TIDESWELL UNITED (Tideswell Sports Complex)

CENTRAL MIDLANDS LEAGUE NORTH DIVISION,
TIDESWELL UNITED 1-3 CLAY CROSS TOWN, ATTENDANCE: 87

For my Easter Monday football fix I decided to stay a little closer to home (anywhere under 100 miles is closer to home these days) and head into the Peak District for arguably the Central Midlands League's match of the day.

Fourth placed Tideswell United were hosting league leaders Clay Cross Town with, starting today, the visitors needing just four points from their final three league matches to wrap up the title and promotion to the Northern Counties East League.

Tideswell is a village in the Derbyshire Peak District with a population of less than 2,000. The nearest major town is Buxton, where incidentally we stopped en-route for some liquid refreshment at the superb Ale Stop.

Tideswell United play their home games at the Tideswell Sports Complex, which is located on the grounds of Bishop Pursglove. The ground is superb for this level of football. You never know what to expect at a step 7 ground but the pitch is railed off, has a small covered stand and floodlights. There is also an elevated viewing area behind one of goals which gives a great view of the action and also the surrounding dales. The welcome from the club officials was also warm and friendly. Throw in the admission for the bargain price of £2 and what's not to like? 

This is Tideswell's debut season at step 7 having joined the Central Midlands League from the Hope Valley League in 2016. The club have had no trouble adapting to the higher league and look set for a top half finish.

The game this afternoon lived up to it's top billing with both teams producing a very entertaining game of football, with both teams getting the ball down and trying to play. The the visitors from Clay Cross though showed their credentials and just had enough to see off a spirited Tideswell side.

The game was end-to-end but it was Ant Lynam who broke the deadlock after 26 minutes to give Clay Cross the lead, when his low drive from the edge of the box found the bottom corner of the net (pictured below).

Goal! 1-0.

Tideswell had chances to level but it was Clay Cross who doubled their advantage after 58 minutes when the ball was finally fired home by Lee Clay, after initial efforts were saved. The home side set up a grandstand finish when substitute Daniel Hopkins drove home a tremendous dipping volley after 85 minutes but Lynam's second goal, in stoppage time, secured a vital three points for The Millers and put them within touching distance of that league title.

An enjoyable afternoon out and a visit to Tideswell United comes highly recommended.