Big Geordie

They have tried to improve the structure but the problem is the leagues at step 7. Having three leagues doesn't work. There should be 2 or 4 but none of them are prepared to accept change as they all believe they are the best and don't want to dilute the pool of clubs. Also, if you look at the pyramid as a map, there are way more step 7, 8 and 9 clubs in the south east than anywhere else. It's so skewed that the conference north has had teams from Essex playing in it. It's a huge expense to move up from local leagues to even regional. Most clubs wouldn't survive so they don't apply for promotion, players also don't always want to move through. Unless they seriously think they can make it they might as well stay at a lower level. It's basically a system that has been fucked for a long time and isn't likely to ever get fixed. Yup - I understand that it's basically biased towards London and the SE, which leaves the Northern League getting the shite end of the stick. It's worth remembering that the likes of Blue Star (went bust) the old North Shields club (went bust), as did the likes of Spenny and Bishop Auckland. Whitley Bay also sailed very close to the wind, in going out of business. It's also must have been years since a Northern League club had a good FA Cup run, I know Ashington made the 4th qualifying round a few years ago, and of course Bedlington Terriers made the 2nd round (beating Colchester 4-1 at home in Round 1) on the way, back in the 1990's.

You'll get one no bother at all for that! It's on TV and the majority will be back at work the next day and we'll get a huge allocation! I think the thing is with away tickets, there are always those that are gonna miss out. No system is perfect. However the club membership scheme is little more than a scam.

I'm not a season ticket holder but I wouldn't mind going to the occasional away game. Got my eye on Blackburn (should get a really good allocation) but even I can see that selling out.

Blyth won 2-0 at Barwell today (Matty Pattinson scored both) Joint top of the NPL, along with Whitby Town. With regards to the Northern League, it's a pity the pyramid can't be restructured as at present, it's very biased towards teams from the London and Manchester areas. The Northern League has been left out on a limb for too long.

Should have won by more, but we'll take it. 7 league wins on the bounce.

2-1 Whittingham

Sounds like we've turned sloppy.

Blyth 1-0 at Barwell at HT. Matty Pattinson free-kick

Commentary is on 1458MW today. Mackems are on FM.

Gouffran!

Good to hear he is well at the moment.

Birmingham level

4-2 Liverpool Firmino

Looking more like it the last couple of games. Well played Mitro and you've given Rafa a helluva selection headache.

8 wins on the bounce is it not?

Preston hit the post! Was a shout for a pen too. Full Time now. Thank fuck.

Into 8 mins of stoppage time.

Darlow booked now.

Has Yedlin been hit by something chucked from the crowd?

6mins added on. Where the hell has that come from?!

Preston pull one back - Beckford.

Ritchie booked. Misses Cardiff.

Preston miss a really good chance.

Brighton 4 Norwich 0

Shocker from the keeper, but who cares!