Mill Lane, home of Clay Cross Town based in North East Derbyshire and play their trade in Step 7 of the non league pyramid in the Central Midlands League. Nicknamed the “Millers” as they play at “Mill Lane”. A short journey tonight for me where I will be joined by Match Days Joe and his Dad for tonight’s game against Askern Miners who we have both watched in the past.
16 miles down the road through Chesterfield sees me pull up outside the ground with about 20 minutes to spare before kick off. £3 to get in here! Magic! It’s certainly a cold one! And the pitch certainly shows it… They’ve done well to get this game on tonight! Turnip is here! Moon Hopper and Joanna are here! And great to meet fellow Mansfield Town fan Vinny here tonight as well! YELLOWS! Out come the players, it’s time!!
Kick Off! Straight away and the Askern keeper has the ball, he lumps it forward, it goes straight to Clay Cross’ Josh Scully and he hits it from far out… But it’s straight at the keeper. 8 minutes in and Clay Cross hit the ball long, they get it down and it’s played through to Max Dungworth and he charges into the box, down he goes… Referee waves it away… That’s a poor decision from the Referee there for me! That’s a Penalty!! Clay Cross furious!!
2 minutes later and Clay Cross come forward again, they play a chipped through ball to Josh Ing and he’s through here… The Keeper saves with his foot and it’s still 0-0 after a bright start from Clay Cross!
16 minutes on the clock and Clay Cross play down the left flank, it’s worked across to Josh Scully and he shoots… Good save by the keeper! 5 minutes later and and they come down the left again, crossed in, it’s set up brilliantly for Max DUNGWORTH! OH! The Keeper saves again!! Brilliant goalkeeping! Is it going to be one of those nights for Clay Cross…?
24th minute and Clay Cross come again, a 1-2 is played and chipped over the Askern back line to find Reece Shaw in the box, he’s got time and he plays it across goal, the keeper is beaten… THERE IT IS!! Lewis Macaskill is there to tap home from point blank! And Clay Cross do get their deserved lead! 1-0!
Clay Cross still looking the better of the 2 teams tonight and are looking like adding more to their tally tonight, Askern… No answer! 41 minutes played and it’s Clay Cross down the left again believe it or not… Lewis Macaskill has it and he gets into the box, he’s still going and he gets his shot away… It’s over! He should’ve done better there for me!
44th minute and Askern come forward now, they get into the box where they meet a sea of blue shirts, they work it out to the left, they get a cross in, it trickles across goal and here’s number 8 at the back stick… THEY’VE SCORED!! Talk about undeserved! Askern are level… As the late Tommy Cooper once said: “Just like that!” It’s 1-1!! The Askern keeper visibly delighted but pessimistic for the rest of the game… “It won’t last long!” He says to me and Match Days Joe. On the balance of play you’d have to agree with him but what will the second half bring as it stays 1-1 for half time?
Second half… I think this is the coldest I’ve ever been at a football ground before… BALTIC!!!!!! 49th minute and it’s Clay Cross down which side? The left side of course! Lewis Macaskill gets into the box… Oh! He’s been tripped… Penalty! They do get a Penalty this time and rightly so! Josh Scully steps up… And he scores!! Good Penalty! And unfortunately for Askern, their keeper was right… 2-1!
53 minutes on the clock and Clay Cross have a free kick on the left, it’s crossed in, Lewis Macaskill is free! He’s put it straight at the keeper… Poor effort! 61st minute and Clay Cross play down the right wing this time, it’s crossed in low, here’s Lewis Macaskill… He gets it this time!!! 3-1!! He’s deserved that! Clay Cross have deserved that!!
65th minute and Askern come forward this time, a good challenge there by the Clay Cross man but Askern get it back, played to number 12 who shoots… Off the bar!! The flag is up… It wouldn’t have counted anyway. 71 minutes now and Clay Cross have a free kick on the left again in near enough the same position as last time, the cross comes in, it’s headed to Liam Riley… He scores… But he’s Offside… No goal!
Clay Cross still piling on the pressure on the Askern goal and it’s almost certain now that Clay Cross will be taking the points. Into the 90th minute and Clay Cross come down the right, it’s played in to Billy Brooks, he gets it under control and he shoots… Straight at the keeper! The Referee blows for full time! I’m off for some warmth…
FT: Clay Cross Town 3-1 Askern Miners
Ratings
- Atmosphere: 1/10 – A fair few in but no noise sadly.
- The Ground: 6.5/10 – A lovely little setup! A stand behind the goal, a stand on one side and a little seated stand on the other! It’s good for the level I’d say! There are some cracking grounds in this league!!
- Expense: 10/10 – All that for £3!! No other option!
- Overall Experience: 8/10 – Great to see so many familiar faces here tonight! Great to see Match Days Joe as always! A decent game here as well! Just wish it wasn’t so cold…
25.5/40