Sunday 31 January 2016

Daggers Against Racism Day

Seasons come and go but the battle remains the same for Dagenham & Redbridge FC, maintaining their hard-won Football League status while remaining a hub for the local community.

York City's victory over Stevenage on Saturday afternoon means the Daggers, whose scheduled home fixture against Carlise United was postponed with the Cumbrians in FA Cup action, are off the foot of League Two on goal difference only.

But, if any one can, John Still can with the man who took the club into league football now back at the helm for a third time.

Off the field, getting people through the gate remains a challenge, one that may get harder next season when West Ham United move into their new Olympic Stadium home.

But the community work goes on and the annual Daggers Against Racism Day will take place this year on Saturday 27 February for the visit of Yeovil Town in what is shaping up to be a crucial relegation battle.

That means terrace tickets are available for just £2.50 Adults and 50p for Concessions with Under-10's free with a paying adult.

Add in plenty of activities and entertainment and it once again is an occasion that, hopefully, lots of football fans in London can get behind.

Saturday 30 January 2016

'Pay What You Want' At Bath City

Changing times on the pitch at Bath City FC with the recent departure of long-serving manager Lee Howells and the impending exit of director of football Adie Britton.

But the task of making City a vibrant part of the local community is ongoing with the Supporters Society and the Big Bath City Bid team aiming to secure community ownership of the club.

Bath stage their annual Community Day on Saturday 20th February when St Albans City are the visitors to Twerton Park in the National League South.

The game will be 'Pay What You Want' at the turnstiles with 10% of the money taken being donated to Dorothy House Hospice Care, the club's chosen charity for the season.

There will be plenty more going on, including a half-time 'walking football' match and a pre-match New Orleans style brass band - Horning Glory.

Thursday 28 January 2016

Well Done to New Mills AFC



A nice excuse to use the above photo, taken on a trip to New Mills AFC's Church Lane ground, as the Millers gained a 2-2 draw at Witton Albion on Tuesday evening in the Northern Premier League Division One North.

The significance of the point earned is that it was the first of the season for New Mills at the 23rd time of asking and after 26 consecutive defeats in total.

New Mills travel to Bamber Bridge on Saturday but are back at home next Tuesday, February 2nd, against Ossett Town with Under-16's admission, as always, just £1 (Adults £7, Concessions £4).

Wednesday 27 January 2016

FA Vase: Nuneaton Griff FC

We looked at Cleethorpes Town's big day in the FA Vase this coming Saturday, earlier in the week, and it is an equally important afternoon in the history of Nuneaton Griff FC of the Midland Football League as the Heartlanders take on Steve Claridge's reformed Salisbury FC at the same last 16 stage of the competition.

Around 350 travelling supporters are expected at the Pingles Stadium and the Griff have issued a rallying cry to local fans to back them on Saturday, temporarily transferring their allegiances from Nuneaton Town or elsewhere to give the home side their voices.

Having made my first ever trip to Wembley to see my local club win the FA Vase, I know what a great competition this can be and how the memories of a famous run can last forever.

Admission on Saturday is priced at £5 Adults and £3 Concessions.

Tuesday 26 January 2016

FA WSL Fixtures Released On Wednesday

The fixtures for the 2016 FA WSL season will be announced on Wednesday at 12pm with the competition looking to build on last season's surge in popularity following the Women's World Cup in Canada.

And it is an increased competition this year with Sheffield FC Ladies moving up from the FA Women's Premier League into WSL2 to make a total of 19 teams altogether.

This is part of an expansion to 20 teams which will be finalised after this season although it leaves WSL with an odd number of teams for 2016, never ideal for fixtures.

There is still plenty of good value to be had, especialy with season tickets and for families. On Twitter recently I've highlighted season ticket offers such as £24 for an Adult and £10 for Under-16's and Over-60's at Millwall Lionesses if purchased before 12 February.

Full details of the fixtures can be found at the FA WSL website which also has good links to each of the club websites.

Monday 25 January 2016

Football for a Fiver at Charlton Athletic

Charlton Athletic’s ‘Football for a Fiver’ returns for the Championship fixture against Reading on Saturday February 27th with seats in all areas of The Valley priced at £5. 

Over 25,000 watched last season’s equivalent game against Huddersfield Town. However, I don’t write Affordable Football in a vacuum so I know that a significant number of Addicks supporters are deeply unhappy about the direction their club has taken under Belgian owner Roland Duchatelet and chief executive Katrien Meire. 

That dissatisfaction that goes way beyond this season’s poor performances on the pitch with many people not attending matches and scenes of protest after games being widely circulated on social media. 

In many ways, the feelings of disconnection will be worse for those of a Charlton persuasion because of the history of their time away from The Valley, the battle to get back there and the shared feeling that engendered in those within and without the club who all consider themselves supporters. 

So much has gone on over the years to reach out to the local community and the wider catchment area of fans, such as the Valley Express coach service and the ‘Football for a Fiver’ offer which has been running since 2011. 

As such, I’ve included it on these pages but understand why some might not be taking it up. 

http://www.cafc.co.uk/news/article/charlton-athletic-football-for-a-fiver-reading-2911907.aspx

Sunday 24 January 2016

FA Vase: Cleethorpes Town FC

The FA Vase reaches the Fifth Round stage next Saturday (30 January) with eight ties scheduled (although the weather has disrupted the competition over the past month or so, the FA website has up to date details) and a date at Wembley becoming a reality for all those involved.

Two big names at this level of the game, albeit now in reformed guises, Hereford and Salisbury, will take big followings to their games at Hartley Wintney and Nuneaton Griff respectively.

Northern Counties East Premier Division side Cleethorpes Town FC, meanwhile, host Kidlington FC of the Hellenic Football League at the Bradley Stadium .

Having made rapid progress since their formation in 1998 as Lincolnshire Soccer School and a glimpse at the website shows that teams of all ages represent the club with pride.

This is a huge game for both clubs and Cleethorpes have confirmed that admission prices will be unchanged from the usual £5 Adults and £2 for Under-16's and Concessions.

Saturday 23 January 2016

Next Week's Affordable Football

Monday 25th: Coventry City’s FA Youth Cup tie against Charlton Athletic will take place at the Steel Park home of Corby Town FC as the Ricoh Arena is unavailable and local grounds have suffered with the weather recently. Admission to the 7pm kick-off is priced at £4 and £2.

Manchester United Under-21’s are scheduled to take on Sunderland at Leigh Sports Village with free admission to the 7pm kick-off. Register at the LSV website.

Tuesday 26th: Cheltenham Town and Oxford City will try again to replay their FA Trophy tie after last week's postponement at the World of Smile Stadium. Reduced prices of £5 Adults and £3 for all Concessions remain in place for the 7:45pm kick-off.

Thursday 28th: Derby County Ladies FC have moved to a new home at the Don Amott Arena in Mickleover as they push for Women's Super League status. The first game to take place there is scheduled to be a friendly against Everton at 7:45pm on Thursday with admission priced at £3 Adults, £2 Under-16's and free for both Derby County and Burton Albion season ticket holders. 

Saturday 30th: The FA Cup Fourth Round takes centre stage and West Bromwich Albion deserve another mention after reducing prices for their home tie against Peterborough United. Adult admission is £10 and Under-17’s £5 with the Baggies looking to repeat the near-25,000 crowd they got against Bristol City in the previous round.

Reading's tie with Walsall takes place on the same day with advance tickets priced at £10 Adults and £5 for all Concessions and season ticket holders can watch Nottingham Forest’s game against Watford for £10 Adults and Over-65’s, £5 for Under-18’s and £1 Under-12’s.

Macclesfield Town host Stoke City Under-21's as they take on Arsenal in a 2pm kick-off at the Moss Rose. Admission is priced at £2 Adults, £1 Senior Citizens and free for Under-16's and Stoke season ticket holders.


Thursday 21 January 2016

Two Chances to Watch Manchester United for Free

An exciting FA Youth Cup encounter looks to be in store as Manchester United and Chelsea meet on Friday evening (22nd Jan) at 7:05pm.

Although you would imagine both clubs to have the pick of the talent at their disposal, the future of the United Academy is actually the subject of much discussion at present with neighbours City seen to have a stolen a march on them and a review of the future structure of the Old Trafford system currently taking place.

But, with a record 10 triumphs in the competition, the FA Youth Cup has been the backdrop to some famous nights for young Reds over the years and the new generation get their chance to progress when meeting Chelsea at the home of Altrincham FC on Friday with free entrance to all spectators.

At Under-21 level, those who watch United regularly at Leigh Sports Village will have seen Adnan Januzaj impress against Southampton earlier this week and their will be a bigger stage for the development side to play on when Norwich are the visitors on Monday 8th February.

This game will be played at Old Trafford, kick-off 7pm and with free entrance to all spectators.

Wednesday 20 January 2016

£10 FA Cup Tickets Again at West Bromwich Albion

Having seen nearly 25,000 come through the gates of the Hawthorns for their FA Cup 3rd Round tie against Bristol City, West Brom are repeating their reduced prices for the tie against Peterborough United, scheduled for the final weekend of January, after seeing off the Robins in Tuesday night's replay.

A large contingent of Throstles made their way to Ashton Gate for a game that also had reduced prices and were praised by manager Tony Pulis afterwards.

Peterborough supporters are also likely to travel in good numbers for the last-32 tie with tickets priced at £10 Adults and £5 Under-17's.

http://www.wba.co.uk/news/article/wba-albion-pulis-fa-cup-tickets-peterborough-2911241.aspx



Tuesday 19 January 2016

A Less Busy Week Than Planned At Cheltenham Town!

Cheltenham Town, currently leading the National League standings as they aim to make an immediate return to League Two, had a busy week planned at the World of Smile Stadium after Saturday's 2-2 draw with Oxford City in the FA Trophy.

Manager Gary Johnson had sent out a youthful side in that game and planned to do the same again for the replay, which takes place this Wednesday 20th January at 7:45pm.

With both sides happy with that arrangement, Cheltenham also planned to keep their Tuesday night date with Kidderminster Harriers for a league fixture that was set to pit the top side in the National League against the bottom and in which the Robins would have fielded their strongest XI.

The FA, however, stepped in to rule against two games being played in two days and, with cup ties taking priority, the Kidderminster game was postponed.

Happily for Affordable Football, the Oxford City fixture remains scheduled for tomorrow night and the planned reduced admission of £5 Adults and £3 Concessions has been confirmed by CTFC on Twitter.

Monday 18 January 2016

Keep Right On The Play-Off Road

Encouraging times at St Andrew's as Gary Rowett and Birmingham City eye what would be a surprise place in the Championship play-offs given the off-field problems that have been an ongoing part of Blues' make-up in recent years.

Rowett has fashioned a side that can give anyone in the division a game and they pulled off the most eye-catching result of the weekend when winning 3-0 away to big spending Derby County.

The television cameras will be in town when former manager Steve Bruce brings his side to Birmingham on 3rd March. This is a Thursday evening, which unfortunately seems to have become just another day as far as the TV companies are concerned, regardless of the effect it has on supporters.

But, Blues have reduced prices to £10 Adults, £5 Concessions and £1 Under-13's in all areas of the ground in order to attract a healthy crowd and create a good atmosphere.

http://www.bcfc.com/news/article/birmingham-city-hull-city-2907532.aspx

Friday 15 January 2016

Bolton Wanderers FC

Everything written about Bolton Wanderers at the moment has to be prefaced with the label 'crisis club' and it is clear that these are the worst of times for those who follow the men in white. 

Around £170m in debt, desperately searching for a buyer and seemingly on course for relegation from the Championship, the club have been the subject of criticism recently for pursuing the dream of top-flight football and handing out too many lucrative. long-term contracts. 

But, behind the headlines, the game goes on for many hard-working people at the club and many fans who will have followed Bolton through thick and thin with over 1,000 of them recently attending a meeting at the Macron Stadium to form a new Supporters Trust. 

Next week, Bolton host Eastleigh in an FA Cup replay on Tuesday night for which prices have been reduced to £10 Adults and £5 for Over-65's, Under-23's and Under-18's 

And on Saturday 23rd, MK Dons are the visitors to the Macron. This is classed as a Category D fixture in Bolton's new ticket structure which means a very fair £15 Adults, £5 for Over-65's, Under-23's and Under-18's and £20 for a Family Ticket (1 Adult and 1 Under-18). 

http://www.bwfc.co.uk/news/article/eastleigh-fa-cup-replay-tickets-on-open-sale-2902973.aspx

Thursday 14 January 2016

FA WSL Season Tickets

Some more good value offers for the 2016 FA WSL season. 

Aston Villa Ladies season ticket prices are £30 Adults, £12 for Children and Over-65’s and £60 for a family of four. This includes 9 home league games and any FA Cup and Continental Cup home fixtures.

Season tickets purchased before 12 February for Millwall Lionesses are just £24 Adults and £10 for Under-16’s and Over-60’s and are valid for the same competitions. 

And, in WSL1 it is £40 Adults and £20 Concessions for an Arsenal Ladies season ticket if purchased in January, again this is valid for league, FA Cup and Continental Cup.

WSL fixtures are due to be released on 27 January. Meanwhile, WSL2 clubs will enter the FA Cup at the Third Round stage with ties due to take place on Sunday 7 February. A full list of games can be found on the FA website

Wednesday 13 January 2016

Bristol City Match West Brom on FA Cup Ticket Prices

Having fought out a 2-2 draw at the Hawthorns on Saturday afternoon, Bristol City and West Bromwich Albion will replay their FA Cup Third Round tie at Ashton Gate next week (currently scheduled for Tuesday 19th at 7:45pm but subject to television coverage).
 
And City have matched the Baggies on ticket prices for the game with Adult admission cut to £10. Under-19’s can watch for £5.
 
Low prices for the first game attracted a very respectable crowd of 24,917 with over 5,000 making the journey up from Bristol.
 
The chance to host Chelsea in Round 4 has given added spice to MK Dons replay against Northampton Town, another exciting game that ended 2-2 at the weekend.
 
General sale Adult tickets for the replay, scheduled for Tuesday 19th, are priced at £12 Adults, £10 for Over-65’s, £5 for Under-18’s and Under-12’s £1.

And advance Adult tickets at Reading are priced at £10 for the replay with Huddersfield, Under-17's going in for just £1.

This tie is scheduled for Tuesday 19th at 8pm.


50% off all Tickets at Barnet this Saturday

A thoroughly decent gesture from Barnet FC for this Saturday’s game against Carlisle United.

The Bees are looking to reduce costs for Carlisle supporters heading to The Hive, in light of the recent floods that have hit the Cumbria region.

But, their 50% reduction in ticket prices applies to home fans as well in a bid to attract a decent crowd and produce a good atmosphere for the League Two clash.

Monday 11 January 2016

Tring Athletic FC

Proud members of the Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division, Tring Athletic Football Club play at the Grass Roots Stadium on Cow Lane in the Hertfordshire town.
They take on Bushey Sports in a re-arranged St Mary’s Cup tie on Tuesday 19th January and are offering ‘Pay What You Want’ admission to spectators.
Tring reached the final of this competition last season and have said they will be fielding a strong side in the Bushey game.

Saturday 9 January 2016

‘Pay What You Can’ at Inverness Caledonian Thistle

Having been pleased with the response they received from a ‘Pay What You Can’ initiative trialled last year against St Johnstone, Inverness Caledonian Thistle are repeating the offer when Partick Thistle head for the Highlands on Saturday 23 January.
 
The difference this time around is that the game is taking place on a Saturday which will hopefully attract more people from the local area and maybe also those from further afield to make a weekend of it in a beautiful part of the country.
 
Chairman Kenny Cameron told the official ICTFC website: "People whose budgets are tight and who maybe can’t afford to pay the full match price can take advantage of this opportunity to come along and pay what they can afford."
 
"January is, very understandably, the worst month of the year in terms of football attendances. We feel we’re being innovative in helping to address this and give more people the chance to witness Ladbrokes Premiership action at Tulloch Caledonian Stadium."
 
"We’ll continue to be as ground-breaking as we can to generate maximum opportunity for existing and potential supporters."

Friday 8 January 2016

Next Week's Affordable Football

Weather permitting of course...

Monday 11th: Spurs and Chelsea Under-21's meet at the Lamex Stadium home of Stevenage FC for a 7:30pm kick-off. Admission is priced at £5 Adults and £2 Concessions.

Tuesday 12th: Rotherham United season ticket holders can 'Bring a Friend for a Fiver' to the home game against Brighton & Hove Albion.

There is also FA Youth Cup action at Boundary Park as Oldham Athletic take on Bournemouth. Admission to the 7pm kick-off is £4 Adults and £2 Concessions.

Thursday 14th: The Johnstone’s Paint Trophy Southern Area Final sees Millwall host Oxford United in the First Leg. Admission for the 7:45pm kick-off is priced at £10 Adults and £5 Concessions.

Saturday 16th: Free football at Billericay Town against Brentwood Town in the Ryman Premier League.

It is 'Pay What You Want' day at Hitchin Town when Frome Town are the visitors to Top Field with Hitchin launching their 'Floodlight Fund' to start the ball rolling on potential replacement for the 50-year-old lights currently in place.

Wolves welcome Cardiff City to Molineux in the Championship with all tickets half-price for the game which means Adults can attend from £12.

And, Accrington Stanley have cut admission prices for the remainder of the season to £15 Adults, £10 Over-65's and Under-16's and free for accompanied Under-12's. They have a tasty looking home game against Portsmouth which kicks off at 3pm.


Wednesday 6 January 2016

Affordable Football On Twitter

Follow @AffordableFooty on Twitter to keep track of all of the ticket offers and deals that I come across and those that are kindly sent to me.

This week, for instance, there is a friendly at Kidderminster Harriers against a Wolves XI on Friday night, early bird season tickets for Birmingham City Ladies and two offers for upcoming matches at Rotherham United.

And, as an addition to the post on the various cup competitions that are taking place this weekend it is the Second Round of the FA Women's Cup this coming Sunday with a full list of fixtures available at the FA website

Tuesday 5 January 2016

Billericay Town FC, Chelmsford City FC


Formed in 1880, Billericay Town FC are one of the oldest clubs in Essex and a Wembley triumph in 1979 made them the first side to claim three FA Vase wins.
 
Saturday 16th January has been designated as ‘Charity Day’ at New Lodge with free admission for all as Brentwood Town visit in the Ryman League Premier Division.
 
Billericay have linked up with the 1st Knight Charity who give respite for wounded Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors, and anyone that is terminally ill, at their specially adapted holiday facilty in Spain and will be collecting donations on the day.
 
 
Having shared the New Lodge ground with Billericay, Chelmsford City FC returned home and played their local rivals in the first game at the Melbourne Community Stadium in January 2006.
 
To mark 10 years since that occasion, supporters can ‘Pay What You Want’ this Saturday (January 9th) when Weston-Super-Mare are the visitors in the Conference South.
 
The day, in association with City in the Community and the Supporters Club, will also see  a mini beer festival, tombola, raffle and breakfasts taking place.
 

Sunday 3 January 2016

Five Cup Ties for This Coming Saturday

Happy New Year to all. The weather is giving a bit of a battering to a lot of fixtures so let's hope it dries up a bit soon.

The FA Cup takes centre stage this coming weekend but the knockout action does not stop there. 

All the fixtures below are scheduled to take place on Saturday 9th January. 

The FA Youth Cup has reached the Fourth Round stage and it is always good to see ties played at the main ground of the club drawn at home, giving the players involved a taste of the big occasion, usually under the floodlights and in front of a decent crowd. 

Crystal Palace host Aston Villa at Selhurst Park with a 12pm kick-off and admission is priced at £5 Adults and £1 for Children. 

Cove Rangers of the Highland League will be looking to cause a huge upset at Motherwell in the Fourth Round of the Scottish Cup, one of a number of interesting ties that are taking place as the likes of Linlithgow Rose, East Kilbride and Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale try and make it through to the last 16. 

Motherwell have reduced prices to £12 Adults and £5 Concessions for the 3pm kick-off at Fir Park. 

It’s ‘Football For A Fiver’ at Barnsley when they host Fleetwood Town in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy Northern Area Final 1st Leg at Oakwell. If purchased before the day of the game, all tickets for the 3pm kick-off are £5.

The road to Wembley is still very much alive for clubs in the FA Vase with the 4th Round proper set to take place at the weekend, although some 3rd Round ties still need sorting out. 

Cleethorpes Town, the last surviving team from the Toolstation Northern Counties East League left in the competition, will be taking on Alvechurch in the 4th Round with both sides going well in their respective Step 5 divisions. 

Admission to the Bradley Stadium will be £5 Adults, £2 Concessions and Under-16's. Thanks to Cleethorpes for getting back to me so quickly on Twitter with these prices. 

And, in the famous old competition itself, there is a quick reunion between new Brentford manager Dean Smith and his former club Walsall. Adult terrace tickets are available at £10 for the Griffin Park clash which kicks off at 3pm.