2018/2019 SEASON ROUND UP

Matches attended

78

Goals witnessed

299

Average goals per game

3.83

Highest scoring game

Maine Road 6 v 5 Abbey Hulton 

Ten most seen teams

Cheadle Heath Nomads 15

Maine Road 8

Stockport Town 7

Bacup Borough 5

City of Liverpool 4

Avro FC 4

Chadderton 4

1874 Northwich 4

Cheadle Town 4

Sandbach Utd 4

Raffles won

Fuck-all (again)

End of season round-up

The season has been, in Northern terms 'a reet good do', and in truth without the fine folk I have nattered to along the way and the many welcoming grounds it wouldn't have been half as good.  Non-League football is more than what happens on the pitch it is about doofers trying to put something back, people involved in the game because they love it and fans supporting the glorious game rather than some big business masquerading as a community happening.  I have been blessed this year with many a good match, some great days out with an abundance of goals.  The people I have spent time with on the touchline have been plentiful, I am really grateful for the company - nowt wrong with a good enthusiastic natter and a brew - tis what it is all about.  My good lady Gillian has been to more than her fair share, she is a wonder and STP Stu has been a frequent escort (in a non-sexual way) and as per, is always a pleasure to spend time with.  

On the field I have witnessed many a good match with all three North West Counties Leagues showcasing some real quality and well-contested football.  There have been many surprises along the way with 2 of the leagues going right to the wire.  City of Liverpool have now progressed onwards and it would be rude of me not to catch up with them again next season even though the lofty standard they will be playing at may cause the odd dizzy spell.  Memorable days out have been too many to mention but our trip down to Eccleshall was brilliant, a day of sun, good bug-hunting and a match watched by one of the most friendly crowds we have encountered.  Denton Town of The Cheshire League was visited a few times and is a firm favourite we intend visiting more and more over the coming years - there is something purely DIY there - as a gutterpunk that appeals no end.  Of course Congleton Town remains a firm favourite, FC Oswestry is always special with its chips and tea on the balcony and Longridge Town certainly put on a good show with a good atmosphere and the free biscuits and programme a much appreciated bonus.  Stockport Town is a special place due to the kindness of club secretary Rob York who advertises the Fungalpunk going's on and the Young Carers service in the match day programme and who is always the most genial and amiable chap imaginable.  1874 Northwich are a team to admire with their solid set-up and of course the last gasp winner in the Macron Cup Final a veritable high.  It would be rude not to mention a place that is fast becoming my second home, namely Cheadle Heath Nomads who are run by the most sociable and inviting people you can imagine and are doing things in a slow and steady way and hopefully building for a bright future.  The ground is only a couple of streets away, I now have a wild flower patch there and the team have more than held their own in this inaugural season - I think it makes sense that I will be there plenty of times each and every campaign and always scribbling my reports with the best of intentions.

The major gripe from the season I have is that I can't be everywhere and some grand places have not had enough of my attention due to there only being 24 hours in a day and being rushed on many other fronts.  Each season I like to spread the reports, keep myself intrigued and throw in a few new grounds to add to the overall variety - it isn't easy but I hope I have done a good enough job this time to give everyone a fair share, a bit of support and spread their word.  You wouldn't believe how frustrated I get every Saturday when there are a dozen matches I feel as though I should be at, several that I haven't visited for a while and some new grounds that are provoking my interest further - it isn't a bad problem to have though.

So final thanks to all, the natterers and Non-League nuts, the people who have provided teamsheets and info, the general doofers who just love this game and of course, all those who read my scribblings and appreciate it.  Next season and here is to more of the same with all involved avoiding prejudice, bullshit and pointless bad mouthing and making the game a fair and all-embracing place where everyone can enjoy themselves and feel welcome.  A few hundred goals, lots of cuppas and the usual company and I'll be like a pig in shit - oh aye!