Steve B the Groundhopper

3pm 1 August  2026 Midland Football League, Division Two Coventry Colliery 3 Central Ajax 1 (att 150) This was a big day for Coventry Colliery. Their first game at this level, having won promotion from division three in their debut Midland Football League campaign last season, and a celebration of their centenary. Their club badge suggests they were actually founded in 1925, but what's a few extra months when you've been around for 100 years? Sadly these days there seem to be fewer clubs likely to be so long-lasting. Coventry Colliery are based at Hawks Mill, of Hawksmill if you prefer, on the edge of Coventry. The main pitch, which runs widthways from the entrance, is enclosed by a combination of railings, advertising boards, rope and a hedge. Behind the goal to the left is the clubhouse, which was busy as Colliery attracted a bumper crowd to take part in the celebrations. The day was all well organised, with stewards sorting car parking, and a barbecue providing welcome food....

3pm 5 May  2025 Midland Football League, Division Two Coventrians 1 Central Ajax 1 (att 82) There was little choice for a new ground to visit on the early May bank holiday, at least without a very lengthy journey, but this game at least allowed me a 'tick' and at the same time completed the top three tiers of the Midland Football League. It had the feel of an end of season encounter, not helped the two sides having also played each other in the reverse fixture just 48 hours earlier. That game ended 4-3, but defences had tightened since then. Coventrians did get an early lead, but failed to build on it. They paid the price about with about 15 minutes left when Central Ajax equalised. The home side upped their game in search of a winner but, despite coming close, it remained a draw. Coventrians have taken over the Coventry Colliery ground in the Keresley area of the city. It features a newish clubhouse and couple of football pitches, the main one being fully railed off and with a...