Hosts Quieten Din - Collingham vs. Dinnington Town

Big Dinnington tackle in front of the clubhouse at Station Road

For the second game of my stretch up north, we ventured into the Central Midlands League for Collingham against Dinnington Town. I'd been to two other venues in this league and they were both great grounds. Thorne Colliery especially with its imposing main stand is a must see ground. The other ground was Appleby Frodingham which has one of the most impressive clubhouses I've seen at any ground at any level. I have also been to Askern and Retford United but this was then they were both at a higher level. Today's game saw third against seventh and with Collingham having only lost twice in the league this season it looked like a home win was most likely.

Kick off at Station Road

And so it looked like it would be early on, Collingham having an early free kick out on the right that the visiting defence dealt with. However, it soon became apparent that Dinnington were well up for the game. They come very close to the opener as a header from a free kick glances just wide. It is then Collingham's turn to come close when the forward gets in out wide but he passes his effort wide of the far post. The Dinnington centre midfielder decides he is going to take on the whole Collingham side himself, powering through numerous attempts to stop him in his tracks before the Collingham keeper saves his effort. In the closing stages of the half, Collingham start to dominate proceedings. Firstly a shot from outside the box hits the outside of the post before no one get a telling touch on a ball across the six yard box. Collingham do take the lead late on when a free kick from the right flank is flicked on to the player at the back post who hammers a shot into the back of the net.

Collingham corner as the sun begins to go down

Dinnington get to the Collingham  byline in the early stages of the half but when they fail to get a shot in, Collingham break and when the forward is played in, he lofts the ball over the advancing keeper to make it two nil. Collingham now look to finish the game and the Dinnington keeper makes a great save to keep his side in it. Collingham almost gift Dinnington a way back in to the game when a Collingham defender sticks his leg out to try and block a cross forcing the Collingham keeper in to a brilliant point blank save. The hosts do get the third goal with a close range finish which is harsh on Dinnington.

Collingham attacking in the second half

If you're lucky with the connections, you can be in Collingham around two hours after departing London. Firstly you need to take a train to Newark Northgate from Kings Cross and then get the second train for one stop to Collingham. The ground is then a five minute walk up the road. If you have time, The Grey Horse with it's four ales on handpull is well worth visiting. Although do note that the location on Google Maps is incorrect and the pub is located on the northern end of the village. As we were driving, we were able to stop in nearby Swinderby to briefly visit The Plough which had a couple of ales as well as the sports channels. If you don't have time to visit these pubs, the clubhouse more than makes up for it. It had a couple of ales including one from the local Beer Mat brewery which went down very well. Another brilliant tick in The Central Midlands League especially with entrance and programme coming to four pounds. 

Dusk at Station Road