I really enjoyed today...

[RobYeltz]

A combination of recently moving into the area and my continued disillusionment of professional football I made the effort to come to the Grove today to see my new 'local' team. I've been to Halesowen many times in the past, and was a semi-regular when crowds of 1,000+ were common. I've had a friend stay for a couple of days and he's a regular at his local club Wisbech Town. As my Villa Boys aren't playing until tomorrow we decided that we'd take in the game against Brigg Town, so off we headed to the Hawne Tavern for a couple of pre-match pints of Bathams. After getting battered by a couple of locals on the pool table we headed to the game.

The ground hasn't changed at all of course and neither have the traditional blue shirts of the Yeltz. (I'm sorry, but no self respecting Villa fan will ever shout any encouragement in reference to wearing blue) but after only a few minutes into the game it very quickly felt as though Halesowen were my team.

Whilst the names of the players were new to me, the names quickly started to become familiar. The pitch was very bumpy, and hindered the players in playing good football at times, but credit to those involved in getting the game on considering the amount of snow we had last week. I wouldn't want to be critical of the players at all as obviously it is the first time I've seen them play but I thought Ben Haseley looked good. Clearly he has good feet and a nice turn of pace. I was also impressed with the left back (Meacham?) I don't think he did anything particularly spectacular but thought he looked very solid, distributed the ball well and covered well when required. At half time as we were 0-1 down I honestly thought it was a little harsh. I don't really recall our keeper having a save to make. As we headed to the Yeltz Bar for a quick pint of Worthingtons we discussed the chances we didn't take and thought we could still get into the game. The early 2nd half goal certainly got the masses behind the goal into voice and I think the players responded well. Brigg were unfortunate to not go into the lead when they hit the bar and at this point it was turning into a really good end to end game. Naturally when we took the lead with a well taken goal from Gueyes the game was effectively as good as over.

Overall, a good day. Some good beer, a decent game of football, played in good spirit. No shirt pulling, no rolling around pretending to be hurt, no trying to get your opponent sent off or booked. No intimidating the referee. The crowd were really friendly and it was good to see people of all ages supporting their local team. I'll certainly be back again - Up the Yeltz!

[yeltz85]

Really glad you enjoyed your day out today and hope you comeback very soon. The club is continuing to grow on and off the field and hopefully even if we don't make the playoffs this season it will have been seen as a success.

See you soon chap!

[swipey]

excellent stuff. Noticed a few doing the same as AVFCYeltz lately. Bring it on. Slowly but surely, we're getting there

[andy]

I too am pleased you enjoyed your day. Now turn your back on that abysmal shower of overpaid losers and come and watch honest football at a reasonable price ( i say that tongue in cheek after Naveeds ludicrous dive yesterday). There will be no point in laying out all that cash next season to watch the THIRD highest placed team in West Midlands football.

[Westyeltz]

I too am glad to hear you had a good day, YeltzAVFC (let's get it in the right order of priority from the start shall we? )

Hopefully you will soon be replying to the question from new acquaintances enquiring as to who your team is........

'' My showbiz team is the Villa, but my real football team is the Mighty Yeltz''

Most of us unfortunatly have a showbiz team aquired from a previous life

[lutleyyeltz]

A really encouraging post from AVFCYeltz - what a fantastic username that is!

If only those who are besotted with the PL (Poser League) would give non-league football a try, I'm sure that they'd realise what a complete day out a Yeltz game is. Great local pubs, banter - yo' cor bate it!

[RobYeltz]

Thanks all, my season ticket at Villa Park won't be renewed next season so I'll certainly be taking in more games next year at the Grove. Villa will always be the team I loved first and foremost but the complete lack of regard that sky show to the fans who go to games is abysmal. Of Villa's 19 league home games this season only 7 of them will have been played at 3pm on a Saturday. Still, Villa's loss will be Halesowen's gain next year.

On a slightly different tangent, I was involved with youth football a few years back coaching/managing a side that played regularly against Halesowen Town Colts. Whilst (with respect) Halesowen weren't always the best team, the coaches (I believe) were very much so 'doing it the right way'. The players whilst always competitive, showed good attitude and desire and a willingness to learn and listen. Halesowen certainly were a very classy outfit in their approach. Do the club still have links with their youth teams?

[Washy002]

Halesowen Town do have a link with the junior section.

The club now consists of 14 teams in total including the ladies team.

[Simons]

They also have the same kit as the first team and get free admission to home games.

[swipey]

They also have the same kit as the first team and get free admission to home games.

I'm under 14, dead good at football and 16 stone and have always dreamed of playing for the Yeltz at any level... do I get in for free?