Woodley Sports v Lancaster City

OK - it had been a cold night (OK cold two nights), But I never expected as many call-offs as there eventually were ! I certainly felt for the Matlock fans - with a second inspection at Ashton United called for 1300 (and I know for a fact the ref didn't get there much before 1325 - cus I rang to check !), they HAD to travel anyway - at least some of the got to Woodley - as did Chris and Roy from Clitheroe (who had been on a fruitless journey to FC Halifax Town ... another "late call-off" (oh and many thanks for the kind donation for the Mossley Floodlight Fund - it WILL be passed on !).

I ended up arriving at about 1505 - I gave Ashton United every chance but once the "off" was announced I hopped on a 330 bus from Ashton to Woodley - a nightmare journey on a Saturday (should take 30 minutes - was nearer 50 in the end). Still I didn't miss any first-half goals (!) as Woodley turned the form book on its head by taking a 3-0 first half lead through two crackers from the edge of the box and a "bit of a scramble".

A half-time natter (with Reco from Matlock Town) overran slightly and I emerged from the club in time to hear "Goal number 4 from Dennis Sherriff" - bugger ! Second half did see Lancaster start to get to grips with the pitch (apparently they don't like 'em and - I think - have never won on one) but they had to wait until near the end for a consolation goal (which I missed - talking to some of the Clitheroe contingent). The 4-1 enabled Woodley to leapfrog Mossley in the table (again - bugger !!) - their "on a roll" roll continues ... a good crowd of 207 as well. Pictures from the game at

Woodley Sports 4 Lancaster City 1

Evening in Longsight - slow-roasted lamb, Greek style - a few beers - and home this morning - a "brief walk" around Dove Stone and Yeoman Hey reservoirs (some interesting pictures to come from that later) before home to this.

Wonder how this little "cold snap" is going to affect mid-week football - Mossley at home to FC Halifax Town (being played at Ashton United) and Stalybridge Celtic against Blyth Spartans are the two games for Tuesday night ... we wait and see ...