league news

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Friday 22 June 2007

Tuesday 19 June 2007

New Basford Utd manager Chris Munroe is looking forward to renewing old acquaintances in the N.S.L after a brief spell away as assistant to Jamie Brodie at Radcliffe in the C.M.L last season. “The Basford job was one that appealed to me immediately I saw the advert and I am more than convinced I have made the right choice after meeting all the players and working closely with Martin Soley over the last few months, believe me there is a lot of talent here and of equal importance to me is the desire of all concerned at Basford to get to where we want to be”.

For this reason Munroe does not expect vast new additions over the summer “but we know who we want which is probably 3 quality players to add to last yrs squad who we have earmarked, for me the biggest signings of all was the work of Martin and Rob did to get the whole of last years squad signed up again, despite interest in our top players from clubs higher up the pyramid splashing money around which is testimony to the bond the players have”.

Off the field the summer months have been busy at Greenwich Avenue also with vast work under taken on the playing surface at Basford with the goalmouths completely returfed and a total reseed. In addition fencing contractors will be quoting for a complete new secure fence around the 1st team pitch shortly and grants for lighting have also been submitted. Munroe believes the club is ready to take off and is hoping to tie up a major sponsorship with the company £32m turnover inspirepac ltd for which he is a part owner.

Basford will be starting preseason earlier than most starting on Weds 27th June 6.45pm at Wollaton Park bottom car park with sessions also planned for Saturdays at 11.30am at Basfords ground. In addition several testing preseason games have been arranged against the likes of Rolls Royce, Southwell and Radford commencing on the 7th July. The club will also be running a 3rd mens senior team this campaign with the under 18,s stepping up to mens level so for this reason any new players of varying standards will be made most welcome at the club and can either attend training on the above dates or contact Chris Munroe (07803-890446) or Martin Soley (07970-382734) for more information.

Monday 8 May 2007

Wednesday 28 March 2007

Tuesday 27 March 2007

Thursday 22 March 2007

The NSL representative side, sponsored by Precision Training, made it two wins from two as they qualified for the final of the inter league Charity tournament with a narrow 1 - 0 win over the Midland Amateur Alliance at Dunkirk FC. Scott Smalley of Wollaton struck a superb twenty yard drive into the bottom corner in the 38th minute to seal the win and a place in the final at Meadow Lane on 6th May

The NSL were indebted to Attenborough 'keeper Matt Worster for three great second half saves but could have extended their lead right at the death as Clifton's Karl Mitchell shot narrowly wide after Kev Walker of Basford had held up play well, but few would dispute the MAA's entitlement to a share of the spils on the night and tey will perhaps class themselves as unfortunate on the night. With the NSL definitely through, any one of the other three sides could face them in the final depending on results in the last two games. The NSL play the Notts Youth XI on 27th March at Cotgrave with the MAA and NAA meeting at the same venue on 4th April

Monday 19 March 2007

Sunday 18 March 2007

The Management Committee of the Precision Training NSL were bouyed by news this week that Basford United have decided to stay in the league after having an application to join the Central Midlands League accepted. United, based at Greenwich Avenue, are in their first season in the NSL after winning the Notts Amatuer Alliance and Notts Intermediate Cup in 2005/06 under the stewardship of Martin Soley and have settled in well, currently occupying a place close to the summit of the Senior Division

'We are delighted Basford are staying with us' commented NSL Chairman Frank Hunt. 'It is not our policy to try to hold back NSL sides with ambitions to play in other leagues, however Basford are confident that the NSL can provide them with everything they need at this moment in time and have decided to remain in the NSL. They have been a superb addition to the NSL from a playing point of view and have provided defender Mark Dimech plus striker Kevin Walker to our rep squad such is the quality in their side. There is some improvement to be done at Greenwich Avenue, particularly in the dressing rooms, however Basford are aware of this and Martin is planning to make this his responsibility for next season. All in all though, we have been very pleased with what Basford have brought to the NSL and we look forward to working with them for years to come. These are exciting times for the NSL and we hope to persuade other leading local sides to join us within the next few seasons'

Soley meanwhile, is stepping away from management to concentrate on playing from next season saying 'I've really enjoyed running the side and will stay involved as a player and committee member with responsibility for fund raising and ground improvements. I'd like to enjoy playing for as long as I can and the managerial side of things can get in the way. Like everyone else at Basford we are pleased to be staying in the NSL but thank the CML for the consideration and time they have given us'

Basford Secretary David Thompson is also stepping down from his role due to family commitments but will remain involved at the club. 'David has done a great job for us and everyone at Basford knows how valuable he's been to us. We're pleased he's staying involved but thank him for his efforts' said Soley

Wednesday 14 March 2007

The Precision Training NSL's rep side went to the top of the inter league table thanks to an emphatic 4 - 0 win over the Notts Amateur Alliance at Watnall Road tonight

The NAA lost the opening game of the four cornered contest (also featuring the MAA) on penalties to the Notts Youth rep side so it is now very hard for them to qualify for the final at Meadow Lane on 6th May

The first half was very tight indeed with the NAA kicking down the slope and working hard to close us down. Bulwell's Fuller was their main outlet down the right with the battle he was having with Ruddington's talented left back Michael Holtham an intriguing one. Richard Povey made the first real save as he blocked with his legs and Spencer denied Karl Mitchell as he surged clear

The opening goal came with 21 gone as Holtham produced a quality angled through pass which was cooly converted by KEV WALKER of Basford. Wollaton's Scott Smalley was booked by Mick Leslie for boiling over with frustration, followed into the book by Matrixgrade's Witherington for kicking out

1 - 0 was how it stood at the break with the next goal all important in the context of the game. The visitors had their best spell just after half time with Ray Walker of Limekiln driving them on, however the NSL were disappointed not to be awarded a spot kick when Chaplin was felled by NAA keeper Ben Loomes who then saved from the same player with his legs. Jonty Bradshaw missed a gilt edged chance before the game was settled at 2 - 0 when SMALLEY turned home Mitchell's cross

Immediately afterwards, KMW's DANNY CHAPLIN headed past Loomes for 3 - 0, boss Andy Benner rang the changes and with nine minutes left, Andy Start held the ball up well for Wollaton winger WILL HEATH, who had an excellent game and, along with Mitchell, tormented the NAA back line all night, to drill home a low finish

All in all, a satisfactory night. The NAA, managed by Matrixgrade pair Alan Avery and Steve Farmery never gave up and competed well throughout. They have some excellent players but so do we and we look forward to the game against the MAA next Wednesday at Dunkirk

Particular thanks go to ref Mick Leslie and assistants Matt Picker and Chris Stevens who controlled the game well and to Ian Kirk and daughter Gemma who did the kit, took the gate money, swept the dressing rooms, sorted the food out and locked up. Steve Hobster also helped out and we send our best wishes to NSL Treasurer and Registrar John Beeston who had to shoot off to attend a family illness- hope all is well John?

Rolls too deserve thanks for letting us have their excellent facilities and for putting food on afterwards. The final pats on the back go to Linby physio Kez and to Benner who ran the side himself with Dave Bradshaw away and did us proud despite having three pull out within 24 hours of kick off

The team was: Richard Povey (Boots), Lee Collison (Keyworth), Michael Holtham (Ruddington), Mark Dimech (Basford), Dave Elson (Linby, capt), Jonty Bradshaw (Linby), Will Heath (Wollaton), Scott Smalley (Wollaton), Karl Mitchell (Clifton), Danny Chaplin (KMW), Kev Walker (Basford), Subs used: Adam Waddley (Clifton), Paul Gadsby (Wollaton), Andy Start (Linby). Not used: Matt Worster (Attenborough)

Saturday 10 March 2007

Saturday 3 March 2007

The Precision Training Representative Squad Managed by Wollaton FC's Andy Benner and Linby CW's Dave Bradshaw enters its first competitive tournament this month kicking off against the Notts Amateur Alliance Representative team on Tuesday 13th March at Rolls Royce Leisure (Watnall Road, Hucknall) in a four team competition set up by the counties FA which will also help raise funds for Lincolnshire & Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance. The top two sides in the four team group which includes a representative XI from the MAA and an Under 19 outfit selected by the Notts FA will play off in a final at Notts County FC's Meadow Lane Stadium on Sunday May 6th.

The NSL select their squad for all three group games from the following: Goalkeepers: Richard Povey (Boots Athletic), Matt Worster (Attenborough). Defenders: Dave Elson (Linby CW), Dave Smith (Wollaton), Mark Dimech (Basford United), Carl Springthorpe (Cotgrave CW), Lee Collison (Keyworth United), Michael Holtham (Ruddington United), Adam Waddley (Clifton). Midfielders: Chris Marks (Wollaton), Winston Brown (Caribbean Cavaliers), Tom Aldred (Keyworth United), Will Heath (Wollaton), Karl Mitchell (Clifton), Richard Oakes (Basford United), Scott Smalley (Wollaton). Attackers: Lee Penley (Cotgrave CW), Andy Start (Linby CW), Danny Chaplin (Kimberley MW), Kevin Walker (Basford United), Antwon Bonnick (Boots Athletic), Paul Gadsby (Wollaton).

Friday 23 February 2007

A HOPPERS GUIDE TO WOLLATON

The footballgroundsinfocus.com website has recently visited the NSL and double Champions Wollaton were hosts to the ground hoppers as they clashed with fellow NSL title challengers Cotgrave CW in the Preliminary Round of the Precision Training Nottinghamshire Senior League Senior Section Cup.

Dead ball game buries Cotgrave   

Hopping can be quite a frustrating business at times as many travellers will no doubt testify. Our trip on the way up to Nottinghamshire had been a most pleasant one - well, until we reached the Leicester Forest East Services on the M1, that is. The flashing lights on the overhead gantry soon came into full view and displayed the familiar gut-wrenching message: "Accident Ahead - Junctions 25-26". With a sudden increase in heart rate and tightening grip on the steering wheel, I secretly feared that our day was going to be ruined. With our planned route in possible jeopardy, some quick thinking was necessary to avert a real 'hopping' disaster.

The executive decision was made to leave the motorway early and follow the Nottingham Ring Road so that we could reach the Wollaton Sports Association Ground before the scheduled 2pm kick off. Our enforced detour seemed to be a popular choice with other motorists who no doubt were all going the same way. Not a good sign! Each time we slowed down or stopped at traffic lights the nagging doubts came back. Our photocopied map wasn't much help either - we hadn't yet reached the bit of the A52 which we had scanned earlier in the morning! It was 1.45pm. As the lights changed to green we accelerated with purpose along the Derby Road and headed at breakneck speed down Wollaton Vale. A brown road sign pointed towards Wollaton Park which gave us some hope. A quick glance at the map and its small typed font proved fruitless as I had left my reading specs at home - what great organisation! By now we had reached a major junction but the road name was obscured by a white van. Don't you just love that when it happens!! The driver in front seemed to wait an age before moving off. It was only then that we were able to see the Trowell Road street sign. Fran calmly reminded me that we had gone too far! A desperate U-turned followed (which resembled something out of an early episode of Starsky and Hutch) in order to save time although our nerves were shredded in the process. What a result!! Wollaton Road appeared from nowhere and we shot down it. With views of the main entrance in sight there was a massive sigh of relief as we pulled up. We had made it with as many as FOUR minutes to spare. Oh the joys of hopping!!

By the time we reached the entrance the players and officials were already walking out of the pavilion and onto the field. The game promised to be an absolute cracker with both teams in sparkling form and featuring prominently at the top of the Notts Senior League. Visitors Cotgrave were on a terrific run with eight straight wins in the league which propelled them to top spot with games in hand. Wollaton, after their excellent win in midweek against CML side Radcliffe Olympic 4-2, were themselves hopeful of continuing their own good cup run.

The hosts were two up before half-time when the League's leading scorer Dan Smith recorded a brace, converting both from the penalty spot to take his tally to 22 for the season. Wollaton extended their lead after 58 minutes with another dead ball strike. This time Paul Gadsby curled a beauty ‘A La Beckham Style’ from outside the box sending the ball up and over the wall and into the far corner of the net; this was obviously much to the delight of the vocal group of fans congregating on the near side of the ground. With 15 mins left Neil Hamed replaced Dan Smith up front which seemed a masterstroke substitution when his first shot was half parried by the Cotgrave keeper only to slot the loose ball home for Wollaton’s fourth goal of the game. With ten minutes left Cotgrave salvaged a bit of pride when the substitute Brown fired an unstoppable half volley from the edge of the box past the hapless Duncan Heath in the Wollaton goal. Not to be outdone Paul Gadsby scored his third direct free-kick in a week which was taken quickly with the Cotgrave defence still lining up their wall when he nestled the ball in the far corner of the net. The last action of the game saw Lee Penley fire home Cotgrave's second with a well taken spot kick. It was certainly a day to remember with five of the seven goals coming from direct free kicks!

A smart 40-page programme with glossy cover sold for £1. A cracking read, the content covers all the news and stats any hopper would need. We had already reserved our copies when we phoned the club before setting out just before noon. Club stalwart Bill Fishwick was on hand to greet us as we arrived and he certainly made us feel welcome during our short stay. Bill is definitely an unsung hero at the club combining his duties as groundsman, reporter and programme editor with consumate ease. Many thanks! Refreshments were on sale at the bustling clubhouse throughout the afternoon.

The ground, which shares its facilities with the local bowls, tennis and cricket clubs, is one of the better venues in the Notts Senior League. Although it is close to a residential area, the site has a rural feel about it. A smart changing pavilion with its ornate wooden veranda (and cover) incorporates a bar, function room and changing area and is close to the main entrance. A cricket scoreboard is adjacent. The players have to walk around the cricket square and covers to reach the roped- off football pitch on the far side. Both ends of the ground are hemmed in by a row of trees and the close proximity of gardens means that space here is at a premium. A new set of cricket practise nets are positioned behind the wooden dugouts on the far side. 

A visit to this lovely little club is thoroughly recommended to all travellers. Hoppers will be impressed by what they will find at the Wollaton Sports Association. 

FGIF Rating: 4*

More reviews like this can be found at www.footballgroundsinfocus.com 

Wednesday 21 February 2007

The NSL's representative team has a big end of season ahead  with a mini tournament set up in conjunction with the Notts FA and supporting funds towards the Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance. The NSL take on representative teams from the Notts Amateur Alliance, the Midland Amateur Alliance and and a Notts FA under 19's team in a four team group with the top two sides battling it out in a final at Notts County FC's Meadow Lane ground.

The NSL side kick off their campaign on Tuesday 13th March against the NAA at Rolls Royce Leisure (home of Notts Police FC), seven days after the competitions opening tie between the NAA and Notts FA under 19's. The final tie will be played on Sunday May 6th at the County Ground and local clubs are urged to offload final tickets at £2 each with an estimated figure of 10,000 being available.

Kick Off times 7:30pm (unless stated)

Thursday 24 January 2007

The Precision Training NSL's representative XI, managed by Wollaton's Andy Benner and Dave Bradshaw of Linby, followed up their 3 - 0 win over Birmingham AFA by beating Unity 3 - 1 at Watnall Road. Unity, managed by former Radford and Ilkeston star Morris Samuels, is a team made up of excellent young footballers from The Meadows, St Anns and Radford and is designed to unite the youth of these areas through sport. This is Unity's first defeat in seven games after they had beaten Notts Police 2 - 0 last time out

The first half of the game, played at Rolls Royce Leisure's Watnall Road ground was very even with former Wollaton striker Micky Grinion, now with Gedling Town, bringing two excellent saves from Boots 'keeper Richard Povey, whilst at the other end, Notts Police custodian Joe Parlatt, formerly of Gedling MW and Southwell City had to be alert to deny Winnie Brown of Caribbean Cavs, with Linby's Andy Start firing just over the Unity goal

The game came to life after the break, with both sides playing some flowing football on a tricky surface made worse by the onset of frost as the game went on. Keyworth winger Tom Aldred fired the NSL ahead as he converted a cross by Clifton's Karl Mitchell in the 51st minute but the lead only lasted ten minutes before Unity drew level with Kye Hall of Carlton Town producing a magnificent strike which flew past Attenborough 'keeper Matt Worster into the top corner. Two minutes later the NSL were back in front as Basford's Kevin Walker controlled a bouncing ball in the area, swivelled and blasted home. The game continued to flow and Worster produced two top drawer saves to keep his side in front before the NSL sealed their win in the dying stages of the game when sub Danny Chaplin of Kimberley MW saw his looping header deceive Unity's replacement and drop into the net

It is hoped that this game will become a fixture on the NSL calendar with a view to building bridges with local communities and giving Unity's talented group of players the opportunity to play in the NSL in future. The NSL Management Committee would like to thank Brian Willows and all at RR Leisure for staging the event and Samuels for bringing his side along. Officials Andy Rolph, Steve Abbott, Greg Stewart and Steve Watts also deserve credit for overseeing the smooth running of a terrific game

The NSL side was: Richard Povey (Boots), Dave Elson (Linby), Lee Collison (Keyworth), Mark Dimech (Basford), Dave Smith (Wollaton), Chris Marks (Wollaton), Karl Mitchell (Clifton), Winnie Brown (Caribbean Cavs), Andy Start (Linby), Kev Walker (Basford), Tom Aldred (Keyworth). Subs all used: Matt Worster (Attenborough), Richard Oakes (Basford), Paul Gadsby (Wollaton), Eddie Emery (Wollaton), Tom Peberday (KMW), Danny Edwards (Linby), Danny Chaplin (KMW)

Monday 8 January 2007

Following the unfortunate postponement of the NSL's rep game v Kev Presland's Newark XI, a game has been arranged for RR Leisure FC on Tuesday 23rd January 2007 (7.45) against UNITY- a team run by former Ilkeston and Radford star Maurice Samuels designed to demonstrate the bond sport can provide by uniting talented footballers from St Anns and The Meadows

UNITY beat Notts Police 2 - 0 last time out and will provide a stern test. The NSL's provisional squad is the same as for the Newark game:

Players are asked to contact Andy Benner on 07968 525822 to confirm availability. The full squad is: Richard Povey (Boots), Matt Worster (Attenborough), Dave Elson (Linby), Dave Smith (Wollaton), Mark Dimech (Basford Utd), Lee Collinson (Keyworth Utd), Michael Holtham (Ruddington), Adam Waddley (Clifton), Jonty Bradshaw (Linby), Chris Marks (Wollaton), Winnie Brown (Cavaliers), Paul Nicholls (Cotgrave), Will Heath (Wollaton), Karl Mitchell (Clifton), Lee Penley (Cotgrave), Andy Start (Linby), Antwon Bonnick (Boots), Danny Chaplin (Kimberley), Kevin Walker (Basford Utd)

Monday 20 November 2006

Sunday 19 November 2006

Monday 6 November 2006

Linby CW may have a secret for why they are currently going strong and heading the Precision Training NSL Senior Division and according to Managers son and utility player Jonty Bradshaw, the enjoyment of pops pies in the clubhouse after every home game is enough to ensure happiness and success in a closely bonded team as they hope to go one better then they did in 2004/05 when they finished runners up to Wollaton as Notts Senior League Champions. Bradshaw (24) has been mostly impressed with Wollaton during his time playing in the NSL, Bradshaw who has also played for Bestwood and Awsworth sees the current title holders midfielder Chris Marks and their right sided summer signing Will Heath as two of the best players in the Division, but Bradshaw who believes things are certainly going well at the club he started his career at and is confident that his side can win the league and maybe have a good run in the Senior County Cup.

Bradshaw has been at Linby for three seasons and believes the club are happy to stay in the NSL and although ambitious, could see himself staying with the Church Lane outfit for the foreseeable future, content with the level he's playing at Bradshaw when asked said of the NSL "It's a good league and the players respect that, with generally good officials and nothing like the lack of respect shown on a Sunday Morning although certain players attitudes at this level still need to improve". When asked on any gripes with the NSL, Bradshaw quickly pointed out "the matchballs" If Jonty weren't covering all blades of grass on Linby's luscious Church Lane ground most weeks he would be watching his local side Forest (where he one day hopes a season ticket will be good enough substitute for retirement) otherwise it would be feet up on the couch watching a dvd or every student and pensioners favourite longest running daytime channel four quiz show countdown. Bradshaw will certainly be hoping that come May, the one off the top will read four constanents and a vowel with the letters LNBYI re-arranged into a winning formula.

Friday 27 October 2006

The Precision Training NSL representative side overcame the Birmingham & District AFA 3 - 0 at Watnall Road

Andy Start of Linby gave the NSL a fifteenth lead after excellent work from Lee Penley and Jonty Bradshaw. Wollaton midfielder Chris Marks extended the lead ten minutes later as he prodded home a corner, with Antwon Bonnick of Boots rounding off the scoring as he converted a through ball from Dan Smith

The team was: Povey (Boots), Allen (GSB), Elson (Linby), Dave Smith (Wollaton), Collison (Keyworth), Marks (Wollaton), Heath (Wollaton), Liburd (Boots), Penley (Cotgrave), Start (Linby), Bradshaw (Linby)

Subs all used: Brown (Cavs), Bonnick (Boots), Gadsby (Wollaton), Springfield (Cotgrave), Aldred (Keyworth), Dan Smith (Wollaton), Worster (Attenborough)

Sunday 8 October 2006

The Precision Training NSL representative side, managed by Andy Benner of Wollaton and Linby's Dave Bradshaw, host the Birmingham & District League at Rolls Royce leisure on Thursday 26th October (7.30pm). Players are also asked to attend a pre match get together and practice session at 8.15pm on Tuesday 24th October at Powerleague.

Players are asked to contact Benner on   or 07968 525822 by Sunday 15th October at the latest to confirm availability. Players not confirming by 15th October will be considered unavailable and replacements sought, but it is hoped to field as strong a side as possible.

Goalkeepers: Richard Povey (Boots), Matt Worster (Attenborough).

Defenders: David Savidge (Wollaton), Lee Collinson (Keyworth Utd), Mark Dimech (Basford Utd), Dave Elson (Linby), Michael Holtham (Ruddington).

Midfield: Will Heath (Wollaton), Winnie Brown (Cavs), Richard Liburd (Boots), Paul Nicholls (Cotgrave), Karl Mitchell (Clifton).

Forwards: Chris Joseph (Cavs), Lee Penley (Cotgrave), Kevin Walker (Basford Utd), Andy Start (Linby), Robbie May (Kimberly MW) top

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to find a past news archive click on a date below

8.10.06

27.10.06

6.11.06

19.11.06

20.11.06

8.1.07

24.1.07

21.2.07

23.2.07

3.3.07

10.3.07

14.3.07

18.3.07

19.3.07

22.3.07

27.3.07

28.3.07

8.5.07

19.6.07

22.6.07