8th Annual
Onion Bag Awards
2017-18 Season
BEST GROUND VISITED
WINNER
GLENTORAN
FC
The
vast open terraces , the large covered stands , the location backing
on to the ship building dock yards, the aeroplanes flying scarily
close over the main stand to and from the nearby airport.Photos
of George Best playing for Glentoran hang proudly in the boardroom ,
along with many others including the famous european nights , the
trophy cabinet etc , a visit to theclub's famous 'Milk Bar' , meeting
the locals all make visitng The Oval a very special place to visit ,
very special indeed.
A
visit to The Oval is like visiting 'sporting heaven' - The place just
is dripping in history and is a must visit if you want to know what
being in heaven feels like !
FAVOURITE NON LEAGUE GROUND VISITED
WINNER
BOSTON UNITED
Boston
United were members of the Football League from 2002 until 2007 and
are heading in the right direction to return to the former glory
days.
The
indications are that they will be moving to a new ground on the
outskirts of town sooner rather than later. I suggest you try to pay
York Street a visit before it is too late , then thank me later !
MOST FRIENDLY CLUB WELCOME
WINNER
GLENTORAN
FC
Very
difficult to pick a 'winner' as almost every club gave a good
welcome. Special mention however goes to Ricky Rea , Secretary at
Glentoran FC who went above and beyond to make me feel a valued
visitor. He even gave me a personal tour of the club , including the
boardroom , which was like entering an Aladdin's cave. As Ricky
shared some of his stories of the club you could feel his passion for
the club he has supported from boy to man covering over 60 years. It
was a very memorable experience.
Special Mentions for : Atherton Collieries , Dodworth Miners Welfare, West Didsbury & Chorlton.
Special Mentions for : Atherton Collieries , Dodworth Miners Welfare, West Didsbury & Chorlton.
LEAST FRIENDLY CLUB WELCOME
Peterborough
Sports: The salty mouthed elder on the gate left a bad taste in
the mouth.There was no need for his waspish tirade. It was only due
to his age I kept tight lipped. Case closed. However it was an exciting fixture on a dreadful pitch.
MOST ENJOYABLE MATCH
WINNER
DODWORTH MW 3 - PENISTONE CHURCH 4
Sheffield
Assoc Challenge Cup 2nd Round
Both
teams continued to attack and missed plenty of chances. 15 Minutes
left Church then counter attacked and scored a great goal to take the
lead for the first time 3-2.With
time running out Miners equalised to make it 3-3. This was then
followed by two misses of the season by both teams. First Miners
forward was 6 inches from goal and toe poked it to their goalie , who
was lying on the ground. How he failed to score nobody knows. Then
amazingly minutes later Church missed a very similar goalden chance
much to the utter disbelief to the vocal crowd.
But then seconds later Church snatched a winner. Cue the big pile up of players and coaches in celebration. Miners came back for more to force the game into extra time but sadly just fell short. Both teams were applauded off by everybody in recognition of a pulsating game of football. Brilliant entertainment !
Runner
Up
Check-a-Trade
Trophy Quarter Final
Lincoln
City 4 Peterborough United 2
Both
teams attacked from the off in front of a bumper crowd in full voice.
Large away support which only added to the occasion. The game could
of swung either way until 2 very late Lincoln goals. Brilliant game.
WORST MATCH OF THE SEASON
Athersley
Recreation 0 Hemsworth MW 0
Usually
when watching either of these teams play we are always rewarded with
goals and usually plenty of them. But sadly this was just awful. It
was a long night and the tempation to leave early was high and levels
of endurance was required to stay to the final whistle.
BEST TEA HUT
WINNER
AFC EMLEY
I
always enjoy visiting The Welfare Ground,in the shadows of the
transmitting station high up on Emley Moor. But I always save
a little room so I can visit the tea hut who always produces
delicious fodder. There is plenty of choice available including a
homemade 'Emley meat and potato pie' which is my favourite. The happy
ladies behind the counter are also an added bonus !
Special Mentions for : Leek Town , Kidsgrove and Ashton United
NON LEAGUE PERSON OF THE SEASON
WINNER
Mr Keith Donkin - Frickley Athletic
Keith has
been a Frickley stalwart for many years but sadly in the past few
days he passed away much to the shock to many people in both football
and cricket circles.Anyone
who has ever been to a Frickley home game will know, or know of,
'Donks'. He loved his sport, especially the Blues & Barnsley &
all things cricket related. He has been the unmistakable 'voice of
Frickley' over the years in his role as stadium announcer at the
Westfield Lane. If you've ever won the Golden Goal or Half Time draw,
then you will have heard his velvet tones. Anyone that met him face
to face will have been hit with his favourite question - what is the
weight of a cricket ball? (5.75 ounces if you're interested).
Until
very recently I shared many away day trips with him. He was always
sharing his fantastic stories from yesteryear with me and they always
ended with a chuckle and his elbow in my ribs to confirm the
punchline.
At
Frickley's last home game of the season just 3 weeks ago he retired
from his matchday microphone duties where he gave his last public
speech to the crowd. As he spoke his voice began to quiver with
sadness as he said his farewell.
RIP Keith
BEST NON LEAGUE FOOTBALL BLOG
WINNER
The Itinerant Football Watcher
by Peter Miles
Blog link - here
The Itinerant Football Watcher
by Peter Miles
Blog link - here
Peter is very well known in non league football circles and where he hasnt been probably isnt worth visiting anyway !.I love to read his overseas adventures (and there are plenty of them) but after doing so his reports always leave me wanting to visit for myself.
Peter also produces some great photo sets from his travels and they can be viewed HERE
I am sure you will enjoy his work as much as i have. Don't worry, it will be time well spent !
