Back Up & Running.

I've been without my camera for a week or so. It's been having a sensor clean at Harrison Cameras. They also had a look at why the shutter was "freezing." The sensor is now clean but there's no definitive answer as to why the shutter was misbehaving. Whatever they've done to it, it seems to be working OK now. Fingers crossed

During the week, Handsworth FC's 6-match winning streak came to an end with a 4-2 defeat at Albion Sports. We didn't make the trip. It was an 8pm kick-off on a Wednesday evening so we decided it was a bit of a trek. The getting there isn't bad I guess but the later than usual kick off and the drive home meant it would be way past our bedtime when we got back!

According to reports and fans comments, the 4-2 scoreline wasn't really as comprehensive as it sounds. Having gone 3-0 down, Handsworth pulled it back to 3-2 but then, chasing the equaliser, got caught on the break as Albion got their 4th and decisive goal.

Ian Robinson's match report is here: 

https://www.pitchero.com/clubs/handsworthfc/teams/126071/match-centre/1-14094482/report

And we know Ian always tells it like it is so you may be sure it's an accurate and honest account of the game.

I picked up the camera on Friday 22nd, just in time for the Ambers first "3pm Saturday afternoon kick-off" at home this season when the visitors were Eccleshill Utd.

Turned out to be another win for Handsworth although it was a close encounter. A Kieran Wells tap in put The Ambers 1-0 up just before half time but some heavy Eccleshill pressure brought them an equaliser 10 minutes before the end. Handsworth secured the points in the 89th minute when substitutes Brandon Bagley and Craig Mitchell combined for Craig to grab the winner.

Again, Ian's match report is here:

https://www.pitchero.com/clubs/handsworthfc/teams/126071/match-centre/1-14094618/report

And I managed to get some pictures (The camera still has it's moments but performed much better on Saturday!) The full album is on the Handsworth website:

https://www.pitchero.com/clubs/handsworthfc/photos/2023-09-23-ambers-21-eccleshill-ncel-prem-1075816.html

The win takes The Ambers into 2nd place in the NCEL Premier Division, behind Silsden FC on goal difference. We're only 9 or 10 games into a 38 game season so there's a way to go but we have to believe!

It was good to see so many youngsters at the game. Aside from The Ambers Under-12 girls on Mascot duty, there were babes-in-arms, toddlers and other young folk of varying shapes and sizes! It's really great to see families coming to Olivers Mount and confirms the "Amber Family". ethos of the club. Long may it continue.

Next up is another home fixture. On Wednesday 27th September we host Knaresborough Town. Their form has dipped recently but it will be another tough test for Handsworth who will have to be on their game to beat one of the early season title favourites.

Weather forecast for Wednesday isn't great with heavy rain and strong winds forecast but we'll see. My dad always said the Met Office couldn't tip rubbish! Looks like this game may have to be shot from the back of the stand!

COYA 🧡🖤⚽👊

The Wins Just Keep Coming!!

In a very busy week (3 games attended) I haven't had a chance to update the blog so here's what's been happening in the frantic last few days.

On Wednesday 13th September, The Ambers hosted Penistone Church FC at Olivers Mount. It's usually a tough game against Church and this one was no exception.

Handsworth were 2-0 winners and moved up to 3rd place in the NCEL Premier Division table.

A first half goal from Mitch Dunne (an absolute screamer which left the keeper grasping at thin air) and Kieran Wells with a powerful header from about 10 or 12 yards early in the second half sorted out the points although a missed penalty would have made for a more emphatic final scoreline. 

Celebrating the 2nd goal!

A crowd of just over 200 enjoyed an entertaining encounter on a warm September evening.

Ian Robinson's match report is here and is certainly worth a read:

https://www.pitchero.com/clubs/handsworthfc/teams/126071/match-centre/1-14094471/report

And my photos from the game are here:

https://www.pitchero.com/clubs/handsworthfc/photos/2023-09-13-ambers-20-penistone-ncel-prem-1074137.html

Incidentally, both of these links will take you to the revamped Handsworth FC website. Have a look around whilst you're there!

Friday evening, 15th September, we were back at Oliver's Mount to watch the Handsworth Under-21 side start their league season.

Facing Jubilee Sports U21 side, the young Ambers took a 2-0 lead in the 1st half although it has to be said that the Handsworth keeper made some crucial saves to preserve the lead until just before half time when Jubilee pulled one back.

The 2nd half saw Jubilee up  their game and they eventually ran out 2-3 winners. Disappointing for the young Ambers lads but it's essentially a new team and I'm sure they'll continue to improve as they get to know one another.

Another disappointment is the lack of match photos! My camera started playing silly beggars not long after the game started. Pressing the shutter button, instead of firing off 12 frames per second, resulted in the camera "freezing" and not reacting to the shutter button at all. Tried switching off and back on again (standard procedure for most technology) and that worked until I stopped clicking and it went into standby mode. Restarting brought the freeze again for maybe 15 seconds by which time of course, I'd missed the action!

Anyway, Saturday 16th September took us to Maltby Main FC. It's a difficult place to go and Handsworth haven't had a win there for 6 or 7 years but with Maltby having a difficult season and given the Ambers current form, we travelled in hope! The game turned out to be as tough as expected but Handsworth eventually triumphed 3-4.

The scoreline flipped and changed (0-1, 2-1, 2-3, 3-3, 3-4) and as ever at Maltby, it was a tough battle. 

Handsworth had taken the lead through Brandon Bagley but an own goal by Henry Carne brought Maltby back into it and the home side added a second before half time.

Second half and Handsworth scored twice in about 10 minutes to re-take the lead before Main levelled again a couple of minutes later.

It was nice to see Henry Carne atone for his own goal by powering in a header on 80 minutes to bring Handsworth another 3 points and stretch the winning run to 6 games in a row

A much better match report than mine can be seen at:

https://www.pitchero.com/clubs/handsworthfc/teams/126071/match-centre/1-14094413/report

Credit once again to Ian Robinson, our match reporter and programme editor.

Unfortunately, there is no accompanying match album due to continuing issues with my camera which once again, randomly froze at critical moments. Even though I'd taken my spare camera, that too decided it didn't want to work properly. So, disillusioned, I put both cameras away midway through the 2nd half.

The camera is booked in for service and fault investigation at Harrison Cameras on Monday morning. Fingers crossed they can sort it for me!

Anyway - The Ambers next challenge is an away game at Albion Sports who are unbeaten in the league so far this season. Handsworth have only lost once in the league this season so it'll be another tough challenge. I can't make it to this one so "Good Luck Ambers!!"

COYA 🧡🖤⚽👊

Onwards & Upwards

Saturday 9th September and we made our first ever visit to Bottesford Town FC for The Ambers latest NCEL Premier Division fixture. A combination of fixture schedules and a week's vacation in North Yorkshire meant this was our first view of the team since the epic 3-2 win at home to Hallam FC a couple of weeks ago.

The Barrett Steel stadium has a 3G pitch and is pretty well equipped with plenty of parking and spectator cover if it rains! A little disappointing that there was no printed match day programme, just a team sheet.

A modest attendance of 75 of which some 25% to 30% were Handsworth supporters. Maybe that's because Bottesford are having a bit of a rough season, having lost all 5 of their league games before this one and only scoring 2 goals in those matches.

Forecast was for thunderstorms around 4pm but apart from one huge bang and a flash of lightening late in the 2nd half, there was nothing more than a distant rumble.

However, we were amazed to find massive puddles and the obvious aftermath of heavy rain as we drove away from the ground to head home. It turns out the Scunthorpe v Buxton game in the National League North was abandoned late on because of thunderstorms and torrential rain. The two grounds are around 4 miles apart so I guess we got away with it a bit!!

The match itself was not a classic. In the first half, Handsworth played some excellent passing football and captain Mitch Dunne scored two real "poachers goals" to give The Ambers a 0-2 lead at half time.

As the second half went on, a combination of the heat and a referee who had apparently decided at half time that he needed to show who was in charge, meant the match became very stop-start. Frustration built amongst the players and the coaching staffs as the ref flashed his yellow card at every opportunity.

Both sides had chances to score but The Ambers held on to their lead fairly comfortably to make it 4 league wins on the bounce and move up to 6th in the League table.

Ian Robinson's excellent match report can be found on the Handsworth website. A good read and an accurate description of the game as ever from "Scoop". Click the link:

https://www.pitchero.com/clubs/handsworthfc/teams/126071/match-centre/1-14094456/report

My Flickr photo album is here if you want a look (please!!):

https://www.flickr.com/photos/62126085@N04/albums/72177720311089027

Next up is a tough home game against Penistone Church on Wednesday evening, September 13th. The current form table shows the teams have almost identical records so it will be a tight affair but then again, it usually is a close game when these two sides meet.

The games come thick and fast through September with another 6 fixtures to be played. Looking forward to it!

COYA!! 🧡🖤⚽👊

Ambers Cup does not runneth over...

Last Saturday, Handsworth FC were knocked out of the FA Vase at Euxton Villa in a First Qualifying Round Tie. It was Euxton's first ever game in The Vase competition. Final score was 3-2 to the hosts. We didn't go because again, as in the FA Cup defeat at Barnoldswick, it was a 4 hour round trip.

The game at Euxton came on the back of 3 successive NCEL Premier league wins so The Ambers faithful probably expected a more positive outcome but it wasn't to be. I had my doubts when I saw the line-up on the Twitter feed. We only had three substitutes and one of them was a goalkeeper. It seems that about 8 or 9 of the 1st team "regulars" were not available through injury or other commitments

Ian Robinson's match report is here and as ever, is worth a read.

https://www.pitchero.com/clubs/handsworthfc/teams/126071/match-centre/0-5697479/report

So, out of both major cup competitions and it's back to league business. There's been change of plan here too. Handsworth were scheduled to play away at Emley on Friday September 1st but that fixture was postponed because Emley went through to the next round of the FA Cup and cup games take priority over league games. As it happens, we wouldn't have got to the Emley game anyway because we head off on a few days holiday on the 1st.

The Ambers are therefore next in action on Saturday 9th September, the day after we get back, so we plan to make the trip to Bottesford. A new ground for us! Our holiday has fallen at the right time (not planned) because we won't miss any 1st team fixtures whilst we are away!

Since there's no match action pictures to show, I decided to publish a couple of shots of my happy place - Oliver's Mount! (And BTW - it looks just as good when the sun's not shining!)

Until the next time... 

COYA🧡🖤⚽👊

The momentum continues!

After a second successive 2-0 win, this time away at Eccleshill, Handsworth faced probably their biggest test yet when high-flying Hallam FC, with their 100% league record, visited Oliver's Mount on 23rd August for a game billed as the "Steel City Derby."

And what a game it turned out to be! A bumper crowd of 518 saw Handsworth gain a 3-2 victory over Hallam in an action-packed, pulsating affair.

Having taken a 0-2 lead, Hallam looked to be on their way to another league win until Mitch Dunne opened his season's goal-scoring account with 2 very good but very different strikes either side of halftime to bring the scores level. 

The 1st of captain Mitch Dunne's two goals

Then, with about 20 minutes left, ex-Handsworth striker Aaron Moxam grabbed the winning goal, after coming on as a sub. Aaron has returned to the Ambers fold following 5 seasons away and looks like a very astute signing.

It was a proper derby with a big crowd, 5 excellent goals, an amazing comeback by the home side, 110% effort from both teams and some awesome football. All this for £5 entrance fee! Who needs Premier League!?!

For a more detailed account, read Ian Robinson's excellent Match Report here:

https://www.pitchero.com/clubs/handsworthfc/teams/126071/match-centre/1-14094441/report

and my photo album  is here:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/62126085@N04/albums/72177720310722487

It has to be said that the "Feel-good factor" looks to have returned to Handsworth FC. In my particular case, after this fantastic match, I think that the adrenalin finally stopped pumping somewhere around 36 hours after the final whistle!!

Next up is an FA Vase 1st Qualifying Round match tomorrow. The game is at Euxton Villa who are located near Chorley in Lancashire so we won't be going. I've said before that a 4-hour round trip to a game is just a bit too time-consuming for this knackered old pensioner!! Good luck to the boys! COYA!!

Since we are heading off on a week's vacation soon, it means our next opportunity to see a first team game will be on or around 9th September but we'll have to wait and see.

🧡🖤⚽👊

Season up and running.

Wednesday, 16th August 2023 and  Handsworth FC recorded their first win of the season in a tough encounter with a good Garforth side.

The lads grew into the game after a dominant start by the visitors. Two goals early in the 2nd half secured the 3 points. The goals were scored by Alfie Dodsworth, who fired home a shot from the angle of the penalty area into the far corner of the net and Kieran Wells, who was re-signed by the Ambers last week. Kieran pounced on a defensive error, rounded the keeper and rolled the ball into an empty net.

It wasn't all over by any means and Handsworth still had some defensive work to do as Garforth took the game to Handsworth in an effort to get back into it but The Ambers stood firm. Goalkeeper Dylan Parkin maintained his current good form and in particular, a world-class double save in the second half showed his quality once again.

Ian Robinson's Match Report is on the club website. Another honest and accurate account of the evening's proceedings. Have a read:

https://www.pitchero.com/clubs/handsworthfc/teams/126071/match-centre/1-14094423/report

I'm a little ashamed to admit that as a photographer, I missed both goals!! Alfie's strike in particular caught everyone by surprise and I was moving to a new position to get a better view of the goal area when Kieran scored his! My match album (minus 2 goals of course) is here:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/62126085@N04/albums/72177720310557303

Fortunately, there's a video highlights package on the Handsworth website. It's worth a look if only to see the fantastic strike by Alfie. A goal to grace any game at any level. And I missed it...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCQlwoEzoRU&t=75s

It's good to see another former Amber has been re-signed too. Along with "Wellsy",  Aaron Moxam has joined us again after a successful period with the club a few years ago. These two players will add to the Ambers striker options of course and will also bring a wealth of experience to the team. The squad is now a really good blend of youth and experience.

Next up is an away trip to Eccleshill today (August 19th) but we won't be there. I have some business in Sheffield around lunchtime and by the time that's done, it'll be too late to get to the game before kick off.

With no Saturday football for us again, we went to watch the Ambers Under-18 side who were in FA Youth Cup action at Oliver's Mount on Friday evening. (18th August).

This was another cracking game of football as the Ambers ran out 4-1 winners. Handsworth were 2-0 up at half time but Eccleshill U21 made a fast start in the 2nd half and quickly pulled a goal back. Handsworth had to absorb some pressure but scored two more late on as legs on both sides began to tire.

A great advert for youth football this with both teams having their moments. Both played some excellent passing football but did the physical stuff as well when it was necessary. There's no doubt that the young talent on show suggests the future's bright for both clubs.

Since I don't have CRB or DBS clearance, Safeguarding certification or whatever it's called these days, I wasn't allowed to take photos of the game. It actually made a nice change to watch a game normally and not through a camera lens. Every cloud...!

🧡🤎⚽👊

It's been a while...!

Handsworth FC had no game at the weekend so we decided to have a look at our "2nd Club" Dronfield Town. I was quite surprised to see from my diaries and photo album logs that it's been 2 years since we went to watch a game at Stonelow Road so the visit was long overdue.

We first started watching non-league football around 2006 when a friend signed for Belper Town and we went to watch one of his early games. We got hooked on the whole non-league experience and have been devotees ever since.

Our involvement with the Sheffield & District Junior Sunday League meant  we knew of Dronfield Town's junior sides and their Club Secretary who was Darren Bradwell. As registrars, Sheila and I looked after their Junior section's player registrations. I also worked at the same company as Darren so we were in day-to-day contact outside football too.

Since formally becoming Dronfield Town around 2000, they have risen through the ranks of non-league and now play in the NCEL Division 1. We started watching the odd game when possible. Stonelow is only a stone's throw from our house (see what I did there?!?). It's just a 10 to 15 minute drive.

For me, one of the most notable things about the Club is the way their volunteers have worked hard on the ground and spectator facilities. In the past, the pitch used to get waterlogged fairly frequently. It slopes from one touchline to the other and the top touchline is at the bottom of another slope from the cricket pitch above. Rainwater draining from the top of that slope used to make the area along the top touchline particularly boggy during wet weather.

The hard work that has gone into sorting out drainage and improving spectator facilities is obvious and the results impressive. The playing surface is good despite the slope and there's a compact, seated stand, a play area for youngsters to enjoy in safety and a small but adequate clubhouse and snack bar. It's a good club with nice people and well worth a visit if you're at a loose end.

On Saturday, Dronfield drew 1-1 with Beverley Town and so secured their first point of a difficult season opening schedule. A draw was about the right result I reckon. Beverley scored first but the Dronfield No 9, Max Rhodes, scored on debut to earn a point for the home side

It wasn't a classic by any means. A strong, gusty wind and some very heavy showers made life difficult for the players. Both sides battled hard against the elements (and each other!) and both managed to play some good football when they got the ball down and passed it around. It also meant I had to shoot most of the game from the back of the stand although I managed decent shots of both goals and some nice action shots too if I do say so myself!

My match album is here if you want to look:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/62126085@N04/albums/72177720310445480

We really enjoyed our visit to Dronfield and it won't be another 2 years before we're back there. Although our Handsworth commitments will probably rule out most Saturdays games, Dronfield play their midweek fixtures on a Tuesday evening whereas Handsworth play on Wednesdays.

Best keep the camera batteries well charged then!!

⚽📸⚽