The Onion Bag Awards 2015-16



6th Annual

Onion Bag Awards

2015-16 Season


Favourite Non League Ground Visited

WINNER 
Conwy Borough


Y Morfa Stadium, home of Conwy Borough was a fantastic way to start the new season. Well maintained , spacious modern club house and facilities and surrounded by glorious countryside , i loved it !

View all photos from Conwy Borough

 Strongly Recommended
 COLWYN BAY
Northern Premier League 

 Lanelian Road in Old Colwyn is a little beauty. If you have the energy, climb to the top of the hill which overlooks the ground. You will rewarded with stunning views as far as the eye can see. The main stand which almost stretches the length of the pitch is an impressive feature. Excellent little Club Shop and great catering on offer. Combined with some Welsh sunshine it makes for a fantastic day out.



MOST FRIENDLY CLUB WELCOME

WINNER
MARSKE UNITED
Northern League 





A lovely visit to the east coast. Brilliant welcome by the clubs officials which was as warm as the summer sunshine. Just thirty minutes prior to kick off all seemed serene and peaceful in the sleepy Teeside village of Marske-by-the Sea. Only seconds later panic set in as it was realised that both teams were intending to play in yellow as the visitors had arrived with the wrong kit. Fortunately the hosts had their away strip of red and white hoops freshly laundered and minutes later the Lancaster players were 'proudly' wearing them. Perhaps not the best ground but the friendly welcome more than made up for it. Lovely day in every way.

View Full Photo Set from Marske 



BEST MATCH OF THE SEASON

WINNER

Barnsley & District League
Lundwood 4 Wombwell 4


 I arrived about fifteen minutes after the 6pm kick off time. By then Lundwood were 3-0 up and it seemed a forgone conclusion. But as usual games in this league are very competitive to say the least, always played at pace with bone crunching tackles guaranteed. It certainly is not a league for the feeble or one legged.

Slowly but surely Wombwell clawed their way back into the game and grabbed a goal with about ten minutes left to play.But then they grabbed a second and things became interesting.Then they equalised to make it 3-3 with a clever looping shot over the goalies head. Then with minutes left another attack they won a penalty and the Lundwood camp went beserk. Goalie got sent off and an outfield player took over between the posts. They scored to make it 4-3 and complete the astonishing comeback ....

... But then with seconds left Lundwood won a free kick just outside the box. The 'stand in' goalie rushed up field to take it. Even with the 6 man wall only about 7 yards away he then proceeded to smash the ball over the wall into the top corner. Within seconds the mayhem occurred with players, coaches, subs, fans, friends, parents, Aunts & Uncles and Grannies all ran on to the pitch and celebrated in a giant pile of bodies. Just seconds later the ref blew the final whistle of this fantastic, entertaining, thrilling , unforgettable finale. It was football at its very best. 

 
 
Northern Premier League
Frickley 2 Stourbridge 1


What a night up Westfield Lane as Frickley staged a dramatic last gasp fightback with two penalties in the 87th & 93rd Minutes to deny play off chasing Stourbridge.
The game had been a cagey affair with both defences dominating. As the match wore on Stourbridge looked the more likely to score the first goal, which is exactly what happened. The Glassboys midfield seem to get a stranglehold on the game as they looked fresher and Frickley players perhaps feeling the effects from 4 matches in 8 days.
The Stourbridge camp seemed to think they had won the game until the lino flagged for a penalty (87th min) much to the frustration of the Stourbridge players. Frickley International No9 Hazel smashed the ball home and the celebrated in style.

Then with seconds left the Frickley crowd roared the players on and another penalty was awarded for a clear foul in the box. Step forward Tom Davie who calmly slotted home the winner and jumped into the crowd followed by every Frickley player. The place went bonkers and moments later the final whistle went and the noise got even louder. Fair to say the Stourbridge Coaches were not happy with the ref and approached the officials as they came off much to the enjoyment of the vociferous Frickley crowd who are never shy to share their thoughts !. … What a night ! 


View Full Photo Set from this match

 FA Vase 2nd Round  
Hemsworth Miners Welfare 1
Sunderland RCA 5

This was my third visit here this season and the entertainment has been top notch with scorelines of 7-2, 6-1 & 1-5 and today was no different.
After only 14 seconds Sunderland RCA had already taken the lead with a simple yet clinical piece of finishing. Hemsworth attacked in waves with plenty of chances but sadly the RCA goalie was in superb form all afternoon, which included one world class save. Infact RCA had only 8 shots on target all game , they scored with 5 of them , hit the bar (which is probably still shaking) and forced a decent save with the other. They were clinical in attack. Hemsworth always provide an entertaining display and with every attack they get at least 4/5 players in the box which is to be applauded. But against a more than decent outfit like RCA it proved their downfall as the gaps they leave at the back get exploited.

The final scoreline of 1-5 is a bit misleading as this was non-stop entertainment from first to last whistle and could easily have ended up 5-8 ! 


NON LEAGUE PERSON
OF THE SEASON


WINNER
  Mr Paul Armstrong – Workington AFC
 
Paul does a brilliant job with the club's match day updates and media duties.
You will find Paul as professional as ever, even on a wet windy Wednesday in Whitby. His loyalty seems to have no boundaries .Another volunteer who gives up his time for love , not money.

Full Photo Set from Workington


BEST NON LEAGUE PHOTOGRAPHER 
Mr Stuart Tree

The 'Lens Magician' has consistently produced match day photo sets of the highest order. His recent Play Off sets have been simply outstanding. 
Stuart's attention to detail is second to none and his ability to portray the atmosphere is of such quality its makes you feel as though you were actually there ! The images speak for themselves. All photo sets can be viewed HERE

Be prepared for spending more time that you intend to, for they are that good !.

 

View all Photo Sets from Stuart - HERE


BEST NON LEAGUE FOOD

WINNER
Glossop North End
The Pies at Glossop were excellent. I happily polished off the Steak & Ale pie, peas & gravy, swiftly followed by a return visit for the 'Winter Lamb' Pie. Both were duly dispatched with ease. Delicious ! I even returned without any shame to buy another to take away and it was waiting for me wrapped in silver foil as the final whistle blew. Now that's what i call service !
Glossop also play fantastic and enjoyable football. I saw them literally crush a decent Clitheroe outfit. Clinical display.
Oadby Town


Freshly cooked , thick tasty burger, topped with cheese made from Yak's milk from the hardest to reach regions of the Nepalese Himalayan Mountain range. Complimented with onions on top. Generous portion, very tasty and all for only £2 ! and served with a friendly smile.

View photo set from Oadby HERE 

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