Gainsborough Trinity 0-0 Warrington Rylands

I leave Andy Carroll and KSI (who?) to their high-fiving and back slapping as I make a dash to Dagenham East train station. Anxiety kicks in when it comes to catching a train at London St Pancras, particularly on a Saturday evening, as you are penalised by the EMR Gestapo if your advance ticket doesn't correctly match the time of your departure. Remember folks, this is the company who made Nottingham Forest fans, including mothers and children, cry on their big day out at Wembley Stadium in May 2022. Hanging out their customer service staff to dry, with not a senior manager in sight. Telling angry supporters, in snaking queues, that there weren't enough trains going to London, having already taken their money.

On arrival at St Pancras, EMR create their own cock up chaos. The previous train has been cancelled to Nottingham. What should have been a breeze of a one hour thirty five minutes, three stop journey, suddenly has double the amount of passengers on board and two added stops at Bedford and Wellingborough. No train manager dares to show their face. As soon as I slump into my armchair, an hour later than expected, I fire off a delay repayment claim. Good old EMR, eh.

It could be said that Tuesday evening's game between Carlton Town and Anstey Nomads is the biggest in the Millers' history. The supporters and volunteers are ready for it. The pitch is in fine fettle, the food menu includes: Thai curry and chicken in Katsu sauce and there is a vinyl-only DJ set from Casually Dan. The groundsmen, Kelly and her mum and whoever is spinning tunes make it a fantastic supporter experience. Over 400 tip up on a filthy evening. Even Edward has video taped EastEnders and 'The Farm' on his Betamax.

I clocked, earlier in the day on the weather app, that we were to expect a wretched evening of high winds and squally showers. It will be a good toss to win. I just hope it was Anstey who chose to kick with the wind and not Carlton preferring to kick to their favourite end in the second half. I scan the team sheet and I'm surprised that club stalwarts and leaders on the pitch, Dan Brown and Niall Davie, aren't starting a game of this magnitude.

The game is over as a contest after 25 minutes. The Millers are 4-0 down and have had a defender sent off. They are blown away, not just by a gale but by a high octane display from the visitors, some of whom will feel that they have a point to prove, having been discarded for star studded ex Premier League players over recent weeks. Had it not been for 'Felix the Cat', in the nets, it could have been many more.

There is a doom and gloom about the place as the final whistle is blown. Anstey, and fair play to 'em, have managed to claw back a 12 goal difference in one evening, which could prove to be pivotal come the season end. 

I have dipped in and out watching Carlton this season, but have still caught them on 14 occasions. They are going to have to battle now and play with some heart, soul and energy. The Nomads can smell blood and will do their utmost to chase them down, as it is Anstey who now has the momentum.

I love a Wednesday afternoon shift at the shop as it usually means I'm done for four days. I head into town for a few craft scoops at my favourite bar, Junkyard. I have a couple of Salikatt DIPA New England ales called Stardust. I didn't realise, until I hit the fresh air on Weekday Cross, that this Norwegian brew was an 8% abv.

I continue my quest to visit as many CAMRA Heritage two star or three star pubs on Thursday. I bagged a bargain £20 return to Liverpool Lime Street. The only caveat is that I have five hours to complete my itinerary. On arrival at my favourite city (outside London) I wander down to Liverpool Central where I board a Merseyrail train to Southport.

I alight at Blundellsands and Crosby where I take a stroll towards pub number one of the day. Crosby is a coastal town in the Metropolitan Borough of Sefton, in Merseyside, with a population of 50,000. Notable people to have grown up or attended school in the town include: Cherie Blair, Kenny Everett and Anne Robinson, who is now dating Queen Camilla's ex-husband, Andrew Parker-Bowles.

If I thought the landlord at 'The Dagmar' (in Dagenham) was unwelcoming then the miserable sod at the Edinburgh Inn reaches another level of grumpiness. Not a word passes his lips as he pours me a pint of Tetley. It's an Edwardian pub known by locals as 'the Bug and Bite.'

I head past Marine FC's ground towards the coast where the skyline out in the Irish Sea is filled with low white clouds. I can see the 100 cast-iron life-size figures sculptured by Antony Gormley that emerge on Crosby Beach, when it's low tide. Crows Nest is a popular community pub that has a bar, snug and lounge. There's time to visit The Vines, on Lime Street, for a quick jar before catching the 5 pm train home.

I spend an hour down my favourite all-time pub, 'The King Billy', in Sneinton, on Friday teatime. There are quite a few teachers huddled in the corner cheerily celebrating a two week end of term break, I enjoy a pint of Taj from Little Brewing, in Derby and one of their crafts too.

I rustle up tea as Ms Moon and I discuss plans for next week. We've had a win on Wednesday's National Lottery drawdown. We buy tickets for a critically-acclaimed play called Punch and book a table for two at one of our favourite restaurants, Raymonds, in Nottingham city centre. I'm under the cosh in April as both the lads at the shop are taking some time off, so I'll have to step up to the plate, including manning my Easter egg stall outside, on Front Street, in Arnold.

It's Saturday morning and I'm excited for the day ahead. I'm off to a chippy near Gainsborough that's rated highly by the fish and chip fraternity. I've arranged to meet Matt Limon at Lidl in Netherfield. I need some dollar first as the chippy might be 'cash only.' The bloody cashpoint at Tesco Carlton is usually out of order. I'm already spitting feathers at that thought as I see an elderly gentleman gesticulate and throw his arms up in the air. "It's not working mate", he says. "A bit like the staff", I josh.

Greatest Hits is on the car radio as we head towards the A46. Limon loves a bit of midweek PopMaster on the Ken Bruce Show. He posts on Facebook every time he gets a maximum score of 39 points. He's also a big fish and chip aficionado, as is Carlton Town supporter, Danny Harkin.

Upton's chippy, est 1948, has one of the last remaining coal-fired ovens. Fish and chips are fried in beef dripping. The shop is only open six and a half hours per week. There are already over 20 people queuing when we roll up at just gone midday. The half an hour wait includes lots of lip-licking and salivating. A scrumptious lunch is eaten on a wooden seat in the village. It's washed down with an Elderflower Blonde from the Saltaire stable at the Sweyn Forkbeard, in Gainsborough town centre.

If I had to name my top ten Non League grounds then The Northolme would be in it. Matt is immediately impressed. It's £13 on the gate which includes a seat in the Ping Stand - the golf club manufacturer is based in the town.

The game doesn't really live up to the billing as both clubs chase a play-off spot. The DJ is playing what he likes (as he should) it's mainly a rock set which includes Jimi Hendrix. The second half is much better. Both teams hit the woodwork and the keepers are kept busy. A draw is a fair result. 

I anxiously check the full time score at Stoke Lane. The Millers lose their third consecutive League game, this time to lowly Loughborough Students, who they easily brushed aside earlier in the season. The heat is on as Anstey have rolled over Basford Utd, who Carlton visit on Tuesday evening in a Notts Senior Cup semi-final. The lads are going to need all the support they can, right now. Sticky Palms doesn't do 3G, but he will be doing on Tuesday!

Attendance: 712

Player of the Match: Upton's Chippy

Best Record Heard of the Radio This Week: Stampede, by Genesis Owusu

Best Ale Supped This Week: Cheat Code, by Soma, Girona, Spain.

Dagenham and Redbridge 1-0 Torquay United

It's Tuesday evening and the golden rays of sunshine dip beneath a formation of fluffy white clouds, as daylight begins to fade. Spring has finally shown its hand. I had the choice of two local games, being played out just a few miles apart. It's the relegation dogfight derby between Gedling Miners Welfare and Radford FC that tickles my fancy.

I walk off another teatime (sausage and mash ole ole) spent at Castle Rock's Bread and Bitter on Mapperley Top. Both teams are on a wretched run of form, although a chink of light emerged for Gedling on Saturday, after taking three points against Sleaford Town, who were down to ten men after just seven minutes.

I catch Big Glenn (HOF) writing out the Radford teamsheet as I enter the clubhouse. As reported in last week's Radford Journal, the Big Man is to be presented with an award at their next home game for having the neatest handwriting in the United Counties League. I ask permission to take a photo of the Radford Scribe. He tells me to 'eff off.'

There's no Faggsy tonight, as he's up in Accrington with Crazy Steve watching the Magpies, before heading up to the Lake District to walk a few Wainwrights. These are popular fells or hills (214 in total)  that are there to be bagged by walkers, and are named after Alfred Wainwright, a 1950s walker and author. They'll be potting a few Wainwright beers after a long day in the hills too.

The visitors have drafted in the big guns. Seaton keeps the Miners' defence on their toes whilst Saikou Brown, in the heart of defence, snuffs out any goal threat from the home attack. Radford are worth their two goal victory. I'd be gutted if either club were to be relegated from the United Counties League as I love them both to bits. It's going to be nip and tuck though folks.

Thursday is spent in the garden where some much needed tender loving care is required. The grass needs scarifying, feeding and weeding, but because clay-based soil holds the water, it's still way too wet for that. Add creosoting the fences, painting the concrete posts and jet-washing the patio to a list of tasks to do. I pop down to Junkyard and the Partizan Tavern for a couple of sherbets before rustling up some supper.

I bought, in December, Ms Moon and her daughter Becky a voucher for a three course meal and bubbles at The Ivy. Becky's Christmas gift for her mum was afternoon tea and a trip to the 'Emmerdale Farm' set, just outside Leeds. I've tried to explain to Ms Moon that 'The Farm' is not real and just a soap opera, but she's not having any of it. Tomorrow (Friday) they are both off Oop North for the weekend.

Obviously I took advantage as soon as I was made aware of their travels to West Yorkshire. I pen-in a potential visit to eight CAMRA two star and three star pubs in South London. I'm booked in for the night at the Canning Town Premier Inn, in Silvertown, as it's as cheap as chips, due to the noisy trains that run late into the night on overhead lines, the Docklands Light Railway and on the Underground.

I eat a hearty breakfast in the Lace Market before catching an EMR slow coach to St Pancras, just shy of 10 o'clock. The plan was to catch a train to Herne Hill and start the day out there. Thameslink put the kibosh on that with an announcement that the line is closed due to an 'incident' at Elephant and Castle.

I jump on a tube and hop off at Clapham North. The first pub of the day is Feeleys, a traditional boozer that has pretty much stayed intact since a rebuild in 1936. I'm cheesed off with trains and it's a beautiful sunny day, so I decide to walk through Brixton and onto the leafy suburb of Herne Hill, whose notable residents include: Olivia Colman, Michael Crawford and James Nesbitt.

The walk continues to East Dulwich and Dulwich Village. I wander through open spaces and parkland where children play and dogs chase one another whilst barking and rolling in the grass. I catch a train on the Windrush Line. The line was renamed in 2024 in honour of the Windrush generation of immigrants who arrived in London from the Caribbean. I have my final drink of the day, in the early evening, at Prince George, in Dalston. I don't like wandering around 'The Smoke' on my 'Jack Jones' much after darkness descends.

I flick around with the remote control as I rest my weary body in a 'Purple Palace' double bed. I've racked up 12 miles, 27,000 steps and climbed 18 floors. I chance upon a 2022 documentary where the interviewer Louis Theroux meets the rapper Stormzy. It's a fascinating piece of television. What a guy Stormzy is, giving back to his community and never forgetting his roots nor his family struggles in early life.

It's like waiting for a bus when writing about rappers. Today I'm off to a National League South game between Dagenham and Redbridge and Torquay United. The Daggers' co-owner is KSI. I've heard of KPIs as questions were raised about mine in various job roles. But I have never heard of the rapper KSI, who apparently is a judge on the TV show Britain's Got Talent. Adding fuel to the fire is the recent appointment of Andy Carroll as interim manager.

I jump off the Jubilee Line at West Ham and catch a District Line tube to Dagenham Heathway. Of course there's a couple of Heritage Pub tick offs to be had, and both watering holes open early doors. I'm met with a sea of St George flags. The bunting has been put out early, hasn't it? Over double the amount of votes cast at the EU referendum, in the constituency of Barking and Dagenham, chose to 'Leave' rather than 'Remain.' Labour easily held their slender majority, from 2019, at the last General Election.

It's not a particularly friendly welcome at the Admiral Vernon, an estate pub. I phoned them up to see if they were open, as there was no sign of life, with both front doors firmly shut. 'Den and Angie Watts' were quite affronted by this. I down my Guinness and make for the door before any other offence is taken.

The natives are far more welcoming at The Eastbrook, a five minute walk away from the football ground. It has a large main room with impressive oak wood panelling. I nurse a pint of Guinness as Ipswich v Millwall plays out on the pub TV set.

The Daggers ticket app is a tad clunky but I fluke purchasing a ticket on it. It was a good job I did as the card machine is playing up on the turnstile as my digital ticket is scanned an hour before kick off. I exchange pleasantries with a friendly steward. He's been on more cruises than Judith Chalmers. The DJ set is worth a mention. Pick of the selections are: 'Feet Don't Fail Me Now', by Joy Crookes and 'Fit But You Know It', by The Streets.

Neil Warnock upped sticks a few days following a short stint as caretaker. The owners have their new man in place today. You would have thought that the players might have put on a show for him, but it's the Daggers who have all the ideas and energy. It does look like a 0-0 though folks. The pony-tailed Daggers forward, Stan Leech, heads a cross over the bar. It's met with chants from the 400 Gulls fans from behind the goal of "You're just a shit Andy Carroll."

It takes a goal, direct from a corner by George Marsh, to break the deadlock. The Gulls offer very little. I slip away with a few minutes remaining as it's nearly an hour of travel back to St Pancras.

Attendance: 2,023 (376 away)

Player of the Match: Christian MaghomaBest Song Heard on the Radio This Week: All Bad Parts, by Lime Garden

Real Ale of the Week: Ocean Drop, Neptune Brewery, in Liverpool

Lincoln City 3-1 Stockport County

3000 Lincoln City fans bounce up and down as the final whistle is blown at the Cardiff City Stadium. The 400 mile round trip and early start, for a 12.30pm kick off, has been well worth the time and effort.  Rob Street is reluctantly pushed forward by his colleagues to take the plaudits. He has run his socks off and is attracting interest from Championship clubs.

I keep my head down, as I walk back into Cardiff city centre with the home supporters. My heart is racing ten to the dozen. I ring my brother up to chew over the fat, as he has watched the game on his TV set. We both agree that 'The Lincoln' have been magnificent in the second half. It's been a smash 'n grab with two breakaway goals. The match stats are a joke. The Bluebirds have had 78% possession. I wonder what the analysts and new breed of football supporters will make of that? Get the ball in the box and stop pussyfooting about, is what I say.

My train has been cancelled by that low life train operator X-Country. Sir Keir, please return this joke of a company to public ownership. I nip into a 'Spoons, a short walk away from the railway station. I enjoy a pint of Red ale and a bowl of sticky Korean chicken.

There's all hell let loose on Platform 5. It appears 100 Imps fans have been booted off two private coaches as folk have been caught boozing on them. The police have turned a blind eye, but the coach drivers have been told by the owner to drive back to Lincoln, minus supporters. Women and small children have been abandoned and hung out to dry. An adult single fare to Lincoln is £90. "What did you pay mate?" asks a raging Lincoln fan. "£35 return pal." We don't speak again.

It's chaos and bedlam at Birmingham New Street due to CrossCountry cancelling the previous train. The buffoons are asking folk who are travelling to Burton upon Trent or Derby to catch another train, as we are overloaded. The irony, eh. I finally arrive home at 9pm after a memorable trip. To complete the day the news arrived earlier that the Mighty Millers have beaten the Anstey All Stars in a top of the table clash. What a day to be alive.

Gedling Borough Council felt the wrath of my tongue the other week. Add them to the list of underperforming organisations. I put out the glass bottle recycling bin. It was full to the brim with Ms Moon's Prosecco empties (Trumpy Bolton would be proud) with the odd bottle of Red wine thrown in too. It was embarrassing to be honest, as I had to borrow the next door neighbour's bin too. It was a failed collection, folks. A no show from the bin lorry.

As petty as it seems I decided in a fit of pique to phone up the Council. The lady who picked the phone up had a brain the size of a pea. She would have breezed through a job interview at Carlton Tesco. such was her lack of empathy and zero customer service skills. GBC are quick to send out bills for Council Tax and Green gardening waste pick-ups, but there was no communication on the website or by email to say their bin lorry was off the road. Petty, I know, but this is an organisation who allowed an employee, in accounts, to siphon off £930,000 of Public money over a 19 year period, only for him to pay a fraction of this back.

After work on Tuesday I have tea at Castle Rock's Bread and Bitter on Mapperley Top. Lincolnshire sausage, mustard mash and onion gravy is washed down with a pint of Fire Horse from Alter Ego brewery, which is located in Alfreton. Gedling Miners Welfare are pitting their wits against high-flying Stapleford Town this evening. 

Big Glenn and his quick-witted sidekick, 'Shoey', are both in the clubhouse. Their club, Radford FC are dropping like a stone and are in the mire. I ask Glenn if it's true that he has won an award. He looks non-plussed. Apparently the United Counties League have said that the teamsheet he submits each week has the neatest handwriting in the League. Gedling play with a lot more energy than of late. They go down 2-0 which is a fair reflection of the play.

I'm sat in the wrong seat in Broadway Cinema on Thursday, until it's pointed out to me by an irate usher. It's pitch black in there and I've only got one eye. I'm watching a Brazilian Cannes Film Festival winning production called The Secret Agent, which is a political thriller. 

It's a noisy start to the film due to my neighbouring cinema-goers munching their way through two bags of popcorn. The film is close to three hours long and scored 98% on Rotten Tomatoes. For an hour I haven't a Scooby Do what's going off. Finally things fall into place. I finish the afternoon off with a quick slurp in Neon Raptor.

Tony Mac and I are on the 7.45 train to Sheffield on Friday morning. It's a day out in the historical city of Kingston upon Hull. We still have a few pubs in the Good Beer Guide to tick off. We hook up with Ackers before making the short walk to Thieving Harry's in the marina for a big fry-up.

The first pub is The Ship Inn, a cosy, traditional watering hole with a roaring fire. The landlord/owner is so friendly, like most northerners. He tells us some amusing stories and tips us off on a couple of newly opened pubs.

The day goes by in the blink of an eye. Other great pubs, with friendly faces behind the bar, include: The Alexandra Hotel, Fretwells and George Hotel. I love Hull, especially the Old Town and marina. You should go one day, you won't be disappointed.

We book an UBER to an out of town pub called Pave. The taxi driver is comedy gold. He reels off some famous people he's had in his cab, including Tommy Steele. I ask if he tipped him half a sixpence #oneforthekids. He says that former Blackburn and Hull striker, Henrik Pedersen, changed his tyre when he was a passenger in the cab. "Don't tell Phil Brown (Hull manager) I've done this, he'll kill me as I'm playing tomorrow."

I'm having breakfast in YOLK at 8.30 the following morning, as it's an early kick off at Sincil Bank. It'll be the last chance to see the Imps this season and it's the reason why I have chosen this fixture over Notts v Chesterfield, which is bound to be a cracker. My Woodland mushrooms, poached egg and bacon on sour dough toasted bread is magnifique and a piece of art.

I gaze at the timetable as I wait for my train. Would you Adam 'n Eve it, XCountry have cancelled two consecutive trains to Birmingham due to a shortage of drivers. The train to Lincoln passes by without incident.

I wander up town on my arrival. There is an independent market on High Street. I grab a Portuguese pastry before strolling to the ground along Sincil Bank and through the fan zone. I take my seat with a cup of Yorkshire Tea for company. There is barely a soul in the ground.

Lincoln are 19 unbeaten and the Hatters are battling to stay in a play off spot. Moylan has already stung the hands of the giant Stockport 'keeper before he opens the scoring from close range following a corner. Stockport are impressive, particularly their 2 jacket Dacres-Cogley. The Imps look tired and disjointed after tough trips to Cardiff and Exeter.

A goal has been long coming for Stockport. Former NFFC player Ben Osborn has been pulling all the strings, he strikes the ball into the box which is superbly met with the head of ex Imp Jack Diamond. Parity is deservedly restored.

Stockport smell blood, so Skubala freshens things up by bringing on five subs. Wickens launches the ball upfield it falls to Darwika who strikes a deflected shot into the net. Substitute, Alfie Lloyd ,who I clocked a few months ago on loan at Leyton Orient, races onto a Wickens assist to put the game to bed. The scenes at the end at Sincil Bank are unprecedented. I just hope their tired legs get themselves over the finishing line.

Attendance: 9,759

Player of the Match: Sonny Bradley

Best Song I've Heard on the Radio This Week: Borderline, by Tame Impala

Best Real Ale Supped This Week: Black Band Porter, from Kirkstall Brewery, Wm Hawkes, in Hull.

Cardiff City 0-2 Lincoln City

I trudge down the steps of the Derek Pavis Stand at Notts County's Meadow Lane ground with disgruntled Pies fans. Grimsby Town, with their gamesmanship and time-wasting tactics, have stolen three points.

I bump into Kimberley Al and Stabbo Gaz, in a packed to the rafters King Billy pub in Sneinton. They are raging about the sending off of Lee Ndlovu by an inexperienced referee.  It's a decision that turned the game on its head. I sink a pint of Lenton Lane's Cloudburst and then disappear into the night - well back home actually, as I'm on a ten hour shift in the morning (4 am-2pm)

I love a Tuesday night game; it breaks up the week. Jonny Hand has very kindly offered to pick me up on Westdale Lane. What a guy Jonny is. He selflessly gives up his time for Carlton Town. Not only does he volunteer to help out when the pitch is waterlogged, but he also spends hours upon hours down the Stoke Lane ground carrying out general maintenance, painting and groundworks. The merry band of Millers are lucky to have folk(s) like him.

What should be a straight forward journey turns into a trip from hell for many. A lorry has hit a bridge in Tollerton on the A606, there is an incident on Remembrance Way in Clifton and worst of all a car fire on the M1. We tip up in Shepshed 90 minutes later. The news is that half the players are stuck in tailbacks and there's no sign of the referee.

Shepshed is a club I have visited and followed many, many times. The Big Man and I had a mate called Iain Screaton, who was Shepshed's skipper for a few seasons. He was once sent off by Sian Massey on a Friday night at Butthole Lane. You may remember Massey and her innocent involvement in the sacking of Sky TV's sexist presenters Andy Gray and the ghastly Richard Keys, after correctly calling an offside decision.

It's announced that the game is to kick off at 8.45 pm. Many supporters and committee members have turned around and headed back home. Club sponsor and top racing tipster, Jon Gilbert and 'Biscuit' have ended up at Quorn, where Anstey Town are playing. Biscuit probably punched in the wrong postcode on Sat Nav.

At first, the late start doesn't appear to affect the visitors. But they are second best to everything in the final half an hour of the first half. There's no energy or creativity and they live a very charmed life. The Millers are in debt to the best shot-stopper in Step 4 football. 'Felix the Cat' bails out his team mates, just like he did when Shepshed visited El Stadio Stokeld earlier in the season. The woodwork is their best friend too.

Football is a cruel game, totally against the run of play Carlton take the lead through a clinical strike from Ash Chambers. We're unsure if it will save them all a bollocking at half time, as they have been miles off it. They wrestle control in the second half and look to add to their tally. The goal before half time deflates Shepshed and takes the sting out of their tail.

Spring is in the air on Thursday morning. I clear the garage out and crank up the lawn mower to give the grass its first cut of the year. I'll scarify it after it's dried out, when I can get some feed and weed on it.

I'm out again tonight, at a Notts Cricket Lovers' Meeting at Trent Bridge Cricket Ground. I usually fancy a couple of scoops on a Thursday teatime. I hook up briefly, in Junkyard, with Dean Gripton and Casually Dan. We chew the fat over Carlton Town's big game at Anstey Town on Saturday. I sup a couple of craft ales from the Warpig Brewery, who are from Copenhagen. They have a tap takeover here.

Andy Afford is a guest speaker at Cricket Lovers Society. He was a left-arm spinner for Notts in the 1980s when Clive Rice was captain. He took over 400 wickets for the club. He later became a journalist and publisher. There is a humbling moment, during the question and answer part of the night, when he is lost for words and clearly moved, when asked about Clive Rice's influence on him. His dry humour is lost on some in the room.

Ms Moon mentioned a few weeks ago that she was planning to visit her sister in Malvern for the weekend. I checked the football fixtures immediately and couldn't believe my luck where Lincoln City were playing. I've been trying to complete the 92 grounds for what seems like an age now. On Saturday Cardiff City's Stadium will be my 90th.

I need a proper breakfast to fill my stomach, as I'm unlikely to eat until I check- in at my hotel in Cardiff City centre later this evening. The Hungry Pumpkin, in the Lace Market,  duly oblige. The Italian owners are a great lads.

The downside of travelling by train to Wales is that the rail operator is Cross Country Trains. They were recently announced as 20th in the League table (bottom). They make EMR look world-class. Incredibly we limp into Cardiff Central on time(ish).

Another one of my hobbies is to visit as many CAMRA Heritage two star and three star pubs in the United Kingdom. There are two in Cardiff, so I might as well make hay whilst the sun shines. It's a couple of miles walk to the Royal Oak, but well worth it. A lot of boxers used to spa here back in the day.

I tick a few pubs off on my way back into town. The Pen and Wig and Tiny Rebel tap house, a brewery based in Newport, are the pick of the bunch. The Golden Cross is another pearler. It dates back to 1863 and is Cardiff's oldest gay bar.

I eat at Leonardo's hotel in the city centre. It's nowt to write home about and neither is my room. It's lights out at 10 pm as I have a long day ahead of me tomorrow.

The breakfast is first-class and I'm feeling fine and dandy. It's a long walk to the ground, but you get to see so much more, such as the rugby stadia and street art. Close to Cardiff City's ground is a mural of Gary Speed who passed away in November 2011, at 42 years old. What a great player he was.

There's a plaque at Cardiff's Stadium of another iconic football figure. On 10th September, 1985, Wales and Scotland were toughing out a World Cup qualifier at Ninian Park. Scotland manager, Jock Stein, was taken ill at the end of the game and passed away in the club's medical room.

I'm through the turnstile 90 minutes before kick off. I want to savour the build up and atmosphere. Lincoln City will go above Cardiff should they win today. I love a DJ who wants to play the stuff he or she likes, rather than the commercial tosh forced upon 'em like Freed From Desire (yawn). Our Man on the decks plays Panic by The Smiths and Fascination Street by The Cure.

Both sets of fans ramp up the atmosphere in the stadium. Over 3,000 have hit the road early from Lincoln for the 400 mile round trip. Boy oh boy these Welsh fans can sing. Lincoln settle quickly in a cagey opening. They are happy to surrender possession to the League leaders.

Cardiff find some rhythm and start to get the ball wide. There's a five minute spell where Imps 'keeper George Wickens keeps them in the game with some excellent saves. The half time whistle comes at a good time for the visitors. I text my brother to share my anxiety.

Nottingham-born Lincoln captain Tendai Darirwa has been outstanding and reads the game like a book. He plays his role in Lincoln's opener. Street shrugs off a challenge, House plays a reverse pass back to his partner, 'Quality Street' does the rest. The Cardiff fans sing no more.

Lincoln are magnificent. Gaps appear as Cardiff abandon the safety of tippy tappy ball. McGrandles puts in Jeffries who drives forward, cuts inside and unleashes a shot that nestles in the corner of the net. The away following are bouncing 'The Cardiff' leave in their droves. 

Attendance: 27,280

Player of the Match: Tendai Darikwa

Best Record Heard on the Radio This Week: Jack Penate, Tonight's Today

Best Beer Supped This Week: Mumbles Haze, Mumbles Brewery, in Swansea

Notts County 0-1 Grimsby Town

I exit Field Mill onto Quarry Lane as I head towards the A60. The mighty Imps have extended their unbeaten run to 16 games after a 2-0 victory over Mansfield Town. I can hear the Lincoln fans heralding their Ukrainian powerhouse central midfielder, 21 year old Ivan Varfolomeev. It is said that City paid (undisclosed fee) close to £300,000 for his services from Czech republic side FC Slovan Liberec.

I stand at the bus stop with a group of Mansfield Town fans waiting for the Pronto bus back to Nottingham. I keep my head down as I hand over £3 cash to the driver, who has a mentor on board. We're only 10 minutes into our journey when I hear a commotion downstairs. The mentor is on his walkie-talkie to Control to report that the driver's dashboard lights are on the blink. We stop at Larch Farm for what seems an eternity before being told to leave the bus and catch another one that's following behind. Add to the Mickey Mouse list Stagecoach and Blakey from On the Buses.

I finally alight the replacement bus outside a Grade II listed Heritage Pub called The Vale, in Woodthorpe. The main room is closed to pub goers for a private function. In another dimly lit room a small group of rugby fans are watching the fag end of the Six Nations game between Wales and Scotland. They burst into song at the final whistle. I gate a pint of Guinness as they sing the chorus to Flower of Scotland.

I treat Ms Moon to lunch on Sunday afternoon. I've booked a table for two at the highly-rated Alora on Mapperley Top. We've enjoyed the small-plate, around the world tapas dishes before, but have never had their much-talked about Sunday roast. The treacle-cured rump of beef, with all the trimmings, is to die for. Despite preferring quality over quantity, there's no room for a dessert.

We notice, as we wander back to the car, that Tamasha, an Asian fusion restaurant, has changed its name to Mood. It was recently all over social media. To steal a line from the 1970s sitcom, The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin, there was a 'cock up on the catering front', on of all days, Valentine's night. Star-crossed lovers were left outside in the cold and the rain because tables were overbooked or diners outstayed their welcome. It has changed its name, since that omnishambles, to Mood.

I'm grazing on a 3% Kernel craft ale table beer at Barrel Drop on Monday evening as I wait for Carlton Town's Jack of all trades, Alan Murphy, to rock up from a late shift at work. We're off to a gig at Rescue Rooms on Goldsmith Street, in Nottingham. Older readers will remember Mortimer's Cavern and Isabella's night spot on the same street from back in the day.

The headline act is a band called Sorry who hail from north London and who are not to be confused with the sitcom starring Timothy Lumsden, who was played by pint-sized comedian Ronnie Corbett. Sorry, the band, recently released a brilliant new single called Echoes. Give it a whirl folks, it's a beauty. They are ably supported by Hank, who are also from 'The Smoke.'

I'm back up Mapperley Top on Tuesday. There's time to kill before Gedling Miners Welfare take on Swallownest, from South Yorkshire, in the United Counties League. I have a burger at Old Flower Shop. I was hoping it was grill night as the gammon in there is on another level.

Poor old Gedling are on a terrible run of form. I'm still doing my customary lap of the ground when they fall behind after 30 seconds. It's a comedy of errors and sad to see them 5-1 down at the break. What do you say as a manager in the changing room after a horror show like that? The company is good though. Faggsy, Nigel Harlow and the Goulder brothers are in attendance.

On Thursday a blog legend returns to these pages. I have arranged to meet Mr Trumpy Bolton for a few scoops at the Stratford Haven in West Bridgford. He's doing his bit for the Treasury and hospitality industry by announcing his retirement. He's already planning trips to Devon (Exeter City) to watch his beloved Leicester City, should they be relegated from the Championship, as he expects they will be.

I grab a coffee and bacon and egg cob in town on Friday on my way to the railway station. I've cocked up myself today as I've double-booked. Sleaford Mods are showcasing their new album The Demise of Planet X at Rock City this evening. Foolishly, I arranged a Jolly Boys outing with the Keyworth lads in the East of England.

I jump on the Norwich bound train with Matt Limon and Coops before joining up with Chopper Harris and Ackers on a Greater Anglia choo choo bound for Stansted Airport. We alight at the market town of Bury St Edmunds where I've been a few times including watching their Non League team.

The town is well known for its Greene King Brewery and British Sugar. We visit a GK pub called The Nutshell, which is one of many boozers in the U.K. who claim to be the smallest. Matt Limon has mapped out a superb itinerary which are mostly Good Beer Guide entries. We return to the cathedral city of Ely to visit a few more. The pick of the bunch is Drayman's Son, a Three Blind Mice taphouse. We get stuck into a few crafts before the journey home with a can(s) in hand. 

On Saturday I meet the artist formerly known as 'The Keyworth Georgie Best', his partner Becky and more importantly my six week old granddaughter Romy, for brunch in the Trent Bridge Inn, in West Bridgford. Little 'un only stays awake for ten minutes, but manages a few smiles for Grandad. She melts my heart, each and every time I see her.

I've arranged for a pre-match drink with a mate I've known for over 50 years. Leggy is a great lad and is a legend not only at South Wolds School, but also at Keyworth Cricket Club where he has dedicated hours and hours of his time coaching and volunteering on the groundworks side of the club. Every Club needs a Leggy, what a smashing lad he is.

He claims to have not watched Notts County for over 25 years despite being a Pies fan. We enter the Derek Pavis Stand to the crashing drum beat of New Order's Blue Monday. The Magpies still have Palmer, Norburn and Jatta as notable absentees. Grimsby will need to win here to stay with the chasing pack for a play off spot.

The other week, at Sincil Bank, a little girl sat next to me colouring in her book for the entire first half. I wish I had that book as it would be far more entertaining than what these two sides dish up for 46 minutes. The Mariners put everyone behind the ball as they look to nick one on the break. They nearly do, twice, at the beginning of the second half, but Pies 'keeper Belshaw makes two smart saves.

The time-wasting, by the visitors, is cringeworthy. as Notts get on top. The goalie rolls around to break up play and more importantly, momentum. The Kop ain't happy and direct their venom at the Grimsby stopper. The game-changer is on 76 minutes. A weary Lee Ndlovu clumsily lunges in after losing control of the ball, with his studs showing up. The disappointment is, rather than the official taking timeout to consider what action to take, he instead immediately brandishes a red card from his back pocket. 'Fagin's' (Martin Patterson) gameplan is shattered into pieces. 

Moments later, having only being on the pitch for seconds. the Notts County 22 jacket leaves Mariners winger Charles Vernam in acres of space. He shrugs off a challenge before finding the corner of the net with a fine strike. The away following can't believe their luck. In fairness what they lack in ideas and quality they more than make up with effort and endeavour.

Grimsby see out approaching 100 minutes (time they wasted) with not too many scares. It's smash and grab and not particularly pleasing on the eye. County need those three absentees back sharpish or it's going to be another nailbiting play off scenario again.

Attendance: 12,487

Player of the Match: Leggy

Best Ale I've Supped This Week: A Tribe Called Quest, Arbor Ales, from Bristol

Best Song I've Heard on the Radio This Week: Kneecap, Liars Tale.