricket team promoted without playing. Spotted my book in the wild. Continued my FA Vase journey seeing Newcastle Benfield beat Boldon CA 3-0 without succumbing to trench foot.
Another Rhinos game for me tonight. It was armed forces night. Unfortunately, the only military inspiration Leeds had was the Battle of Teutoburg Forest. A dismal loss.
Wasn’t in the mood for groundhopping tonight. Maybe these will help.
I said I would write something for Groundhopper Weekly and ended up writing something that doesn’t technically count as #groundhopping but check it out anyway and subscribe for more groundhopping content
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Looks like I’m off to Newcastle for the next round of the FA Vase after Newcastle Benfield’s comprehensive 6-1 win over Ilkley. Look out for a less than comprehensive write up soon.
Can’t help falling in love with that Leeds Rhinos performance, as they left Hull KR all shook up. Will it be Heartbreak hotel in the playoffs or will the Rhinos bring the Grand Final trophy back to the green green grass of home?
Harrogate v Barrow for me tonight. Same fixture that featured in the book 2 yrs ago. Same 1-0 home win. Better game, better under the lights, and I made a better choice of pie. Might have to go more often, especially if there’s more £10 ticket offers.
