Spring time football night

Maine Road 2-1 AFC Fylde
North West Counties Premier League; attendance 145

Going to a night game and it's still daylight, no hat or gloves needed it's a wonderful spring evening. A ten minute drive and I'm at the turnstile just as the match kicks-off. AFC Fylde are top of the league and I was looking forward to some goals from last season's FA Vase winners.

It is a fast and feisty game - I was waiting for one of the teams to try and slow it down, keep the ball and work it around the pitch. But no the tackles are flying in, the players are shouting and hoofing long balls about. This suits Maine Road who go one goal up.

Fylde could have won this game if the number of times the ball smacked the steel goalposts and bar had gone in - I counted at least seven times. Also some great shot stopping from Maine Road's keeper - a fearless young lad referred to as AJ in all the shouting.

Even when 2-0 down Fylde kept on attacking, and pulled one back with about five minutes to go. It set it up to be a exciting finish as Maine Road were determined to hang on to their 3 points. As with football at this level you never know how long added time is going to be. Tonight it turned out to be five minutes, and the ball hit the Maine Road post again in the final minute.

Enjoy this evening escapism into non-league footie virtually on my doorstep. I'd have only been at home watching rubbish Tv or mindless web surfing.

Game 59 this season, admission £5, cup of tea 50p.