Non League Football

[Lobworm]

It's places in the arse end of nowhere like Kidsgrove, Ilkeston, Workington where they the fans don't usually see a crowd etc where you get a few wise people who think they're hilarious.

The majority of Marine fans are blue or Red on top, so I'm not sure why they're surprised when the fans naturally kick off.

Nantwich a good little ground; could really do with 2-3 steps behind the terrace because it's totally flat so you can't see a thing unless you're at the front.

Nantwich manager lives round the corner from me; see him regularly, nice fella.

No, Purps don't really travel well. They've lost a significant amount of their fanbase due to the first move to Ellesmere Port; played Bootle in Widnes last night, where attendance was stated as 700+, but I'd be surprised if there was half that.

I'd expect 20-30 at a push?

I get to the ground at about 2.40, get a beer and a seat in the stand, near the oppo bench. I'll probably go this weekend, as it's the last home game.
He comes across quite well Paul Carden, not sure where his contract is at, but after relegation last season and an indifferent start this, they have done well to get to this point. I hope he's still there next season.
I might get a season ticket for next year, but not sure I want it enough to do it on a wet February night in Nantwich.

 

[Preki]

Cheap ticket prices is my best guess.

Some banned from league clubs or just hard/expensive to get a ticket. I watch Everton quite a bit but prefer non league if I'm honest. Especially the way we are playing.

 

[Preki]

£17 to get in for Macclesfield!

And it's honestly the worst set up in the league. £5 can bar, where the cans are warm, segregated into a corner.

Naff.

That's more than Welling, in London and national South.

 

[barneygumble]

I get to the ground at about 2.40, get a beer and a seat in the stand, near the oppo bench. I'll probably go this weekend, as it's the last home game.
He comes across quite well Paul Carden, not sure where his contract is at, but after relegation last season and an indifferent start this, they have done well to get to this point. I hope he's still there next season.
I might get a season ticket for next year, but not sure I want it enough to do it on a wet February night in Nantwich.

Think it all depends on your company sometimes; I've been fortunate enough to attend with the main group of the fans so it's less of a chore than everton, as it's now a day out with your mates.

I'd say potentially underachiever this year Nantwich; felt very, very unlucky to go down last year. But I had you down as favourites, it's been a very poor league this year in my opinion and can't see it improving next year unless Bury come up; so should Carden stay I think you'll flourish.

With everton season ticket (and a whole host of other stuff) I've missed 5 games on my season ticket out of 20 games, which is a good return. Genuinely believe that Non-League is where I see myself long term because I'm so disillusioned with the Premier League.

 

[barneygumble]

That's more than Welling, in London and national South.

It's scandalous.

I boycotted it; forced into an open end; worst facilities and warm beer.

Don't think I'll be as fortunate come 2 weeks as well
More than likely have to beat them away in the playoffs if we are to go up!

 

[MikeH72]

Some banned from league clubs or just hard/expensive to get a ticket. I watch Everton quite a bit but prefer non league if I'm honest. Especially the way we are playing.

I much prefer it. No part of me wants to go to a Premier League game, none whatsoever. Non league is cheap, can have a beer while watching (unless you’re at bloody Widnes), and on top of everything you actually go into every football match believing you can win. There’s no “ahh I’d take a scrappy point here you know” “deffo a write off this game” nonsense. It’s properly competitive and I’ve never come away from a game feeling like the players have short changed us or failed to leave everything on the pitch.

 

[MikeH72]

I get to the ground at about 2.40, get a beer and a seat in the stand, near the oppo bench. I'll probably go this weekend, as it's the last home game.
He comes across quite well Paul Carden, not sure where his contract is at, but after relegation last season and an indifferent start this, they have done well to get to this point. I hope he's still there next season.
I might get a season ticket for next year, but not sure I want it enough to do it on a wet February night in Nantwich.

These are the best btw. Went to Stalybridge a couple of weeks ago and the weather was utterly disgusting. You wrap up, find shelter somewhere and it adds an extra layer of unpredictability to the game, pitch turns into a good old fashioned potato field and all tiki taka football goes out the window. Comedy goals are a nice feature of football at this level.

 

[Lobworm]

Think it all depends on your company sometimes; I've been fortunate enough to attend with the main group of the fans so it's less of a chore than everton, as it's now a day out with your mates.

I'd say potentially underachiever this year Nantwich; felt very, very unlucky to go down last year. But I had you down as favourites, it's been a very poor league this year in my opinion and can't see it improving next year unless Bury come up; so should Carden stay I think you'll flourish.

With everton season ticket (and a whole host of other stuff) I've missed 5 games on my season ticket out of 20 games, which is a good return. Genuinely believe that Non-League is where I see myself long term because I'm so disillusioned with the Premier League.

When I moved here in 2007, I gave up my Park End season ticket. I chose my games for 5 years or so. I did miss going to GP at first, and thought about renewing on a few occasions, but that night game v Bolton when we lost 1-2 and Howard scored, saw me off. I got home about 2am, I had work the next day, and it was a bit of a turning point. Aside from one Friday night match v Watford, I haven't been to a night match since. I can't ever see myself attending GP (or BMD) regularly again.

I also find the PL boring, tedious and in my opinion, orchestrated/corrupt. It's pretty much turned me off all pro-football, even European and international. I find Nantwich fairly friendly no matter who you're sat next to, the standard is very good, and tbh, thinking about it, I think I may well get a seaso next year as it is something I actually look forward to, without being too invested in, if that makes sense?

 

[barneygumble]

When I moved here in 2007, I gave up my Park End season ticket. I chose my games for 5 years or so. I did miss going to GP at first, and thought about renewing on a few occasions, but that night game v Bolton when we lost 1-2 and Howard scored, saw me off. I got home about 2am, I had work the next day, and it was a bit of a turning point. Aside from one Friday night match v Watford, I haven't been to a night match since. I can't ever see myself attending GP (or BMD) regularly again.

I also find the PL boring, tedious and in my opinion, orchestrated/corrupt. It's pretty much turned me off all pro-football, even European and international. I find Nantwich fairly friendly no matter who you're sat next to, the standard is very good, and tbh, thinking about it, I think I may well get a seaso next year as it is something I actually look forward to, without being too invested in, if that makes sense?

Only thing keeping me going is that I e got the option of going to any away when I want and for my little lad; I'd be kicking myself if he becomes obsessed and I've given up the season ticket.

I feel there's a snobbery about non-league, but these last few pages show there's certainly a growing interest.

I watch football abroad, do the international stuff because I love football. But I hate what the Premier League is. Unless you're at the top, you're just there to make up the numbers; so I can't blame you for staying away. Plus Nantwich is a lovely place to watch a game of football.

Guess the plus for having a season ticket is at least you'll have your decision made up for you in the middle of the winter to go or not. Wish I could with everton!

 

[MikeH72]

Big day today in the NPL West division. A lot of playoff ramifications and potentially the last remaining relegation spot to be decided.



Runcorn Linnets v Widnes
Prescot Cables v Stalybridge Celtic
Bootle v Hanley Town
Nantwich v City of Liverpool
Avro v 1874 Northwich
Witton Albion v Leek Town

Avro looking likely to to put themselves back in the conversation with a gift of a fixture at home to Northwich who haven’t won since October and completely thrown the towel in.

Cables and Linnets can mathematically secure their playoff spots with a win. Widnes with a game in hand and can keep their hopes alive with a win or draw depending on how other results go.

Bootle looking to respond to a defeat to CoL in midweek with a tricky looking game against defensively stubborn Hanley.

Witton in great form but have the toughest task of the day, hosting runaway winners Leek Town.

Massive game in Nantwich, Purps could move up to 2nd with a win, and nothing other than 3 points will do for Nantwich to keep their hopes alive.

At the bottom, Hednesford will be mathematically relegated if they lose at Clitheroe or Trafford pick up a win against Kidsgrove.

 

[barneygumble]

Big day today in the NPL West division. A lot of playoff ramifications and potentially the last remaining relegation spot to be decided.

View attachment 253508

Runcorn Linnets v Widnes
Prescot Cables v Stalybridge Celtic
Bootle v Hanley Town
Nantwich v City of Liverpool
Avro v 1874 Northwich
Witton Albion v Leek Town

Avro looking likely to to put themselves back in the conversation with a gift of a fixture at home to Northwich who haven’t won since October and completely thrown the towel in.

Cables and Linnets can mathematically secure their playoff spots with a win. Widnes with a game in hand and can keep their hopes alive with a win or draw depending on how other results go.

Bootle looking to respond to a defeat to CoL in midweek with a tricky looking game against defensively stubborn Hanley.

Witton in great form but have the toughest task of the day, hosting runaway winners Leek Town.

Massive game in Nantwich, Purps could move up to 2nd with a win, and nothing other than 3 points will do for Nantwich to keep their hopes alive.

At the bottom, Hednesford will be mathematically relegated if they lose at Clitheroe or Trafford pick up a win against Kidsgrove.

I got told not too long ago that Hednesford would be retrieved this season; due to the loss of Marske United.

Not sure how true, but guess we'll see!

Going to be a great watch the playoff picture for the West today, good luck to all Involved; except the Purps

 

[MikeH72]

I got told not too long ago that Hednesford would be retrieved this season; due to the loss of Marske United.

Not sure how true, but guess we'll see!

Going to be a great watch the playoff picture for the West today, good luck to all Involved; except the Purps lol

Was wondering what would happen with the Marske situation. I thought it’d just mean the team from the NPL East got the reprieve though, as that’s the league they’d be dropping into.

 

[barneygumble]

Was wondering what would happen with the Marske situation. I thought it’d just mean the team from the NPL East got the reprieve though, as that’s the league they’d be dropping into.

Believe that everyone would still come up regardless; so that leaves a space; which I believe was due to he allocated to the best ranked 2nd bottom which i believe is Hednesford.

Would be good for them to stay up, been in a very tumultuous time for them of late.

Bootle with the most to lose in the playoff race for me today; Purps & Witton can still afford a slip up if Bootle lose.

Whereas Nantwich, Widnes & Avro have a free hit for me; even a win might not be enough, so may aswell just throw everything at it.

 

[MikeH72]

Believe that everyone would still come up regardless; so that leaves a space; which I believe was due to he allocated to the best ranked 2nd bottom which i believe is Hednesford.

Would be good for them to stay up, been in a very tumultuous time for them of late.

Bootle with the most to lose in the playoff race for me today; Purps & Witton can still afford a slip up if Bootle lose.

Whereas Nantwich, Widnes & Avro have a free hit for me; even a win might not be enough, so may aswell just throw everything at it.

Widnes are in a funny position though with the game in hand. A draw could be a good result but it depends on how the other fixtures go. I think Widnes will approach it more cautiously than maybe Nantwich who are in a win or bust scenario. Linnets also go to Northwich on the final day which is a banker, so they might also see this as a must not lose, rather than a must win.

 

[Lobworm]

Probable fatwah coming when I say this, but I'm looking forward more to the Nantwich game later, than watching our lot on the snide stick tomorrow.

I have to go to Loughborough first to drop parasite 2 back off at uni (she's obv made up with me, getting her up at 0730 on a Saturday). All that ire just to get back in time for my seat at 2.40 for a non league game. Can't remember the last time I was that organised, or committed, for an Everton game.