Enjoying their moment in the sun! Both Lincoln United and Spennymoor win in midweek

As they completed their build up to their ‘clash of the titans’ on Saturday Lincoln United and Spenymoor Town were both involved in midweek matches and both were successful. Both teams are enjoying their moment in the sun.

Spennymoor had a league match on Tuesday night against my old friends from an earlier stop on the ‘Road’ Skelmersdale United. Spennymoor won by the incredible scoreline of 7-0.  I have not heard directly from any of my new pals at The Moors since but I have heard from my old sparring partner at Skem. The programme editor Kev Panther. Kev wrote: “I didn’t go to the game myself, and neither did some of the players! Sometimes in midweek games you get one maybe two who can’t get out of work and Tuesday night was one of those nights where 5 players couldnt make it and they were the experienced players. It was so late that we didn’t have time to call on anyone else, not even the youth team. I think we named two subs but neither would have played and we down to the bare bones. Saturday we were superb, Tuesdayt night best forgotten, it was our worst defeat for over 20 years!” A tale of woe from Skem, but this does not detract from the amazing emphatic performance by the home team. Well done the Moors and no doubt they are thinking roll on Saturday.

The board is up: Who could have predicted a 7-0 scoreline?

 The Moors have some injury doubts as a result of their win on Tuesday. Their web site reports: “Top scorer Glen Taylor, fellow striker Graeme Armstrong and full-back Kallum Griffiths all picked up knocks of varying severity. Taylor was forced off with a lower leg injury, Griffiths injured his abdomen and Armstrong has a dead leg. As a precaution, Taylor underwent an x-ray on Tuesday night, which thankfully showed no fracture, but swelling is still heavy and he will be reassessed once it has subsided. Armstrong will be assessed on Thursday night ahead of Saturday's game, where a decision will be made on his ability to take part. Griffiths, however, is expected to be passed fit for the trip to Lincoln after an improvement.”  Here’s hoping that for the sake of a good contest on Saturday that the stricken Moors players recover in time. Specifically they will hope that their prolific striker Taylor is fit for the visit to Lincolnshire.

Glen Taylor on Tuesday: Struggling with a leg injury

The Whites from Ashby Avenue in Lincoln had some unfinished business in the FA Trophy to deal with on Tuesday evening. They traveled to Leicestershire to take on Romulus FC in a replay. It looked as if they were going to be knocked out of the Trophy when they were trailing 1-0 with the game heading into stoppage time. However a late equaliser took the game into extra time and two more goals from the Whites ensured that they too had a good win in midweek. The Lincoln United facebook feed was glowing in their praise for their lads: “After the last few matches, in particular our last two vs Romulus I feel that this needs saying. The skill and man management shown by Sam Wilkinson and Chris Hall to keep the lads motivated, especially after conceding such a late goal on Saturday, to then go into the replay and produce the goods, is second to none. Fitness undoubtedly plays it's part in all of this also, and first team coaches Stuart Reddington and Martin Burnett deserve enormous praise, along with Luke Treadwell our Physio for keeping them all off the treatment table. Let's not forget, this bunch of players who pull on the White of Lincoln United week in and week out are part time players, who all have full time jobs, so to go out there and knock out 120 minutes after a full on 90 minutes not three days prior is remarkably impressive. I'm sure that you will all agree that we have a special bunch of lads at our club, and are extremely fortunate to have a calm, focussed, mature management duo at the helm, leading the way. Saturday marks one of our biggest matches in recent times, and we are going into the match - some might say as underdogs - but more importantly without fear. Ashby Avenue is the place to be on Saturday in The FA Cup, make sure that you don't miss out. Up The Whites and Keep The Faith!” Stirring words indeed.

The Wonderful Whites: All set to go on Saturday.

This week is a very special week for the heroes from Lincoln United and Spennymoor Town. A big prize awaits the winner on Saturday. It is clear that as they build up to this massive match that both teams are enjoying their moment in the sun. Unless the match is drawn, on Saturday at 5.00 pm one of these teams will still be enjoying some warm rays. For the loser it will be back to league business with great memories of a superb cup run to warm them through the winter. Who will emerge victorious? One thing for sure this is going to be a real clash of the titans on The Road to Wembley from Scotland. 

Scots links at Ashby Avenue: Lincoln United have a Caledonian Fan Club!

More links between Lincoln United and Bonnie Scotland are starting to emerge. I have now been advised that The Whites have Scottish fans! Both Stuart McCallum Minto and Ross Frisby are Scots Lincoln United fans who now live in the Lincoln area.

Stuart’s family are originally from Moffat. He grew up supporting Queen of the South and has stayed a fan ever since. Regrettably he doesn’t get up to see them that often but he still follows them every week and tries to see them when he is up in Scotland. He also still has some shares as they did a fan share option some time ago to raise some cash and he purchased a few, so as well as being a fan he likes to think that he owns a little bit of the team and Palmerston. He tells me that he considers it has also been quite good to follow the Scottish Championship and I know from personal experience following my beloved Hearts that for the last couple of seasons it has been the most competitive league in Scotland. Stuart is hopeful that Queens will have a good chance of promotion this season. As a Hearts fan I hope that they do go up – at the expense of Hibs.

 

Whites fan Stuart McCallum Minto in full highland regalia

 Ross Frisby has been a fan of the Whites ever since his friend and ex-colleague Stuart Reddington got involved with the Ashby Avenue outfit. Stuart is a former player for Lincoln United and these days is the first team coach.

Stuart Reddington: Good football coach - crap golfer

Stuart started his playing career with Lincoln United but moved on to sign for Chelsea. A bit of a step down that one. Gianlucca Vialli signed two English players for Chelsea. One was Chris Sutton for £10 million – the other was Stuart. Stuart and Ross worked together at Lincoln College after Ross had left Boston College where I was Ross' boss! Stuart may be a good footballer but he is a crap golfer. I beat him several times in the annual Boston College v Lincoln College golf match. This gives an indication of how bad he is at golf. I am looking forward to meeting Stuart again on Saturday to remind him just how inadequate his golfing skills are. Ross first went to see Lincoln United when Stuart was still playing. Ross has been to Ashby Avenue more than 20 times since and considers himself to be a fan of The Whites. He enjoys his visits to the stadium as it reminds him of the times when he followed Clydebank. The ‘silky football’ essayed by The Whites is apparently akin to the 1990s Bankies. Also, as did Clydebank, they have a bar attached to the ground and this is an important consideration for any Scotsman.

 

Ross Frisby: Lincoln United fan and proud Scotsman

Lincoln United v Spennymoor Town will be my eighth stop on the Road to Wembley from Scotland. With Lincoln United having Scots fans in their ranks and The Moors having a Scots Secretary the fixture has all the makings of a soccer Cheilidh. Hoots Mon – bring it on.

'Jock' McGovern scores for Lincoln United as The Whites and The Moors build up to the big game next Saturday

Yesterday both Lincoln United and Spennymoor Town were in action ahead of their clash in the FA Cup at Ashby Avenue Lincoln next Saturday. Both teams play in the Evostik League with The Moors in the Premier Division and The Whites in the First Division South. Teams in United’s division enter the FA Trophy in the Preliminary Round and hence Lincoln United were required to play in the Trophy yesterday. Evostik Premier teams are exempt beyond the Preliminary Round and thus Spennymoor United were fulfilling a league fixture.

Lincoln United played host to Romulus FC from Sutton Coldfield in the FA Trophy at their trim home ground. They led 2-1 with the game heading into stoppage time but Romulus equalised with what seems to have been virtually the last kick of the game. The Whites goals were scored by Gary King and Jack McGovern. When I saw young Jack’s surname I thought aye aye … that laddie must have Scots roots. Unfortunately I have drawn a blank again. I have been in touch with Jack via twitter and he tells me is aware of a Celtic Connection but it is not Scotland. Jack has Irish roots and although he concedes that somewhere down the line he may be from Scottish stock he is only aware of his Irish lineage. For a midfielder, Jack is something of a goal machine scoring 22 goals for the Whites last season. He has already made the onion bag bulge on a number of occasions this season – including a vital winning goal against Nuneaton in an earlier round of the FA Cup.

Jack McGovern celebrates after scoring for the Whites in the FA Cup earlier this season

Spennymoor Town were in league action and made the long journey south to take on Coalville Town from Leicestershire. The Moors won with the only goal of the match. The prolific hitman Glen Taylor stitched up Coalville with a smartly taken half-volley just before the half time whistle.

Both teams are in fine fettle ahead of the big one. The Moors are in 7^th position in the Evostik Premier Division and have games in hand on all the teams that sit above them. Lincoln United are in mid table in the Evostik Division One South but also have games in hand on all the teams above them.

Both teams would have been hoping for a short hiatus ahead of such an important match next weekend. No such luck. After that late equaliser, The Whites now have to head for Sutton Coldfield on Tuesday night for an FA Trophy replay. On the same night Spennymoor Town will be in Lancashire to visit my old friends Skelmersdale United in an Evostik League encounter.

While the gladiators from Lincoln and County Durham were battling away yesterday I headed for Hampden yesterday with my wife Anne to see Bella Caledonia take on the might of Lithuania. An overnight stay was in order so that much alcohol could be consumed. Watching Scotland these day requires a strong anaesthetic. 

Two hours to kick off at Hampden yesterday: No more room for beer - so it's on to red wine

Regular readers will know of my obsession with match-day pies and I have to report that the Hampden steak pie was a disgrace. I was so mouth-burning hot that I was tempted to call on the services of Red Adair. Also, the base was stuck to the aluminium casing. The price of £2.80 was far too steep. The SFA should send a working party / feasibility study group to Dunston for some advice on this matter. This morning the streets of central Glasgow were adorned with half eaten take-aways from the night before. I was not sure whether this was an indication that the Scotland performance put the late night revellers off their food or whether this was just a typical aftermath of a Saturday night in Glasgow.

Kebab uneaten - but good to see this Saturday night reveller finished his fags

I am hoping for better catering to be available at Ashby Avenue next Saturday. It is shaping up to be a great match. I note from the Spennymoor Town twitter feed that they are now taking bookings for a fourth supporters bus. A big crowd is guaranteed. I will be meeting up with some old friends from Lincolnshire at the match. Also I have heard via facebook that Lincoln United devotee Stuart McCallum Minto from Dumfries will be at the match. I am looking forward to meeting up with Stuart for a pint as he appears to be one of a very few links between The Whites and Bonnie Scotland.

Ewe Beauty: Scots Lincoln United fan Stuart McCallum Minto engages in some traditional Scottish recreation!

Another person I am looking forward to meeting is Liam Molloy. Liam, like Peter Tissington of Sheffield, is also on the ‘Road to Wembley’ and we now have three roadies whose routes have collided. I guess us three that will be not only at the match next Saturday but also every subsequent match up to and including the final at Wembley next May. The FA Cup 4^th Qualifying Round tie at Ashby Avenue next weekend is the next stop for me on the Road to Wembley from Scotland. Only six days to go now – cannae wait. Come back here on Wednesday to find out how The Whites and the Moors fared on Tuesday night as the build up to the big game continues.

Lincoln United's links with Scotland emerge. They have actually played league matches north of the border!

Lincoln United v Spennymoor Town on the 15^th October is my next stop on The Road to Wembley from Scotland. For each match on the Road to Wembley from Scotland I always try to find links with the match to Scotland. As previously reported, I discovered that Spennymoor have a rich Scots heritage and their current Secretary David Leitch is Scottish. Finding links between Lincoln United and Bella Caledonia has been much more problematic. This morning I received a facebook message from the club and it said: “Hi Chris, we do not have any Scotsman within our current squad, and fairly sure we have not faced any Scottish opposition either. None of our directors etc are Scottish either”. I thought I was drawing a blank but then I found out that Lincoln United are one of an elite band of clubs that have actually played league matches in Scotland! In season 00-01 and 01-02 both Lincoln United and Gretna FC were in the old Northern Premier League. On the 16^th September 2000 and the 23^rd March 2002 The Whites strutted their funky stuff on a football pitch in God’s chosen land. The latter match was drawn 2-2 but in the fixture in season 2000-01 Lincoln United recorded a 3-2 win. In the summer of 2002 Gretna were elected to the Scottish League and the teams have not locked horns since.

Raydale Park Gretna: Where Lincoln United won in September 2000

 So what does The Road to Wembley from Scotland blogger do on a night off from the blog? Go and watch a game between two non-league teams in the Scottish FA Cup of course! Last night I went to see Cumbernauld Colts play Leith Athletic in the Scottish FA Cup first round replay. I must confess I was at the first match in North Edinburgh also. This was obviously not a game on The Road to Wembley and it was certainly not an Epiphany on the Road to Damascus either! It was a cold night in the West of Scotland and the 100 or so fans rattled around in a huge stadium that seemed inappropriate for such a tie. The snack bar was closed and the match programme, uniquely in my experience did not contain team listings. Poor show but a good match nevertheless. The home team ran out 1-0 winners.

A sparse crowd in Cumbernauld last night

Nae pies ! The Food Kiosk at Broadwood Stadium was closed!

 

Broadwood Stadium Cumbernauld: Too big for Cumbernauld Colts

Hopefully the weather will be better on the 15^th October in Lincoln and hopefully the pie stall will be open for business!

The Spennymoor Secretary is Scottish! They should be renamed Spennicuik Town !

As regular readers will know the unique feature of this Road to Wembley is that I am looking for Scottish links for each match. I thought I had exhausted my supply of Caledonian heritage from Spennymoor Town when I found out over the weekend that the current Moors secretary David Leitch is Scottish.

David was kind enough to do an email interview over the last couple of days and I have discovered that this young man hails from Cardross in the West of Scotland, not far from Dumbarton. His own football career was short and ended at the age of 20 when he moved south, initially to Dover, in 1989. Before leaving Bonnie Scotland he played for Denny Amateurs under 18s and Cardross Rock FC. As a supporter his first love was Dumbarton but as he grew into his teens the lure of the Bhoys in green took his fancy and he considers that his second team is Celtic.

David moved to the North East in 1993 and currently lives in the village of Easington 16 miles from Brewery Field. He is in his second stint as Secretary, his first spell ended on a high note when The Moors won the Vase in 2013. He returned to the role earlier this year. The Scottish influence is strong as David, like any good Scotsman, is keen to look after the pennies. He has a reluctance to spend the club's money and quite sensibly would rather leave it in the bank. David is a family man and likes nothing better than spending time in the company of his grandson Spencer. What is the betting that he refers to the wee fella as 'Spenny'? Interesting to note that with the grandparent rule young Spencer is qualified to play for Scotland ... although maybe not for a few years.

Scotsman David Leitch with his grandson Spencer

He, like all at Spennymoor Town is looking forward to the big match against Lincoln United on October the 15th when The Moors take on the Minnows from Lincolnshire. Spennymoor are now in a role-reversal position of being favourites. Will they manage to swat Lincoln United like a mosquito on the hide of a rhino or will the mosquito bite. It promises to be a great match on the Road to Wembley from Scotland.

Tomorrow I hope to report on links between Lincoln United and Bella Caledonia. Come back tomorrow for an update.

Its Lincoln United v Spennymoor Town up next: So what does Lincoln mean to me?

Earlier today the draw was made for the 4^th Qualifying Round of the FA Cup for season 2016-17. I discovered that the next stop on The Road to Wembley from Scotland is going to be in Lincolnshire. Lincoln United of the Unibond League Division One South will entertain Spennymoor Town. This is great news for me personally as, having lived in Boston Lincolnshire from 1991 to 2008, I have been hoping that the journey would swing past Lincolnshire. They say that patience is a virtue and I have waited until the 4^th qualifying round to book a visit to yellow-belly country but on the 15^th October I will be back.

So what does Lincoln and specifically Lincoln United mean to me? Lincoln is great wee city and I have spent many happy times there both visiting and working as a self employed educational consultant. It is a vibrant place and the University of Lincoln establishing itself over the last decade or so has added a more bohemian feel to the old city. The shops up the ‘Steep Hill’ are quaint and the cathedral is magnificent.

As far as football goes, I have visited the place many times to watch Lincoln City. The most memorable games for me were when Lincoln City and Boston United were in the same league and the Lincolnshire Derby took centre stage. I recall one pulsating match in September 2004 played in front of a full house at Sincil Bank when Boston scored a late equaliser to ensure that the match finished 2-2. The match was noteworthy because the cross for the late equaliser was supplied by Paul Gascoigne. Hard to believe that Gazza once played for The Pilgrims.

 

Gazza enjoying playing for Boston United in 2004

I have also been to see Lincoln United play at home – but only once. When the draw was made I was sure that I had seen them play in the FA Cup but as a good anorak does I had a rummage through my old programmes and discovered that the match in question was a Northern Counties East League fixture against Hallam FC in October 1994.

 

The 94-95 Lincoln United Programme Cover: Pic inspired by Frank Zappa's Freak Out album cover?

At the time I was ‘collecting’ non league grounds in Lincolnshire and I was thus able to tick the Ashby Avenue Ground off my list.

 

Lincoln United v Hallam FC team listings from October 1994

My programme shows that United won 3-0 with Potter, Simmons and ex Boston United favourite Ged Creane on the scoresheet. The Hallam FC team featured Shane Kent at number 8 and a few years later I was to appoint young Shane to a post as a Sports Science lecturer at Boston College. Small world! In truth I can’t remember much about the match except that the Ashby Avenue ground is trim and attractive.

Picturesque Ashby Avenue framed by tall trees

I am looking forward to returning later this month. On Saturday Spennymoor Town flew by the seat of their pants but managed to record the big W against Chorley. With Lincoln United plying their trade one division below The Moors they might have things a little easier in this round. However, it is the FA Cup and you just never know what the outcome will be. One thing for sure, it is going to be yet another fascinating stop on The Road to Wembley from Scotland.  

Spenny are Spiffing as the Magpies wings are clipped

Saturday the 1^st October 2016

FA Cup Third Qualifying Round 

Spennymoor Town 1 Chorley 0

With my good pal Howie stuck in Hull as his alternator packed in when he was just about to leave for County Durham yesterday I attended the Spennymoor Town v Chorley match on my tod. Despite the lack of the avuncular big fella I had a great day at the Brewery Field. It felt like a special day as this Road to Wembley from Scotland fixture had the feel of a big match. A healthy attendance, a good ground, supporters singing their hearts out and some good old fashioned drinking prior to the game.

Get In! The winning goal. Pic coutesy of David Nelson photography

This is how the day panned out.

Pre Match Communications: Full marks yet again. I have been privileged on the Road so far to get such fantastic support for my esoteric project from the clubs involved. Once again the friendly and accommodating people from Chorley have been very generous with their time and have provided loads of interesting information about their club in the lead up to this tie. This tie was my first experience of liaising with Spennymoor Town and volunteer and devoted fan ‘Spenny Fan Chris’, Moors Tavern regular DJKrisopolis and ‘SpennyToffee’ all on twitter have been fantastic in not only telling me about their club but also identifying the Spennymoor Town links with Bella Caledonia. It was great to meet Spenny Fan Chris and DJ Krision yesterday 10/10

Twitterer @DJKrisopolis (right)enjoying a pre-match libation in The Moors with his mates 

Pre Match Pint: The nearest pub to the Brewery Field is The Moors Tavern. I was advised to go there for my pre-match pint by Krision and I was not disappointed. The beer was good. Real ale available and the Red Fox beer was great. The pre-match pint felt altogether more familiar not dis-similar to a Hearts home game. Lots of football fans in this busy pub. The anticipation of the big match was palpable.

Raising a glass to celebrate a special day

After enjoying the atmosphere at The Moors Tavern I then headed in to the bar in the ground. Here I met Andy Hardman and Steph Jones, devoted Magpies fans. They are engaged to be married. Andy told me that before Steph met him she had no interest in football. Sometimes true love conquers all and now they both attend all Chorley matches home and away. Andy told me that Steph has drawn the line at being married at Victory Park but she has ok-d Andy wearing his replica Magpies shirt on their wedding day!

Andy and Steph: Magpies lovebirds

The pre-match pint(s) were most enjoyable. 8/10

Programme: The match day magazine is priced at £2 and is good value. The 40 page glossy publication has everything that you would want from a programme. Interesting articles by the manager, the programme editor, good match reports and great coverage of the visiting team. Plus a battery of statistics to warm the cockles of the heart of a football anorak. A good effort 8/10

Ground: This was my first visit to the Brewery Field and I was very impressed. The ground has an imposing main stand that runs most of the length of one touchline. The stand was actually full at 2.45pm as the locals booked their prime viewing spot. A ‘shed’ behind the goal accommodates the more vociferous fans and the remainder of the ground is well maintained with three step concrete terracing. Yesterday the attendance was 713 – more than double the previous highest attendance on the Road to Wembley from Scotland.

The Main Stand at Brewery Field. Not an empty seat in sight

The view from the Main Stand: Terracings opposite well filled also

One endearing feature of the ground is the pronounced slope that gives teams attacking the ‘shed’ end a distinct advantage. It reminded me of Hibs ground Easter Road in the 1970s – but I won’t hold that against The Moors!

Note the slope: The linesman looks like he is ready to go ski-ing

As seems to be tradition at non-league grounds, the stadium also has a bar in the ground and that can’t be a bad thing 8/10

Atmosphere: The Spennymoor matchday team make sure that all patrons are left with the clear impression that this is a friendly club. On arrival I was met by committee man Mike Rowcroft and his mate ‘Edgy’ who informed me that Mike works in Edinburgh – so there is another Scottish link. These two guys have been following the blog and welcomed me warmly to Brewery Field. The atmosphere was friendly but by no means anti-septic. There was a lot of passionate vocal encouragement being offered by the fans. When The Moors captain was sent off late in the first half the Spennymoor twitter feed noted that ‘a few eyebrows were raised’. The Spenny fans close to me did more than raise their eyebrows, they were incandescent with rage. Both sets of supporters sang their hearts out to urge on their favourites. The most poignant bit of chanting came mid-way through the first half when The Moors fans broke out into a chorus of ‘David Currie – he is one of our own’. Spennymoor legend of the 70s David ‘Kid’ Currie’ sadly passed away recently and the fans paid tribute to this stalwart and local man with gusto and empathy.  8/10

Scottishness: As previously reported Spennymoor have a batch of former players who are Scottish, they also regularly host pre-season friendlies against SPFL teams. However at present none of their squad have Scottish connections. In the current Chorley ranks there are also no Scots players although centre forward Jason Walker did play for Morton for a couple of seasons.  5/10

Entertainment: Another Saturday in the North East of England and another good match.  A first half where Spennymoor had been slightly the better side had been fairly quiet and seemed to be petering out when late in the first period that man Jason Walker of Chorley used his incredible pace to latch on to a flicked header from fellow striker Sefton Gonzales. Jason’s pace took him just beyond the last defender Moors captain Chris Mason. Mason’s momentum as he chased resulted in a collision with Walker. The contact was neither deliberate nor malicious but he was the last defender and these days we all know what happens next. The dismissal seemed harsh but by the letter of the law the ref had no option. Half time Moors 0 Magpies 0.

Chorley's Beesley and Moors' Ramshaw tussle for the ball

After half time the 11 men of Chorley laid siege to the Spennymoor goal. Then, as so often happens in football, ten man Spennymoor scored against the run of play in the 69^th minute – and what a goal it was. A fine deep cross to the back post saw Moors hit-man Glen Taylor leap Connor Sammon like at the back post to thump a magnificent towering header into the net. The keeper and Taylor’s marker had no chance. From that point on the former siege was now stepped up a notch into Alamo proportions. Corner followed corner as The Magpies went in search of an equaliser. Sefton Gonzales squandered a couple of good chances and then with two minutes to go, from yet another corner, Walker had an accurate bullet header from 8 yards out kicked off the line. At that point the Magpies must have known it was going to be time to concentrate on the league

The Moors defend a corner in the second half

The Moors defend another corner in the second half!

The ball flashes across the Moors goal but Chorley can't apply the finishing touch

Final score Spennymoor Town 1 Chorley 0. Chorley will consider themselves very unfortunate to not get at least another bite of the cherry. The Moors rode their luck a wee bit and their victory can be attributed to some dogged defending, an inspiring hard working team spirit and a great goal. 8/10

Match Day Catering: The Dunston catering will not be beaten on the Road to Wembley from Scotland. This contest is now closed as Dunston UTS pies are simply perfection. However the fare on offer at the Brewery Field was more than acceptable. Three different types of pies on offer and I went for the steak pie. At £1.50 a throw it was a tasty morsel with the gravy nice and warm and the pastry soft and delicious. 8/10

Value for Money: The admission price of £10 was fair for the visit of a team from the Vanarama League for an important FA Cup tie. It was a good match played in a good atmosphere with a big crowd in attendance.  8/10

The je ne sais quoi factor: The unusual feature of this match was yours truly being interviewed on the Magpies Live programme on Chorley FM at half time. The interview can be heard by pressing this link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lammjdKAkOE&t=47m17s Many thanks to Ian of Magpies Live for giving me the chance to tell his listeners about this wonderful nonsense.It was also great to meet Peter Tissington from Sheffield. Peter is also on The Road to Wembley and had been following Spennymoor prior to this round. Our 'roads' joined up yesterday and I am looking forward to seeing a lot more of Peter as the season goes on. A very enjoyable day out in County Durham yesterday. 8/10

Overall Road to Wembley from Scotland Rating 79/100

It is always a melancholy moment when a tie is decided and I have to say goodbye to new friends who I have met from the vanquished team. Chorley are a great wee club with so many interesting and devoted fans. About 200 of them made their way from Lancashire to County Durham and gave their team excellent support. I wish them well for the rest of the season and, who knows, I might visit Victory Park at some stage in the future. It was a pity that, despite having watched Chorley twice I never got the chance to go to their home ground on ‘The Road’. So, Spennymoor Town are now ‘my team’ on the Road to Wembley from Scotland. The draw for the next round is made tomorrow lunchtime. Will I be heading for back to the Brewery Field in a fortnight or will by I be following the Moors away? Visit this blog tomorrow afternoon to find out.

Miles on the clock for this match 290

Total Miles on the Road to Wembley from Scotland so far 1930