Just a short one this week after another trip to Ashby Avenue to watch Lincoln United entertain North Shields in the Northern Premier League Divison One East. I have, of course, visited previously and have enjoyed the latest. The club have a lovely little set up, as confirmed by some visiting supporters I spoke to, with the attached social club and a good range of reasonably priced food and drink at the club canteen.
On a day when I was expecting the game to fall foul to the weather, credit must be given to groundstaff and volunteers who got the pitch not only playable but in a good condition for the entire 90 minutes. The game wasn't what you would call a classic, with a fair amount of long balls and scrappy play but for what it lacked in quality it made up for in tenacity, effort and a good bit of sledging! It was the referee who got the temperatures raised by missing what Shields were convinced was an elbow. More contested moments meant that the players and management teams had 'had it up to here!'
After half an hour, Shields were awarded a penalty for what looked like a blatant handball - thankfully the linesman was on hand to aid the referee with the decision. The penalty was brilliantly dispatched into the top corner by Callum Larmouth. 0-1 to the visitors, much to the delight of the strong travelling contingent. The fans were in fine voice and certainly enjoying their day in Lincolnshire, making themselves and their opinions heard to those on the pitch.
As the game went on, it was the visitors who could and perhaps should of scored again as they caught Lincoln out a few times on the break. Throughout the game, Shield's centre forward Daniel Wilson was like a throw back to the number 9s of yesteryear with his physicality and hold up play causing the home side's defence some problems. For the home side, danger man Cotton started well and was picking the ball up in space and looking to make his side tick but seemed to be marshalled better in the second half and found his level of involvement dropping. It was the visitors, without any real scares, who would take home a deserved set of three points.
At half time, I had a brief chat with two visiting supporters who were rightly complimentary about the ground and the facilities. They also discussed and demonstrated lots of what's great about non-league football. Their enthusiasm and knowledge, not just in regards to their own club and league but to football in general was incredible. They are clearly wonderfully passionate about and proud of their team but were also complimentary to their opponents, seemingly congratulating the home goalkeeper for his handling abilities. They had travelled on the team bus which, I imagine at least, would be a cracking journey back up north with a brilliant away performance being toasted by a beer or two!
Hopefully back at Ashby Avenue soon after another enjoyable day of football and one of the best insults I think I have ever heard!
On a day when I was expecting the game to fall foul to the weather, credit must be given to groundstaff and volunteers who got the pitch not only playable but in a good condition for the entire 90 minutes. The game wasn't what you would call a classic, with a fair amount of long balls and scrappy play but for what it lacked in quality it made up for in tenacity, effort and a good bit of sledging! It was the referee who got the temperatures raised by missing what Shields were convinced was an elbow. More contested moments meant that the players and management teams had 'had it up to here!'
After half an hour, Shields were awarded a penalty for what looked like a blatant handball - thankfully the linesman was on hand to aid the referee with the decision. The penalty was brilliantly dispatched into the top corner by Callum Larmouth. 0-1 to the visitors, much to the delight of the strong travelling contingent. The fans were in fine voice and certainly enjoying their day in Lincolnshire, making themselves and their opinions heard to those on the pitch.
As the game went on, it was the visitors who could and perhaps should of scored again as they caught Lincoln out a few times on the break. Throughout the game, Shield's centre forward Daniel Wilson was like a throw back to the number 9s of yesteryear with his physicality and hold up play causing the home side's defence some problems. For the home side, danger man Cotton started well and was picking the ball up in space and looking to make his side tick but seemed to be marshalled better in the second half and found his level of involvement dropping. It was the visitors, without any real scares, who would take home a deserved set of three points.
At half time, I had a brief chat with two visiting supporters who were rightly complimentary about the ground and the facilities. They also discussed and demonstrated lots of what's great about non-league football. Their enthusiasm and knowledge, not just in regards to their own club and league but to football in general was incredible. They are clearly wonderfully passionate about and proud of their team but were also complimentary to their opponents, seemingly congratulating the home goalkeeper for his handling abilities. They had travelled on the team bus which, I imagine at least, would be a cracking journey back up north with a brilliant away performance being toasted by a beer or two!
Hopefully back at Ashby Avenue soon after another enjoyable day of football and one of the best insults I think I have ever heard!
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