Steve B the Groundhopper

2pm 30 November 2024 Lancashire and Cheshire Amateur League, Premier Division Bury Amateur 1 Village Manchester 0 (att 15) The bottom two sides in the Lancashire and Cheshire Amateur League's top flight went head to head in a game that was, obviously, crucial to both. A tight but entertaining match was settled by a solitary goal scored by the home team after just five minutes. There was little between them, and Village Manchester were unfortunate not to come away with a point. Bury's keeper made some good saves to keep them out, but the visitors also failed to make to most of a numerical advantage. Bury Amateur already had a player serving time in the sin ban when, with half-an-hour still to play, they lost another to a straight red card. They were soon back up from nine players to 10, but were under mounting pressure. They defended resolutely, holding on for their first league win of the season. The result also saw them move above Village Manchester and off the bottom of the t...

6.40pm 19 April  2024 Manchester League, Premier Division Walshaw Sports Club 1 Govan and University of Manchester 2 (att 45) The second time I've seen Walshaw play a home game at Bury's Elton High School, but whereas last time, in August 2022, it was on a 3G pitch , this match was on grass. I'm not sure if the move is a permanent one or due to unavailability of the artificial surface, but for me the chance to visit a 'new' ground close to home on a Friday evening was welcome. The pitch is next to the car park, in front of the school buildings, and is fully enclosed, although there was no rope or rail to separate spectators from the playing area. A grass bank along one side provides a decent view. It was a feisty game between well-matched sides. Govan had the better of the first half and deserved their half time lead. But after the break Walshaw were more in the ascendency, and were good value for their equaliser, even if it came thanks to a soft-looking penalty. A ...