Cambridge United 4-0 Notts County

The massive National Lottery win of £173 is put to good use. On Wednesday evening we're booked in at the upper circle of Nottingham Playhouse for the 6.30pm  showing of Punch. Ms Moon soaks up the evening sunshine with other theatregoers outside the venue. She has purchased a couple of baby bottles of prosecco from the bar inside. She declines the offer of a Jelly Bean, as I unearth a bag from deep inside my pocket. They're only £1.25 from the Friar Lane MSR store - a bargain buy in comparison to the Playhouse prosecco.

For those of you unaware of James Graham's play, called Punch, here is the narrative. In 2011, trainee paramedic, James Hodgkinson, travelled from southern England, up to Nottingham, to watch a day of Test Cricket with his father and friends at Trent Bridge, in West Bridgford. After the game James, his dad and some friends walked into the city centre for a few drinks on the Saturday evening. Another large group of mates, from an inner city area called the Meadows, were also drinking in town.

A Meadows lad called Jacob Dunne had become separated from the larger group and was drinking in another pub called the Pitcher and Piano when he received a phone call from a friend to say that trouble was brewing outside Yates Wine Lodge, in Market Square. Dunne dashed across town and after appearing at the scene, unprovoked and without questioning, threw a single punch at James who fell to the floor.

Nine days later the life support machine, keeping James alive, was switched off by doctors. A bleed to the brain caused catastrophic organ failure. Dunne was found guilty of manslaughter and was sentenced to 30 months at Glen Parva Young Offenders Institution. It's an incredible story full of forgiveness, bravery and courage. The audience is reduced to tears when the father of James shakes the hand of Dunne; the hand that punched and killed his son.

Easter is spent mainly at the shop where Sticky's Independent Traders has an Easter egg stall on Front Street. I forgive folk who buy the Daily Mail and vote Reform, for four days only, as record sales are recorded. I should have carved out a client relationship role when I left school and not delayed it until I was in my early fifties as I have loved every minute of it.

We dine at Raymonds restaurant opposite The Angel Microbrewery on Good Friday evening. Earlier, I had enjoyed three pints of Black Iris session beer at the Fox and Grapes in Sneinton.

Easter Monday sees me down Stoke Lane for the Carlton Town v Basford United NPL Midlands fixture. I'm tired and mardy after a 4 am - midday shift at the shop. It was only last week that I saw these two sides tough it out in a Notts Senior Cup semi-final at Greenwich Avenue. I'm no fan of Basford nor their 'plastic pitch.' They deservedly won the tie after a lacklustre second half from the Millers, who still appear low on confidence and short of energy and ideas going forward. The highlight of the night was tea and a pint with Nige Harlow at The Lion.

The Millers volunteers are to be applauded for the welcome to fans of Nottinghamshire Non League football. There's a good choice of food, fine craft ales and crystal clear music booming out of the sound system.

Carlton take a very early lead. Lamin Manneh skins his full back alive and is clipped. Chambers scores from the spot. Again Basford are excellent in the second half. They equalise and push for the winner. Only the brilliance of Felix the Cat and a missed sitter prevents the Ambers from taking all three points. I walk home in a sulk. My nose is streaming and my throat is on fire. As Morrissey said back in 1985 'please excuse me, I've got this terrible cold coming on' (The Headmaster's Ritual).

It's work and rest for three consecutive days as I struggle to fight off a virus. I pass a late fitness test on Friday morning and head down to Mrs Bunns Cob Emporium on Musters Road, in Bridgo. I gnaw my way through my bacon and tomato cob as I queue at the ticket collection point at Nottinghamshire Cricket Club where I have renewed my membership.

Faggsy shouts me up a coffee in the Barrel and Bean. We wander around to the Lower Radcliffe Road where we take our seats. The usual cast of characters are in attendance: Drurs, Horsey, Kev, Kimberley Al, Neil and Ken. We are joined later by an old school friend called Gary Robson, who I also played cricket with for Keyworth.

Over 350 runs are scored for the loss of 14 wickets. We spend most of the day bathed in the glorious spring sunshine. It's bloody freezing for the final two hours. Circulation is restored to my body when we finally leave the ground at 6.50pm. A couple of pints of Harvest Pale ale are quaffed in Sneinton Market.

Dean Gripton messaged me yesterday to say that a couple of tickets have been confirmed in the home end at Cambridge United's Cledara Abbey Stadium. I hastily book an advanced return train ticket with a change at Ely. The 8.32 Nottingham to Norwich train sees cheery, hopeful Pies' supporters in good spirits, including Kimberley Al and Tony Perkins, the landlord of the Partizan Tavern, which has some of the best kept beer in our city.

'Grip' is a football encyclopedia and a great lad too. He's keen to visit the Polar Museum that's just a short walk away from the railway station and it's free admission too. It's well worth the while. It documents a history of exploration in the Arctic, Antarctic and surrounding areas. I'm blown away with some of the stories told about courageous men such as Captain Scott and Roald Amundsen.

The Kingston Arms comes highly recommended and is a Good Beer Guide entry. It re-opened in 2023 after falling on hard times. It's wet-led with a small selection of bar snacks. I have a Black Forest Gateaux stout. I chance upon another lad from Keyworth who I haven't seen in over 45 years. His name is John Bell who is now a London Pie. I remember him being a mighty fine footballer. His late sister, Tracey, was a big Pies fan too.

We dine on the hoof with a peri peri chicken wrap and some chips. Tickets are collected and our seats are taken. A stanchion blocks my view of the nearest goal. I like the ground with its low-roofed stands and narrow rows. Notts look to be down to the bare bones. There's no Jones, Tsaroulla, Platt, Robertson or the ill-disciplined Jatta.

The Magpies don't cope with the swirling wind from the off. Cambridge 'keeper Eastwood pings a diagonal 50 yard ball, Bedeau is drawn out of the centre of defence, but fails to win his header there's a scramble in the box and a save before the rebound is netted.

Everything is coming down the left hand side. By 33 minutes it's 3-0. A long throw isn't dealt with and Lavery fires home. Another set piece is clipped in, nobody attacks it, the first touch is sublime, the second is smashed into the back of the onion bag.

Notts offer very little, although an Ndlovu header bounces back off the cross bar following the dismissal of Eastwood for deliberate handball outside the area. Manager Martin Patterson (we call him Fagin in the shop at work) hurries down the tunnel; he is raging.

Changes are made but the pattern of play is unchanged. The ten men of Cambridge make it 4-0 after more shoddy defending by Ness. Opposition scouts and analysts will have noted Notts' weakness from an aerial bombardment. With the uncompromising Barnet, Bristol Rovers and Colchester United still to play they are going to have to fight tooth and nail and show they have the stomach for it, otherwise it's the play-offs once again.

Attendance: 7,983

Player of the Match: Captain Scott

Best Record I've Heard on the Radio: Opus Kink, Come Over, Do Me Wrong

Best Ale Supped This week: Black Iris, Demon Cleaner

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