I might be chortling in Chorley before too long !

Earlier today the draw for the FA Cup 2nd Qualifying Round was made and the winners of the Skelmersdale v Dunston UTS replay have been drawn at home to Chorley

Victory Park - home of Chorley FC

Tomorrow night I am heading for Skem for the replay. On Saturday the 17th September I will either be heading back down to West Lancashire to see Skelmersdale take on Chorley or I will be heading for Gateshead again this time to see Dunston entertain Chorley and do doubt their world famous pies and pasties will feature when they offer hospitality to their visitors.

Towards the end of the week I will be contacting Chorley to try to sniff out any Scottish links. In the meantime The Messenger Express Stadium in Skelmersdale awaits my visit tomorrow.

Pies, Pasties and a Penalty. Dunston and Skelmersdale head for a replay

Saturday the 3^rd September 2016

FA Cup First Qualifying Round 

Dunston UTS 2 Skelmersdale United 2

Another wet Saturday in Gateshead and another cracking match. I was at the UTS Stadium again yesterday, this time to take in the thrilling FA Cup tie between Dunston UTS and Skelmersdale United. The protagonists shared 4 goals and my brothers Stephen and Martin and Martin’s big pal Phil Storey shared the experience with me. This is how it all panned out.

 Pre Match Communications: Full marks once again. As with the Penrith tie, the friendly and accommodating people from Dunston have been very generous with their time and have provided timely updates regarding their club’s preparations for this tie. Special thanks to Steve Wraith, the Dunston Commercial Manager, for all the updates from the UTS Stadium. This tie was my first experience of liaising with Skelmersdale United and the Programme Editor Kev Panther has been fantastic in not only telling me about his club but also identifying the Skelmersdale links with Bella Caledonia. The reports of Ian St John coaching Skem in the 60s (see earlier posts) I found absolutely fascinating.  It was a pleasure to meet up with Kev yesterday. Thanks again for all your help Kev and see you again in Skelmersdale on Tuesday. 10/10

Kev and his mate Dave: Skelmersdale United and Roxy Music fans

 Pre Match Pint: The nearest pub to the UTS Stadium is the Royal Hotel in Gateshead and that hostelry was given a body swerve this time as the Tudor Rose was recommended by the Dunston match reporter Tom Clark. The Tudor was better than the Royal but surprisingly for a Saturday lunchtime also lacking atmosphere. Our travelling group of 4 accounted for half of the paying customers at 2.00 pm. The beer was ok although no hand pulled ales available. If I go back to Dunston in the second qualifying round I reckon I will head straight for the bar in the ground. 5/10

The Tudor Rose in Dunston: Decent beer and a nice building

Programme: The programme is priced at only £1 and is good value. The 48 page publication has lots of adverts but also lots of interesting reading. Good coverage of the visitors from Skelmersdale with the Skem club history described and also extensive ‘pen pictures’ of the Skelmersdale players. A good effort 6/10

Ground: As reported two weeks ago, the UTS Stadium is lovingly maintained by the office bearers and probably other supporters and volunteers. It is trim, well appointed and fit for purpose. A single building behind one of the goals houses the changing rooms, the tea room and the bar. The bar is open before the match, at half time and after the match and with sport on the telly a good place to catch up with the full time scores before heading home. 7/10

Atmosphere: I have still not heard any singing yet on the ‘Road’ but the atmosphere at this match did have a bit more of a crackle about it. With 249 paying spectators in the ground there were more people making more noise than was observed a fortnight ago. Until yesterday I had seen only the silkier side of Dunston’s play. Against Skem one or two of their players were a wee bit naughty with a few late tackles flying in. A few of the locals reckoned that the Skem players were over-reacting to the challenges and that the ref did not have a firm grip on the situation. All this, plus four goals and a sending off, fuelled the vocals from the terraces. It is fair to say the fans were fully engaged with the match. I loved it. 8/10

Scottishness: The link between Dunston and Bonny Scotland is a bit tenuous. Dunston Legend and former player Chris Swailes once played for Hamilton Accies. Skem have Scots history and Scottish football icon Ian St John coached the side in the sixties but the present day Skelmersdale United don’t seem to have any obvious Scots links. Hence it was looking a bit bleak – until I bought my pie before kick off. When the voice rang back “That will be £1.20 please” in West of Scotland dulcet tones then I knew we had our Scots link. Beth, the pie stall supremo (and my goodness they are supreme pies) is from Greenock. Beth has lived in Geordieland for over 20 years but has not lost her accent and she was kind enough to pose for a photo. 6/10

Beth from Greenock: Purveyor of pies and pasties par excellence

 Entertainment: Another Saturday in Dunston and another great match. Skelmersdale probably had more of the play in the first half but Dunston took the game to them in the second period before being reduced to ten men and a draw was just about the right result.

Dunston opened the scoring in the 2^nd minute and I missed it! Worse than that, I was personally responsible for the Dunston twitter feed not being able to show footage of the goal. Steve Wraith takes care of the Dunston twitter account and he was ready with his video camera when I tapped him on the shoulder to introduce myself. As he turned round Dunston scored and we both missed the goal. Phil Storey described it to me as follows: “A clever finish from Liam Thear. He flicked the ball with his right foot to the right of the keeper”. Kenny Strickland equalised after 8 minutes with a wonderful strike from the edge of the box and in the final minute of the first half captain Robert Bodie gave Skem the lead when he scored from close range after Dunston failed to completely clear a corner. Dunston claimed that Bodie’s shot had not crossed the line – but it did. I was behind the goal at the time and had a better view than the linesman who made the award.

The corner that was not completely cleared by Dunston. Five seconds later Skem had scored

Also in the first half, in a preview of things to come, the appropriately named Richard Slaughter was booked for a tackle as meaty as a Dunston pie.

The second half was full of goalmouth action. At one stage Skelmersdale had more corners than a dodecahedron. Dunston too had good sights of goal and the combative Malky Morien missed a great chance early in the second half. The burly frontman was to make amends in the final twenty minutes when he converted a penalty by sending the keeper the wrong way.

Morien (slightly hidden by Skem no 9) converts from the penalty spot

Things were getting tousy now and first Thear was booked for a late tackle, then Dan Smith of the home side was sent off for receiving two cards in the space of 10 minutes, both cards for ungainly challenges. “When are ye gunna larn Smith?” bellowed one Dunston fan. With 11 against 10 the visitors went in search of a winner and Kenny Strickland went close after 78 minutes and Robert Bodie had a header well saved in the 85^th minute. They also nearly negated the necessity of a replay twice in stoppage time. Firstly when substitute Burns had a close range shot smothered after good work by the alert Hodkinson and then in the last minute of time added on when a pinball rat-a-tat-tat stramash in the Dunston goalmouth was eventually cleared.

The combative Morien proving to the Skelmersdale defence that he is a 'handful'

Final score 2-2 and the Messenger Express Stadium in Skelmersdale on Tuesday night here we come. 9/10

Match Day Catering: The Dunston catering is going to take some beating on the Road to Wembley from Scotland this season. Two weeks ago I reported culinary perfection at the UTS Stadium. Can you improve on perfection? Well yesterday, Beth and her staff did just that. A fortnight ago I eulogised about the pies noting “warm gravy-loosened mince in a light pastry casing”. Yesterday I also sampled the pasties and incredibly they are even better! “Golden moments” noted Phil. “Full marks” insisted Martin. Stephen too was equally impressed. 10/10

Martin (left) Phil (centre) and Stephen aglow with pasty contentment

Don't speak with your mouths full lads

Value for Money: Four goals, one of them disputed – one of them sublime, plenty graft, a considerable amount of skill and a sending off - all for six quid. Additionally the prices in the club bar are cheap and the pies are only £1.20 and the programme only a quid. Brilliant stuff – good on you Dunston. 9/10

The je ne sais quoi factor: When I set out on the Road to Wembley from Scotland I assumed that I was going to be attending most of the matches on my own. The great thing about the journey so far has been the opportunity to catch up with my brothers, friends and also to meet people involved in the games. My brother Stephen came up from York for the match and it was fun listening to his unique way of offering vocal support yesterday. When we moved to Boston Lincolnshire in 1991 he visited us and we went to a match at York Street where he surprised the locals with his new nickname for Boston. “Come on the Stranglers” he shouted. Followed by “Give me a B – B, give me an O - O – what have we got …. BO!”. In January at the Hearts v Aberdeen match the Hearts forward Juanma had scored two goals: “Juan more Juanma” was Stephen’s cry. Yesterday he caused some amusement in the stand when he offered encouragement to home side by shouting “Come on the Dunces”. I don’t think this new nickname will catch on. Good to get Martin and Phil’s views too. Martin reckoned that the diminutive Skelmersdale forward Hodkinson was man of the match and he was intrigued by the subtle interplay in the forward positions by the Skem players. I was intrigued by the fact that the fact that the two Skem strikers wore the numbers 2 and 3 – I have never seen that before.

Other than the pleasure of spending time with Martin, Phil and Stephen it was great to meet up with Kev Panther from Skelmersdale and Kev was kind enough to introduce me to his fellow committee members. I am told to expect a warm welcome in Skelmersdale on Tuesday. Thanks for that and I am looking forward to it already.

Committee members from Skelmersdale: Happy with a draw and looking forward to the replay

Dunston UTS have been very welcoming also and I met the Chairman Malcolm James before the match yesterday and he wished me all the best with the blog.

Malcolm James: Proud Chairman of a well-run and friendly club

The ‘main man’ at Dunston for helping with the blog has been Steve Wraith and he obviously has friends in high places as one of his mates John Beresford was at the match with him yesterday.

John 'Bez' Beresford looking forward to the action just before kick off

Bez is the legendary left back from the famous Newcastle United ‘Entertainers’ team from the nineties that came so close to winning the Premier League. I have just noticed on his Wikipedia page that today is John’s 50^th birthday so Happy Birthday Bez and thanks for posing for the above photo.

A great day out  in Gateshead yesterday. 9/10

Overall Road to Wembley from Scotland Rating 79/100 (highest so far)

So, it’s off to Skelmersdale for the second and final instalment of this intriguing tie. This will be Dunston’s sixth FA Cup tie already this season and it may not be there last. On the other hand these Skem boys look good and will benefit from home advantage. It promises to be a great night in West Lancashire on Tuesday.

Miles on the clock for this match 256

Total Miles on the Road to Wembley from Scotland so far 964

Two days to go until Dunston play Skelmersdale: Match Preview

In advance of each round of the FA Cup the excellent twitter feed @FACupFactfile provides followers with a match by match preview. For the Dunston UTS v Skelmersdale tie the feed notes that this is the first time that these sides have met in the world's oldest football competition. It is reported that Skelmersdale United have made the first round proper 3 times. If they win on Saturday they will have reached the second qualifying round in each of the last five seasons. Dunston UTS have never reached the first round proper (yet) but did make it to the final qualifying round in season 2003-04.

I have also received some interesting preview notes from my new bestest pal Kev Panther, the programme editor for Skelmersdale United.

Kev Panther: Programme Editor for Skelmersdale United

Kev offers the opinion that although, in theory, Skelmersdale are two tiers higher in the pyramid than Dunston they are not necessarily favourites. His view is that there are a lot of lads in the Northern League who are capable of playing Conference level football but prefer to play in a league where the travelling is not such a burden. Certainly from what I have seen of Dunston so far they have four or five players who could definitely play at a higher level.

Kev thinks it will be close. Dunston fancy their chances. Are we heading for a replay in Skem next midweek?

Dunston and Skem complete preparations for Saturday .. and more about Frankie

Before reporting the last league games for Dunston UTS and Skelmersdale United in advance of the FA Cup First Qualifying Round tie between the clubs on Saturday, a bit more about Frankie.

Yesterday I posted that the Northern League clubs were right behind the fund raising campaign to get Frankie the treatment he needs. Dunston UTS, the club I am currently following, have been doing their bit to help raise awareness and funds. At their league match against Chester Le Street last night the Dunston lads showed their support.

Dunston UTS: Proud to say 'Fists Up for Frankie'

Also at the match a collection was taken to add to the fighting fund. A great effort. Well done lads.

The match at the UTS Stadium last night was not the ideal preparation for Saturday's big match. Dunston lost a competitive match for the first time this season. Leading 2-0 at half time thanks to an own goal and a towering header from centre back Dale Burrell, the lads from Gateshead had another victory in their sights. It was not be as an avalanche of goals from the Cestrians saw the visitors run out 5-2 winners. It would appear that the UTS Stadium is the place to go if you want to see the onion bag bulging. The coverage on the Dunston twitter feed (@dunstonutsfc) was exceptional with footage of the goals posted as they went in - including THAT goal from Burrell. I also note that the Dunston twitter feed has changed their profile picture to show the team giving 'fists up for Frankie'. Nice one lads.

Skelmersdale have completed their preparations for the big one by drawing two matches in the Northern Premier League. On Saturday in Skelmersdale they shared eight goals with Stafford Rangers in a thriller and on Monday they drew 1-1 away at Ashton United. When I was watching Boston United in the 1990s, Stafford Rangers were regular visitors to York Street. Also in the Conference at that time were Stalybridge Celtic and I recall being amused by the fact that the Conference hosted a couple of Rangers v Celtic fixtures each season in that era.

With Skem being the draw masters and the UTS Stadium being the place to go for goals, what price a 5-5 draw on Saturday? Whatever the score I will be there with at least two (possibly three) of my brothers. Cannae wait. Only 3 sleeps to go!

Fists up for Frankie: Northern League Clubs support local 3 year-olds battle against childhood cancer

Fists Up for Frankie

 I am now a few weeks in to my journey on The Road to Wembley from Scotland and I have seen three great matches all involving three teams from the Northern League. I have been struck by the friendliness of the rivalries and the way in which visiting supporters are made welcome when travelling away to watch their team in action. This is in sharp contrast to some of the vitriolic rivalries in the SPFL that I have become accustomed to. There is a real sense of community in the Northern League.

This sense of community has helped to raise awareness of a devastating instance of childhood cancer. Frankie Sherwood is a three year old whose parents are avid football supporters. Frankie has an aggressive form of childhood cancer known as stage 4  neuroblastoma.

Frankie Sherwood suffering from stage 4 neuroblastoma

 I first became aware of the plight of this young fella when I took a pic of the Penrith Stadium Announcer Craig McGlasson and he asked to be photographed with the hashtag #fistsupforfrankie

Penrith Stadium Announcer shows his support for Frankie

 The idea is quite beautifully simple. Pics are taken with the subjects raising clench fists to show solidarity with the plight of Frankie Sherwood. The footballing community of the Northern League have backed this campaign to the hilt and below is a selection of the pics that have been taken in the last few weeks to publicise Frankie’s fight for life.

Penrith showing fists up for Frankie

Sunderland Ryhope Community Association show their support

West Allotment Celtic with 'fists up'

 

North Shields raising awareness

Heaton Stan FC have fists up for Frankie

The situation as far as I can gather is as follows: Neuroblastoma can not be treated in the UK and the cost of getting effective treatment in the US is going to cost something in the region of half a million pounds. Full details of Frankie’s situation and details of how to donate can be found via https://www.gofundme.com/28mzxuk and also via the twitter feed  @helpfrankie and also on twitter you can check out the hashtag #fistsupforfrankie. So far the campaign has raised £100,000 in less than two months – so go check out the links above and make a donation. Every little helps.

From a footballing perspective, soccer sometimes gets bad publicity due to the conduct of the players and officials involved the beautiful game. This really is a heart-warming story of the non league community in the north of England working together to make a very positive contribution. Good luck to Frankie and well done to the member clubs of the Northern League for their support. 

It is Thear-ly extra time ... then Dunston strike

Wednesday August 24th

FA Cup Preliminary Round Replay
Penrith 1 Dunston UTS  2

(report written on Thursday Aug 25th and published on Sunday August 28th)

At the end of the hottest day of the year the Frenchfields Stadium hosted Penrith v Dunston episode 2. It was the men from Gateshead who were able to turn up the heat at the end of a steamy night as a last minute winner from Lian Thear propelled Dunston into the next round.

Regular readers will know that this match caused all kinds of ructions in the Donkin household. A short late Summer break for Scarborough and York was booked for Wed 24th through to Sunday 28th August. My wife and I were teaming up with my good friend Howard Nimmo for this wee adventure. With the game in Dunston last Saturday finishing level a replay last night was required. So yesterday I headed for Penrith while my wife headed south by train to meet up with Howie baby.

Howard Nimmo and Mrs Donkin enjoy the sun and the cricket in Scarborough while Mr Donkin heads for Penrith

After the game I travelled across country in the dead of night to Scarborough  so this post is being written in The Doghouse in Scarborough on Thursday morning.

Despite the domestic problems caused by the fixture it was another great game. This is how it all panned out.

Pre match communications: Dunston and Penrith have both been very helpful throughout but this match required very little prep as all Scottish links and club details had been sorted out for the original tie 6/10

Three people in particular from Penrith have helped me throughout this leg of my journey. Many thanks to Stadium announcer Craig McGlashan, midfielder Matthew "Wizzer" Read and Scots Physio Susan Pollock. In the pic below Craig is holding up the 'Fists up for Frankie' sign. Much more about this campaign in the posts that will follow this report.

Matthew "Wizzer" Read limbers up for the match

Craig McGlashan: Stadium Announcer with Scottish name!

Pre match pint: As with the Sunderland RCA game, I headed for the Cross Keys first. Prior to the Sunderland RCA game I had a pint of Tirrels in there and it was nectar. This time the Tirrels served was cloudy and off. I was eventually given Ale Fresco from Greene King as a replacement ... but not good 3/10

Programme: Given that this match was only confirmed on Sat evening it was a good effort to knock out a decent read in 3 days flat. I liked the article on the Northern League - which I now know is the second oldest league in the world. Also a good photo on the cover showing Martyn Coleman scoring Penrith's second goal in the first match between the teams 7/10

Ground: Picturesque  and atmospheric. I have warmed to the Frenchfields. On a balmy night with the floodlights on it was a great place to be. 8/10

Atmoshphere: A great atmosphere inside the ground last night. The biggest attendance on the 'Road' so far with 203 paying customers in attendance. Over 70 of these had travelled over from Gateshead. Many of these had arrived on the same bus as the team and hence checked in at about 6.00 pm and were able to spend some time in the Penrith bar lubricating ttheir vocal chords. No singing yet on the 'Road'  but both sets of supporters offered great vocal encouragement to their favourites. Penrith are a very hospitable club and the Dunston players, officials and supporters were all made very welcome. An evening fixture at any level played under floodlights always has a special atmosphere. 8/10

As the sunsets over the French field Stadium the floodlights are turned on

Scottishness: Sue Pollock the Scots Penrith Physio was once again in attendance. Other than that the bagpipe playing Dunston website editor Ken Fitzpatrick was marked absent. Given the result  from last nights's match then over the next week or so I will be trying to find out if there are any further links between Dunston and Bella Caledonia 6/10

Susan Pollock: The most photogenic Physio in the Northern League

Entertainment: Another great game between two well organised and skilfull teams. Penrith shaded the first half with the muscular, combative Bonny Blues centre forward Martyn Coleman leading the charge. Coleman opened the scoring in the second minute when he latched on to a loose ball in the penalty area to apply a smart finish. Unfortunately the same player blotted his copy book on the half  hour mark when he failed to score from the penalty spot. As a kid growing up I was fascinated by my Dad's many tales of watching Newcastle United in the 1950s. One such story referenced the Newcastle keeper from that era Ronnie Simpson. According to my dad Ronnie would save many penalties by diving one way and kicking out a leg in the other direction to deflect the spot kick to safety. Last night the Dunston keeper Stefan Holden did something of a Ronnie Simpson. Coleman drove the ball down the middle but with the keeper committed to a dive to his left he flicked out a leg in an upward direction to divert the ball for a corner. In the second half Dunston took control and set about clawing back the one goal deficit. Their slick relentless pass and move football was a joy to behold. The Dunston lads are quite happy to pass pass pass until they can probe an opening. Collectively they trust their technique and their ability to control the ball quickly. One such long inventive passing move was finished off in the 61st minute when rapid slick interplay resulted in James Lucock finding himself in splendid isolation in the penalty box and he coolly slotted the ball past the keeper and just inside the far post. With the game heading for extra time, Dunston applied the hammer blow in time added on for stoppages. Lian Thear tried his luck with a shot from outside the box and with the aid of a cruel deflection his strike found the net. Dunston UTS just about deserved to win the tie as they passed Penrith off the park in the final 45 minutes. Great stuff 9/10 (Pics below courtesy of Ben France photography)

Combative Martyn Coleman tussles with Dunston's Dan Capeewell 

Penrith players celebrate the opening goal

Match day catering: still no pies available at the Blues Cafe but the roll and sausage was fine 6/10

Value for Money: Six quid to see a rousing cup tie played out in a beautiful setting with the added drama of a last minute goal. Great 9/10

The je ne sais quoi factor: Last night was a truly memorable occasion. To see the sun setting over the rolling Cumbrian countryside with the match unfolding in the natural amphitheatre that is the Frenchfields Stadium felt very special. This was my first match under floodlights on the 'Road' and matches under the lights always have that je ne sais quoi! I think the cows enjoyed it too. 9/10

Action from the first half and the cows stroll down the hill to take in the match

The lights are on and the action continues apace in the second half

Overall Road to Wembley from Scotland Match Rating 71/100

Before signing off, I feel I have to applaud one last time Penrith AFC. A very friendly well organised club and it was a pleasure to meet Craig McLashan, Wizzer, Susan Pollock, Karl Collinson, Geoff the Cumbrian Groudhopper and ace photographer Ben France. I wish Penrith all the best for the rest of the season and I will follow their results with great interest.

So it will be back to the UTS Stadium on the 3rd September to see Dunston take on Skelmersdale United. It was great to meet Dunston Programme Editor Steve Raith match reporter Tom Clark last night and I am looking forward to following their team once again in early September. Bring on the Skem!

Miles travelled to attend this match 226
Total miles so far on the Road to Wembley from Scotland 708

Penrith here I come ... today is match day!

On Saturday Dunston UTS and Penrith shared 6 goals in an exciting FA Cup Preliminary Round tie in Gateshead. As the rain fell the goals poured in.

Your correspondent soaked in Dunston

Tonight the replay takes place and the action moves to the picturesque French fields Stadium in Penrith.

The French fields in rolling Cumbrian countryside

I will be there as Penrith becomes my third stop on the Road to Wembley from Scotland. The tie must be decided tonight with extra time and penalties on the agenda if needed.

Who will emerge victorious to take on Skelmersdale United in the next round on Saturday September 3rd? Will I be heading to Dunston in early September or will I be making my third journey to the French fields?

Visit this blog tomorrow to find out.