DRAMA, SIN BINS, AND CHIP BUTTIES
The first two weekends of November saw me travelling north, firstly for family duties, secondly for work. This meant I was able to take in two great games. On the 2nd I was up in Leeds, babysitting my partner’s grandkids. So I took the chance to go to Pontefract Collieries versus Trafford FC.
Unfortunately, when I arrived at the ground, the Trafford team coach was just pulling out of the carpark. The game was called off due to a waterlogged pitch. I asked in the office if there were any games in the area going ahead.
“You could try Glasshoughton” came the reply. I went back up the steep hill I had just come down and caught a bus to Glasshoughton. Stepping off the bus, I heard the referee blow for kick-off and entered the ground.
It was small. Glasshoughton Welfare AFC play in the Northern Counties East League Division One. There were just two stands, one with seats. I counted 71 people dotted around. They were playing Harrogate Railway Athletic FC.
I stood in the small stand behind the goal Glasshoughton were shooting into. They did most of the pressing in the first 10 minutes. A low corner then seemed to squirm over the line at the near post. The ref had a cluster of players in his sight line. The attack claimed the goal. The defence denied it. The ref looked Harrogate keeper Joseph Wilton in the eye and asked if it crossed. He shook his head, and play was waved on.
Wilton was to have an eventful afternoon. Glasshoughton scored first, with a free-kick on the edge of the box. I’m not sure who scored, as I was told at half-time, “We don’t do team sheets here.”
Two minutes later, a Harrogate midfielder, a Glasshoughton striker, and Wilton all collided on the penalty spot and the ref gave a penalty. There was a lot of arguing but the ball was placed on the spot and the ref walked towards young Joe in goal.
But just as he opened his mouth to speak, Wilton said in a firm voice, “No, I won’t move off my bloody line!” He then turned his stare to the forward over the ball and saved low to his left.
Half-time came around, and I headed to the brand new clubhouse, shared with the cricket club. There was no draught beer, but some amazing chip butties.
The second half began in dreadful conditions under a steady drizzle and a long ball over the top led to a goal for Patrick Sykes, the Rail’s captain.
Wilton made two amazing saves and as the clock ticked into the 93rd minute, I was happy to make him my man of the match. Then with the last kick of the game, Welfare scored the winner to break Joe’s heart.
The following weekend I performed in Beverley at the East Riding Theatre. So I used the opportunity to go to the A614 derby: Bridlington Town versus Goole AFC in the NCEL Premier Division. Chips and gravy from the chip shop in the ground sorted me out nicely after the long drive from London.
It was only £6 to get in and they do a very good programme for £1.50. I managed to nick a team sheet from Peter Smurthwaite, the chairman, who was most accommodating. The ground is next to Bridlington RFC, and I saw him looking enviously at their new stand. But hopefully, if grants come through, they will be building a new clubhouse soon.
The game was great. After 30 minutes, Bridlington were 3-0 up. The first, an own goal off Ambo Adama’s arse from a corner. The second, a cool turn and volley by Chris Adams. The third, a defensive mix-up that gifted Billy Logan with an open goal for the Seasiders.
Then I became very confused! The ref blew for a free-kick against Ambo, who leapt to his feet, screaming swear words. The ref calmly had a few words, and pointed to the bench. But he didn’t show a card. Ambo went and sat on the bench. I thought that I had missed the red card.
Then six minutes into the second half, Ambo came back on. I asked the locals what was going on and they explained that the league is trying out a sin bin option this season.
Swearing at the ref had obviously placed the Goole number six in the sin bin. It seemed to work, as from then on there was little argument with any of Neil Howlett’s decisions. But seven minutes later, Bridlington made it 4-0. It looked all over.
After a couple of substitutions, however, the Vikings gave Brid a bit of a fright. Reagan Ward scored two longrange free-kicks in the 57th and 61st minutes, which were a joy to watch.
Suddenly, Bridlington weren’t pinging the ball around so comfortably. Both sides had more chances in an open game but it finished 4-2 to Bridlington.
Both of these games reminded me of why I love the Non-League game. I met some lovely people, had good food and drink, and was well looked after by the volunteers at both grounds.
I really hope the sin bin is implemented in all leagues soon!