Work In Progress

 

Building work ongoing at Lesser Hampden a couple of weeks ago as Queen's Park FC prepare for their move to the stadium in the new year.

Having moved rapidly through the leagues in the last couple of years, following the historic decision in 2019 to end their amateur status, top-flight football is realistically on the cards next season.

While work at Lesser Hampden has been ongoing, the club have been ground-sharing with Stenhousemuir but made a temporary return to the main Hampden Park ground at the weekend when nearly 2,000 fans from local school and community groups were part of the crowd watching a comprehensive victory over Hamilton.

Queen's Park remain at the national stadium this Saturday for an SPFL Trust Trophy tie against Montrose for which prices have been reduced to £10 for adults and £5 for concessions (65+) and under 16's.

Hallam FC versus North Ferriby

On the 3rd March 2020, I watched Hallam FC and North Ferriby play out a 1-1 draw at Sandygate, writing at the time 'there was a warm welcome at the world's oldest ground, £5 adult admission and a good atmosphere in the bar as supporters of both sides mixed.'

Just a week later, of course, and the 2019/20 season was stopped in its tracks, the result of the game included on the excellent NCEFL website for historical purposes only.

Both clubs continue to thrive as part of their local communities and now ply their trade a division higher, in the NCEFL Premier where North Ferriby currently sit at the top of the table.

They meet at Sandygate this coming Saturday (scheduled for 3pm but keep an eye for any changes with the England match and freezing temperatures forecast for Sheffield). The prices and the atmosphere will be the same as way back then!

Bargain At The Briggers

2022 has been a special year for Worsbrough Bridge Athletic FC as they celebrate 100 years in existence.

Currently playing in the Northern Counties East League Division One, The Briggers have survived many ups and down over the years, from floods to stadium disputes, but are looking ahead with confidence to a future as a vital part of the local community.

Their commitment to keeping it affordable is shown by this recent tweet.

🗣️ 𝗔𝗡𝗡𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗖𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧

As a key part of the community & with the cost of living affecting us all & Christmas creeping up, The Briggers want to give something back.

So on Saturday 17 December v @Retford_FC it will be PAY WHAT YOU CAN AFFORD at the @Pinto_Property Stadium. pic.twitter.com/6uos8TMTBI

— Worsbrough Bridge AFC (@WorsbroughBFC) November 27, 2022

Ring Out The Belles

Ahead of Fulham Women's return to Craven Cottage a few weeks ago, the excellent HammyEnd blog wrote about why it was such an important occasion , especially given the rich history of the club in their previous guise when they were one of the early trailblazers for women's football and the long path back from when Fulham Ladies were dissolved in 2010.

Would we have been in a position to celebrate England's Wembley success at the Euros this summer without clubs such as Fulham and Doncaster Belles and the opportunities they strived to provide at a time when so many avenues remained closed?

Now known as Doncaster Rovers Belles, the six times FA Cup winners have had to rebuild themselves after being squeezed out of the top divisions of the game in recent seasons and now looking to gain promotion into the third tier of the women's football pyramid.

Chief executive Russ Green told the official club website recently: “The Belles were pioneering, incredibly successful across the decades and we are all incredibly proud to be a part of such a historic club. While more recent times have been difficult, we are back on strong foundations and determined to regain our place among the elite in this country."

The Belles will play Lincoln City Women at the Eco-Power Stadium on Sunday 11 December with all school children across the city offered the chance to watch the game for free when accompanied by a paying adult.

General tickets are priced at £5 adults and £1 for under-17's with reductions for Doncaster Rovers and Doncaster Rugby League FC season ticket holders.

A Nod To The Future

Just a few minutes away from the magnificent Kelpies, lies the home of Falkirk FC, currently in Scottish League One but making progress towards a brighter future.

The club this week published a very detailed update on the current financial situation, incliding the investment made by fans into the Falkirk Supporters Society.

Prices have been reduced for the home game against Queen of the South, just two days before Christmas, with adult tickets £10 and concessions £5. Under 12's go free and tickets can also be bought and donated to those who may be struggling at this time of year.

Keep An Eye Out

For these upcoming matches as top-flight football prepares for a spell in hibernation.

Thursday 17th Nov: Scotland Under-21's take on Iceland in a friendly at Motherwell's Fir Park. Admission to the 7pm kick-off is completely free for all supporters.

Saturday 19th Nov: Thanks to Loughborough Dynamo FC of the United Counties League for letting me know that prices have been reduced for their home game against St Neots with adult admission a fiver and concessions £3.

On the same day, season ticket holders of Premier League and EFL clubs can watch Sutton United for reduced prices (£10 adults, £7 concessions and £3 for children) when they take on Colchester United in League Two.

Tuesday 22nd Nov: The first of four home games for Harrow Borough FC during the World Cup (the others are on Saturday 26th, Wednesday 7th December and Saturday 10th December). Adult admission for each match has been reduced to £10 and a ticket bundle for all four is available for £28 (concessions £15 and under 16's £3).

Sunday 11th Dec: Tynecastle hosts the Scottish Women's Premier League Cup final with Rangers taking on Hibernian. Tickets for the 12.30pm kick-off are priced at £8 adults and £1 concessions.

Saturday 17th Dec: Family day at Bolton Wanderers with adult tickets priced at £10 for the visit of Exeter City in League One. Over 65's and under 18's tickets are a fiver.

A Deal At 'Dale

Proud members of the Football League since 1921, when many others have had spells out of the league (with some never making it back), Rochdale AFC continue to be a focal point for the local community and also the inspiration for some fantastic books, such as 'Kicking in the Wind' by Derick Allsop and 'The Overcoat Men' by Mark Hodkinson who has also a new book out now, called 'The Longest Winter' which details the 1973/74 season at Spotland against the backdrop of inflation, industrial unrest and more (so very timely).

With many of their near neighbours in the Premier League and Championship set for a winter break once the World Cup begins, 'Dale are offering four games for the price of three between the visit of Mansfield Town on Saturday 12th November and the Boxing Day game against Hartlepool.

Harrogate Town also have a ticket offer for upcoming matches against Leyton Orient on the 12th and Mansfield on the 19th of November and Northampton Town on 10th December.

The 'Festive Football 3 for 2' deal does exactly what it says on the tin and lets supporters watch the third game for free.