GROUND HOP DAY COMES ROUND AGAIN

If you didn't know, a Groundhopper (not a Groundhogger) is a football fan who visits clubs all over the world and keeps a diary! No, I am not going to use the word “anorak”, that's for trainspotters. Groundhoppers contribute to club funds and make people aware of local football. You could join the 92 Club and visit every league club in the cdountry, serious hoppers do this in a year before some poor wretch falls out of the FLeague into the Conference. I did the 12 original Fleague members last season to commemorate an anniversary from 1888. name those teams-see previous blogs.

Ground Hop Day 2015 is this weekend (yes, three days I know), perfect for the long Easter Weekend. So the North East Counties League, home to my local team, Penistone Church United, has arranged eight matches over three days to allow Groundhoppers the opportunity to take in a maximum of games.

For example, Nostell Miners Welfare played Retford United on Thursday at 7.47pm-that's what it says in the lists.

Grimsby Borough play Hall Road Rangers at 6.30pm tonight (Good Friday) and you could have watched two other league games starting at 11.30am (after church) and 2.30pm.

Penistone ko at 7.30pm on Saturday against Pontefract Collieries, so you could plan your journey around the county and take in variety of games from 10.30, 1.45, 4.45 and then for only £5 watch the Church. U16s are free with an adult.

The club might have taken a leaf out of Petersfield's book by offering cocktails or two for one with a lady! (see previous Valentine's Day blog).

Penistone Church was founded in 1906, relatively late considering that this part of Yorkshire is regarded as a hub for historic teams-Hallam and Sheffield FC for example.

The club came together by joining Choirboys and Juniors but despite their angelic appearance, the Church very quickly won the Sheffield Junior Cup (1909). They have progressed to become a NECounties team and Charter Standard.

In 2006 , when they celebrated their Centenary, the club played..... wait for it.....an Emmerdale All Stars XI. Just think if Hepworth United fancied their chances, they could play the cast from Last of the Summer Wine! Compo, the scheming midfielder, Foggy a tall centre half, Cleggy first aid man and Nora Batty in goals. Howard and Marina, twin strikers!