Friday, 28 January 2022

Live at the Beeb

From my living room in Sheffield I was transported to Belfast on Tuesday night for a very enjoyable game between Cliftonville and Linfield, the magic of the iPlayer bringing the BBC Northern Ireland coverage to me.

I've blogged and tweeted for nearly a decade now on the subject of affordable football, almost always in terms of going to games but it does mean something else to me and that's the way that I consume the game while at home, which usually means the Beeb.

From the excellent coverage on Radio Sheffield, to Match of the Day, the Scottish Championship and Irish Premiership on the iPlayer and programmes such as Off the Ball, I get most of what I need to keep in touch with the game at lots of levels and in different parts of the UK.

Everybody's different, of course, and much of the above won't float everyone's boat but, at a time when the broadcaster's future is under threat from a government all too willing to throw anything and anyone under the bus if it furthers their own ends, I think its always worth highlighting what you get for your money.

Monday, 24 January 2022

Free and In

Sutton Coldfield Town FC, of the Northern Premier League - Midlands, are throwing open their doors on Saturday 29th with free admission for all spectators as Wisbech Town visit Coles Lane.

With no Premier League matches taking place over the weekend keep an eye for more clubs potentially offering reduced prices.

It is also the 4th Round of the Women's FA Cup and in addition to the City Ground hosting Nottingham Forest against Manchester City on Saturday, Huddersfield Town's tie with Everton will be at the John Smith's Stadium on Sunday, kick-off 1pm. Cash admission on the day is £5 adults, £3 concessions and free for U16's.

Tuesday, 18 January 2022

Welcome Back...

To more spectators at games in Scotland, the previous limit of 500 having been lifted as from Monday.

The Scottish Football Fixtures site is a great resource for finding a game north of the border.

To Non-League Day which returns on 26th March this year, celebrating semi-professional and grassroots football.

Keep an eye on the twitter page for details of special offers at matches up and down the country.

And to Dagenham & Redbridge FC's 'Daggers Celebrate Diversity Day' after the successful 2019/20 fixture.

Tickets for the game against Halifax Town on Saturday 29th January are available from just 50p for concessions and U16's and £2.50 for adults.

Sunday, 16 January 2022

Market Forces

A quick mention for the pride of North Shropshire, Market Drayton FC of the Northern Premier League where their January sale means admission to the game against Newcastle Town on Monday evening is priced at just £5 for adults, £3 concessions and £1 for U16's.

When The Shrew Is Away is a great twitter site for finding a game to go to at all levels within the Shropshire area.

Sunday, 9 January 2022

Magic of the Cup

A really enjoyable day of FA Cup action on Saturday, topped by Cambridge United's win at Newcastle, where reduced prices drew a big crowd that added to the sense of occasion.

This season's Women's FA Cup is at the 4th Round stage and there's a good chance to catch a match in the lovely setting of the City Ground as Nottingham Forest Women aim to cause an upset against Manchester City.

The game has been scheduled for a 1pm kick-off on Saturday 29th January with tickets priced at £5 adults, £3 concessions and £1 for under 18's.

Plymouth Argyle Women host Charlton Athletic at Home Park on Sunday 30th where tickets are priced at a maximum of £8.

Tuesday, 4 January 2022

The Cobbydalers v The Vikings

Northern Counties East League (NCEL) action this coming Saturday sees Silsden AFC host Goole AFC and admission to The Office Interiors Stadium is on a 'pay what you want basis'.

Goole offered a similar scheme over the festive period and, in line with very healthy crowds throughout the non-league game, were rewarded with a record league attendance of 478.

The excellent site Outside The 92 has a full report on that game which can be viewed here, while the official NCEL website is a great source of fixture information amongst lots of other things.