This weekend, my local Non-League club, Hepworth United FC, from the Sheffield and Hallamshire League, play at Dodworth Miners Welfare, in what could be described as a local derby. This morning our "Wildcats" have been out on the training pitch despite some dreadful rain in recent days. Their light feet will not do much damage, but there's a chance that adult games may be postponed. We also have plenty of junior games going on tomorrow.
Keeping up with the spirit of the Non-League weekend, the actual Football League has games fixtured, with some local "derbys" to attract a maximum crowd:
Rochdale v Accrington, Southend Utd v AFC Wimbledon, Portsmouth v Gillingham, Peterborough v Lincoln City, Exeter v Forest Green, and a few others that make sense.
BUT the National League (which is the top end of the Non-League dynasty) is not really entering into the spirit of the weekend with long journeys;
AFC Fylde v Sutton Utd, Aldershot v Hartlepool, Barrow v Dover, FC Halifax v Boreham Wood, Yeovil v Harrogate Town, Notts County v Torquay.....get my drift? There are a few more local ties!
Seven 19 year olds took ownership of the failing Walton and Hersham FC in Surrey, a club that had once knocked out of the FA Cup Brian Clough's Brighton and Hove Albion (in 1974). Stanley Matthews was President in the 1980s and Martin Tyler the Sky commentator is a former player. I was lucky enough to play against W&H in the 1970s and found myself facing David Bassett, who later revved up with the "Crazy Gang" at Wimbledon FC. He was feisty!
The Walton committee only pay travel expenses to the squad.
Gary Sales 18 months ago was diagnosed with bladder cancer and founded a football club called "Real Haynes", after his local Bedfordshire village and his team helps promote the 10th most common cancer and raise money for its research. They play Blunham at 10.30 and expect a crowd of 500 including the inevitable "Groundhoppers".
https://www.facebook.com/RealHaynesBedfordshire/ spot Gary in the team photo......
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p02nrsln
Above is the daily podcast for "Football Daily-BBC"
Aldershot v Eastleigh will have an Honesty Box instead of the fixed entry fee.
AFC Rushden and Diamonds are offering free entry to anyone turning up in Oktoberfest gear!
At King's Langley any one bringing their well behaved dog on a lead will get cheaper entry and at Thetford they are giving away sponsor's bread rolls as you walk through the turnstiles.
At Hepworth United FC we have been promoting Prostate Cancer and the Mental Health Charities...money was raised at this week's U18/17 practice for a "Keepy Up" challenge. Over £40 was gathered, including the "prize money" for the best pair, who kindly donated the winnings back.
My Walking Football club, Penistone Church host Bridlington Town in the FA Vase.
If you can make a game good, if not, donate.
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