It's football so it's another week of ups and downs!

The steadying of the good ship Handsworth continued on 17th October when they visited in-form Emley and came back with a very creditable draw.  With another great defensive performance The Ambers became only the 2nd team to stop Emley from scoring this season.

We didn't go due to another engagement but Ian Robinson's report is here:

https://www.pitchero.com/clubs/handsworthfc/teams/126071/match-centre/1-14094445/report

Two good performances against two strong teams was encouraging and we moved on to the next game which saw us host league leaders Campion at Olivers Mount on Saturday 21st October with a little more optimism than usual maybe!

The final score - Ambers 3-5 Campion - doesn't tell the full story of the game. Campion scored early but goals from Aaron Moxam and Mason Barlow meant Handsworth went into the break with a lead.

Not surprisingly, Campion came roaring back in the 2nd half and equalised fairly quickly. Aaron Moxam scored again to restore the lead (he'd also had a lobbed goal ruled out for a debatable offside decision in the 1st half.)

Campion equalised again and then an unfortunate own goal put them ahead. Chasing the game, Handsworth conceded a fifth goal late on. 

With a disallowed goal and a couple of missed chances, The Ambers felt a little hard done by. An excellent showing by the team for no reward. How often is that said of a football match? Someone said after the game that if we play like that for the rest of the season, "We'll be oreight!" Hope so!

Ian Robinson's report is here:

https://www.pitchero.com/clubs/handsworthfc/teams/126071/match-centre/1-14094530/report

and my photos are here:

https://www.pitchero.com/clubs/handsworthfc/photos/2023-10-21-ambers-35-campion-ncel-prem-1079837.html

Probably the best part of the afternoon came when we met some surprise visitors from Braunton FC's Disability squad who had travelled up from Devon - through Storm Bebet!! - to play in a local tournament. The plan was then to go on to Bramall Lane to see Sheffield Utd v Manchester Utd but that plan was scuppered when Sky TV moved the kick-off to 8pm.

Plan B was to go to see Sheffield FC but that was rained off so they came over to Oliver's Mount to watch Handsworth FC! We presented them with medals to commemorate their visit and we hope they enjoyed their brief time with us. A lovely bunch of folk!

I asked what time they would get back to Devon but one of the organisers said they were heading back on Sunday via Bristol  where they were to take in a Bristol Rovers Ladies game (or Bristol City - I have an awful memory) before going home.

So - not the best result but a memorable afternoon for another reason! Thanks for coming guys!

COYA 🧡🖤⚽👊

There was some more bad news when it was reported that Storm Babet had caused serious flooding at Belper Town's ground. The pitch was under water as was the clubhouse and changing rooms. It's the 3rd time in 5 years they've suffered flooding like this and it's heartbreaking for the club, its staff, volunteers and supporters.

We watched our first game of non-league football at Belper Town in 2005/2006 and have fond memories of the club and people. I've been hooked on non-league ever since and these days, wouldn't consider going to a professional game. 

The value for money is second to none and some friendships formed over the years wouldn't have happened without non-league footy.

Anyway, everybody at The Nailers has got stuck in and they are working hard to get the club back on its feet. They desperately need cash to replace floorings and so on in the clubhouse.  The club can't get insurance cover because of their proximity to the river so a crowdfunding page has been set upI

https://www.gofundme.com/f/belper-town-fc-ground-repair-funds?utm_campaign=p_lico+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=customer

It's going to cost in the region of  £18,000 to put things right so if you can, please put in a couple of quid to help them out. Click the link above. Thanks!