Steve B the Groundhopper

7.45pm 22 October 2024 North West Counties League Cup, First Round Shawbury United 1 Allscott Heath 6 (att 102) This cup tie had been postponed at the start of the month, which was handy for me as I had a choice of games that night, whereas the rearranged date filled a gap on what would otherwise have been a blank midweek. Both these sides are new to the North West Counties League this season, having transferred across from the Midland Football League. As a local derby, and with the teams not far apart in the league table, I was expecting a close game. It turned out to be anything but. Allscott Heath were ahead early, and soon turned a 1-0 lead into 2-0. A cracking strike from distance got Shawbury United back into the game, but only briefly. Three more away goals, in the minutes leading up to half time, effectively ended any contest. The second period was quieter, and a little more successful for Shawbury as they only conceded one more. As far as I'm aware this season is the first...

7.45pm 30 January  2024 Midland Football League, Division One Allscott Heath 2 Heather St John's 1 (att 85) It's a rare treat to be able to visit a new ground for a floodlit game after a full day at work, and even rarer to do so after a relaxed and trouble-free rush hour journey. Floodlights are a recent addition to Allscott Heath Sports Club, a necessity since the club's elevation to step six of the footballing pyramid, in the second tier of the Midland Football League. By all accounts the ground, in the village of Allscott near Telford, has been transformed in recent years from what was little more than an open pitch. It's now fully enclosed, with a small seated stand on one side and a covered area for spectators opposite. Progress looks to be being maintained on the pitch as well as off it, with this deserved win keeping Allscott Heath in the running for another promotion. A goal in each half set the home side up for a comfortable win, although a late penalty kept Le...