Manor Way, home of Askern Miners based in Doncaster, South Yorkshire. They will play this season in the Central Midlands League after they were crowned Champions of the Doncaster Saturday League last season. This club was once known as ‘Askern Villa’ I wonder where they got the inspiration for that name from? They once competed at Step 6 but after money troubles, the club dipped and recently have rebranded themselves as Askern Miners. Could they get back to where they once were?
Another newly reformed team, Hatfield Main are the visitors tonight who folded nearly a decade ago but are back this season!! £2 entry for this Doncaster tie! Exceptional! Match Days Joe is here once again! Not had a bad game with him yet!!
Kick Off! Askern starting the better of the 2 teams so far. 11 minutes in and Hatfield come forward, a through ball is played to number 9, keeper comes out, number 9 goes down… Penalty! But the Referee is going over to his assistant… It’s going to be a free kick right on the edge of the box… Thought that was inside the box me. Number 17 steps up… Hits the wall, Hatfield get it back and play it to number 10 on the left, he’s offside! Not happy about it either…
Both teams enjoying spells of possession at the moment but no big chances. 28 minutes on the clock and Askern have a free kick in the centre of the field, it’s launched forward into the box, a free header for number 11… Keeper saves! 2 minutes later and Askern have a free kick again in a similar position, launched in again, number 11 runs in behind, touches away from goal, he turns and shoots… OFF THE POST! And away.
39th minute now and it’s a good spell for Askern this! They come forward again, a chipped through ball finds number 9 just inside the box, he shoots… Good save by the keeper! Corner for Askern, in it comes… Cleared! 1 minute later and Hatfield give the ball away in midfield and it could be costly… Number 7 is through for Askern, he takes his time… The shot is blocked and it’s a corner again, in it comes… Cleared again.
43rd minute and Askern have another corner, it’s played short, crossed in… Blocked! But was it by a hand…? “Yes!” Says the Referee! Penalty! Number 11 steps up… SAVED!! Keeper guesses right and keeps hold of it! Askern continuing to press but the score at half time would remain goalless.
Second half, 48 minutes on the watch and Askern come forward down the left with number 7, he gets into the box and plays it across to number 9 who slides in… Keeper saves again!! Great for the keeper, but not for me… Don’t end my run of games without a 0-0!
55 minutes now and Hatfield have a throw-in on the left wing, thrown into the box and here’s number 9 and he’s in… He’s scuffed it…! Goal kick! Big chance there! 1 minute later and Hatfield come forward again, the ball is played across to number 3 on the left who’s charging in, he goes for the far corner… It’s just wide! So close!
Hatfield are looking the better team for the first time in the match now. 65th minute and Hatfield come again, a chipped through ball for number 9 to run on to and the keeper’s committed… He’s around the keeper at a tight angle… He’s hit the post!! The keeper claims the rebound… it’s looking like one of those nights…
67 minutes on the clock and Hatfield come forward again, a through ball to number 9 again and he’s through on goal… HE SCORES!!! 0-1! Just beats the keeper to the ball and he pokes it in! He picks up a knock along the way sadly for him… But not for me! 52 games without a 0-0 now!!
Can Askern respond? 78 minutes and Askern have a free kick in a crossing position on the left hand side, in it comes… Hatfield head away, Askern cross straight back in, here’s number 5… The flag is up! He scores but it won’t count…
10 minutes to go and Askern come forward again, the ball is played to number 8 and he’s through on the right and drives into the box and he shoots… What another great save by the keeper!! He tips it wide for a corner, in comes the corner, headed wide.
86 minutes and Askern are pushing for the equaliser now, a long ball over the top by Askern, number 11 gets onto it, he battles with the last defender, he gets a sight of goal! And the brave keeper is beaten!! Great finish and it’s 1-1!!
Askern are pushing for the win now! It’s wave after wave of Askern attacks but to no avail. Stoppage time and one last chance perhaps for Askern, number 11 drives down the right and into the box towards goal, he pulls it to NUMBER 8!! OH NO! He’s scuffed it… Hatfield clear and the Referee blows for full time!
FT: Askern Miners 1-1 Hatfield Main
Ratings
- Atmosphere: 1/10 – No noise from the crowd in attendance tonight sadly.
- The Ground: 7/10 – It’s a really good ground! Especially for this level!! Plenty of character around the ground with the Red & Blue! It will only get better after word about a new clubhouse from people of the club! A hidden gem!!
- Expense: 10/10 – £2 for an action packed game! The people of the club also gave me a free pin badge along with a free hot dog!! I Should be giving 11!!
- Overall Experience: 10/10 – Great night with Match Days Joe again! The people at this club were incredibly friendly!! A big thanks to Bracken, Keele & the Askern manager for their hospitality and time! Very friendly and very welcoming! A big recommendation for other groundhoppers!
28/40
Watch Match Days Joe’s Video Here
Hi Jake,
Simon Deere, I was the referee on this game and having read your assessment and reflection of the game you have it spot on pal, it was a good advert for local football and was a very competitive game.
It certainly was a great game pal! Thank you for your comment! Hopefully see you at another ground some time!