BULLS CHARGE INTO THE SEMI'S AS STAVELEY PAY THE PENALTY

STAVELEY MW FC 0 V AFC MANSFIELD 1
NCEL CUP 1/4 FINAL AT INKERSALL RD 8 APRIL 2015 7.45PM

AN EXCITABLE RUDY FUNK GREETS HIS OPPOSITE NUMBER BEFORE THE GAME

This eagerly awaited cross border 'derby' went the way of AFC by the narrowest of margins following Craig Mitchells 49th minute strike.  But it was close with Staveley missing a first half penalty and then in the final minutes Ellis Wall was only denied by the crossbar.
So a Wednesday night brings the blog back to the increasingly popular Staveley MW FC for this Derbyshire v Notts cross border 1/4 final and judging by the attendance of 254 there were many others who were looking forward to this one too.  During the day Staveley's twitter feed had added a bit of further spice to the occasion with a tweet comparing under 21's v non under 21's and non contract v contract players.  It was though an interesting comparison and when after the game the Staveley players came into the bar you realised how young some of these lads are and what a cracking little team they have at Inkersall Road.  AFC's rapid success since their formation has seen The Bulls achieve many goals and tonight under experienced manager Rudy Funk they would be looking for further cup progress.
The ground here at Inkersall Rd has been described earlier on in the season so I wont go through it again save to say its a cracking set up with a superb clubhouse which was the first point of call for the obligatory chip cob.

INKERSALL ROAD LOOK SMART, AS EVER

Thankfuly the blog had arrived early because it was fantastic to catch up with so many people, Mr W was busy bit there was time to say a quick hello, before a chat with 'Dave' from just down the road at Brim.  The Sheffield Utd badge collectors were here and we had a quick chat they were good supporters of the stall at my former CMFL club and it was nice to catch up with them.  Barry was there nice to get in a quick greeting and at the end a small chat with Mark Grayling taking a well earned social break from his busy electioneering schedule.  It was nice to greet AFC manager Rudy Funk, new Chairman Andrew Saunders and have a chat with Secretary Peter Craggs too before the game we obviously go back to our CMFL days connections.  Ex Clay Cross Town manager Paul Murtagh and his assistant Stuart Wall were there, Stuart of course to watch his son Ellis who is clearly blossoming in the Staveley set up.  There were also a couple of former 'Cross' players in Chris Sharman and before the game time to catch up with Jammer Smith.

JAS COLLIVER AND JAMMER SMITH [RIGHT]

Jammer was a class act for Staveley and of course in his time at Clay Cross and the blog would like to congratulate him and wish him all the best in his new appointment with Derby County based at their Moor Farm HQ, well done mate!  So a lovely start to the evening with so many familiar and friendly faces oh yes and of course Mr Brain Bradley was also in attendance doing his rounds of the local non league scene.  Added to this referee Jamie O'Connor was taking a look at the match.
Wow sorry if that was a long intro but it just shows the interest in the game with non league people who were in attendance.

THE THIRD TEAM

Tonight's game was to be refereed by the ever impressive Tim Walker who was ably assisted by Dave Webb and Clive Lawrence.  The officials had a superb game tonight and referee Walker kept the game flowing well with some good communication to players explaining what his decision were throughout the game.  While doing the pre match greetings it was also good to renew acquaintances with Tim's dad Stuart also a match official.
So onto the match and what a tight affair it was to be played at 100 miles an hour with AFC reading the situation correctly if you let Staveley get the ball down and play......they will!  So AFC set about giving them no room and getting the ball forward asap.  The work rate from both sides was admirable and with The Bulls having the upper hand it looked like their could be a turn up for the books however when Jason White was adjudged to have brought down Kurtis Morley in the box referee Walker awarded what looked a harsh penalty, however their were few protests.  Jahmal Smith stepped up to take it but after a laboured twice stopped, in moving forward, run up the ball finished well wide of Whites right hand upright.

ITS ALL CALM ON THE AFC BENCH WITH EX MANSFIELD AND HULL STAR RYAN WILLIAMS
NEAREST TO CAMERA

So we went to half time goal less but that wasn't to remain for long when just 4 minutes after the re start Craig Mitchell, terrier like, sprinted through on goal to slot past Steve Hernandez for a quality finish.
Gradually in the final 20 minutes Staveley did start to get some meaningful possession and a 5 minute spell they had their best spell of pressure as on a few occasion AFC were struggling to clear their lines.  Gradually though The Bulls got control back until in the 90th minutes following a break through the middle the ball found Ellis Wall whose header struck the visitors bar to deny Staveley the chance of extra time.
The score line was just about right in this tight game that had seen AFC's management team get their tactics spot on and ultimately lead to the first division side progressing to the semi final at the expense of the NCEL premier division side.  But keep your eyes on these young players at Staveley there are some cracking prospects at a club that is working very hard behind the scenes to bring on the best in local football to town.
Well done to both sides and all involved once again a fully enjoyable evening.

AFC GET READY TO RIDE OFF WITH VICTORY