No concrete cows just a Windmill!

Saturday 27 December 2025, Northampton ON Cheneks 3 Bugbrook St Michaels 2 - United Counties League, Premier South, Old Northamptonians Sports Ground

Cold December, but still went for a 'double' even with the first a revisit - the ON Chenecks ground is shared with Rugby and Cricket but that does give the football club the benefit of an excellent clubhouse/Pavilion- with a large balcony- many decided to watch the game from there.

Bugbrooke are bottom of the table however they were unfortunate not to leave Northampton with at least a point, the home side getting a very late winner.

It was then the short drive ( via numerous Milton Keynes roundabouts) to New Bradfield - 

New Bradwell St Peter 4 Buckingham 2 - Spartan South Midlands League, Division One, Recreation Ground

Short drive from Northampton, outskirts of Milton Keynes, very small car park but found a space. Club house was packed, but not all were going to the game, the ground is 100m away, fenced on all 4 sides but you can only watch from 2 1/2 sides. One stand, which had both seats and cover for those standing. Main feature is the large windmill on the club house side. Pitch had noticeable slope.

Home side dominated the first hour, going ahead after 22 minutes when the lino decided the ball had crossed the line than adding a second on 35 minutes when a great shot hit the bar, leading to an easy header to put them 2 up. A third was added just before the break. 

The second half was slightly more even as Buckingham now had the benefit of the slope- but it was the home side who went further ahead with the centre back scoring from distance with a long range shot- a real cracker that seemed to surprise most present.

We then saw plenty of subs from both sides and Buckingham suddenly found their shooting boots and got two goals back and kept pressing for more, however the home side held on for the win.

Beat the storm

Saturday 15 November 2025, Bugbrooke St Michaels 2 Newport Pagnell Town 3 - Birds Close, United Counties League, Premier Division, South

As well as Storm Claudia, I also had to get home early tonight- thought I would end up at at 3G or 4G cage close to home then saw this game was on- and with a 2pm kick off, made it possible - not sure why 2pm as lights worked - maybe not good enough for a 3pm kick off?

All facilities on one side of the ground, good clubhouse and car park parking was well managed.

Newport Pagnell dominated the first half created a few good  chances so it was a total surprise when Bugbrooke took the lead after 28 minutes, Newport eventually got back on terms thanks to an own goal after 40 minutes.

Second half looked like it was also going to mostly one way traffic after Newport Pagnell got a very quick goal, however this one was disallowed and the scorer was then yellow carded and then sent to the sin bin after berating the Ref. This was the signal for the visitors to lose any control of the game they had, they seemed to think every decision was going against them and their attitude was pretty poor. At the same time the home side improved on their poor first half display and their young subs also contributed to a more even half. On 74 minutes Newport Pagnell did get a second goal but 5 minutes later the home team were back on level terms  however 5 minutes later the visitors got the winning goal.

On the way they played in the first half, Newport Pagnell looked a good team, but less said the better about their second 45 minutes!