Pre-Season Friendly
Saturday 22nd August 2020
After five months of being driven to the point of insanity by the negative narrative trotted out by the mainstream media, today was always going to be a fantastic occasion as crowds were (finally!) permitted to watch football matches once again.
The sport is now officially back and although it'll still be some time before spectators are allowed to attend what is now described as 'elite level' football, that's not necessarily a bad thing as it represents a perfect opportunity to get out and about seeing some of the lads now playing non-league football who I've enjoyed watching over the years!
Of all the matches being played this afternoon, Armthorpe Welfare versus Staveley Miners Welfare was always my first choice given the amount of lads in both teams who I either know, or have watched at some of their previous clubs.
In Armthorpe's ranks were Tyler Walker, a decent enough right-back - albeit he was wearing what can only be described as a pair of salmon-coloured 'flippers' for boots, Reece Lucas, who came on trial at Mansfield five years ago and Conner Williamson; a 'happy go lucky' centre-back who decided to morph into 'Mr Bagsman' as he got on the score-sheet by smashing one in to the bottom corner.
Tyler and Conner were both at Doncaster Rovers in their younger days and in Staveley's line-up were even more old DRFC academy lads such as Matt Parkin (who featured in the first half and still appeared to be as rapid as I remember him to be). Matty Davies, a nifty and talented winger who was once on the receiving end of a horror tackle by Matt Rhead, was also present, whilst another ex-scholar, Joe Pugh, was in attendance for part of the game having played in Staveley's reserves' clash over at Armthorpe Pavilion earlier in the day.
Finally, Corbin Shires (what a character he is!) is another player I know well as he came through the ranks at Mansfield as a first-year pro when I was also employed at Field Mill.
It was also a pleasure to have a catch up with Staveley's newest recruit, Myron Gibbons, who was watching on from the stands and was at DRFC only last season. No doubt when he's involved in the action (hopefully soon!) he'll be licking his lips at the chance to get some goals, get regular minutes and enjoy his football once again.
Although it was a largely sunny afternoon, true to form, the weather turned only a few minutes before kick-off as rain started lashing down! There wasn't enough rain to cause flooding but in the first few seconds of the game, Armthorpe's defence did their best 'Noah's Ark' impersonation as they appeared to be all at sea with Staveley waltzing through, unchallenged, and nearly scoring.
The visitors, one division about their counterparts, continued to look really bright and dominant in the early exchanges - causing more problems, especially on the right flank, and they came close again when a 25-yard free-kick had to be tipped over the upright.
Although Armthorpe gradually settled and began to see a bit more of the ball, Aaron Moxam did eventually fire Brett Marshall's team into a 1-0 lead but, frustratingly for them, they didn't hold onto it for very long.
Following a goalmouth scramble which the visitors were lucky to survive on the half-hour mark, the hosts got back on level terms when centre-back Conner Williamson momentarily morphed into Thierry Henry and scored the best goal which I've seen this season! Already in a good position inside the box, he showed some neat footwork to bring the ball under control before unleashing one swing of his 'magic right wand' to plant the ball firmly in the bottom corner. The 'keeper had no chance; it was a strike of pure quality which had 'Va Va Voom' aplenty and it was 1-1!
Bravo, Conner!
With no further goals up to half-time, Staveley, donning a bright orange strip, once again began the second period in the ascendancy and nearly re-established a lead through Corbin Shires' headed attempt which was fortunate to be cleared away.
Only a few minutes later, they did go 2-1 up as Jonathan Froggatt's close-range effort was judged to have crossed the line. However, for a second time they failed to hold onto it as Armthorpe levelled again with Luke Williams finding himself in the right place at the right time to slot home from only a few yards after the visiting 'keeper spilled a long-range shot.
The match then came to a premature end with around 10 minutes to go as the lively Adam Baskerville went charging through on goal, only to collide with the 'keeper and land horribly on his neck with it being immediately clear he was in some discomfort. Hopefully, he'll be okay in the long-term though if rumours are true that he's chipped his tooth then I've no idea how he'll be able to receive the necessary dental work during a pandemic!
All in all, it was an entertaining game and worth the £5 admission fee, but most of all it was decent to see the lads playing with smiles on their faces and enjoying themselves.
Next Up: Harworth Colliery vs AFC Mansfield.
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