SSML PIay-offs

[Rhodes]

On 01/05/2022 at 04:16, Rhodes said:

So it is Ampthill Town v Wellingborough Whitworth on Tuesday 3 May and Winslow United v Shefford Town & Campton on Wednesday 4 May

So who wiII be entertaining/hosting Wellingborough Whitworth in the Play-Off FinaI on Saturday.

[Winslow Boy]

Shefford have beaten Winslow twice this season. Winslow have really not been great since February. If Winslow can play as well as we know they can I’d fancy them against anyone but it’s not been happening recently, I think Shefford will edge this one sadly. 

[Rhodes]

3 hours ago, Rhodes said:

So who wiII be entertaining/hosting Wellingborough Whitworth in the Play-Off FinaI on Saturday.

This was what confused me when karen pubIished the FA's pedantic ruIes and reguIations for the Play-Offs, the two Semi FinaIs are at AmpthiII Park and EImfieIds Gate aren't they:  

Please note that the above matches are not treated as 'home' matches of the club on whose ground the match is played. The club 'hosting' the fixture is responsible for paying the match officials. Normal Division 1 fees are applicable. Due to the very short timescale of play-off matches after the end of the playing season, we will not require the 'host' club to provide either a written or on-line programme. We would however request that a board is placed around the clubhouse where the two teams can be listed and seen by spectators.

[Winslow Boy]

2 goals in last two minutes for Shefford. 

[Rhodes]

WinsIow Boy - Commiserations: 

Wednesday 4 May 

Division One PIay-Off Semi FinaI 

Winslow United 0 Shefford Town & Campton 2  

[Winslow Boy]

I thought given recent form it would go that way, all in all a good season for a very young side. 

[Rhodes]

On 04/05/2022 at 01:17, Rhodes said:Tuesday 3 May 

Tuesday 3 May

Division One PIay-Off Semi FinaI 

Ampthill Town 2 Wellingborough Whitworth 3 (after extra time)  

Ampthill Park was awash with groundhoppers on Tuesday evening, here's one account of the proceedings. Ampthill Town could argue that there was no requirement to produce a programme however they did on-line:

Ampthill Town 2-3 Wellingborough Whitworth aet (HT 0-1) (FT 2-2)
The Park Stadium
Spartan South Midlands Division One Play Off Semi Final (Step 6) 2nd v 5th.
Attendance 403 and 8 dogs
Admission £6/3
Programme- sold out
Tea £1
Cold can soft drink £1.50
A good crowd, meaning a good atmosphere. I got there early as parking is limited and supplemental spaces are along the grass verges of the approaching road. They had sold out of programmes, even though I arrived around 7pm, and I only saw 2 other people with one in hand, so it must have been a short print run.
First half was not particularly exciting, with WW scoring from a penalty. The second half was like watching a different team. It looked like WW had completed the job with their second goal at 56 minutes in. AT managed to respond 3 minutes later with a quick fire goal that sailed past the WW defence, and 6 minutes later a penalty kick saw them equalise. The WW GK did well to save 3 or 4 shots directly on target, tensions increased when a WW player was sin binned on 80 mins (he did return to the game for injury time) and this was quickly followed by a yellow card awarded against AT.
Extra time was played with WW scoring approx 10 mins into the first period. They will now travel to either Winslow United or Shefford Town and Campton for Saturday's final, whose semi final is due to be played the following evening.

[Rhodes]

1 hour ago, Rhodes said:

Tuesday 3 May

Division One PIay-Off Semi FinaI 

Ampthill Town 2 Wellingborough Whitworth 3 (after extra time)  

Well known groundhopper The Wycombe Wanderer was also present at Ampthill Park on Tuesday:

http://footygrounds.blogspot.com/2014/02/ampthill-town-woburn-street.html

[Rhodes]

Here it is in black and white, roll on Saturday afternoon:

[Rhodes]

On 12/04/2022 at 21:57, Karen Browne said:

Not SSML but following on Non League Matters Forum

SL1C: Welwyn Garden City will be demoted at the end of the season for failing the ground grading inspection

Karen is in the wars at present isn't she, now the Welwyn Garden City Manager has departed the CIub: 

I have resigned as WGC manager with immediate effect- I wish them all the best in the future. Huge thanks to my players, the committee and the loyal supporters - it’s been a brilliant 3 years . Cheers Nicky.

[Winslow Boy]

Shefford win 4-1 

[Rhodes]

yes, who wouId have thought it, I made them outsiders of the four CIub's: 

Saturday 7 May 

Division One PIay-Off FinaI 

Shefford Town & Campton 4 Wellingborough Whitworth 1  

[Munchkin]

On 18/04/2022 at 14:41, Winslow Boy said:

I see. If they’re going to give them perhaps there should be enough to give enough to anyone who has played 50% of the games or more. 

Interesting chat with John Chidley tonight when he came to present the trophy.

he said within the rules the league don’t have to award runners up medals, but they do.

As we found out this season, the league provide 16 medals for league winners and then clubs can buy more direct from MDH. Quick turnaround to be fair, helps that they are in MK for us.

[Rhodes]

On 07/05/2022 at 18:59, Rhodes said:Saturday 7 May 

Saturday 7 May

Division One PIay-Off FinaI 

Shefford Town & Campton 4 Wellingborough Whitworth 1  

A groundhopper from another Forum was present and gives a Iengthy account of his day: 

Shefford Town & Campton 4 v 1 Wellingborough Whitworths - Spartan South Midlands League Division 1 Play Off Final - Programme 12 pages £1.00 - Admission £5.00 - Att. 410
Enjoyable day out that originally commenced with an anticipated trip to Midhurst before a complete change of direction at Waterloo, thus avoiding the replacement buses from Guildford onwards but just about avoiding travel issues travelling up from St Pancras.
Good game with an outcome that was somewhat flattering towards Shefford but once in front early in the second half they showed far more attacking prowess than their opponents, the only period that the visitors looked a threat was directly after they had pulled back a goal from a penalty which had been needlessly conceded.
First half was well balanced between two teams who both attacked fluently but were unable to find the back of the net. Big early chance for Shefford that at the time the miss by Henry Snee who placed what was a clear chance wide of the post would be crucial and Snee followed that up later in the half with a further opportunity that once again he placed wide. At the other end there were a similar number of chances but not quite as clear cut as what was being spurned by Shefford, Reece Lewis between the posts for Shefford was the busier of the two keepers and initially did not inspire confidence in his handling but did manage to get behind a powerful drive from Richie Bailey which was then characterised by plumes of dust arising as Lewis fell into the only area of the pitch which was bereft of grass. Lee Baxter, Lewis' opposite number for the visitors was tested by Scott Metcalfe and the last chance of a reasonable first half saw Cam Taylor's jinking run down the right end with a shot which deflected off of a Shefford defenders thigh and head for a corner. The thoughts were at half time was that with extra time and penalties scheduled, then this could be a long afternoon, albeit on a very pleasant late spring day and also in very pleasant surroundings.
From this angle the turning point of the contest arrived 6 minutes into the second period when a long ball forward from the visitors landed at the feet of Taylor who had a clear run on goal, however rather than progress closer in on goal he shot from the edge of the area and placed his shot wide of the far post. A crucial miss as within 10 minutes Shefford had established a 2 goal lead. Firstly, a miscalculation from Ryan Baxter for the visitors as he failed to exert control in a position where he needed to exert control, ball ran loose to Metcalfe and he placed past L Baxter. Minutes later and the lead was doubled soon after with Sam King creating space on the left and his low cross was perfect for Snee to convert from close range and also to exorcise the memories of his earlier misses. The game was nearly over as a meaningful contest soon after as Metcalfe angled a shot across the face of the goal and narrowly past the far post.
At this stage there seemed little in the way of a revival from the visitors but they summoned up some reserves of energy and Matt Judge found space but was thwarted when his shot was bravely charged down by Lewis, however from the rebound far out on the edge of the penalty area Tom Cooksley lunged in on Taylor conceding a penalty which despite the attempts of the Shefford u9 players behind the goal to distract Kobi Biltong from taking the spot kick by jumping up and down, Biltong showed composure to place the spot kick perfectly into the left hand corner and there was a distinct feel of a comeback from the visitors. This did not last more than a few minutes and was ended by Shefford's 3rd goal when once again was afforded too much space on the left, on this occasion he cut in past less than convincing defending and placed a shot just inside his near post beyond L Baxter's dive. This ended the match as a contest and it was then a matter of managing the final minutes for Shefford, they were able to score a a fourth after a penalty was awarded after L Baxter pushed over Charlee Yearwood in a pique of frustration when they were both challenging for the same ball. Obvious penalty easily converted by Mitch Foley and L Baxter received a straight red card for his action. On the balance of play and deserved but in terms of margin a flattering win for Shefford and they now await their Level 5 allocation that may be to the South Midlands League Premier Division but could be as per one of the prediction maps shown in the restructuring thread to the United Counties League Division 1 South. One of those tasks that those with the responsibility of squaring the geographical Level 5 circle will have to make a decision about in the next week or so. 
Shefford Town & Campton are a team that has made rapid progress in recent years with this being their first season at Level 6. Relatively new ground developed after the original Shefford Town folded some years book and the venue was easily located with prominent floodlights being located on the left just after passing a 'Welcome to Shefford' sign. There is a small area of standing cover and a slightly off centre stand and with a large (by the home clubs standards) crowd, viewing was not the easiest, however with their viewing impinged as well the blazers from the SSML managed on at least two occasions to ensure that their 'Could you move as you are blocking my view' requests were adhered to. Good as always to meet up with SUFC Phil at the venue and for a catch up on all things Roots Hall.
Noted that the route from Arlesey station towards Shefford took a route very near to the excellent but only visited once before Engineers Arms in Henlow, therefore quick deviation on the way back to a hostelry that is a wonderful ale led establishment., though as a downside had two very big screens intrusively showing the carnage unfolding at The Amex. Thankfully the garden was open for a peaceful interlude allowing imbibing of excellently kept ales from Leighton Buzzard Brewery, Wantsum (one of my favourite breweries for consistently good ales) and Tring.
Rather fortunate with the outward journey as due to ongoing problems with driver availability there were a raft of cancelled services and the service caught at St Pancras was the last service for 90 minutes in the direction of Arlesey from where it was a 50 minute walk to Shefford. Similar situation on the return journey with the train caught being the last departure from Arlesey for at least another hour. Both journeys were without issue though and indoors at 21.50.

[Rhodes]

20 hours ago, Rhodes said:

Saturday 7 May

Division One PIay-Off FinaI 

Shefford Town & Campton 4 Wellingborough Whitworth 1  

Another groundhopper from another Forum was present on Saturday:

Also here. Thought Shefford handled their "biggest day" (and I'm guessing their highest crowd) well, with stewards directing later arriving cars to the area high above the far goal where there are a number of junior pitches.
The small band of vocal Whitworth (note no 's') fans took full advanatge of the ability to drink pitchside although their enthusiam waned after the third goal.
Nothing to add to the above report of an enjoyable game which I think is the first time I have seen a Non-League play-off tie.
I arrived from the opposite direction to TFTR on the half hourly bus from Bedford. Handily it dropped off virtually outside the Brewery Tap which is the spiritual home of Bank's and Taylor Brewery and still signed as such, though I believe the beers are now contract brewed, 2 cask B&T beers were on sale alongside 2 guests.

[Rhodes]

On 07/05/2022 at 18:59, Rhodes said:Saturday 7 May 

Saturday 7 May

Division One PIay-Off FinaI 

Shefford Town & Campton 4 Wellingborough Whitworth 1  

A weII penned match report:

Shefford sail past Whitworth and gain promotion to step 5 - Shefford Town & Campton 4-1 Whitworth FC (nonleaguenation.com)

[Rhodes]

On 04/05/2022 at 23:34, Rhodes said:Wednesday 4 May 

Wednesday 4 May
Division One PIay-Off Semi FinaI
Winslow United 0 Shefford Town & Campton 2

A beIated match report and over 130 photographs, courtesy of Sports Shots:

SSMFL Div. 1 Play-Off Semi-Final; Winslow United 0-2 Shefford Town & Campton - Sports Shots