FUN IN THE SUN AT JACKSDALE

FUN DAY @ JACKSDALE MW

AFC JACKSDALE MW 3 WACKODALE GALACTICOS 2

Att: 200 approx

Well I thought I had finished my 2018-19 season last week, but early in the week saw a twitter message to say there was a Fun Day at Jacksdale where their AFC Sunday side were to face the giant legends of the past. I had only ever been to this ground once before and to be honest, the pitch wasnt the best, it was full of holes and I felt was a danger to the players that day back some five years ago when Corner Pin entertained Mansfield Hosiery Mills in the Notts FA Junior Cup.

As Hazel dropped me off today, the first thing I noticed was how good the pitch looked, it was green, level and no holes in it at all and all a credit to Paul Gutteridge who had put in a lot of hard hours to get this place in to a superb state.

On the sidelines were a few bouncing castles and throw the wet sponge stalls, two lovely blonde ladies selling the raffle and a gazebo selling hot dogs, burgers and cups of tea and coffee.

Before kick off, I got a chance to take photos of both tams then both teams together and just before the kick off, both teams did a 2 minute applause for a gentlemen who had played for many years in this annual event who sadly lost his life only a few weeks ago, it was good to see the whole crowd join in this moment of respect.

The game kicked off and i was soon joined by local hopper Malc Storer who has been to over 300 matches this season, but this ground was a first for him, he arrived with Mansfield Town Supporter and local hopper Melvyn Piasecki.

The game was going from end to end and some the challenges were concerning match official Tim Gregory for him to have a couple of words, with a smile on his face.

The breakthrough for AFC came in the 34th minute, when the striker cut in from the left hand side and planted the ball past the Wacko keeper to make it 1-0.

Off it was for a half time cuppa, where the gazebo was doing a roaring trade and the ladies were working up a sweat with the lovely smell of onions frying and burgers grilling.

As soon as we got back to pitchside, it was 2-0 after 48 minutes, when a long strike nestled in the bottom corner of the net.

The game then went through a bit of a dull patch where both sides were cancelling each other out, but this all changed as on 78 minutes, a scrambled effort bought the Vets back in to the game when the score was halved.

AFC then had the chance to go 3-1 up as they were awarded a penalty, but Michael Shipley was equal to the spot kick and saved it.

It didnt stay 2-1 for long though, as on 86 minutes, AFC were awarded another penalty after a defender had handled the ball, this time, the AFC keeper ran the full length of the pitch to slot the ball home.

With time running out, the Galas pressed forward and they were awarded a penalty of their own, to which Wilson(who had lost his dad, see earlier in the report) stepped up and reduced the arrears. One final effort by the Galas but they didnt lose as everyone was a winner today in this match, as on this sunny day, a lot of much need cash was raised for this friendly club.

Once the players were showered and got their drinks, the youngsters of the club had their presentation, to which I was kindly asked if i would do the camera work for.

On the raffle, a committee member Mrs Wood won and kindly gave me a Trival Pursuit game which id got my eye on for my 14 year old son with autism Shawn, he was over the moon as i got back to the car.

244 photos can be seen on this LINK

With the 5 goals scored at this match, it now takes the Charity Blog;s running total to £282.25p for Nottingham Stroke Club