Tideswell Sports Complex, home of Tideswell United based in Derbyshire. A former Central Midlands League team not so long ago before folding and starting again in the Hope Valley League. The Hope Valley league is calling again on a Monday!! Me, the Merry Miller, Kizz and his friend Eddie have agreed on Tideswell and off we go! Hathersage the visitors tonight.
Free Entry to this ground tonight! F*** YEAH!! Arrival at the ground in good time, just before kick off, but first we have a minute silence for the young 9 year old who was tragically struck by lightning last week. RIP Young Man.
Kick Off! Bright start from Tideswell here! 8 minutes in and number 9 comes forward, he plays a 1-2 and he’s through… Saved by the keeper! The ball rolls out for a throw in, Tideswell have it on the left and the cross comes in, number 10 is there… He heads home!!! 1-0!!! Can Hathersage respond?
14 minutes on the clock and Hathersage have a corner, in it comes, headed away, Hathersage 12 picks it up and shoots… Goes straight to number 7 in the box and he shoots… Scuff!! The ball rolls wide. The goal kick is taken, Hathersage win the ball and it is played forward to number 9 and he’s in… He scores!!!! 1-1!! Just like that!!
Me and the Merry Miller are now enjoying a great football chat with the linesman who is suspended for Tideswell. Great chat about grounds and his career so far, only in grassroots would you see this!!!
28 minutes now and Tideswell come forward again, the ball is played to number 9 with space outside the box, he shoots… Keeper parries to his left and number 10 picks it up and shoots at a tight angle… OH HE’S HIT THE POST!!! So close! Goal kick. Not many chances at the moment but Tideswell looking the better of the two for now.
38 minutes gone and here come Tideswell again, a long ball is played to number 10 in the box, he squares it, cleared to number 2 who has space to shoot… Off the top of the bar and out… getting closer!
1 minute later and they come again, a long ball to number 9 and he’s onside, the keeper is committed and he goes for the lob… He’s missed!! Just over the bar. 41 minutes gone and the Tideswell keeper has the ball and he rolls it out, number 2 plays forward but he’s hit his own man and Hathersage’s number 9 is in on goal here… Good save by the keeper!! Tideswell clear but so close to a howler there…
1 minute to half time and Tideswell come down the right, the cross comes in but it’s over hit and on the left now for number 10 to retrieve, he plays it to number 9 who plays it to number 6 in the box and on the turn… He’s hit the post!!! And it’s gone wide… That would be the last action of the half with the score remaining 1-1.
Second half, 49 minutes gone and Tideswell come forward down the left, the cross comes in and number 10 is there at the far post… He’s headed wide… How many chances are they going to waste here? A fairly even game with Tideswell just edging it at the moment but no clear cut chances created by anyone now.
64 minutes gone and Hathersage come forward now, number 16 has the ball on the right hand side, he beats his man and drives into the box, he squares it across goal for number 9 to finish… And he has!! And Hathersage lead here!! 1-2! With a goal that would destroy the closest of friendships if it was scored on FIFA!! If you don’t take your chances you get punished simple as that!
Hathersage starting to come strong now and look the more likely after Tideswell’s attacks in the first half. 69 minutes and Hathersage win a free kick in their own half, they take it quickly with a long ball up to number 11 on the left, he cuts inside and shoots… Over!
The game has evened out again but this time Hathersage look the more likely of the two. 81 minutes gone and Hathersage win the ball in midfield, the ball is played through to number 11, no flag here, the keeper is committed… But he saves and Tideswell clear.
2 minutes later and Hathersage come again down the left with number 16, he gets into the box and pulls it back, the attackers miss it and it falls to number 2 on the edge of the box, he sets himself and shoots… OFF THE POST!! Number 16 gets it back and crosses and here’s the HEADER!! Side netting…
Tideswell starting to come forward again like they did in the first half and are going for it!! They’re throwing the kitchen sink at Hathersage but they stand firm. A loud cheer from the Hathersage players as the Referee blows for full time! A big win for Hathersage and now me and the Merry Miller are on the pitch!!
FT: Tideswell United 1-2 Hathersage
Ratings:
- Atmosphere: 1/10 – A quiet one tonight.
- The Ground: 8.5/10 – I have to say for this level, this is spectacular!! A stand, views, character and an embankment with a great vantage point behind the one goal! It’s a definite hidden gem this one!! Fantastic!!
- Expense: 10/10 – Free entry again! Thank you!!!
- Overall Experience: 8/10 – It’s been a lovely night with great people! Lovely to meet other groundhoppers and that linesman but for a 10/10 in this category, I normally leave the game absolutely buzzing and the game wasn’t quite at that level of drama sadly but a great night nonetheless!
27.5/40