May's Affordable Football

The season may be winding down but there are still cups to be won, relegation places to be decided and strolls in the sunshine with little to play for to be enjoyed.

Salisbury FC play their second ever match, against Gosport Borough, on Friday 1st at 7:30pm with fans invited to 'Pay What You Want' for the game at the Raymond McEnhill Stadium. On the same evening there is free entry to the Madejski Stadium for Reading's Under-21 game against Aston Villa.

There is free football on offer at Bitton AFC of the Toolstation Western Football League Premier Division. They host Sherborne Town on Saturday 2nd in their final game of the campaign.

League One's relegation fight is going down to the wire and Crewe Alexandra hope to get an edge from their supporters by making the Gresty Road End of the ground £10 Adults and £5 Concessions for the visit of Bradford City on Sunday 3rd (12:15pm).

Manchester United U-21's take on Southampton at Leigh Sports Village on Monday 4th (kick-off 7pm). Register on the LSV for free tickets to this one.

Tuesday 5th sees Aberdeen Under-20's play their final home game of the season, at home to Dunfermline (Pittodrie, 7pm) and admission is free for all.

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The FA Women's Cup semi-finals take place on Sunday 3rd and Monday 4th. The WSL1 season then takes a break for the World Cup in Canada but there are full WSL2 cards throughout the month. Millwall Lionesses take on Yeovil at The Den on Saturday 9th (6:30pm) with admission £5 and £2 for Under-16's (there is currently a discount available on tickets if purchased online).

Two for the end of the month. The Scottish Cup final between Inverness Caledonian Thistle and Falkirk on Saturday 30th has tickets available from £5 for Concessions with neutrals very welcome to attend the 'Family Final'.

And an unusual one for Sunday 31st when Crewe Alexandra hosts a full international friendly between Northern Ireland and Qatar. Tickets for the 5pm kick-off are priced at just £5 for Adults and Senior Citizens and £1 for Juniors.

Scottish FA Aims For Family Cup Final

Inverness Caledonian Thistle will take on Falkirk in the Scottish FA Cup final on 30 May, the two sides having caused semi-final upsets against Celtic and Hibernian respectively.

The prospect of a 'half-full' Hampden Park was raised by some doom and gloom merchants in the aftermath of the semi-final weekend but the match has given the Scottish FA and the two clubs the chance to work together and promote it as the 'Family Final' with prices reduced accordingly.

Concessions tickets for Under-16's, Students and Senior Citizens are just £5 with Adult tickets ranging from £15 to £30 in the hope of attracting neutrals along to the venue as well.

The Scottish Football Supporters Association have welcomed the move and both clubs say they have already had a number of enquiries from outside their normal fanbase while a family festival will be taking place at Lesser Hampden.

Inverness chairman Kenny Cameron told the BBC: "There will be a major exodus from the Highlands on the day plus we'll have supporters travelling from a range of countries. It should be a memorable occasion."

Both clubs will be confirming ticket selling arrangements shortly through their respective websites.

Reduced Prices At Crewe For Crucial Clash

I'll be trying as much as possible this week not to think about Coventry City's final-day relegation battle and the teams around them but I will make an exception for their worthy conquerors from Saturday, Crewe Alexandra.

The Alex host Bradford City at 12:15pm on Sunday, aiming for a crucial victory while also listening out for the results elsewhere and, to fill up the popular Gresty Road End of the ground have reduced tickets there to £10 for Adults and £5 for Concessions.

It is also 'Kids for a Quid' in the Main Stand.

http://www.crewealex.net/news/article/fill-the-gresty-road-end-offer-2426747.aspx

Long Melford FC

Another belated mention, this time to Long Melford FC of Suffolk, who clinched the Thurlow Nunn Eastern Counties Football League First Division title on Saturday afternoon with a 4-0 victory against Downham Town.

With the first record of the club being in 1868, the Villagers have a long and proud tradition of providing football in their local community. They moved up to the Eastern Counties League in 2002 and next season will be teasting their mettle at a higher level than ever before.

298 watched Saturday's game at Stoneylands for which 'Pay What You Want' was in operation.

http://www.longmelfordfootballclub.com/

Affordable Football aims to bring you the special offers, reduced ticket prices and family deals that make catching a match anywhere in the country more affordable. You can tweet us @affordablefooty or email affordablefootball@yahoo.com if your club are doing something worth hearing about.

A Successful Season At Albion Rovers

Mentioned plenty of times on these pages a year or so ago, thanks to their groundbreaking 'Pay What You Want' Season Ticket offer, Albion Rovers have enjoyed a hugely successful season which culminated in them lifting the Scottish Professional Football League Two trophy in front of 1,100 at Cliftonville yesterday following the 1-1 draw with Arbroath.

The club's initiative saw them generate acres of positive publicity as season tickets were snapped up across Scotland, the UK and even further afield, sometimes to be handed out to local schools or other worthwhile causes.

It's an idea that is probably a one-off and Albion are reverting to a traditional Season Ticket model next season as they aim to consolidate at a higher level.

Affordable Football wishes them all the best.

http://albionroversfc.co.uk/?p=432

Harrogate Railway Athletic FC

A belated mention to The Rail for holding a 'Free Fan Day' today as they entertained Lancaster City at Station View where admission was free for all as a thank you.

Both sides have enjoyed a solid season in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Division One North but it was the hosts who came out on top today, 3-0, to finish 8th in the table.

http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/harrogaterailwayathletic/

Affordable Football aims to bring you the special offers, reduced ticket prices and family deals that make catching a match anywhere in the country more affordable. You can tweet us @affordablefooty or email affordablefootball@yahoo.com if your club are doing something worth hearing about.

FA Women's Cup Semi-Finals

With a place at Wembley Stadium up for grabs for the first time in the competition's history, four teams remain in the FA Women's Cup with the semi-finals due to take place over the Bank Holiday weekend.

Everton take on Notts County at Goodison Park on Sunday 3 May (2pm) while Wycombe Wanderers host the game between Chelsea and Manchester City on Monday 4 May (2pm).

Both matches are priced at just £5 for Adults and £2 for Children while Season Ticket Holders for both the men's and women's team of all four competing clubs (and also of host venue Wycombe Wanderers) can attend for free.

More info on the She Kicks website

Free Football This Sunday - Gap Connah's Quay Nomads

Great offers everywhere at the moment, whether it's free entry, reduced prices or 'Pay What You Want' as clubs throw open their doors in the final weeks of the season, as a thank you to supporters at the end of a long season and/or to try and get a good crowd through the gate for crucial matches at both ends of the table.

The Nomads host Prestatyn Town this Sunday (1pm) with the home side in with a chance still of making the Welsh Premier League Europa League Play-Offs and it is free admission for all at the Deeside Stadium.

http://www.the-nomads.co.uk/news/2015/april/The-Nomads-offer-free-admission-in-final-push-for-Europa-League-Play-Offs/

Also this weekend, VCD Athletic of the Ryman Premier League, are allowing fans to 'Pay What You Want' for their important final home game against Billericay, kick-off 3pm on Saturday.

Football Returns To Salisbury

I wrote a quick article in March about Salisbury FC and their battle to play games at the Raymond McEnhill Stadium next season.

And, having won their fight, the phoenix club are back in action at the ground as early as next week when manager Steve Claridge will start the process of finding a team for 2015/16 by running the rule over trialists in two specially-arranged games.

On Tuesday 28 April there will be opposition from a Southern League club while Cardiff City Under-21's are the visitors on Friday 1 May.

Both games kick-off at 7:30pm and both are 'Pay What You Want' with the money raised going towards running costs for the summer.

The day after the first friendly is also an important one as Salisbury look to return to the National League System for next season with club officials meeting with the FA.

http://salisburyfc.co.uk/news/

Salford City FC

2-1 winners at Burscough on Saturday afternoon, Salford City stand on the brink of automatic promotion from the Evo-Stik League First Division after a titanic battle with Darlington 1883.

The Ammies need a win at home to Osset Town this coming weekend to secure the Evo-Stik League First Division North title and for the second home game in succession they are offering free entry to spectators.

Over 700 watched the match against Clitheroe at Moor Lane recently, with more than a few  spectators taking the chance to grab a picture with co-owners Gary Neville and Paul Scholes. The Manchester United legends, along with their fellow 'Class of 92' colleagues Ryan Giggs, Phil Neville and Nicky Butt, took a 50% share in the club last year.

http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/salfordcityfc/news/free-entry-to-ossett-town-game-1411497.html

Affordable Football aims to bring you the special offers, reduced ticket prices and family deals that make catching a match anywhere in the country more affordable. You can tweet us @affordablefooty or email affordablefootball@yahoo.com if your club are doing something worth hearing about.

Hastings United FC

A belated mention to Hastings United FC, who offered free entry to Pilot Field on Saturday for an important fixture against Faversham Town.

900 came through the turnstiles to watch a 2-1 victory for the home side who now need a point at Walton & Hersham this coming weekend to preserve their Ryman League status.

http://www.hastingsunitedfc.co.uk/

A Fiver Finale At Huddersfield Town

Great entertainment on offer at the John Smith's Stadium on Saturday afternoon as Huddersfield Town and Derby County drew 4-4 in the Championship.

The Terriers have secured their place in the division with a strong run-in to the campaign, going unbeaten throughout April to date and upsetting play-off contenders Ipswich Town as well as sharing the spoils with the Rams.

And there should be a relaxed atmosphere at the ground next Saturday (25th April) for the final home match of the season, against mid-table Blackburn Rovers, for which Huddersfield have reduced prices in all home areas to just £5 if tickets are purchased in advance of matchday.

http://www.htafc.com/news/article/huddersfield-town-blackburn-rovers-ticket-info-2408952.aspx

Affordable Football aims to bring you the special offers, reduced ticket prices and family deals that make catching a match anywhere in the country more affordable. You can tweet us @affordablefooty or email affordablefootball@yahoo.com if your club are doing something worth hearing about.

Farewell To The Ricoh Arena (For This Season!)

Coventry City's turbulent recent history shows no signs of calming down any time soon and the Sky Blues have once again ended a season needing points to assure themselves of safety.

A campaign that began at Sixfields, home of Northampton Town, is at least finishing in Coventry, at the Ricoh Arena, but as the stadium involved is now owned by Wasps RFC and contains very little trace of CCFC (including no club shop) the move back has not been quite as positive as we might have hoped.

But there have been some signs of life in recent weeks, Tony Mowbray building on the work done by Steven Pressley with a youthful side and coaxing some solid and committed performances that have slowly moved the Sky Blues out of the relegation zone.

Off the field, the club have tried to break down some of the barriers that have been built up with the supporters with a number of ticket offers.

The first game back at the Ricoh, against Gillingham, was priced at £10 for Adults, as was the Fleetwood fixture just before Christmas with two home JPT ties priced at £5 in all areas of the ground.

And reduced prices are in operation again for the final home game of the season, a potentially important battle against a Crewe Alexandra side also involved towards the bottom of the table.

The match takes place on Saturday 25 April at 3pm with Adult tickets £10 and Concessions £5.

Quick Update - March Town FC

To add to the 'Pay What You Want' games taking place tomorrow, March Town FC, of the Thurlow Nunn Eastern Counties League First Division, are inviting supporters to come to their game against Halstead (kick off 3pm), give what they can and enjoy the final home match of the season.


http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/marchtownunited/news/halstead-game-tomorrow-1414650.html

Eynesbury Rovers Football Club

It's one of the pleasures of Affordable Football that I come across clubs I hadn't heard of before who, no matter what level of the game they play at, are trying their utmost to provide football to the local community and be a part of that community.

Eynesbury Rovers, first formed in 1897, and currently of the United Counties League are one such club and they are running not one, but two, 'Pay What You Want' matches between now and the end of the season.

On Saturday 18th April they host Oadby Town and one week later it is Thurnby Nirvana who visit the Alfred Hall Memorial Ground. A £1 minimum fee will apply to cover costs but Under-16's, as always for home matches, can enter for free.

http://www.clubwebsite.co.uk/eynesburyrovers/News/view/884471

Different Reasons, All 'Pay What You Want'

This Saturday, April 18th, sees four 'Pay What You Want' matches taking place in the Non-League pyramid (there may well be more, please Tweet me if you know of any others) and they are taking place for different, but equally valid reasons.

It's celebration time at Latimer Park as the Evo-Stik Southern Central title will be presented to Kettering Town FC when they host Bedworth United. The Poppies' troubles over the past few years have been the stuff of soap opera at times but their fans are enjoying the club's revival to the full and there should be a great atmosphere this Saturday.

A double celebration in Devon where Barnstaple Town this week played their 2,500th Western League fixture. To mark the occasion, Saturday's fixture against Warminster is a 'Pay What You Want' match and a 4-0 win at Hengrove Athletic on Tuesday means that the Barum are also on the verge of promotion to the Premier League.

At the other end of their various tables are Alfreton Town and Hampton & Richmond Borough and both clubs are looking for big crowds to push them over the line towards safety.

Hampton & Richmond are looking to get 1,000 through the gates of the Beveree Stadium against Bury Town where a win will ensure the hosts are playing Ryman Premier League football again next season.

In the Conference, it doesn't get much bigger than Alfreton's game against Welling with the Kent club having climbed out of the relegation zone, at Alfreton's expense, on Tuesday night by beating Wrexham.

Both sides will be going all out for a win and, once again, fair play to the hosts for extending the 'Pay What You Want' offer to away fans as well.

Target 1,000 & Pay What You Want At Hampton & Richmond

We featured Hampton & Richmond earlier in the season when they offered free beer and chips in addition to 'Pay What You Want' entry to their game against VCD Athletic.

And, with the season approaching a nervous finale, the club are aiming to better their attendance of 822 from that day and get 1,000 through the gate for the final home game of the campaign, against Bury Town this Saturday (18th April) which will also be 'Pay What You Want' admission.

A win at the Beveree Stadium means Ryman Premier League football will be on the agenda again next season and chairman Steve McPherson told the official club website: "It’s been a long old season and the final home game is upon us, we wanted to make it a party atmosphere and of course say thank you to everyone who has backed us once again."

http://www.hamptonfc.net/news/its-target-1000-pay-what-y-1412620.html

Glossop North End AFC

A town I know well from frequent trips between Sheffield and Manchester, Glossop is the home of Glossop North End AFC and something special is building up in this part of Derbyshire as a memorable season reaches its climax.

Having secured a date at Wembley for the FA Vase Final (Saturday 9th May, 3pm), the Hillmen have been left with a fixture backlog to work through in their bid to win promotion from the North West Counties Premier Division, so much so that this week they had to play two home games on successive days.

A 1-0 victory over AFC Liverpool on Wednesday night was followed by another visit from a Merseyside team, St Helens Town, on Thursday.

The club had already decided to make entrance for this game just £1 but a chain of events on the day of the game made things even more special than that.

I'll let the Official Club Website tell the story in full detail.

Glossop are also into the final of the MEN United League Cup where they will meet Atherton Collieries at the home of Curzon Ashton FC on Thursday 30 April at 7:45pm. Tickets for this game are priced at £5 Adults and £3 Concessions.

'Pay What You Want' At Alfreton Town

A crucial game at the Impact Arena next Saturday (18th April, 3pm) as Alfreton Town host Welling United in the Vanarama Conference and 'Pay What You Want' admission has been put in place by a club who featured on Affordable Football back in November 2013 when they issued a detailed explanation of why they had cut prices for forthcoming matches.

Ahead of this Saturday's games, six points separated the two sides with Alfreton, crucially, on the right side of the relegation line.

Credit to the hosts then for extending the offer to Welling supporters as well.

Chairman Wayne Bradley told the official club website: "This is a gesture to the whole of Alfreton and the outlying areas. It is also a thank you and a reward for our loyal supporters who have backed us throughout a tough season. “We want to maximise the attendance, pack the Impact Arena out for this match, and roar the team on to victory."

http://www.alfretontownfc.com/news/REDS-ANNOUNCE-PAY-WHAT-YOU-WANT-ADMISSION-2749.htm

Affordable Football aims to bring you the special offers, reduced ticket prices and family deals that make catching a match anywhere in the country more affordable. You can tweet us @affordablefooty or email affordablefootball@yahoo.com if your club are doing something worth hearing about.

Affordable Football On Twitter

@affordablefooty is our address on Twitter where I try and keep on top of all the offers that are currently out there in the football world.

Coming up over the next week or so, check out the following:

£1 entry for all at Bracknell Town this Saturday (11 April) for an Uhlsport Hellenic Premier Division clash against Highworth Town.

Free football at Ewood Park on Monday night (April 13, 7pm) when Blackburn Rovers host Southampton in the Under-21 Premier League Cup final.

And 'Pay What You Want' for a title-winning party at Kettering Town as they meet Bedworth United on Saturday 18 April in the Evo-Stik Southern League Division One Central.

Please tweet me if there is anything your local club are doing and I will always retweet and try to give it a bit of a push on these pages.

The Barum 250: Barnstaple Town FC

Members of the Western League since 1948, Barnstaple Town are set to play their 2,500th league game when they travel to Hengrove Athletic on Tuesday 14th April.

Located in an area which makes progression through the football pyramid difficult, the achievement of clubs like Barnstaple in keeping the game alive for the local community is often overlooked.

So why not celebrate such a landmark? The club are doing so at their following home game, against Warminster Town on Saturday 18th April which has been named as the Barum 250 in reflection of the club's nickname (and the former name of the town).

The aim is for a crowd of 250 to come through the gate on a 'Pay What You Want' basis with a special souvenir programme available for £2.50.

Speaking to the North Devon Journal, Club historian John Clarke said: "The Barum 250 is an open invitation to all supporters, sponsors, advertisers, former players and committee members to be our guest and the opportunity for Barnstaple Town Football Club to say thank you for the tremendous support down the years.

"We will be asking spectators to pay what you want, although we would like to think a high percentage coming through the turnstiles will pay the normal admission price."

‘Pay What You Want’ At AFC Rushden & Diamonds This Saturday

AFC Rushden & Diamonds host Wellingborough Town at the Dog & Duck this coming Saturday (11th April, 3pm) after the original fixture was abandoned midway through the second half on Boxing Day due to floodlight failure leaving a crowd of 742 in the dark!

The club announced swiftly that the replayed fixture would be on a ‘Pay What You Want’ basis for anyone wishing to attend and have confirmed that this remains the case for what will be a promotion party after Monday’s 3-1 victory over Long Buckby secured a top-three finish in the United Counties League Premier Division.

I featured the Diamonds on Affordable Football back in the summer when they were selling season tickets for £99 during the World Cup. Formed in 2011 by supporters keen to keep the name of their club alive but instil with it a sense of community involvement, progress has been rapid since then.

Affordable Football aims to bring you the special offers, reduced ticket prices and family deals that make catching a match anywhere in the country more affordable. You can tweet us @affordablefooty or email affordablefootball@yahoo.com if your club are doing something worth hearing about.

Nine For Easter Weekend

Concentrating on the long holiday weekend, here's some offers that have caught the eye...

Friday 3rd: Two ‘Kids for a Quid’ games in League One for Good Friday as Gillingham host Fleetwood Town and Yeovil Town take on Chesterfield. In the Conference, kids go free at Forest Green Rovers as they take on Aldershot (4:30 kick-off, tickets to be claimed online only up to 30 mins before the start).

Saturday 4th: Under-18’s tickets purchased in advance for Aberdeen FC’s games against Partick Thistle today and Inverness on Wednesday 8th are priced at £5. Met Police FC host East Thurrock and, as for the game against Margate played this midweek, entrance is just £1. Kids go free (and get free chocolate) for Woking FC's Conference clash with Welling as the home side push for the play-offs.

Sunday 5th: St Johnstone host the Petrofac Training Cup final between Livingston and Alloa Athletic. Tickets are priced at £15 for Adults, £5 for Concessions and free for accompanied Under-12's with a host of family activities taking place before the game.

Monday 6th: An Easter Monday special at Sholing FC as they host Bashley with a 1pm kick-off in the . The game is a ‘Pay What You Want’ affair with a minimum donation of £1 and free entry for kids. It is also Supporters Day at Oxford United and season ticket holders can bring a friend for free against York City.