Five Free Matches For May

Catch a match for free before the end of the season on...

May 8: As Reading Under-23's take on Sunderland in Premier League 2. Kick-off is at 7pm and the Black Cats youngsters will be warming up for May 17 when take on FC Porto in the final of the Premier League International Cup. 

Tickets are free for the 7pm kick-off at the Stadium of Light but must be secured in advance.

May 10: Bramall Lane hosts Sheffield United and Coventry City Under 18's who meet in the Professional Development League play-off final with the kick-off at 7pm. 

May 14: Goodison Park is the venue as Everton Ladies take on Watford in the FA WSL 2 Spring Series. 

The club are encouraging donations to their 'Home Is Where The Heart Is' campaign from those attending the 2pm kick-off and there will be plenty of pre-match entertainment taking place as well.

May 16: The curtain comes down on the Scottish Premiership season, as far as home games are concerned for Ross County and the Staggies are throwing open the doors in Dingwall for the visit of Hamilton Accies, kick-off 7:45pm.

Twitter Special: Pay What You Want Title Celebrations

A trio of clubs celebrated their respective title triumphs by offering 'Pay What You Want' admission on Saturday.

Starting at Widnes FC where the Hallmark Security (North West Counties) League First Division trophy was hoisted aloft.

Today's attendance was 213. Magnificent once again. Many thanks for your continued support over the season!

— Widnes Football Club (@Widnes_FC) 29 April 2017

One team that Widnes won't be facing in the Premier Division next season are Atherton Collieries. They are heading for the Northern Premier League and not even a home defeat at the hands of Runcorn Town could dampen the spirits today.

pic.twitter.com/MjWh0CNiGu

— Atherton Collieries (@ACFC1916) 29 April 2017

And Bristol Manor Farm notched up their century of points in the Toolstation Western League after putting five goals past Sherborne Town.

MATCHDAY | Before our last game of the season, we want to give a big thanks to all of the #FarmyArmy who have come to watch us this season.

— Bristol Manor Farm (@ManorFarmFC) 29 April 2017

Free Top-Flight Football In The Highlands

With the full-time whistle being blown on a 4-0 victory against their Highland rivals Inverness Caley Thistle just before I wrote this piece, these are good times for Ross County with their safety in the Scottish top-flight all but ensured for next season.

An excellent history on the official club website tells the story of the club from Dingwall since their formation in 1929, through their election to the Scottish Football League in 1994 and promotion to the SPL in 2012 and culminating in last year's Scottish League Cup triumph at Hampden Park.

Both Ross County and Hamilton Accies supporters will be able to watch the Staggies final home game of the season, on Tuesday 16th May at 7:45pm, for free with tickets available from the club shop from Monday and then the ticket office on the day of the game.

Atherton Collieries

Confirmed as champions of the North West Counties Football League after Monday night's victory against Abbey Hey, Atherton Collieries will be celebrating in style this Saturday...

Reminder that Saturday's match against @RuncornTown is 'Pay What You Want'. The end of season celebration starts here! pic.twitter.com/yrm81SSdk0

— Atherton Collieries (@ACFC1916) 27 April 2017

There's two good reasons for the offer, not only as a thank you to supporters for their backing over a long campaign but also to raise money for some of the ground improvements that will be necessary over the summer after promotion to a higher division.

Warm Up For Wembley With Free Football At The Moss Rose

A solid campaign in the National League for Macclesfield Town, set to finish 9th in the table, has been enlivened by the cup competitions.

The Silkmen featured live on the BBC against Oxford United in the FA Cup back in December and are heading to Wembley on Sunday 21 May for Non-League Finals Day when they take on York City in the FA Trophy Final after Cleethorpes Town against South Shields in the FA Vase earlier in the afternoon.

Close enough to Manchester to see plenty of support for the big two clubs there. Macc are perhaps not close enough to be part of the thriving Non-League scene in the city but they remain a focal point for the local community and around 4,000 supporters have already snapped up their Wembley tickets.

To warm up for that, Saturday’s final league fixture against Sutton United, which kicks-off at 12:15pm, is free admission for all on the gate, chairman Mark Blower telling the official club website: "After the game we are hosting the 'Player of the Year' Awards evening in the McIlroy Suite so this is a real chance for people to get a feel for the Football Club and hopefully we can make a big impression."

Elsewhere, there is ‘Pay What You Want’ admission at Runcorn Linnets, at home to AFC Darwen in the Hallmark Security League and at Bristol Manor Farm against Sherborne Town in the Toolstation Western League.

Reduced Prices In The Scrap For Championship Survival

Blackburn Rovers and Birmingham City face crucial home matches in the Championship this coming Saturday (29 April) as their battle for survival goes down to the wire.

The duo are currently separated by two points and, crucially for Birmingham, the dotted line that can define a season, as they head into this weekend's penultimate round of fixtures.

Rovers steady decline over the past few years mirrors that of my club Coventry City (Tony Mowbray is currently trying to keep Blackburn up after leaving the Ricoh Arena earlier in the season) and I understand why supporters may baulk at the message 'Your Town, Your Team' which accompanies the reduced prices that are in operation for the visit of Aston Villa this Saturday.

Adult tickets are £10, Concessions £5 and Juniors £2.

Bewilderment, rather than anger, is possibly the emotion currently being felt by Blues fans.

Going along quite steadily under a highly-rated manager in Gary Rowett, one who also seemed to have a real feel for what the club is all about, they have since witnessed a slide down the table under Gianfranco Zola and now the appointment of Harry Redknapp with a brief to keep them in the division.

Prices for Saturday’s visit of Huddersfield to St Andrew’s are £10 Adults, £5 Seniors, Students, 16-18’s and £1 for Under 16’s.

Three For Free Coming Up At The Madejski Stadium

A busy time for Reading FC both at first-team and Under 23 level and the Royals, who have always looked to get as many development team fixtures played at their main stadium as possible, are offering three chances to watch matches for free at the Madejski.

This coming Monday, 24th April at 7pm, sees a Premier League 2 clash against Leicester City and that is followed by the Premier League Cup semi-final against Norwich City on Sunday 30th April, kick-off 1pm.

The games are rounded off by the visit of Sunderland on Monday 8th May at 7pm. There is free admission and free parking for all three fixtures.

This time of year usually sees more Under 23 matches played at a club's main stadium as the weather improves sufficiently to risk playing more football on the hallowed turf.

Norwich City entertain Brighton this Monday (24th April) at Carrow Road and tickets are free for the 7pm kick-off.

On Monday 8th May Arsenal take on Manchester United in Premier League 2 with general sale tickets priced at £4 Adults and £2 Concessions (Under 16's and Over 65's). These must be purchased in advance and are on sale until 3pm on the day of the game.

The official Premier League website has a list of all the remaining Under 23 matches in Premier League 2 but please check with the home club for any change of venue or kick-off time.

And Five More…From Peterhead to Peacehaven

Another handful of matches that may be of interest this weekend as clubs reflect on the season that is drawing to a close or rally support for one final push at the top or bottom of their respective leagues.

Peterhead host Stenhousemuir with the Blue Toon currently occupying a relegation play-off place in Scottish League One.

They face bottom club Stenhousemuir on Saturday afternoon and have reduced general admission prices to £5 with all Under 12's free and season ticket holders given an additional complimentary ticket.

In a nice touch, Peterhead boss Jim McInally told the club website: "It’s good that the club have also reduced entry prices for the Stenhousemuir travelling support who made the effort to come all the way up to Peterhead on Boxing Day last year on a bitterly cold and wet afternoon.”

From the north of Scotland to north Wales and a disappointing campaign for Rhyl FC as they face relegation from the Welsh Premier League.

The doors have been opened for this Saturday’s 5:15pm kick-off against Llandudno with donations welcome on the gate as the focus turns to what is hoped to be only a temporary stay in the Huws Gray Alliance for the 2017/18 season.

Braintree’s fate in the National League is not yet sealed but they dearly need a victory at home to Barrow this Saturday and admission prices have been reduced to £10 Adults, £5 for Students/OAPs and free for Under 18’s.

Despite amassing more than 90 points in the Northern Premier League First Division South, Witton Albion (who I watched in a crucial clash at Shaw Lane last week) are gearing themselves up for the play-offs and will look to end their regular season on a positive note against Sheffield FC this Saturday.

Admission is free for the game.

Peacehaven & Telscombe secured their safety in the Southern Combination Premier Division on Monday but weekend opponents Arundel are still looking over their shoulders.

Community-owned since the summer of 2016, Peacehaven are celebrating a historic year with 'Pay What You Want' admission on Saturday.

Five For The Weekend

For many Non-League clubs in England this coming Saturday marks the end of a long season and, while there will be titles and promotion to celebrate for some and relegation to reflect on for others, for many there is another milestone to mark.

That is simply getting through another campaign, with all of the financial and logistical hurdles that can entail, and providing players with somewhere to play, spectators with something to watch and the local community with a focal point to rally around.

In the Sydenhams Wessex League, for instance, Hamworthy United are throwing open the doors for the visit of Whitchurch United as a thank you to supporters and sponsors. Not that this is a game without something riding on it as Whitchurch need to win to have any chance of staying in the Premier Division.

There cause was not helped by last weekend's defeat at the hands of Fawley AFC, the Oilers giving themselves a chance of avoiding the drop in the process.

They host Brockenhurst FC this Saturday and admission will be on a 'Pay What You Want' basis for the game.

In the Evo-Stik Southern League Central Division, Bedford Town take on Aylesbury United at the Eyrie where there will be free entry, donations welcome on the gate for MIND.

Speaking of Aylesbury there is 'Pay What You Want' admission at Aylesbury FC (also of the Southern League Central) when Fleet Town are the visitors for this Saturday's final match of the season.

And in the same division, Kempston Rovers wind up their campaign against Histon at Hillgrounds. Admission to watch the superbly-nicknamed Walnuts will be just £1. 

They're All Cup Finals From Here On In

And the cliche is true in this case as all of the matches below have silverware at stake...

April 19: The first Sheffield & Hallamshire FA Senior Cup Final to be played at Bramall Lane in 40 years will see Shaw Lane AFC meet Frickley Athletic, the former sure to be in good spirits after clinching the Northern Premier League Division One South title on Monday afternoon.

Admission for a 7:30pm start is priced at £7 Adults and £3 Concessions.

There is an excellent thread on the Non-League Matters website which covers the County and Local Cup scene.

April 23: The FAW Youth Cup final will be played at the Cardiff City Stadium between Swansea City and Cambrian & Clydach. Admission to the 2:30pm kick-off is priced at £5 Adults, £2 OAP's and £1 Under-16's. 

April 26: Stamford Bridge hosts the second leg of the FA Youth Cup final between Chelsea and Manchester City, the two clubs domination of the scene at this level shown by the fact that they are meeting in the final for the third successive year. 

Tickets are priced at £5 for Adults, £3 for Juniors/Seniors. 

April 30: Bangor is the venue for the Welsh Cup Final which features The New Saints and Bala Town. Tickets are priced at £8 Adults, £5 Seniors and £2 for Under 16's. 

May 7: The FA Sunday Cup Final takes place at Bramall Lane, home of Sheffield United, with holders New Salamis up against Hardwick Social. Admission on the day will cost £5 Adults, £1 Concessions. 

May 7: Stevenage FC host the FA Women's Premier League Cup Final which will be contested between Tottenham Hotspur and Charlton Athletic. Admission to the 2pm kick-off is priced at £5 Adults (including programme), £2.50 Under 16's and £1 for Under 10's. 

May 13: Wembley Stadium is the venue for the SSE Women's FA Cup Final with Children once again entitled to free entry to this season's showpiece between Manchester City and Birmingham City.

Adult tickets are priced at £15 and OAPs and Students can watch for £5. 

June 1: Ahead of the Champions League Final in Cardiff, the UEFA Women's Champions League Final takes place at the Cardiff City Stadium and tickets are available at the excellent price of £6 Adults and £3 Concessions and Under-16's. 

Yeovil Town Ladies Hit The Road

The FA WSL 1 Spring Series begins next weekend and Sunday (23 April) is a big day in the history of Yeovil Town Ladies FC.

Promoted from WSL 2 last season, the Lady Glovers kick off life in the top division with a home game against Liverpool Ladies that will be televised live on the BBC Sport website.

After that match, which will be played at Yeovil FC's Huish Park, the remaining five home fixtures (an extra one coming about as the game against Arsenal has been reversed to be Yeovil's home advantage) in the Spring Series will be taken on the road with three scheduled for the home of Taunton Town FC and two for Bridgwater Town's Fairfax Park.

Given the nature of the Spring Series which is designed to bridge the transition between a summer and winter season and Yeovil's unique position in a sense, in that they are representing an area (Somerset) that isn't always represented at the top-level of sport, this will hopefully spread the word about how well the club has done to get into WSL 1 and also whet the appetite for the full 2017/18 campaign to come.

Online ticket prices for all matches are £5 Adults, £2.50 Concessions and £12 for a Family of Four with increases on match day to £7/£3 and £16.

Sites Of Interest

The following sites have been invaluable to me in writing this blog and are well worth a visit.

The London Football Guide - James Doe is the man behind Non-League Day and set up TLFG to provide a comprehensive guide to football (at all levels) in the capital and its suburbs. On a weekly basis he runs through all of the fixtures of note and is also happy to answer queries from anyone coming to London and looking to catch a match.

With its focus on a similar patch geographically, The Cold End combines news and match previews with reports, highlights and some great photographs of Non-League football in London, Hertfordshire & Beyond.

If there is anything you need to know about football in Oxfordshire then the Oxon Football blog covers everything from Oxford United downwards.

Women’s football features regularly on these pages and the excellent She Kicks website has features, stats and regular fixture updates covering all levels of the game in the UK with Scottish Women's Football performing a similar function in its area.

The official FA WSL site also has an easy-to-navigate fixture list with ticket info and links.

Non-League Matters is a good resource for fixtures, tables and stats from all levels of the game below the Football League and the Forum part of the site has a section where special ticket offers, free and reduced admission and ‘Pay What You Want’ fixtures can be publicised.

The Northern Counties East Football League is my local Step 5 league and the home of Hallam FC who have featured regularly on the site. The NCEFL website is an excellent resource for results and fixtures while many of the clubs in the league feature on the Non League Yorkshire website which has a wealth of news, match reports and opinion from across the county.

And north of the border, Scottish Football Fixtures does exactly what it says in the title with day-by-day fixtures from all levels of the Scottish game and regular Twitter updates.

Coming Up

April 19: Spurs Ladies take on West Ham United in the FA Women's Premier League South. The significance of the game is that it will take part at White Hart Lane, one of the last ever competitive fixtures at the famous old ground. Tickets are on sale, priced at a maximum of £5. 

April 21: The English Schools Under-18 team meet Wales at the Memorial Ground, home of Bristol Rovers. Tickets for the 7pm kick-off are priced at £6 Adults (seating), £5 Adults (standing) and £3 Children/Students.

April 22: It will cost just £1 to watch Kempston Rovers take on Histon in the Southern League, the wonderfully-nicknamed Walnuts hosting their final home league game of the season.

April 22: Hartlepool United have reduced prices for the League Two match against Barnet. Tickets are priced at £10 Adults, £5 Concessions in all areas of the stadium.

April 23: The FAW Youth Cup final will be played at the Cardiff City Stadium between Swansea City and Cambrian & Clydach. Admission to the 2:30pm kick-off is priced at £5 Adults, £2 OAP's and £1 Under-16's. 

April 23: The FA WSL1 Spring Series gets underway this weekend and Yeovil Town Ladies make their bow at the top level against Liverpool. Admission to Huish Park is priced at £5 Adults, £2.50 Children and Concessions and £12 for a Family. 

April 26: Stamford Bridge hosts the second leg of the FA Youth Cup final between Chelsea and Manchester City. Tickets are priced at £5 for Adults, £3 for Juniors/Seniors. 

April 30: Free admission to the Madejski Stadium as Reading Under 23's host Norwich City in the Premier League Cup semi-final. Kick-off is at 1pm. 

April 30: Bangor is the venue for the Welsh Cup Final which features The New Saints and Bala Town. Tickets are priced at £8 Adults, £5 Seniors and £2 for Under 16's. 

May 7: The FA Sunday Cup Final takes place at Bramall Lane, home of Sheffield United, with holders New Salamis up against Hardwick Social. Admission on the day will cost £5 Adults, £1 Concessions. 

May 14: Free admission to Goodison Park as Everton Ladies take on Watford in the FA WSL 2 Spring Series. The club are encouraging donations to their 'Home Is Where The Heart Is' campaign.

May 14: On the same afternoon, Blackburn Rovers Ladies will take on Stoke City at Ewood Park in the Women's FA Premier League North. Admission to the see the league champions is priced at £3 Adults, £1 Kids and free for Rovers season ticket holders. 

June 1: Ahead of the Champions League Final in Cardiff, the UEFA Women's Champions League Final takes place at the Cardiff City Stadium and tickets are available at the excellent price of £6 Adults and £3 Concessions and Under-16's.

Whitby Town FC

A nice excuse to use this photo again, taken back in the summer when I was on holiday in Whitby and saw the Seasiders defeat Marske United in a pre-season friendly.

Everyone is optimistic ahead of a new campaign and it has been a decent one for Whitby who are still firmly in the hunt for a play-off place in the Northern Premier League Premier Division.

It is 'Pay What You Want' at the Turnbull Ground this Easter Saturday for the visit of Warrington Town.

Shaw Lane AFC v Witton Albion

A big game at the top of the Northern Premier League First Division South on Tuesday evening as Shaw Lane and Witton Albion, locked together on 90 points apiece prior to kick-off, met in a promotion showdown.

Part of an impressive complex of sporting venues that is also home to Barnsley Cricket and Rugby clubs, Shaw Lane’s home is situated just a short distance from the town centre of Barnsley and offers a fine view but also, on Tuesday certainly, an exposure to the elements.

A strong wind, in addition to a hard looking pitch, was a factor for both teams to consider and Shaw Lane probably played the conditions better as they scored the only goal of the game (a cracker) shortly after half-time and then missed two or three more chances to make the points safe and nearly came undone as the visitors struck a post.

A large travelling contingent of Witton supporters made up a healthy attendance of over 600 and the important nature of the game was also reflected in the number of coats, scarves and hats showing the names of other teams.

Barnsley FC fans were well represented and the Tykes have reduced prices for their Easter Monday fixture at home to Brentford. Buy in advance by Sunday 16th and it is £10 Adults and £5 Concessions for both home and away supporters.

Shaw Lane are at home again this Saturday against Chasetown with matchday prices £6 Adults, £3 Concessions and free for Under 14's. 

Royston Town FC

Having come so close to promotion in the past two seasons, losing out at the play-off stage both times, Royston Town FC have made sure of going up nice and early this time around.

The Southern League Division One Central Division title was wrapped up last week and The Crows will be presented with the trophy this coming Saturday, April 15, when Aylesbury United are the visitors to Garden Walk and spectators can 'Pay What You Want' for admission.

In existence since 1875, Royston have been playing at their current home since 1932. Their location means they could be playing either in the Southern or Ryman League Premier Division next season but managed Steve Castle told The Non-League Paper at the weekend that: "It's a no-fear approach.

"We've got a good side and we will give it a good go."

Easter Update

Some more matches that may be of interest, in addition to the recent Hopping Around post, starting with two family ticket offers.

Walsall host a Fun Day on Easter Monday when Swindon Town are the visitors in League One with a host of activities around the stadium prior to the 3pm kick-off.

One Adult and up to two Juniors can watch from the middle and upper tiers of the Tile Choice Stand for £10.

£10 will also get one Adult and one Child into the Bob Shankly Stand at Dundee on Saturday afternoon for the game against Hamilton Accies.

Two Adults and up to Six Children can attend on Family Fun Day at Dens Park for £20.

And in Cornwall, where Truro City proudly fly the flag for the county in the National League South, prices for the Easter Monday fixture against leaders Maidenhead United have been reduced to £5 for Adults and free for Under 16's. 

Women's Club Football: Five Matches To Catch

The weekend of 22/23 April will see FA WSL 1 clubs begin their Spring Series season, a transitional campaign designed to bridge the gap created by the change from Summer to Winter football.

A busy schedule of fixtures, with each of the 10 clubs playing each other once, will be completed by early June with attention then turning to the European Championships in Holland.

The pick of the opening weekend’s fixtures sees newly-promoted Yeovil Town Ladies host Liverpool Ladies at Huish Park on Sunday 23rd with kick-off at 2pm.

Tickets for this game are priced at £5 Adults, £2.50 Children & Concessions and £12 for a Family. 

Liverpool’s game away to Birmingham City will be played at St Andrew’s on Sunday 7 May (£7 Adults, £4 Concessions, £18 Family if purchased in advance).

Usually based in Widnes (alongside Liverpool), Everton Ladies will play at Goodison Park on Sunday 14 May against Watford in the WSL 2 Spring Series. Admission is free to the 2pm kick-off with the club encouraging donations to their 'Home Is Where The Heart Is' campaign.

Outside of the WSL, Tottenham Hotspur Ladies get the opportunity to play at White Hart Lane when they entertain West Ham United in the FA Premier League South at 7pm on Wednesday 19 April. 

Tickets are priced at £5 Adults, £3 Adult Members & Season Ticket Holders, £1 Over 65's and Under 16's.

Similarly, Blackburn Rovers Ladies, already crowned champions of the FA Premier League North, will play at Ewood Park on Sunday 14 May when Stoke City are the visitors.

Kick-off is at 2pm, Rovers season ticket holders can watch for free, general admission is £3 Adults and £1 for Kids.

Sheffield United v Coventry City

The teams in their final huddles ahead of Wednesday evening's League One match between Sheffield United and Coventry City at Bramall Lane.

Victorious at Wembley on Sunday, the Sky Blues confirmed their improvement under Mark Robins with a determined display and more than matched the league leaders for 70 minutes until two quick goals from former Coventry players sparked celebrations amongst the Blades supporters and staff.

Two divisions will separate the teams next season but City's day in the sun at Wembley at least left their fans with a raft of positive memories after a dismal campaign.

The FA Sunday Cup Final takes place at Bramall Lane on Sunday 7 May with holders New Salamis up against Hardwick Social. Admission on the day will cost £5 Adults, £1 Concessions. 

This weekend, meanwhile, Coventry host their Legends Day and have reduced admission for the game against Peterborough United at the Ricoh Arena to £10 Adults, £5 Over 60's and £1 Under 18's. 

Hopping Around At Easter?

A look ahead to the affordable action taking place over the Easter Holidays...

First of all, I was sent a tweet today by Selby Town FC of the Northern Counties East Football League (NCEFL).

@NCEL @EasterHop2017
⚽️ Town v @pcfc1906 🕖 Sat 15/04 @ 18:00
📍Fairfax Plant Hire Stadium
🎟Entry £5 pic.twitter.com/RIctfx6Ixq

— Selby Town FC (@Selby_FC) 4 April 2017

The 6pm kick-off at this game is because it is part of a 13-match groundhop that covers both the NCEFL and also the North West Counties League.

It starts on Thursday 13th and ends on Easter Monday and full details can be found here of the whole event, of course the staggered kick-off times means people in local areas can make up their own mini-hop (Easter Monday's games at West Didsbury & Chorlton and Maine Road for example being in close proximity of each other).

Elsewhere, Good Friday's game between Weston-super-Mare and Margate will cost a minimum of £1 to watch as the home side throw open their doors for an Open Day. 

Commercial Director Neil Keeling told the official club website, “We ran a similar model back in 2015 which was called ‘Pay What You Want’ but this time round we want to highlight and promote everything this great club has to offer."

On the same afternoon there are reduced prices of £10 for Adults and Concessions and free entry for Under-16's as Woking FC entertain Macclesfield Town in the National League.

Saturday 15th sees a first ever 'Pay What You Want' game for Abingdon United as they host North Leigh United in the Hellenic League and admission has been reduced to £5 at Banbury United (Kids go Free) against Hitchin Town in the Southern League Premier Division as part of an Easter Funday.

On Easter Monday the semi-finals of the FA Women's Cup take place with Birmingham City Ladies hosting Chelsea at the home of Solihull Moors FC. Advance tickets for the 2pm kick-off are priced at £7 Adults, £4 Concessions and £18 for a Family.

Season Tickets: Bradford City & Rochdale

The weekend deadline for snapping up a 2017/18 Bradford City season ticket at an Adult price of £149 ended with a total of 16,500 briefs sold, a phenomenal return.

With the Bantams offer, however, it’s not the case that if you miss out on the original price that you face a steep increase.

An Adult season ticket is now priced at £169 until 16th April with Junior tickets £99 and Under-11's £5.

Over at Rochdale, where season ticket prices could be as low as £110 if 4,000 are sold, the first week of business has seen a healthy 500 supporters sign up for what could yet be Championship football next season.

Tuesday evening's home game against Port Vale is crucial in that regard and admission to Spotland will be just £1 for this re-arranged fixture.

Premier League 2

As the season draws to a close and the weather allows for more use of pitches, more Premier League clubs schedule Under-23 fixtures for their main stadium.

These games offer a good chance to sample the atmosphere of a big ground and take the family without breaking the bank (or even spending anything on admission if free entry is being offered).

The official Premier League website is a good starting point to see what fixtures are coming up and where they are scheduled to be played, although if you have your eye on a particular game then it is worth keeping an eye on the official club channels for any late changes of venue.

Definitely coming up, on Friday 7th April is this one...

Stamford Bridge for @ChelseaFC U23's v Sunderland. Fri 7 April, 7:05pm. Tickets £5/£3. https://t.co/GcNi9HGegj

— Affordable Football (@AffordableFooty) 28 March 2017

And then there are scheduled matches at the King Power Stadium, the London Stadium and St Mary's on Monday 10th April.