***PLEASE NOTE THAT OUR E-MAIL ADDRESS IS CLOSING ON 31st MAY 2017***

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Thursday 18^th May � TT No.81: Brian Buck � �So here it was, Spurs last ever match at White Hart Lane�. Nostalgia Rules! Brian takes in Tottenham Hotspur (v Manchester United) in the Premier League played on 14/05/17� for more go the Reports page and click on the TT Index for 2016-17�

Thursday 18^th May � TT No.81: Brian Buck � �I had a comfortable seat in the stand�. Brian completes his day with a hop to watch Middleton Cheney (v Oxford University Press) in the Oxfordshire Senior League Ben Turner Cup Final played at Kidlington FC on 13/05/17�for more go the Reports page and click on the TT Index for 2016-17�

Thursday 18^th May � TT No.80: Brian Buck � �Then I found the pitch which was behind and to the north of the athletics track�. For his second game of the day Brian takes in Horspath (v Garsington) in the Oxfordshire Senior League Premier Division played on 13/05/17�for more go the Reports page and click on the TT Index for 2016-17�

Thursday 18^th May � TT No.79: Brian Buck � ��on the direct flight path of nearby Wycombe International Airport and during the match several light aircraft flew over us, low enough for me to see their registration numbers�. For the first part of a Saturday treble Brian visits Holy Trinity (v Kings Sports 2nds) in the Hertfordshire & Borders Churches League Division 2 played on 13/05/17�for more go the Reports page and click on the TT Index for 2016-17�

Thursday 18^th May � TT No.78: Keith Aslan � �A rope is the last word in spectator comfort here but there is a clubhouse that was showing the lunchtime football�. Keith travels to Dartford for Fleetdown United (v Greenways) in the Kent County League Premier Division played on 13/05/17�for more go the Reports page and click on the TT Index for 2016-17�

Thursday 18^th May � TT No.77: Steve Hardy � ��, has an outdoor, floodlit, 3G pitch inside a cage�. Steve ends his hop with a visit to Fazackerley for Waterloo GSOB (v Byrom) in the Liverpool County Premier League Premier Division played on 13/05/17�for more go the Reports page and click on the TT Index for 2016-17�

Thursday 18^th May � TT No.76: Steve Hardy � �The British Railwayman�s North End Social club is based on the Melling Road, in Aintree, right opposite the famous Aintree racecourse�. As part of a Merseyside hop Steve takes in BRNESC U18 (v Rosemont U18) in the Liverpool County Premier League U18A Division played on 13/05/17�for more go the Reports page and click on the TT Index for 2016-17�

Thursday 18^th May � TT No.75: Brian Buck � �This was quite a rowdy match�. Brian ends his hopping treble with a trip to watch Farley Boys (v Jedenastka) in the Luton District & South Beds League William Pease Cup Final played at Dunstable Town FC on 06/05/17�for more go the Reports page and click on the TT Index for 2016-17�

Thursday 18^th May � TT No.74: Brian Buck � �it was switched to their opponent�s home ground because of cricket�. Brian watches Haddenham United (v Aylesbury Dynamos) in the Aylesbury & District League Premier Division for his second game played at Cuddington on 06/05/17�for more go the Reports page and click on the TT Index for 2016-17�

Thursday 18^th May � TT No.73: Brian Buck � �This ground is the former home of Electrolux, who used to play in the South Midlands League�. For his first game of the day Brian travels to watch Luton Town (v Leyton Orient) in the EFL Youth Alliance Merit League 1 played on 06/05/17�for more go the Reports page and click on the TT Index for 2016-17�

Thursday 18^th May � Latest Images: Gary Spooner � Don�t miss Gary�s awesome match day pictures from a hop to watch Totternhoe (v New Bradwell St Peter) in the Spartan South Midlands League Division Two played on 13/05/17�now added to the new FGIF album gallery�

Gary writes (via E-Mail): �Sunny afternoon at Totternhoe on Saturday for a game that saw Totternhoe beat New Bradwell St Peter 5-1. The scoreline was slightly flattering to the hosts as NBSP had several chances and were the better side in the second half after being 4-0 down at half time.  Last game on home soil this season�.

Thursday 18^th May � Latest Images: Steve Hardy � Check out the cracking match day pictures featuring a Merseyside Triple with matches at: BRNESC Under 18�s (v Rosemont Under 18�s) in the Liverpool County League Under 18 A Division; Waterloo GSOB Reserves (v Mersey Marauders) in an end of season Friendly and Waterloo GSOB (v Byrom) in the Liverpool County League Premier Division�all played on 13/05/17� now uploaded to the new FGIF album gallery�

Thursday 18^th May � Latest Images: WebEd � View the ground, action and match day photos from a hop to watch Fleetdown United (v Greenways) in the Kent County League Premier Division played on 13/05/17� now added to the new FGIF album gallery�

Wednesday 22^nd March � TT No.44: Brian Buck � �I would imagine that in summer and with all the trees in leaf, this would be a lovely place to watch football, or cricket of course�. The second game of the day leads Brian to Langleybury Cricket Club (v Bovingdon �A�) in the West Herts Saturday League Division 2 played on 18/03/17�to read his review on the Reports page�click on the TT Index for 2016-17 for more�

Wednesday 22^nd March � TT No.43: Brian Buck � ��their half time team talk was in sign language�. For the first part of his inspirational Saturday Double super hopper Brian travels down to South Oxhey for St Albans Deaf (v Northchurch Baptists) in the Hertfordshire & Borders Churches League Division 2 fixture played on 18/03/17...now added to the Reports page�click on the TT Index for 2016-17 for more�

Wednesday 22^nd March � TT No.42: Keith Aslan � ��is beautifully situated in the heart of the countryside�fully railed with a clubhouse dishing out burgers and bacon rolls over an hour before kick-off�. Jarvis Jaunts. Our roving reporter heads over to Crowborough in East Sussex to bring us a cracking review from Jarvis Brook (v Cowfold) in the Southern Combination Division 2 fixture played on 18/03/17� now added to the Reports page�click on the TT Index for 2016-17 for more�

Wednesday 22^nd March � TT No.41: Steve Hardy � �This was a rare opportunity to see a game on the Hagley playing fields in West Hagley, south of Stourbridge�. For his second match of the day Steve attends West Hagley Veterans (v Old Hill Veterans) in the Birmingham Football Veterans Cup tie played on 18/03/17� now added to the Reports page�to read his must-see review click on the TT Index for 2016-17 for more�

Wednesday 22^nd March � TT No.40: Steve Hardy � �The action took place at Brown Westhead Park in Wolverley�. For his first part of an exciting Saturday Double Steve takes in the morning game at Zion Athletic (v Zion City) in the West Midlands Christian League Division One played on 18/03/17� to find out more go the Reports page and click on the TT Index for 2016-17�

Friday 17^th March � TT No.39: Brian Buck � �The ground itself is right next to the busy A14�a fence has been put up to block up most of the view (of drivers passing by)�. Read all about Brian�s strategic hop to watch Bedric�s Worth (v Thurston Reserves) in the St Edmundsbury Football League Division One fixture played on 11/03/17�  

Friday 17^th March � TT No.38: Steve Hardy � �This address may seem familiar to some of you, and that is because it is the former home of the Manchester City Academy�. Only a stone�s throw from the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, Steve brings us a valuable review from the Platt Lane Complex in Fallowfield (3G) for Govan Athletic (v Breightmet United) in the Manchester Football League Division One fixture played on 11/03/17� now added to the Reports page�click on the TT Index for 2016-17 for more�

Steve adds (via E-Mail): �Here is my article from yesterday's trip to Manchester. Yes, it was another 3G pitch, but you could walk round all four sides, so not too bad at all�.   

Friday 17^th March � Latest Images: Rob Campion - Check out Rob�s ace pictures from his second game of a �Gloucestershire Double� with a visit to Longlevens AFC (v Henley Town) in the Hellenic League Premier Division match played on 11/03/17�now added to the new FGIF album gallery�

Rob reports (via E-Mail): �I managed a double yesterday, though only photos at one of them. First up was an under-21 game in Droitwich Spa between Droitwich Spa BG and Kings Heath Concorde. An awful game that ended 2-2. I then headed south to Gloucestershire and picked up a friend in Cheltenham before heading to Longlevens AFC v Henley Town (Hellenic League Premier Division) 8-3. The club play at a tidy little ground in the eastern suburbs of Gloucester, and they are one of the most welcoming clubs I have ever visited. They take a real interest in first time visitors and have a guest book for you to sign. They insisted on giving us tea and coffee before the game and at half time and a slice of cake as well.

A really enjoyable day out to a club that all football fans should put on their �to do� list. Just a shame that the locals do not get behind them as I counted just 23 people in attendance. Attached are 18 photos with a further 68 of the ground and game online
@ http://rambler77.zenfolio.com/p47724776 �.  

Friday 17^th March � Latest Images: WebEd � View the ground, action and match day photos from Hickling (v Runton United) in the North-East Norfolk League Division One played on 11/03/17�now uploaded to the new FGIF album gallery�

WebEd writes: �Despite a couple of major hold ups on route to my footy fix in the Norfolk Broads, my patience (and a lot of luck) was rewarded with a most memorable (and high-scoring) hop that was well worth all the aggro on Saturday afternoon. A serious collision involving several cars on the eastbound A47 Norwich ring road just after mid-day threatened to scupper my chances of reaching the picturesque village of Hickling, the destination for my footy fix. Just as I was about to lose hope of getting to the game, fast acting emergency service personnel at the scene set up a diversion to ease the long tail back that had built up and finally got the slow-moving traffic back up and running smoothly again. However, moments after leaving the dual carriageway at Acle, another hold up (due to ongoing roadworks) meant I was once again sat in a stationary queue, this time waiting for the temporary traffic lights to change (which they did several times). It was touch and go but I managed to get through them and complete the final leg of my journey to arrive (in a bit of a cold nervous sweat) with ten just minutes to spare before the 2.30pm kick-off!

The village of Hickling is about twenty miles south-east of Cromer and lies three miles east of the Broadlands town of Stalham. The nearest railway station is at Worstead for the Bittern Line which runs between Sheringham, Cromer and Norwich. Comprising of two main parts, Hickling Green and Hickling Heath, the village attracts the many tourists who come on boat trips and moor up at the staithe. On the edge of the Hickling Broads it is possible to reach Catfield Dyke, Potter Heigham and even Great Yarmouth by inland waterways. Because it leads to the sea the waters are slightly tidal and, depending on the time of year, the water levels can heavily rise or fall. There are many thatched huts dotted along the broads, one of the oldest being Turner's Hut.

Hickling Football Club plays its games on a playing field located on a beautiful landscaped site incorporating the Hickling Barn HQ off Mallard Way. The facilities here are housed in an impressive modern building constructed not only to replace the old outdated hall but to act as a new hub for the local village residents. Completed in 2012 to look like a traditional Norfolk barn (if you ignore the solar panels), it provides a wide range of social and sporting activities for community use. For football the changing rooms are found at the back some two hundred yards from the main pitch marked out on the far side of the field. Although the playing area is not roped off and there are no pitch side facilities to speak of, visitors here will not fail to be impressed by the wonderful old mill located behind the top goal which makes for a stunning back drop to the action.

The 19th-century grade II listed windmill on Hickling Heath was built in 1818 to a design known as a tower mill, a tapering circular building some eight storeys high used for grinding wheat for flour. In the 1860s this also included a bakery until production ceased in 1904, at which time the sails and fantail were removed. After several changes of ownership, the mill in 1934 came into the ownership of the Forbes family, who carried out major cap renovation in 1989. Otherwise Hickling Mill is one of the few windmills in the country to have been preserved in a largely unrestored condition. It still contains almost a complete set of main machinery and many of the original timber fittings and three sets of millstones.

Today�s game was going to be an intriguing contest with the bottom placed hosts entertaining high flying Runton United for a NENL First Division league game. The visitors from Cromer arrived on the back of a terrific unbeaten run (going back three season). So far in 2016-17 they had won all their games and had also reached the Norfolk Junior Cup Final where they will play Anglian Combination side UEA at Carrow Road in April. As you�ve probably guessed my choice of game was planned not just to tick of a new ground but hopefully see a few goals in the process. I wasn�t to be disappointed either as Runton quickly took control of the game scoring their opening goal inside the first minute before adding another seven without reply to lead 8-0 at the break. There was no respite for Hickling as they were penned into their own half for much of the second half as Runton went on the rampage and worked hard to build up their lead. They were relentless in scoring another ten goals before the hosts managed to get on the scoresheet themselves converting a penalty late on after the referee spotted some pushing in the area. For the record the game ended 1-17 to Runton making this the highest ever number of goals I have ever seen in a game � some thirty odd years since I started this wonderful hobby. Indeed, the score could have been more with no fewer than four goals being disallowed for offside infringements. This broke my previous total of fifteen goals coincidentally set only a few weeks back when Harston Bostocks beat Bottisham 14-1 in a Cambs County League Division 5B league match!

The game played in mainly dull and overcast conditions on a bumpy but well grassed surface attracted eighteen spectators. Neither programmes nor refreshments were available. Despite the gulf in class between both sides credit must go to the Hickling players for persevering throughout. Praise must also go to match referee Ryan Starkey (secretary of the Great Yarmouth & District League) who, after only taking up the whistle two years ago, officiated in a firm and fair manner allowing the play to flow as much as possible. I was also indebted to Hickling secretary and defender Martin Hale who texted me with the important match details mid-morning before setting out. It goes without saying that a visit to this friendly, welcoming club situated in the picturesque Norfolk Broads comes highly recommended.                           

Friday 17^th March � Latest Images: Steve Hardy � It�s 3G this week for Steve as he brings us match day pictures from Govan Athletic (v Breightmet United) in the Manchester Football League Division One fixture played on 11/03/17�now added to the new FGIF album gallery�

Friday 17^th March � TT No.37: Keith Aslan � �The ground is exactly what you would expect, an Atcost stand and the foundations for another one adjacent which will contain seats, but no sign of any sitting down material at present�. Stockton Strolls! Check out Keith�s excellent review as he recompletes the league with a hop to the North East for Stockton Town (v Billingham Town) in the Northern League Division 2 fixture played on 04/03/17� now added to the Reports page�click on the TT Index for 2016-17 for more�

Friday 17^th March � Latest Images: Rob Campion � Photo avalanche! Rob brings us a must-see selection of match day pictures featuring some of his recent visits over the last month covering James King Blisworth (v Medbourne) in the Northants Combination Premier Division played on 04/02/17; Three Horse Shoes (v Dunton & Broughton United (Sunday)) in the Hinckley & District Sunday League Division 1 on 05/02/17; Outwell Swifts (v Cambridge City Reserves) in the Cambridgeshire County League Premier Division on 18/02/17; Warton Club (v Edingale Swifts) in the Tamworth & District Sunday League ES George Memorial Cup 2nd Round on 19/02/17 and Coventrians (v Enville Athletic) in the Midland Football League Division 3 on 04/03/17�all now added to the FGIF album gallery�

Rob writes (via several E-Mails sent on 08/03): �Finally got my new laptop sorted and this is the first of several e-mails of photos from the previous month. On 4th February - James King Blisworth 1-0 Medbourne (Northants Combination Premier Division). 8 photos are attached with a further 42 online @ http://rambler77.zenfolio.com/p478226172�.

�5th February - Three Horse Shoes 3-8 Dunton & Broughton United (Sunday) (Hinckley & District Sunday League Division 1). Headed down to Hinckley and the hosts (in red) lost their unbeaten record in emphatic style. Defences were none existent as the two teams rattled in seven goals in the opening half hour. 8 photos are attached with another 42 online @ http://rambler77.zenfolio.com/p408144654�.

�18th February - Outwell Swifts 1-2 Cambridge City Reserves (Cambridgeshire County League Premier Division). Spent my 40th birthday on the Norfolk/Suffolk border. This was the furthest I could get to from Leicester within the time constraints I had, due to needing to be home by 5.30pm. 12 photos are attached with a further 41 online @ http://rambler77.zenfolio.com/p437940618�.

�19th February - Warton Club 1-2 Edingale Swifts (Tamworth & District Sunday League E.S. George Memorial Cup 2nd Round). Headed to the Warwickshire/Leicestershire border and caught up with the visitors. Despite going a goal down at half time the Swifts (in yellow) turned things around in the second half to progress to the next round. Decent game despite the pitch being awful. 8 photos are attached with a further 29 online @  http://rambler77.zenfolio.com/p213503185 �.

�The final set of photos comes from Saturday 4th March - Coventrians 0-1 Enville Athletic (Midland Football League Division 3). A case of plan B with Ashland Rovers called off. The home side tweeted that it was game on so didn't bother looking for any alternative fixtures. Easy run down the M69 to the northern suburbs of Coventry. Awful game of football - probably the worst I have seen this season. The biggest surprise was there was actually a goal scored, as there were very few chances created by both sides. Basic set up with it being a public park. The club rope off one side and have a couple of sets of portable dugouts. Hot and cold drinks are available and the club also have a few lines of merchandise for sale, which includes pin badges. 9 photos are attached with a further 34 online @ http://rambler77.zenfolio.com/p370012481�.  

Friday 17^th March � Latest Images: Gary Spooner �It�s the lure of the oval ball as our senior photographer Gary brings us a cracking selection of match day pictures from a rugby league hop to watch London Skolars (v Toronto Wolfpack) in the Kingstone Press League 1 fixture played on 04/03/17�now added to the Rugby League Album in the FGIF gallery�

Gary adds (via E-Mail): �After working yesterday morning I made it to the New River Stadium for London Skolars v Toronto Wolfpack. For the Wolfpack it was their first ever league game following their cup game at Siddall last week. The Skolars open just the main stand which was rammed yesterday with a record attendance of 1542 including many northern based Rugby League fans and a fair few Canadians. Skolars had gone to town with a beer festival, a barbecue and pre and post-match entertainment from the Bryan Adams Experience. Admission was �10 in advance and �12 on the day. A programme was issued which was vastly overpriced at �3. It was not as good as many non-league football programmes which you would generally not pay more than �1 for. The game was ridiculously one sided with the Wolfpack winning 76-0 but there was a good atmosphere to the day and an enjoyable time was had�.             

Friday 17^th March � Latest Images: WebEd � View the ground, action and match day photos taken at Cockers (v North Elmham) in the Central & South Norfolk League Dick Davey Ambulance Cup Round 3 tie played on 04/03/17�now uploaded to the new FGIF album gallery�

WebEd writes: �My visit to Cockers Football Club was eagerly awaited as it meant that I had finally done the set, having ticked off all the clubs playing in the three divisions making up the Central & South Norfolk League. It also made up for a previous discounted visit here at the start of last season when prolonged heavy rain during the day led to the abandonment of a league fixture against Walsingham United just an hour before the early evening kick off. The club itself is based in the village of Swanton Morley which is located some five miles to the north of Dereham and reached by taking the B1147. The ground is found off Manns Lane where a long gravel driveway takes you to the car park and adjacent (and rather unusually shaped) village hall which caters for many local sports and social activities. The players have access to a couple of changing rooms at the side of the building.

Pride of place here is the �must see� traditional red phone box which stands forlorn at the end of the car park. It�s all quite surreal because the box has been converted into a unique book exchange facility or as the note on the door says �Swanton Morley�s Phone Box Library�. An article which appeared in the Eastern Daily Press (October 2015), reveals that the old village call box has been given a new lick of paint and new windows. The parish council decided to take ownership of the kiosk which sat outside The Angel pub just over a year ago, buying it for the princely sum of �1. According to BT, the call box had just �1.80�worth of use over a whole year and it was starting to look faded and unloved.

Parish council clerk Faye Le Bon said they asked people for ideas for what it should be used for and suggestions ranged from turning it into a village information point, or possibly somewhere to store a defibrillator. �Someone even suggested painting it blue and turning it into a Tardis,� she said. �But I don�t think even Swanton Morley parish council has the technology for time travel. �When the idea of a book exchange was put forward it was clearly the favourite.� The box was moved from The Angel site to a new home at the village hall on Manns Lane which would give people in the village easier access and parking. New shelving is gradually filling up with books that people have donated for others to borrow completely free of charge. Mrs Le Bon said: �All we ask is that they remember to return them at some point. Nothing has to be signed in or out as it works completely on an honesty basis.� Books currently waiting to be borrowed include genres from horror to history, gardening to autobiographies, and there are also plenty of children�s books.

Back to the football. The main adult pitch used by the first team is marked out beyond a smaller youth pitch on the far side of the tree-lined playing field. Although there is no cover or dug outs, spectators standing on the far touchline will appreciate the large wind turbine towering above the village hall on the opposite side of the field. Both ends of the ground are bordered by fences and hedges to give it an appealing enclosed feel. If you look beyond the goal to the right you might just catch a glimpse of the All Saints parish church partly hidden between the surrounding trees.

Today�s game features a match in one of the league�s many cup competitions, the Dick Davey Ambulance Cup. This is contested to provide extra playing opportunities in a league that has seen its membership drastically fall (like many others up and down the country) over recent years. Cockers from division three (bottom one) welcome local rivals and division one (top) side North Elmham FC to Mann�s Lane for a third-round tie. Despite their relative lowly league position Cockers have been in good form recently with some encouraging results bolstered by the addition of several new players that have joined from neighbouring team Beetley Bees FC (who have recently left the league for disciplinary reasons).

The derby game sees the form book turned on its head as the hosts prevail over their more illustrious opponents and win a thrilling game by a compelling 2-1 score-line. It�s a frantic finish as the visitors score late on but cannot find an equaliser with the Cockers defence holding firm on to their well-deserved lead. A crowd of twelve is in attendance for the game which is played in warm sunshine on a sticky playing surface that has been sanded in both goal mouths and around the centre circle. My thanks go to club secretary Mrs Sue Clarke for her invaluable help in confirming the match info before I left Racing HQ at mid-day. Although she didn�t attend, her husband Mick (complete with his specially knitted woolly club hat), was at the game and told me he will pass the message on when he gets home!  Another great day out marking a memorable occasion. Hopefully another new club or ground will soon provide a further opportunity for me to take in a game in what is a terrific competition, one of my favourites. I can�t believe it is almost six years ago since I attended my first match in the league at Bridgham United FC back in April 2011. How time flies!!

Wednesday 1^st March � Latest Images: Gary Spooner � Our senior star snapper brings us a cracking selection of match day pictures from a fantastic Belgium Weekend Double Hop featuring matches at KV Kortrijk (v Waasland Beveren) in the 2 Jupiler Pro League fixture played on 25/02/17 and SK Eernegem (v KSKV Zwevezele) in the 1st Provincial League West Flanders on 26/02/17�both sets now added to the new FGIF album gallery�

Gary writes (via E-Mail): �Mandy and I took a trip to Belgium this weekend and as usual, managed to get a couple of footie games in. Saturday night saw us head to the Guldensporen Stadion, home of KV Kortrijk. The visitors were Waasland Beveren and the two teams provided an entertaining game in a decent stadium with a decent atmosphere. Admission was 20 euros for a seat.  There was no programme. Half time refreshment was a waffle for 3 euros which was piping hot and absolutely delicious�.

�Sunday afternoon saw us at the Gemeentelijk Sportcentrum, home of SK Eernegem where top of the table KSKV Zwevezele were the visitors. Not such a good game with the visitors staying top courtesy of a 1-0 victory. Excellent little ground with a stand on one side, covered standing on the other and a large clubhouse filling one end. Very friendly locals including one who took the trouble to find us at the end and wish us a safe journey home. Admission was 7 and a half euros and a free teamsheet was available�.

Tuesday 28^th February � TT No.36: Keith Aslan � �Fully enclosed with a small stand which did its job when the predicted rain arrived�. Dorset Dawdles! Read about Keith�s painstaking hop to watch Balti Sports (v Holt United) in the Dorset Premier League match played on 25/02/17� now added to the Reports page�click on the TT Index for 2016-17 for more�

Tuesday 28^th February � TT No.35: Steve Hardy � ��beating storm Dottie by moving the game to a leisure centre�three miles away�. Read more from Steve�s alternative 3G hop to watch Awsworth Villa (v Sandiacre Town) in the Notts Senior League Premier Division match played at the Kimberley Leisure Centre on 25/02/17� go to the Reports page and click on the TT Index for 2016-17 for more�

Tuesday 28^th February � Latest Images: Mark Bembridge � View Mark�s awesome match day pictures from a hop to watch Canadian side Nanaimo United (v Lakehill United) in the Vancouver Island Soccer League Division 2 match played at Merle Logan Turf on 25/02/17� now uploaded to the new FGIF album gallery�

Tuesday 28^th February � Latest Images: Rob Campion � Check out Rob�s ace ground pictures taken at Bedford Town (v Barton Rovers) in the Southern League Central Division fixture played on 25/02/17� now uploaded to the new FGIF album gallery�

Rob adds (via E-Mail): �Decide to pass on the match photography yesterday with the weather forecast and instead headed somewhere with cover. Bedford Town 1-1 Barton Rovers (Southern League Division 1 Central). Decent ground and attached are 11 photos�.

Tuesday 28^th February � Latest Images: Steve Hardy � Alternative 3G weather buster! Don�t miss Steve�s match day pictures following a visit to watch Awsworth Villa (v Sandiacre Town) in the Notts Senior League Premier Division match played at the Kimberley Leisure Centre on 25/02/17�now added to the new FGIF album gallery�

Steve writes (via E-Mail): �Another week, another 3G pitch! We were only allowed to stand in one spot in the cage, and I couldn�t take shots from all four sides like I normally do�.

Tuesday 28^th February � Latest Images: WebEd � View the ground, action and match day photos from a hop to watch Isleham United (v Upwell Town) in the Cambridgeshire County League Division 2B played on 25/02/17� now added to the new FGIF album gallery�

WebEd writes: �Only a stone�s throw from Racing HQ, this was the nearest new ground I had not yet ticked off my hopping list! As expected, the short eight-mile journey was completed comfortably in just under twenty minutes. Isleham United Football Club plays at the local recreation ground found on a grassed playing area at the junction of the Mill Street and West Street and is close to the centre of the village. Facilities here are first class and served by an impressive community centre called The Beeches. Funded by the parish council and opened less than two years ago, the well-appointed complex is used for a wide range of sporting and social clubs providing activities for both adults and children. It also hosts business conferences and caters for wedding receptions in purpose built accommodation that features a large function room and adjacent bar lounge within its premises. The football club use some spacious new changing rooms which are hidden away at the back of the centre, located next to a large metal outdoor equipment container.

The tree-lined recreation ground has several pitches marked out within its perimeter to cater for many of the club�s teams. Apart from adult football there is also a strong youth section here and upon arrival the place was buzzing with youngsters (and their parents) after a midday training session (on one of the smaller pitches on the far side of the field) had just finished. Although I had confirmation that the match was on before setting out, I couldn�t immediately see any goal posts in place for today�s game. However, it wasn�t long before my fears were allayed when I spotted several home players wheeling them out over to one of the (two) main pitches in front of The Beeches. Phew! There are no dug outs or cover around the un-roped pitch which has a fairly strong slope running along its length between the goals.

Today�s game saw the visit of Wisbech-based Upwell Town to the recreation ground for a league match. With both sides sitting close to mid table a close division 2B fixture was in prospect. For the record, it was hosts Isleham who won by a 2-0 score-line with both goals coming in the first half of what turned out to be quite a scrappy affair spoiled in part by the swirling wind and showers which gathered throughout the afternoon. A crowd of just seven attended the game and refreshments including hot drinks were available from the bar area at half-time. On a personal note, it was a nice surprise to catch up with the Isleham skipper Neil Parr who I had not seen for over twenty-five years since he had been a (very well behaved) pupil in my Year 9 PE lessons at Newmarket Upper School � gosh, how time flies!! A visit to this friendly club comes highly recommended to all hoppers�.

Tuesday 28^th February � Latest Programme News: Steve Hardy � FGIF�s programme �meister� brings us a mouth-watering list of the latest clubs to issue this season�featuring English, Ladies, Sunday and Welsh football teams�it�s essential info for all paper chasers out there� go to the Programmes link and then click on the Programme News tab for more...   

Tuesday 28^th February - WebLog Update: Simple Pieman � Read all about Steve's hop to watch KAA Gent (v Tottenham Hotspur) in the UEFA Europa League - Round of 32 1st Leg played on 16/02/17�now uploaded to his excellent Weblog Pie and Mushy Peas at the following link/address shown below: http://pieandmushypeas.blogspot.co.uk/2017/02/kaa-gent.html

Wednesday 22^nd February � TT No.34: Steve Hardy � ��a railed off pitch and a small covered standing area to keep the rain off spectators�that is about it really�. Enjoy the second part of Steve�s Rotherham Ramble as he takes in Phoenix (v Retford) in the Central Midlands League North Division fixture played on 18/02/17� now added to the Reports page�click on the TT Index for 2016-17 for more�

Wednesday 22^nd February � TT No.33: Steve Hardy � �. I went to the match thinking I would be watching on one of the outside pitches, but to my delight I found it had been switched to the main pitch at Parkgate FC�. Read all about the first part of Steve�s Rotherham Double Hop with a visit to Rotherham United U18�s (v Hartlepool United U18�s) in the Football League Youth Alliance � North West Division (at Parkgate FC) played on 18/02/17� now added to the Reports page�click on the TT Index for 2016-17 for more�

Wednesday 22^nd February � TT No.32: Keith Aslan � �As village grounds go they don't come much better than this one, fully enclosed and railed, a covered stand, part seated, and floodlights�. Tideswell Travels. Don�t miss Keith�s cracking review from a hop to watch Tideswell United (v Harworth Colliery) in the Central Midlands League North Division played on 18/02/17� go to the Reports page and click on the TT Index for 2016-17 for more�

Wednesday 22^nd February � Latest Images: Steve Hardy � It�s a Rotherham Double for Steve as he brings us plenty of terrific pictures from Rotherham United U18�s (v Hartlepool United U18�s) in the Football League Youth Alliance � North West Division (at Parkgate FC) and Phoenix (v Retford) in the Central Midlands League North Division�both played on 18/02/17�now added to the new FGIF album gallery...

Wednesday 22^nd February � Latest Images: Gary Spooner � Check out Gary�s superb selection of match day photos following a trip to watch West Bromwich United (v Sikh Hunters) in the West Midlands Regional League Second Division match played on 18/02/17�now added to the new FGIF album gallery�

Gary reports (via E-Mail): �Short trip to Birmingham and the Hadley Stadium yesterday for a 2 o�clock kick off between West Bromwich United and Sikh Hunters. Not the best game but an impressive ground for this level and a bargain �2 admission which included an excellent 16-page programme. Hot drinks were available and most welcome. Despite the warmer weather, it was still very cold! The small band of supporters and club officials were very friendly and welcoming. The early kick off meant I was back in the car in time to hear the mighty Cobbs grab an excellent away point and the Lions grab a last gasp winner against Leicester. Excellent day out!�.

Wednesday 22^nd February � Latest Images: WebEd � View the ground, action and match day pictures from a hop to watch AFC Oaklands (v Hampstead Heath) in the Herts Senior County League Division One fixture played on 18/02/17�now uploaded to the new FGIF album gallery�

WebEd writes: �After spending a season playing at Under 21 level, AFC Oaklands is now plying its trade in the HSCL Division One this campaign. Made up of students attending Oaklands College in St Albans (a requirement of the club) the team has made a terrific start so far and currently sit just outside the top three promotion places in the sixteen-strong division. First team manager John Highton explained that the young side has received excellent coaching with many of the players following sports related courses at the college. This not only helps to give them a good grounding but uses the advantage of sports science data to help improve their performance�.

�The club plays its games on the vast playing field located at the rear of the Smallford Campus site. Travellers intending to make a visit should enter the college along the South Drive (off the A1057 Hatfield Road) which takes you through and around the college grounds and into the main Sports Zone (signposted) and car park (free on Saturdays). From here it�s a bit of a trek to walk down to the fields, passing the main centre on your right and two 3G floodlit pitches (used for hockey) to the left. The club plays on a partly roped-off pitch over to the left-hand side of the field (alongside an adjacent rugby pitch). There are two perspex dug outs positioned close to the half-way line on the far side. As you would expect there is no cover at pitch-side�.

Today�s game saw the visit of league leaders and fellow newcomers Hampstead Heath to the college. Attended by almost twenty spectators including affable Ilford based hopper (and proud grandad) Geoff Combes, the game was played in sunny conditions on an excellent well-grassed grassed surface. We both enjoyed a thoroughly captivating game of football that saw the lead change three times. Despite taking a lion�s share of the possession in the second half Oaklands just couldn�t find a way through the resolute Hampstead defence and it was the visitors� Simon Lawrence (the hat-trick hero) who nicked the winning goal following a quick counter attack only three minutes before the end, to make it 2-3. It was a great advert for the league and on this showing both clubs should be involved in the promotion race come May. Neither refreshments nor programmes are available for matches.

Another superb day out. I can recommend a visit to this newly formed club to all ground collecting neutrals. For the record, hoppers may be interested to know that Hampstead Heath play its home games at the Toms Lane recreation ground in Bedmond on the outskirts of Watford. Although the roots of the club and majority of its players hail from North London, they must play home games in Hertfordshire to be able compete in the league�.