Teams lining up for
    the 2009-2010 season

Match report from Monday, 4 May, 2009

Ashbourne make it a treble!
Matlock Town Youth 2 Ashbourne Town 3
Ashbourne scorers:- Sean Millward (2), Robert Parker
Matlock Town Youth scorers:- Max Marsden, Liam Henman

Experience triumphed over youth as Ashbourne Town earned a clean sweep of trophies in their first season in the Matlock & District Football League with another great performance winning 3-2 to lift the Cavendish Cup.

   But their opponents Matlock Town Youth can be pleased with their achievements having played their opponents off the park to lead 2-0 within half an hour. And it was testimony to them that Matlock's Stephen Wood won the Man-of-the-Match award.

    It took just minutes for Max Marsden to show his pace and punish the 'out of towners'. And when Liam Henman bagged his goal in the 30th minute there was a sense that Matlock Town Youth could run riot.

    With a few masters Matlock would have maintained decorum and retained the advantage, but Ashbourne are a formidable side with strength and depth in their ranks. This showed when up popped the clever Sean Millward to grabbed two goals to equalise before half-time.

   You cannot say that Matlock were outplayed, it was more a sense of footballing experienced that won this day...and the coveted Cavendish Cup.

    When dedicated Ashbourne clubman Robert Park snatched the lead in the 71st minute there was a sense that Matlock would be unable to respond. But they did and Matlock should be commended for their input into the 2009 Cavendish Cup final, making it a thoroughly entertaining encounter to watch – making their Matlock predecessors, who won the cup in its first year back in 1905, proud.

    But it was Ashbourne Town's day, no season, and they are worthy of great praise for lifting this historic trophy.

    For the record, Referee of the Year Malc Whittaker was the commanding figure in the middle, ably assisted by Shaun Ingram, Barry White and fourth official Malc Gratton.

    Derbyshire County Football Association vice-chairman Alan Smith handed the much-treasured Cavendish Cup out to Ashbourne Town stalwart (secretary and treasurer) Sean Griffin.

    Matlock and District Football League other awards went to Play of the Year to Laburnum Saints' Michael Charlton and Secretary of the Year Duke Williams' Chris Slack.

Match reports from Saturday, 2 May, 2009

Formidable Ford helps Town to title
Ashbourne Town 6 Tibshelf 2
Ashbourne scorers:- John Ford (2), Steve Williams, Stuart Godrey, Sean Coates, John Harrison
Tibshelf scorers:- Sam Fairburn, Steve Webster

Ashbourne Town lifted the Matlock & District Football League title with a great 6-2 victory over their nearest rivals Tibshelf in a pulsating game.

   And it was striker John Ford who signalled Town's intentions after 15 minutes when he stole the ball from a defender and produced a cracking, curling strike to give the keeper no chance.

   Tibshelf were determined to make the match competitive, and that's what it was throughout an entertaining encounter. Their reward came in injury time with an equaliser from Sam Fairburn that shocked the home side.

  But it was the formidable Ford that produced another fantastic strike after a neat ball over the defence within a minute after the break.

   Again, Tibshelf responded showing the quality that they have produced throughout the season to level in the 50th minute with a Steve Webster effort.

   But Ashbourne were that much quicker to the ball and showed great commitment throughout the team, determined to extend their lead at the top of the table. Their advantage was restored within three minutes with a goal from Steve Williams and added to in the 61st minute courtesy of Stuart Godrey.

   A long-range strike from Sean Coates in the 79th minute was added to with a running 'Drogba-style' header from substitute John Harrison six minutes from time.

   It was a match that should have been the title decider with the League providing Barry White and Malc Gratton to aid referee Mike Stallon. But Ashbourne's superior goal difference and Tibshelf's drop in form with draws in recent weeks meant that it was a forgone conclusion.

Match reports from Saturday, 25 April, 2009

Lions roar stops Tibbie challenge
Darley Dale Lions 2 Tibshelf 2
Darley Dale scorers:- Chris Earp, Liam Keeton.
Tibshelf scorers:- Damien Wilkinson, Stefan White

Tibshelf needed three points from this game to stand any chance of the title.

   The visitors opened the scoring with the sweetest strike you will see all season, Damien Wilkinson's 30 yard. After 22 minutes Tibshelf doubled the lead with Stefan White putting away a lose ball which dropped from a corner.

    Then it all went wrong within 5 minutes after the break Chris Earp scored and Liam Keeton equalised.

   With Tibshelf having to find the winner there was a change in formation and substitutes brought on but a certain few not playing to their best just could not break down a strong Darley Dale side, who had chances to win as well in a good game.

Match reports from Saturday, 18 April, 2009

Bott and Barnet earn Holloway a point
AFC Lea Holloway 3 Tibshelf 3
Holloway scorers:- Dave Whitford, Gary Wilkinson (og), Shaun Bott.
Tibshelf scorers:- Sam Fairburn (2), Gary Wilkinson

AFC Lea Holloway's improved season continued with a well-earned point in an entertaining 3-3 draw against classy Tibshelf.

   It was Shaun Bott's injured time equaliser combined with a great save on the line by winger Jason Barnet that denied the visitors victory.

   But the match was marred in the final blow of the game when Tibshelf's Sean White took a ball in the face and fell awkwardly to the ground, needing to be taken away by ambulance. It was thought he suffered an injury to his knee but subsequently he had surgery to his hip.

   Tibshelf set about their championship chasing task with great purpose and opened the scoring early as they threatened to run riot.

   Holloway had other plans, on the back of two victories, and Dave Whitford levelled for the Lea Green side on 20 minutes. When keeper Baz Holmes saved a penalty in the 35th minutes it was unfortunate that he could not keep out the rebound. Then just three minutes later the keeper was 'nutmegged' to give Tibshelf a 3-1 half-time lead.

   It was an own goal from Gary Wilkinson that brought some hope to Holloway ten minutes after the break, which signal arguing creeping into the Tibshelf game. But it was Sean White who put a stop to that and marshalled his side strongly.

   Holloway's man-of-the-match Bott earned the point in the denying minutes of the game, before Barnet saved it when clearing off the line.

   In a sporting game handled well by referee Malc Whittaker, Tibshelf will look at this encounter as points dropped, but it still extends their lead against Ashbourne to five points.    

Match reports from Saturday, 11 April, 2009

Holloway in seventh heaven
AFC Lea Holloway 7 Duke William 1
Scorers:- Scott Andrews (4), Paul Higginbottom (2), Shaun Bott.
Duke William scorer:- Alex Annable

Holloway started off slowly allowing Duke William to play some neat football in the first ten minutes without creating any chances.

   But the home side started to get their foot on the ball and play the kind of football they've shown in glimpses this season, the rest of the first half was one way traffic with Holloway creating plenty of chances with goalkeeper Paul Holmes having nothing to do (for a change).

   Out-of-form striker Scott Andrews scored the only two goals of the first half.

   Duke William started brightly in the second half creating half a chance straight from the kick-off, if they'd converted this chance things might have been different. However, Holloway took control again and with confidence from the first half Andrews added another two with Paul Higginbottom scoring two great headers.

Midfielder Shaun Bott came off the bench to show his dribbling skills and neatly slotted home Holloway's seventh.

    To Duke William's credit they have some really commited players, and after a game played in the spirit it should be they got a concelation goal from 20 yards from Alex Annable.

Match reports from Wednesday, 8 April, 2009

Shirland put Ashbourne to the sword
Shirland Miners Welfare 1 Ashbourne Town 0
Scorer:- Ian Hursthouse

This was the night Shirland Miners Welfare signalled to the rest of the league that Ashbourne Town can be beaten.

   It was the home side who took the grip early on with a Dean White shot just flashing past the post. It wasn't long before Shirland came forward again only for the keeper to make a very good save to deny them.

   Shirland were in full control of this match from start to finish, they never gave Ashbourne any time to settle on the ball and that hard work finally paid of in the 25th minute with goal-machine Ian Hursthouse netting home.

   In front of a massive crowd Shirland just got better and better frustrating Ashbourne at every turn. Ninety-five per cent of balls won in the air went to a Shirland head.

   Everytime Ashbourne went forward the whole home team defended and if there was a tackle to be won Shirland won it.

   It just goes to show that if you stop Ashbourne from playing their game and get stuck in they can be beaten.

   Man of the match went to Shirland midfield wizard Steven Boot after another fantastic display – manager's man of the match went to the whole team!

Match reports from Saturday, 4 April, 2009

Young guns shoot down Holloway
AFC Lea Holloway 0 South Wingfield Athletic 1
South Wingfield Athletic scorer:- George Adams

South Wingfield Athletic's young guns shot down AFC Lea Holloway in an entertaining game at Lea Green.

   It was a great strike from George Adams in the 63rd minute that secured the three points for the visitors as Holloway suffered their 16th defeat of a miserable season.

    Despite Holloway showing a competitive edge, there was always the sense that manager John Hart's side were going to finish on top. Via text he said: "Crackin game to be honest none of us deserve to be where we are in the league."

   Holloway were unusually relaxed and showed signs that they may grasp the opportunity and gain a much-needed win. When keeper Andrew Bird made an excellent one-handed save in the 36th minute you got the feeling that it might have been the home side's day. Equally when Dave Whitford's free-kick hit the bar just before half-time you could think the opposite!

  South Wingfield were competitive in every area of the park and needed to chase and hassle. Holloway striker Scott Andrews' open goal miss with a header five minutes after the break may have changed the course of the game but you have to give credit to the visitors who concentrated on the task just that little bit better, deserving the victory in an encounter marshalled well by referee Graham Brentnall.

Match reports from Saturday, 28 March, 2009

Tibshelf blame the lack of officials!
Tibshelf 2 Ashbourne Town 3
Tibshelf scorers:- Andy Spencer, Matt Walsh
Ashbourne scorers:- Craig Richardson, Stuatart Godfrey + another player!

With the weather conditions not favouring either team through high winds it was against both sides from the start. Also with only one match official and no linesmen for a semi final this was not fair to both sides and does not tell me that this league wishes to go forward and be bigger and better.

   I think it is fair to say that there had to be a winner at the end of the day but it would not probably been won in the way it was if there had been three officials. One man alone cannot take responsibility for a cup game as important as this – this is not sour grapes just telling you how I think it is.

   Ashbourne kicked off the game, but with the wind in Tibshelf'sa favour they took the lead with an Andy Spencer free kick. Tibshelf increased the lead with a goal from Matt Walsh just before half time.

   Ashbourne got a penalty and made it 2-1 through Craig Richardson. In the second half Tibshelf were on the back foot and defending against the wind and Ashbourne got the equalizer Stuart Godfrey at 2-2.

   In very tight game Tibshelf got robbed with a foul on the keeper and a Maradonna-style goal.

Shirland in command over Holloway
AFC Lea Holloway 2 Shirland Miners Welfare 5
AFC scorers:- Gary Siddall, Scott Andrews.
Shirland Miners Welfare scorers:- Richard Harrison (2), Ian Hursthouse, Steven Boot, Dean White.

AFC Lea Holloway suffered yet another defeat as their miserable season continued against Shirland Miners Welfare.

    Holloway were two goals down in the first nine minutes as the Lea Green visitors threatened to run riot against a sloppy home side.

    Gary Siddall converted a penalty in the 13th minute to give Holloway some hope but Shirland had further extended their lead to 4-1 at the break.

    It took just two minutes into the second half for Shirland to punish Holloway on a windy, bitterly cold afternoon.

   Striker Scott Andrews netted in the 55th minute to peg Shirland back but the visitors run out comfortable 5-2 winners.

Match reports from Saturday, 21 March, 2009

Town through in classic cup clash
Ashbourne 5 Riddings Rovers 1
Ashbourne scorers:- Ashley Hall, Craig Richardson, Sean Millward (3).
Riddings Rovers scorer:- David Robinson

This semi-final encounter between two of the Matlock & Districk Footbal League high-flyers produced a classic game of two halves but at the end of the afternoon it was Ashbourne Town taking their place in the Manor Pharmacy Shield final.

   The game started with Rovers deploying a deep defensive line to combat the blistering pace of Ashbourne's Sean Millward and this seemed to cause the home side problems with their attacking play throughout the half as they were frustrated at not being able to get in behind as they so often do.

   The Riddings Rovers game plan was to defend deep and press their midfield at all times using David Robinson's pace as the outlet along with two wide forwards to pin Town's wing backs into their own half and it worked superbly with countless counter attacks launched at pace Robinson eventually broke the deadlock on twenty minutes when he was put clean through by an excellent assist by Chris Turner to finish hard and low into the corner of the net much to Rovers delight.

   The game was scrappy and Town were starting to get frustrated with murmurs from the touchline of "its about time someone gave us a game".

   Rovers began to grow in confidence and Robinson nearly made it two but for a fine save from the home keeper.

   The second half started with Ashbourne looking for a different approach to brake Rovers down and five minutes into the half they were rewarded when a cross from the right was superbly glanced home by Ashley Hall to equalise and seemingly deflate Riddings who had battled to preserve their lead with great concentration for so long.

   Riddings seemed to have stifled the onslaught from Town around the hour mark and when Mark Turner broke free on the left his shot was well saved by Robert Redfern much to the relief of Town's defenders.

   On 65 minutes Ashbourne's fitness started to show as more attacks were staged at Rovers goal and from a corner Craig Richardson headed home unopposed to make it 1-2.

   The Riddings players were starting to tire with some of them carrying minor injuryies and only one injured substitute they were starting to chase shadows as Ashbourne's well-organised midfield took control of the game with some excellent pass-and-move football and they were rewarded when Millward eventually got in behind to score a clinical finish past the oncoming keeper.

   On 80 minutes the game was beyond Riddings as Ashbourne played keep-ball and Millward converted a fine individual effort and a tap in to secure a late hat-trick.

   Man of the match awards go to Brent Atkinson (Riddings) and Eoghan McAlonon (Ashbourne).

   Congratulations to Ashbourne on reaching the final it was a well-earned victory although the scoreline may say otherwise but in the end they seem to have a superb club and team set up which is unrivalled by the other clubs in this league and it will take a huge effort to stop them from taking all three trophies this season. Their biggest test is yet to come, though, when they meet Tibshelf next week – another well-organised side.

Tibshelf earn another three points
Tibshelf 1 Matlock Town Youth 0
Tibshelf scorer:- Andrew Spencer.

Tibshelf further extended their top of the table lead after a very good game of football. It was end to end with both side coming close to scoring in the first half

   It was Sam Fairburn that was close to opening the scoring with a shot that was saved by the bar.

   After the break it was much the same with Tibshelf having most of the attacking possession. With ten minutes remaining Stefan White picked out a 50 yard pass to put Andrew Spencer through on goal who converted to make it one nil Tibshelf.

   The home side were then able to see out the game comfortably. Referee Malc Whittaker did a great job, running a very good game.

Match reports from Saturday, 14 March, 2009

Tibshelf four points clear
Tibshelf 5 Duke William 3
Tibshelf scorers:- Craig Thompson. Matt Walsh (3), Ashley Dring
Duke William scorers:- Arron Griffiths, David Clegg, Alex Annable.

Tibshelf stay top of league but had a scare on a day which should have been easy.

   Duke William were two up within ten minutes thanks to goals from Arron Griffiths and David Clegg.

   Tibshelf, without four key players, were finding it hard to get a grip on the game but pegged it back with a goal from Craig Thompson. Matt Walsh equalised before the home side took the lead on 40 minutes with a goal from Ashley Dring and then Tibshelf set about winning the game just before half time with Walsh geting his second to make it 4-2 at half time

   After the break Tibshelf were not much better and Duke once again got back in the game with a goal from Alex Annable.

   With Tibshelf missing a few chances the game was still to be won and with ten minutes left Walsh converted a spot kick to make it 5-3.

   This was not the Tibshelf side that have earned top slot, but take nothing away from Duke William...they played a good game and also stopped for a drink afterwards which sadly a lot of teams do not do once they have lost.

Match reports from Saturday, 7 March, 2009

Tibshelf hit top of the table
Tibshelf 2 Laburnum Saints 0
Tibshelf scorers:- Sean White, Matt Walsh.

This was a very good game with Tibshelf and Laburnum playing good football and both sides up for a good game and it was not dissapointing.

   Twenty minutes played Tibshelf took the lead with Sean White scoring with a good header.

   The game continued in the same manner until half time.

   Second half saw some hard tackles and big battles, with twenty minutes to go Laburnum were reduced to ten players. With Tibshelf after the win to pressure Ashbourne, Matt Walsh popped up to secure the game with Tibshelf's second.

Rovers pounce quickly to take tie
AFC Lea Holloway 0 Riddings Rovers 4
(at Ironville Recreation Ground)
Riddings scorers:- Andrew Moseley, David Robinson (2), Mark Turner.

Holloway's search for silverware this season ended quickly with a confident Riddings Rovers scoring twice in the opening five minutes to take charge of this second round Cavendish Cup tie at Ironville.

   Andrew Moseley and David Robinson did the opening damage as Rovers showed a classy display.

   Holloway, who were forced to play away despite being drawn as the home side with Lea Green unavailable, competed well but there was always a sense that they were not good enough against a Rovers side that were well-organised in every area of the park.

   Some fine keeping from Holloway's Andrew Bird held the score to a respectable level, but a penalty from Mark Turner in the dying minutes of the first half gave Rovers a comfortable 3-0 lead.

   After the break Holloway continued to compete but up popped Robinson to slot home again in the 67th minute, with an unselfish goal area pass from Turner, to secure a convincing 4-0 victory to set up a semi-final clash with Matlock Town Youth.

Match reports from Saturday, 28 February, 2009

Tibshelf turn up the second half heat
Tibshelf 4 Hilcote 0

Hilcote kicked of the first half but were soon under pressure from a Tibshelf side proving a point from last week. Even though the first half ended 0-0, it is fair to say that some good goalkeeping kept Hilcote in the game as Tibshelf could have been three up.

   Second half with 52 minutes on the clock Tibshelf opened the accout with a goal from Brett Gibb. Tibshelf then turned the game upside down and applied pressure on Hilcote and on 70 minutes doubled the advantage through Gareth Reilly. With the game going one way it wasn't long until Matt Walsh made the score 3-0. With Hilcote only having a bare 11 they started to get tired legs. Tibshelf made slight changes which resulted in a corner that Sam Fairburn scored direct from.

Match reports from Saturday, 31 January, 2009

Town retain stranglehold on League
AFC Lea Holloway 1Ashbourne Town 9
Ashbourne: Steve Williams 2, John Ford 4,
Sean Millward 1, Robert Parker 2
AFC Lea Holloway: Pete Dearman

Ashbourne Town's grip on the League continued at Lea Green on Saturday as their well-oiled footballing machine knocked nine past AFC Lea Holloway.

   It is repeatedly said by opponents that "they're not that good"...yet Town are a formidable force and play attractive, thoughtful, flowing football that puts teams on the back foot from the start.

   Indeed, Ashbourne were quickly four up with goals coming on 6, 9, 15 and 19 minutes.

   Holloway competed and deserved to claw one back when Pete Dearman scored on 27 minutes.

   But familiarly it was Town's afternoon with five goals after the break on 50, 70, 73, 77 and 80 minutes. The visitor's man of the match was Ashley Hall, while Garry Skinner took the award for Holloway.

Match reports from Saturday, 17 January, 2009

Young guns earn Matlock the points
AFC Lea Holloway 1 Matlock Town Youth 3

In a highlight entertaining and competitive encounter on an extremely heavy Lea Green pitch Matlock Town Youth earned all three points.

AFC Lea Holloway's miserable season continues, but there were flashes of great play which give some hope that the Sky Blues might turn the corner.

Matlock should really have been a goal up after 14 minutes with another good passage of play which resulted in the ball ricochetting of the crossbar. Equally, it was hard to see how Holloway's midfield maestro Shaun Bott's shot on 25 minutes failed to go in after beating the keeper – but it rebounded off the post.

However, three minutes later Holloway were punished by a tireless young Matlock team when they opened the scoring. And it was an injury time effort that ensured that Matlock went into half-time two goals up.

Holloway showed strong determination after the break and lift their game which resulted with a fantastic flowing phase of football capitalised by the speedy Carl Whitford, who slotted home a neat goal on 52 minutes.

But the young lads of Matlock were quicker on the ball and, despite Holloway keeper Paul 'Baz' Holmes' fine display, deservedly got a third a minute from time to continue their impressive form this season.

Scott Martin scored twice for Matlock, while their man-of-the-match Luke Booker got the other goal.

Riddings first win in two months
Laburnum 4 Riddings Rovers 7

Riddings recorded their first victory in two months with a battling performance at Laburnum Saints.

The first half started with the home side pressing for goal early on and they were rewarded when the ball fell to Matt Warren after a defensive mix up and he kept his cool to slot the ball past two defenders on the line.

Shortly after Rovers were awarded a penalty when Chris Turner was felled in the area, the resulting kick was taken by Mark Turner who's spot kick was saved by Tim Killick but Turner converted the rebound to score his 20th goal of the season which is quite impressive for a left-sided midfielder half way through the season.

Rovers started to press further up the field and on fifteen minutes Shane Buckerfield found space in the area and slotted the ball past Killick to give Rovers the lead.

The game was end to end stuff with the home side using a direct approach getting in behind Rovers shaky defence but a break away goal came via the pacey David Robinson who showed composure cutting in from the right to score after half an hour.

Laburnum were rewarded shortly after when a run into the box from their striker resulted in him being cynically hacked down from behind and referee Shaun Ingram had no choice but to award a second penalty. Up stepped Michael Charlton who made no mistake from the spot to make it 2-3.

Just before the half was over Robinson was set free down the right and his cross found the oncoming Ian Simpson who superbly headed over Killick to make it 2-4 at the break.

The second half started much the same as the first with the home side buoyed by their impressive comeback against Ashbourne two weeks earlier asking questions of the Rovers back line and they were rewarded when Dan Killick scored a very good goal striking the ball across the keeper into the far corner to give Saints hope of another comeback.

Rovers have learnt that any side in this league is capable of beating them and upped the tempo again using Robinson as an out let on a boggy pitch and his pace resulted in a fifth goal when he latched onto a long ball through the middle and although his left footed effort was weak it managed to squirm past the keeper and into the net.

Rovers kept on pressing and scored a sixth after an in swinging corner was headed in at the near post by Robinson to claim his "perfect" hat-trick.

Saints never gave up and Charlton claimed his second on eighty minutes finishing a neat counter attack by the home side to make it 4-6.

On 85 minutes Ian Simpson scored the goal of the game when the ball fell to the midfielder on the edge of the box he curled a right footed effort over the keeper into the top corner to make the game safe and give Rovers three points after two months of trying.

Special Credit to Laburnum's Michael Charlton and Riddings' Chris Turner for their man of the match performances.

Shirland unhappy over disallowed goal
South Wingfield Athletic 2 Shirland Miners Welfare 1
(played at Stonebroom)

South Wingfield Athletic travelled to Stonebroom in a must win game for Shirland Miners Welfare.

Before kick-off manager Dave Thurnham had some massive changes to make to his first eleven due to players missing because of injuryies and work commitments. Players missing were Mark Bramley, Paul Darby, Carl Bradshaw, Lee Yates and Ian Hursthouse.

The first goal came as Shirland's hard work finally came to something, a corner from Antony Brooks swung in and found inform John Holmes. His cross was perfect and Holmes was well placed to head home.

Only ten minutes later a fantastic run by Brooks saw his cross reach the feet of Lee Bellamy who was about 20-25 yards out, with two players snaping at his feet he pulled the trigger and hit the ball into the back of the net passing both defender & keeper who were stood on the goal line.

As Shirland cellebrated a fantastic goal we all noticed the linesman with his flag in the air, we turned to the ref who was still at the half way line pointing for a goal kick. No goal...off-side...again!.....Can anybody please explain to me how you are deemed off-side when you receive the ball with two players just in front of you and one on the goal line with the keeper!

Yet again we place no blame on the referee who did a good job for the full 90 miniutes, his job is hard enough without us adding to it. He couldn't see so he took the decision of his linesman which is fair enough.

But games are not won anymore by two good teams playing good football, it seams games are won by how far the flag happy linesman is prepered to go to win the game for his team ,for some teams he should be the man of the match everyweek.

Moaning again you might say, but if your team is in the top five and you have a chance of winning the league you will soon change your tune, because if this is happening to your team, then your dropping points like us every week.

Match reports from Saturday, 3 January, 2009

Spirited Saints earn point at Town
Ashbourne 3 Laburnum Saints 3

Saints travelled to Ashbourne on a bleak cold afternoon, most probably fearing the worst before kick-off. But a spirited performance held the Ashbourne attack to handful of chances in the first half.

After half an hour Town were awarded a free-kick on the edge of the box, which was precisely deposited through a gap that had been left in the visitors wall.

As town kicked off the second half, they raced straight down the pitch to latch onto a long ball, the keeper and defender collided, and the ball spilled to a centre forward only for him to be tackled from behind resulting in a penalty kick, this was despatched in to the bottom right hand corner, Tim Killick in the saints goal was unlucky not to have got a hand to it.

Now for the comeback, Saints started to push men on and from a corner kick Sellors found Charlton who helped the ball on for Bunting to coolly fire home from six yards out.

The away side drew level from another corner, this time Sellors curled the ball inside the near post direct from the corner kick. With the home side now flustered by the SaintsÕ tenacious tackling it was no surprise when Clifton was set free down the left wing to square the ball for Warren to slot home.

With an upset on the cards the league leaders began to pile on the pressure and with only minutes remaining a ball cleared out of the visitors box fell to a Town player who fired home an unstoppable shot to leave both sides happy with result at the final whistle.

All in all this was a thoroughly entertaining game, well refereed by Malc Whittiker, and an excellent advert for the quality of football to be found in the Matlock & District Football League.

Man of the match for the Saints was Tim Killick for some outstanding shot stopping in goal. Town's man of the match was Sean Coates.

Super keeper stops 14 shots on target
Shirland Miners Welfare 2 Hilcote utd 3

Manager Dave Thurnham shrugged of Shirland's nighmare by insisting: "The goals will come."

I must start by saying that Hilcote United have one of the best if not the best keeper in this league, Mark Turner's fantastic display insured that Hilcote walked away with all three points.

The Shirland boss admits: "Everything that could go wrong did go wrong,lady lucky wasnt with us today."

Shirland's talented striker Dean white did everything in this match but score, in the first half alone he had six shots on target only to be denied by keeper Turner who was on fire. On a different day Dean would have ended this game on double figures but today it wasn't to be.

"Dean has the talent and skill to bag 30+ goals for Shirland this season, so everyone beware," added the boss.

After twenty shots on goal Shirland did manage to score but victory wasn't to be. Goals came from super striker Ian Hursthouse and the in-form Lee Bellamy.

Lions maul poor Holloway
AFC Lea Holloway 1 Darley Dale Lions 7

Darley Dale Lions were kind to AFC Lea Holloway as they missed numerous chances to take the tally into double figures at Lea Green on Saturday.

For the home side, the agony of a poor season continues with the lack of commitment, fight and team spirit from a side that has some decent footballers amongst it. Admittedly, Holloway were down to the bare eleven after just a few minutes when Adam Pearson was forced to limp off but the fact there were no other options after using the single substitute is diabolical from a club with such a huge squad.

It took Darley Dale just a few minutes to open the scoring and knock Holloway out of any stride. Amazingly, the 2-0 half-time score gave Holloway a glimmer of hope that they could quit the arguing amongst themselves and grab something from the opening game of 2009.

But it was not to be with Darley knocking in five second half goals in quick succession to see the Holloway's dreadful season continue.

Darley Dale are a dedicated bunch of lads and thoroughly deserved the victory, with goals coming from Liam Keeton (2). Wesley Harrop, Martin French, Darren Longley, Ashley Webster and an own goal from Holloway, who grabbed a later consolation goal three minutes from time from Gary Siddall.

Match reports from Saturday, 20 December, 2008

Impressive victory puts Shirland through
South Wingfield Athletic 0 Shirland Miners Welfare 4
at Stonebroom Recreation Ground

Two weeks ago manager Dave Thurnham was quoted as saying: "When the players go out on to the pitch, they are the only ones who can influence things.The players have to start stepping up to the mark.

"Dave Thurnham is there to guide and advise but, ultimately, if the issue is one of errors of an individual nature there is nothing anyone can do about that but the players."

Dave added: Taking this on board the Shirland players have worked their socks off in recent games and we are now looking like the good side we know we are.

Stepping up first to the mark with a fantastic goal was Ian Hursthouse with a run that would have out paced any greyhound on its day!! The second goal also came from Ian set up by hard working Dean White to make the score 2-0 going into half time.

The second half saw two more goals, the first from team captain Dean Cupit with a thunderous bolt that should have ripped a hole in the back of the net, the final goal came from John Holmes a free kick 25+ yards out that flew into the bottom right hand side corner.

John could have had two goals had it not been for the crossbar getting in the way with a fantastic header.

The same can be said about Ian Hursthouse who had a few one on one's with South Wingfield's keeper, but all said and done they were very good pass backs to the relief of South Wingfield.

Ian who was November's player of the month was again in the running for December, after yesterday's match the points were added together and the top three players all finished on 39 out of 40 points each.

December's player of the month is shared by Lee Bellamy, Mark Bramley & Ian Hursthouse. Lee Bellany is currently leading the table for player of the year. .

 

Match reports from Saturday, 6 December, 2008

Shirland blame linesman for decisions
– but report angers Riddings (below)
Shirland Miners Welfare 6 Riddings Rovers 6
Hursthouse 14, 18, 23; Bellamy 44, 89; White 70 pen

A referee can never please both side during any match which is why you can feel sorry for the abuse they often receive.

Yesterday was no different. Referee Graham Brentnall appointed two people from each side to run the line, as do all officials every week. It's these people that cause the problems, yet the ref still gets all the abuse from players to supporters.

This needs to stop and the lads that run the line need to step back and play the game fairly before we lose our refs because of the abuse they get from the linesmen's wrong decisions.

During our game yesterday manager Dave Thurnham changed his formation against a Riddings Rovers side that can beat anybody on their day – and it worked.

Three goals from Ian Hursthouse and one by Lee Bellamy saw Shirland go into half-time 4-0 up.

It was during the first half that the problems happended, with Shirland having three goals disallowed – two by Hursthouse and one by Bellamy. It was the lineman that gave the decisions and they were wrong.

All three attacks were so quick ref Brentnall had to rely on the linesman's decision. When two of those goals were scored from the Shirland lads running from behind the defenders to put the ball in the net it is hard to swollow. Even more so when you can clearly see they were not offside and a small number of Riddings players calling them good goals.

An ex-Matlock & District Football League referee watching the game was quoted saying: "They were three fantastic goals and there was nothing wrong with them. They were not offside. What do you need to do to win a game."

To give Riddings credit they fought back in the second half with a fantastic display but the game had already been ruined. This might sound like sour grapes but to anyone reading this 'we were robbed'.

Every time Shirland took the ball forward the linesman put his flag up. How can you beat any team when this happens? Don't get me wrong everyone calls it close sometimes but not to the extent just to win a game of football!

Shirland's other two goals were from Dean White and another form super winger Bellamy.

Report angers Riddings
Shirland Miners Welfare 6 Riddings Rovers 6

Before I wright this match report I'm angered by the fact that Shirland's report states our match official CHEATED, and I can only reply by saying "the pot calling the kettle black" we do not cheat and we do not flag for offside every time a team attacks our back line. The TWO, yes two not three goals that were disallowed yesterday were disallowed for the right reason and you could see from any angle that the first was a forward pass to a player who was in advance of the Rover's back line and the second was disallowed by the referee not the linesman.

The first half was all Shirland with attack after attack being launched at the Rover's goal and the home side were in front on five minutes when a through ball was played to the impressive Ian Hursthouse who calmly slotted the ball past Danny Clarke for one nil.

After last week's defencive performance against South Wingfield, Rovers looked to be doing their best to out do their selves again as another direct approach from an opposing team was causing them all sorts of problems and they found themselves two down on 15 minutes when an error of judgement by the two central defenders allowed Hursthouse in again to make it two.

Rovers were all over the place defensively and looked like a side in real trouble of throwing all their hard work at the start of the season away.

Manager Gavin Bocking had to shuffle personnel around but this made no difference as Shirland were finding space all over the field and Hursthouse claimed his hat-trick inside the first 25 minutes much to Rovers dismay.

The first half was the most one-sided affair I have witnessed in a long time and Shirland deserved to cap it off with a fourth strike on 44 minutes when Lee Bellamy struck from close range to send Rovers in at the break completely shell shocked.

The half-time team talk was given with some stern words and reminders of how to play basic football and also the Rovers manager asked his players to remember how only one month ago they were looking like genuine title contenders, playing superb football and not giving cheap goals away, also telling the players that if they start to get back to playing as a team they could still win this game.

The second half started with the Rovers players closing down and stifling the Shirland attacks and this payed off when Shirland retreated and for the first time Riddings started to ask questions of them.

On 50 minutes David Robinson raced clear and rounded the keeper to make it 4-1. Shirland almost immediately hit back when a foul was given in the area and Dean White converted the spot kick for 5-1.

On the hour Rovers started to play some decent football and Shirland looked to be tiring and when a pinpoint cross was superbly brought down by Adrian Clarke and slotted past the keeper the fight back was on.

Soon after this a second penalty was awarded this time to Rovers and Robinson sent the keeper the wrong way to make it 5-3.

On 70 minutes a deep cross was met at the far post by Gavin Bocking who saw his header come back off the bar but Ian Simpson was on hand to smash the ball beyond the keeper to make it 5-4.

Rovers pressed for the equaliser and when the ball broke on the edge of the box Bocking struck it into the far corner to make it 5-5 with 15 minutes remaining.

The visitors were starting to once again look like a top side and were pressing for the winner and on 79 minutes a low cross was missed by the Shirland defence and Adrian Clarke struck to complete the turn around making it 5-6.

A lot of hard work was undone on 83 minutes when a weak shot from a Shirland player was fumbled by Danny Clarke presenting Lee Bellamy with an early Christmas present to bring Shirland level at 6-6.

On the whole a draw was a fair result considering the first half performance but Rovers manager Bocking was delighted with how his team reacted to the half-time team talk and hopes this will galvanise the side for the remainder of the season and hopefully the blip in form may be on the turn with this confidence boosting second half performance.

Match reports from Saturday, 29 November, 2008

Cup shock for Shirland
Shirland Miners Welfare 3 AFC Lea Holloway 5

A second half display by AFC Lea Holloway can only be discribed as 'fantastic football to watch'.

Only a few weeks back Shirland beat this same side 8-0 at an easy canter, yesterday's Cavendish Cup match was a different story.

After 30 miniutes Shirland were 2-1 up with two fantastic strikes from Ian Hursthouse and Lee Bellamy and looking good for the win when Shirland were awarded a penalty. Up stepped Bellamy, with Betfred on speed dial this was going to be easy money made, surely this was 10 out of 10 for Lee. Sadly Lee's effort hit the crossbar and the score stayed at 2-1, if that penalty had gone gone in I'm convinced Shirland would have gone on to win this match.

Holloway levelled just before half time to make the score two each.

The second half saw some fantastic football by Holloway, their passing and skill on the ball was was just second to none. They got stuck in and fought for every ball and worked together well as a team.

Holloway went on to score two quick goals in the second half, the first on 48 minutes from Paul Higginbottom, to put them 4-2 up which was very well deserved.

With ten minutes to go, Shirland were awarded another penalty which Dean White stepped up for and took very well to make the score 4-3. With extra-time possible Shirland went for it only for Holloway to spoil the day with a fifth goal – the fourth from Holloway's Scott Andrews. His goals came on 5, 42, 52 and 85 minutes

Holloway were a different side to when we played them a few weeks ago and with that second half display the best side won.

If Holloway play like that in the next few rounds Shirland will be cheering them on in the final. Well done lads.

Double hat-trick as Riddings hit eight
Riddings Rovers 8 Hilcote United 0

Riddings looked to put last week's result behind them as they hosted Hilcote United knowing that victory would ensure they were level pegging on points with Ashbourne Town again as their game was postponed earlier in the day.

The first half was an even contest although every time Rovers attacked they seemed to punish Hilcote and it was captain Jamie Durham who opened the scoring with a well taken goal making his first appearance up front this season in place of top scorer Shane Buckerfield.

This was a totally different story to last week as Rovers took their chances and after ten minutes it was two when Mark Turner stole in at the far post and slotted the ball past the oncoming keeper.

Hilcote still pressed on and were causing the defence problems but a breakaway goal from Durham made it three and heads started to drop. Mark Turner added a fourth and then Durham claimed his hat -trick but Turner was not to be out done by his team mate as he scored the goal of the game when the ball fell to him twenty five yards out and he superbly lobbed the goalkeeper striking his shot first time to claim his hat-trick just before half time.

Rovers made a change in formation going into the second half as Ray Bingham replaced Gavin Bocking and Bingham nearly stole in early on but only to be denied by a wonderful stop by the Hilcote keeper.

The away side then had their best spell of attacking football as Rovers keeper Danny Clarke was called upon to make three crucial saves in which one was superbly clawed away from just under his cross bar to keep his clean sheet in tact.

Then after seventy five minutes a Rovers player suffered an injury and with no more substitutes the side needed to be shuffled around with Richard Thurman going onto the wing which payed off when he supplied the cross for Chris Turner to score from close range to make it seven.

Hilcote kept on playing for pride but in the dying moments Durham was felled in the area which gave Richard Thurman the chance to claim his first of the season in which he made no mistake from the spot.

This was a pleasing sign from a Rovers point of view that the squad does possess character and were able to bounce back after a disappointing result last week to beat a Hilcote side they wary of before kick off very convincingly.

Match reports from Saturday, 1 November, 2008

Three off as Town go top
Ashbourne Town 3 Riddings 0

This top of the table clash had everything apart from the performance from Riddings Rovers that the game deserved.

Riddings started brightly and really should of been two goals to the good inside the first ten minutes when they bombarded the Ashbourne back line with attack after attack but in form striker Shane Buckerfield unfortunately picked this particular afternoon to have a rare off day as he squandered both opportunity's.

That was as good as it got for Rovers as the game first went into a midfield battle for supremacy then on twenty five minutes Ashbourne's pacey striker John Ford scored a break away goal that really stunned the away side and that was quickly followed by the impressive Ford second as he showed great pace down Rovers right to slot the ball past keeper Danny Clarke for a commanding two goal lead.

The game then took a turn for the worst as an Ashbourne player elbowed Rovers midfielder Brent Atkinson in the face causing a nasty laceration to his eye and the player retaliated which then sparked a second Ashbourne player to show violent conduct towards Atkinson which left referee Paul Munro no choice but to dismiss all three players.

This seemed to unsettle Rovers and Ashbourne seemed to get their in forced tactical changes spot on as the second half was all Town and Rovers never had a go at making the extra man advantage count and in a scrappy second half Sean Millwood put the final nail in Rovers coffin on eighty minutes with a close range effort.

"It was disappointing that Riddings didn't give a good performance on the day," said Gavin Bocking. "We will look to give a better account of ourselves the next time the two sides meet which may deter some Ashbourne supporters not to brag about how much better they are compared to the rest of the league."

Seventh Hell for Holloway

Match reports from Saturday, 25 October, 2008

Back to business for Riddings
Riddings 4 Laburnum 1

After last week's league break it was back to business for Riddings who entertained Laburnum Saints at Ironville Recreation Ground.

The first half was a scrappy affair with both sides struggling to play football and uncharacteristically for the home side they were playing a direct style of football. The deadlock was eventually broken on the half hour when Rovers full back Adam Coleman lofted a deep cross into the box that was missed by everyone and crept into the far corner.

Laburnum started to then have their best spell of the game and deservedly equalised from a well worked set piece with Matthew Warren heading home at the far post.

Rovers captain Jamie Durham had to leave the field before half time with a broken bone in his foot after a late challenge by a Laburnum player whilst clearing the ball.

The second half saw a change in formation for Rovers with Chris Turner moving further up field and this payed off on fifty minutes when he broke into the box and slotted the ball past the keeper to make it 2-1.

The game was always scrappy and on the hour a rash challenge by Rovers left back sparked a retaliation from Laburnum's player which resulted in both players seeing red. This made both sides make enforced substitutions with Rovers bringing on David Robinson and Phil Smith and Robinson's impact was immediate as his pace troubled the Laburnum defence and sparked a late challenge in the penalty area in which Mark Turner coolie dispatched the spot kick with ease.

Laburnum's heads seemed to drop a little and on seventy five minutes Shane Buckerfield added a fourth with a superb overhead kick to put the game out of reach for the battling Saints.

Gavin Bocking said: "This result sees Rovers go to Ashbourne next week level pegging on points in the League and in what only can be described as a must win game for Rovers seeing as Ashbourne already have a much superior goal difference."

And he added: "With a performance like this I doubt it will be possible but it's up to the players to really show they can compete and I know they can but the consistency needs to come with a very tricky string of games awaiting us.

Hard-working Holloway unlucky in Lions' Den

 

Match reports from Saturday, 11 October, 2008

Shirland back on track
Shirland Miners Welfare 8 AFC Lea Holloway 0

Shirland got their season back on track with a fantastic 8-0 win over a AFC Lea Holloway side that is always very hard to play against.

Still dogged with major injuries Shirland put on a performance that can only be described as 'perfect'.

In form Lee Bellamy showed why manager Dave Thurnham gave him the most improved player of the year award at the end of last season. His play in recent games has been most impressive. Lee went on to score three fantastic goals, and was awarded the well-deserved 'Man of the Match' by the visitors.

John Holmes so far this season has proved he can play anywere in defence, midfield and on the wing. He really is coming on leaps and bounds and getting better and better. An own goal by Holloway came from a Holmes throw that just strikes fear into all teams only to be followed by a powerfull header from John to get his name on the scoresheet. Fantastic goal john!.

A goal from new singing Dean White was thoroughly deserved because he puts so much work in up front. Shirland are going to get a lot of goals from this lad...'big talent'.

Shirland welcomed back Ian Hursthouse to the side this season after a long lay off, his speed and skill will give Shirland a big lift this season and let's hope the goal he scored today is the one of many! 'Good to have you back Ian'.

Matt Murphy another lad to re-sign for Shirland after some time out came off the bench to score a super goal. His play is old school...win the ball at all costs, never give up and play for your team. Matt will be a massive plus this season.

Well done to every Shirland player who put recent bad form behind them with a fantstic display and well done to Shirland's September Player of the Month Carl Bradshaw who as played some fantastic fooball in the back four since resigning.

And good luck to AFC Lea Holloway with the rest of there season!

Match reports from Saturday, 4 October, 2008

It's all R-overs!
AFC Lea Holloway 1 Riddings Rovers 4

Other reports will be published as they are sent in, so it's up to teams to contact us as quickly as possible.

Match reports from Saturday, 27 September, 2008

Riddings gring out three points
Riddings Rovers 3 Duke Williams 0

Riddings entertained Duke William after the demise of Peak United earlier on Friday evening and with little preparation time for the game the home side managed to grind out a result.

With fifteen minutes gone Chris Turner tried his look from range and with a decisive deflection off Duke's Chris Slack the ball was in the back of the net to give rovers an early lead.

The game was not a very entertaining one with the heat on the players most of this contest was played at walking pace, however just before half-time Rovers captain Jamie Durham made it two when Duke half cleared a corner kick and from twenty five yards his shot nestled into the top corner.

The second-half was pretty uneventful with both sides cancelling each other out and it wasn't until the 85th minute that Rovers finally put together a positive move to open up the away side's defence after some neat interchanges between midfield and attack Mark Turner finished from the edge of the area to make the final score 3-0.

Riddings have been deducted three points due to Peak United folding and also are now minus six goals so this means Ashbourne Town leap frog them to the top by a goal, both being locked on ten points.

Holloway hit for six by Hilcote
AFC Lea Holloway 0 Hilcote 6

Match reports from Saturday, 20 September, 2008

Riddings victory but get wake up call
Kings Arms 1-3 Riddings Rovers

This game was a classic story of two halves, Riddings took to the field full of confidence after their impressive start to the season and were ahead after five minutes when Shane Buckerfield slotted the ball home with a cheeky back heel from inside the six yard box.

It was a tight affair and Kings were determined not to let the league leaders get into their stride and were always dangerous on the attack with Craig Merrett leading the line superbly for the home side taking his half chances well and making Danny Clarke in the visitors goal afternoon very difficult indeed.

After half an hour though Riddings put together their best move of the game when Mark Turner switched the play out to Tom Wilson who delivered a deep cross to find Buckerfield who showed excellent composure to bring the ball down and lob Michael Hartshorne from the tightest of angles to every ones surprise.

Riddings started to impose themselves on the game and attacked with fluency which eventually brought Buckerfields second hat trick of the season when he finished off another fine individual effort to make it three nil at half time.

The second half really showed the venerable side to Rovers as some players took to the field thinking they had done enough to win the game where as Kings had other ideas.

Merrett went through on goal and seemed to be hacked down from behind by Durham in the penalty area but to Kings dismay referee Shaun Munro waved play on, this wasn't the end of the controversy as Merrett seemingly broke the off side trap to clinically finish but the linesman had favoured a tight decision in favour of the defence.

On 70 minutes Merrett finally got his reward when he broke free to fire Kings back into the game and this encouraged Kings to press on the Rovers goal in the last fifteen minutes.

Riddings held on but it was a wake up call to say the least that they will not be able to take any side for granted in the Matlock league and will not win by large margins every week.

Holloway defeat to newcomers
Access an early report through AFC Lea Holloway's web site.

Match reports from Saturday, 13 September, 2008
Holloway earn points in five-goal clash
Access an early report through AFC Lea Holloway's web site.

Reports as appeared in the Matlock Mercury
Goal-crazy Riddings blast way to the top

RIDDINGS Rovers are top of the Matlock and District Football League table after two thumping wins.

The side rattled in 16 goals in just two games, including nine on Sunday against Shirland Miners Welfare. Mark Turner scored a hat-trick, Shane Buckerfield got two and there was one each for Chris Turner, Tom Wilson, Ray Bingham and Mark Ozenbrook.

Dean White was on target for Shirland. That victory followed Wednesday's 7-1 demolition of Peak United. This time it was Buckerfield's turn to claim a hat-trick, while Turner, Ozenbrook, Joe Dables and Jamie Durham helped themselves to a goal apiece. Peak's consolation came through Martin Bonsall.

Ashbourne Town are second, having won their opening two games – both away from home. Tibshelf were their hosts on Saturday and held Town at 1-1 at half time, Simon Williams having cancelled out Robert Parker's early strike for Ashbourne, who were being frustrated by the home side's steadfast defence, led by Sean White.

However, a reshaped Tibshelf were unsettled by a challenge that went unpunished in the second half and Sean Millward took full advantage to restore Ashbourne's lead.

Tibshelf were then shorn of three players forced to leave the field through injury, leaving them with just ten men.

Ashbourne went for the jugular and Millward grabbed a second. But Tibshelf were not out of it. A Sam Fairburn cross was met by Sean White who got the power to send the ball sailing over the Ashbourne goalkeeper and defence, and at 3-2 it was game on. But the one player advantage was always going to count and Steve Williams hit a fourth Ashbourne goal late on.

Third-placed Matlock Town Youth were left without an opponent on Saturday when just four Peak United players reported for duty, prompting concerns about the troubled club's ability to honour its fixtures this season.

After consultation with the league, Peak have been allowed to sit out of this coming weekend's fixtures to allow him time to sign new players – a concession prompted by AFC Lea Holloway's willingness to step in and take the fixture against South Wingfield Athletic.

Youth had hit AFC Lea Holloway for six last week. A Scott Martin hat-trick, two from Max Marsden and one from Lewis Mason accounted for Youth's goals, Steve Rhodes getting Holloway's sole reply.

Kings Arms are fourth after a 3-1 success in their local derby against South Wingfield at the weekend. Kings got off to a flyer with Darryl Mason opening the scoring inside the first minute. However, Sam Barsby then missed a penalty and the chance to double the advantage. Craig Merrett made amends for that spurned opportunity when he coolly converted a one-on-one early in the second half.

Wingfield, spurred on by Paul Bexon, pressed for a goal of their own and Paul Barnes gave them hope when he turned in to settle a goalmouth scramble.

The points went back to Crich, though, when Spencer Ford was brought down in the Wingfield box and Scott Gregory confidently put away the penalty.

Shirland, fifth, gave no indication of the hammering they were to receive from Riddings in their 3-3 draw with Tibshelf in midweek. Paul Darby, Dean White and Carl Rice bagged for Shirland, while Simon Williams, Sam Fairburn and Gareth Reilly replied in kind for Tibbie.

Sixth are AFC Lea Holloway who pulled up their socks after a heavy midweek defeat to beat Laburnum Saints 3-2 at Cavendish Playing Fields. Goalless at half-time, the game exploded into life in the 55th minute when Carl Whitford put the visitors ahead. Richard Austin replied with the goal of the game four minutes later, a dipping shot from wide on the left.

Shaun Bott then restored Holloway's lead five minutes later only for Michael Charlton to seemingly grab a share of the points for Saints. But in the 90th minute, Dave Whitford popped up to claim the points for Holloway, firing in after Carl Whitford had hit the crossbar and Saints had failed to clear.

Saints have just a point so far from their three games, that earned last Wednesday against Kings Arms. David Harper scored for Saints, while Daniel Farmer was on target for Kings.

Match reports from Wednesday, 10 September, 2008
Points share in a great game
Shirland Miners Welfare 3 Tibshelf 3

Tibshelf travelled just down the road to Stonebroom to take on inform Shirland Miners Welfare and what a good game it was to watch.

The visitors, who always play good, fast football didn't disappoint as they went 1-0 up with great play. Shirland responded straight away with a fantastic free-kick from Paul Darby.

Tibshelf again went in front for Shirland to come back with a goal from Dean White.

At 2-2 and 18 mins to go both teams went for with everything they had, Paul Hardy smashing the cross bar only for Tibshelf to respond with a goal.

Ten mins to go Shirland levelled again through Carl Rice.

A good game between good friends and two good teams, but a draw was a fair result.

Match reports from Wednesday, 3 September, 2008
Pauls grab the goals for Shirland
Shirland Miners Welfare 2 South Wingfield 0

Shirland started with four first team players missing against a very fast, young and very skillful South Wingfield side.

In a very freindly match in bad wet conditions Paul Hardy scored on 35 mins with a fantastic header. Paul Darby scored with a shot in his own half (defence) after seeing the goalkeeper way of his line to lob him.

As the Matlock Mercury reported from Wednesday, 3 September, 2008
Ashbourne set the standard
Press Officer Dave Apperley's round-up

ASHBOURNE Town already look like the early favourites for the Matlock and District League title after a very impressive 8-1 opening day win at Laburnum Saints.

The Matlock league new boys, who were in the Derby City League last season, were already six goals to the good by the time Saints' Carl Pattison managed to score a consolation from the halfway line with a clearance that bounced over the visiting keeper.

That blip aside, a brace each for Sean Millward, Richard Godfrey and Steve Williams, and single strikes from Ashley Hall and Robert Parker served the rest of the league notice that Ashbourne could pick up where last season's quadruple winners Cotes Park left off.

Matlock Town Youth were also in the goals, with two apiece for Phil Chapman and George Taylor, one for Danny Barlow and a John Prime own goal making up their six at home to Duke William.

Scott Bradshaw and young Aaron Griffiths, who formed a very promising striking partnership with Alex Annable, scored for Duke.

Shirland Miners Welfare were the other club to pick up maximum points from the first day, Paul Hardy and Paul Darby scoring the goals to deflate South Wingfield.

Meetings between local rivals Hilcote United and Tibshelf are always feisty, full-blooded affairs, and this proved no different.

Gareth Reilly put Tibshelf ahead before the break, but they then allowed Hilcote to turn the game around through two quick goals from Chris Stoneham and Dean Guy.

But Tibshelf's new signing Matt Walsh, who joined from AFC Lea Holloway, popped up to equalise with 20 minutes to go.

With eight minutes left, the obligatory moment of controversy arrived as Walsh went down in the area, but referee Ricky Wilson waved away Tibshelf's penalty claims.

Somerlea and Somercotes have become Ripley-based Riddings Rovers this time around and they picked up a point at home to Kings Arms.

Brent Atkinson's header put Riddings ahead from a first half corner.

Tom Holmes' individual effort levelled things just before the break, and try as they might, Riddings could not break down Kings' defence as they pushed for a winner, while Kings deployed a counter-attacking game..