| Teams | Rossington Main | Season 2011/12

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Busy Summer Ahead for Main

30th May, 2012

Rossington Main have a busy summer ahead of them as they get ready for the 2012/13 season in Baris NCEL Division One.

First up, there is to be a ground development sub-committee with the aim of ground improvements and general up-keep with the first meeting taking place tonight.

Anyone who can spare a few hours a week to help with these jobs is asked to be at the ground for 7pm and the more the merrier to take the strain from the usual ones that go down.

The club has already highlighted several jobs that need to be addressed so the sooner they get started the quicker they can rattle them off.

The date for the Presentation Night has been set and that will take place on Friday 15th June in the Welfare Hall from 7.30pm. More details to follow when they become available.

Pre-season training starts on Saturday 23rd June and players old and new are asked to be at the ground for a 1pm start.

Everyone is reminded to bring boots, trainers, training tops and shorts and any clothing to keep warm when needed.

Any of the squad from last season are asked that if they know anyone that may be interested in playing for Rossington to make them aware of these initial details with more information becoming available as the sessions progress.

The club's recent AGM saw all of the officials voted back en masse whilst George Spears has been elected onto the committee.

(Story Source: Rossington Main)

Moving On from Main

9th February, 2012

One of Rossington Main's players, Daniel Lodge, has been paying tribute to seven team-mates who have left the Baris NCEL Division One club this season.

He has written the following article whilst recovering from a long-term injury:


The 2011-2012 season saw Rossington Main start the season with arguably the strongest squad seen at the club in many years.

Largely made up of players from Rossington, the squad has a great feel about it and the changing room is a great place to be.

The squad is also made up of players that have parents that live/have lived in the village and a handful of players from surrounding areas of Doncaster.

Since the beginning of pre-season, the Main has lost no less than seven influential players.

These include club captain Michael Macdonald, Carl Hastie, one of the club all-time leading scorers Lee Holmes, danger men Jason Stokes and Zeph Thomas, former Rotherham pro Jamie Green and former Columbus Crew man Ben Hunter.

Six of the seven are Rossington based, so why did they move on? Where did they go? Here is a closer look into the paths they have followed.


Michael Macdonald
Michael (Chips) is a long serving Rossington player, playing several years in the reserves before flourishing in the first team.

Under the guidance of previous manager Mel Culshaw, Michael was made first team captain for his consistency, commitment and the example he set for his team mates.

Last season, he led the Main to their first Senior Cup Final and one of their best league finishes in several years.

Of the seven, Michael is the only player not to be moving elsewhere for football reasons.

In the summer 2011, Michael moved to Australia to experience life down under.

Hopefully for us here at Rossington Main, if/when Michael ever returns to sunny Doncaster he will once again put on a blue shirt.

All the best Chippo.


Carl Hastie
Another local, long time club man Carl has left us this season.

Carl came to pre-season in typical outstanding physical shape but, in the first friendly, he picked up a serious knee injury.

He can play anywhere down the right, has plenty of pace and is excellent technically, and has played in several spells for the Main since he was at school.

Unfortunately, Carl is unable to continue playing due to the knee injury that he picked up.

He will be a great miss to the playing side, plus the changing room due to his lively character and brilliant sense of humour.

We wish Carl continues to increase his fitness levels and his injury doesn't cause him too much trouble. We would love to see Carl in a blue shirt again.


Jason Stokes
Jason, son of Chairman Carl, has been an influential member of the Rossington squad for several seasons, despite his young age.

A character in the dressing room and the training pitch as well as his threat out wide on a Saturday afternoon.

The pacey and tricky winger is able to play on both flanks or down the middle.

He has given many a full-back a headache this season, and they will be glad to see the back of him.

Jason tried his luck in the USA in 2010 when he went to college and played 'soccer'.

Things didn't work out how he had planned and returned the same season.

He played 29 times before leaving, scoring six and creating eleven.

Jase threatened for ninety minutes and was an outlet for his team mates when on the attack.

His last game was away at Appleby Frodingham at the beginning of 2012, where he demonstrated just what he was capable of with an awesome display.

Jase has left the club on fantastic terms to play full time football in Belgium for Liege based side Royal Racing Football Club Montegnee in the 'Belgium Promotion D' League.

After the winter break, Jason has made several appearances (some as a full back) and all at the club wish him the absolute best of luck in his quest for professional football abroad!


Zeph Thomas
Bradford boy Zeph has had several spells at the club developing a couple of devastating strike partnerships during that time.

None more so than the end of the 2010-11 season, where he helped Liam Charlton pick up the club's top scorer award.

Unfortunately, Zeph was sent off last season against Glasshoughton Welfare which meant he missed the Wilkinson Sword Trophy Cup Final against the same opposition.

He could have been just the spark that the Main needed to create the chances that we needed to get back into the game.

The former Rotherham United YT man has also had spells at higher levels of non-league at Parkgate and Stocksbridge Park Steels.

Zeph has always shown the desire to go and play at a higher level whilst still showing a commitment to the Main.

Along with Jason Stokes he went to College in the USA to play 'soccer' and pursue a career and, like Jason, he returned home after things never met his expectations and hopes.

This season Zeph has made 20 appearances, scoring ten and assisting on three.

Zeph has moved with close friend Jason Stokes to pursue a career abroad in Belgium.

He has also signed for the same club RRFCM where he has made a couple of appearances so far.

Once again, we all wish Zeph the best of luck as he deserves it through his persistence to achieve better things.


Jamie Green
Rossington lad Jamie played over sixty senior games from Rotherham United, scoring twice.

But, under the new management at the club, his opportunities for first team action dried up.

He spent some time at Boston United on loan in 2011 before returning to the Millers.

Unfortunately Jamie wasn't offered a new contract and left the club.

During the 2011-12 pre-season, Jamie trialled at Bradford City and other pro clubs.

With many friends at the Main he trained with us to keep up his fitness in hope of going elsewhere, the Main were aware of his intentions and were very willing to help him out.

Manager Steve Lodge and his staff were pleased to see Jamie stick around for a few games too, he made four appearances and got on the score sheet in a 3-0 win against Eccleshill with a great individual effort.

The Main were involved in some 'Deadline Day' action when Jamie signed for Conference side Grimsby Town. Jamie has made six appearances and scored one but he is currently struggling with injury and working hard to get back fit.

A close friend of the club, we wish Jamie all the best and hope he recovers quickly from injury to get back to his best.


Ben Hunter
Rossington lad Ben has had several stints as a Rossington player under different managers including Richard Sennett and current manager Steve Lodge.

He has also had NCEL experience with Winterton Rangers, once again under Sennett.

Ben studied and played in the USA for several years, including a spell at MLS club Columbus Crew and a spell in the US Development league with Carolina Dynamo and professionally in the USL 2nd Tier with Richmond Kickers.

During 2011-12 pre-season, Ben came to the Main to get some games and improve his fitness.

Ben had shown an interest in joining Matlock Town but decided Rossington was the place he needed to be in order to play regular football.

Ben made seven appearances, scoring two and assisting on three, showing a touch of class and quality that was welcome in the Main's squad, before moving on to Matlock Town.


Lee Holmes
One of the club's all-time leading goal scorers and still only 23, Lee had become an important member of the squad and the club as a whole.

Versatile, tricky, good finisher and pacey, Lee played up front or wide right (and even helped out at centre half).

He began his time at the Main in the second team whilst still at school along with Daniel Lodge and Carl Hastie.

He quickly proved his ability to mix it with the men and was promoted to the first team.

He has been and gone several times, leaving the club for spells at Retford United, Selby Town and Staveley Miners Welfare.

Lee was welcomed back to the club several times, despite several people disagreeing with the move.

It turned out to be positive for the Main though; this season Lee played thirty times, scoring nineteen and assisting four.

Unfortunately for Main, he found a move to Worksop Parramore too tempting and transferred to the Division One rivals.


Despite losing some excellent players, Steve Lodge still has a squad with quality in depth.

This will be much needed as the club bid to attain their strongest league finish and points total in many years.

The first team are looking fit and determined while the second team are flying at the top of their division.

(Story Source: Rossington Main)

Main Duo Head for Belgium

19th December, 2011

Rossington Main duo Zeph Thomas and Jason Stokes have gone to Belgium to ply their trade in the full-time game there, according to The Non-League Paper.

It is reported that they have signed for Fourth Division side Royal Racing Montegnee after being seen playing in the Baris Northern Counties East Football League by scout Simon O'Neill and then impressing in a trial last month.

Thomas, who is 22, was released by Rotherham United four years ago and, since then, has played for Parkgate and Stocksbridge Park Steels before moving to Rossington.

He told The Non-League Paper: "I didn't have the best attitude when I was younger.

"If I'd knuckled down a bit more I'd maybe have had a pro career all this time, but you learn as you get older.

"Rossington is a great club and playing regularly there has really helped me."

(Story Source: The Non-League Paper)

Main Man in the USA

13th December, 2011

Three seasons into his four year scholarship at the University of Kentucky, a highlights video has been made for clubs to see what a former Rossington Main midfielder has to offer.

Matthew Lodge is captain of his university team and holds several all-time school records.

He has had recognition across the country and hopes to continue his hard work into the off-season.?

Matt has just undergone minor surgery on his groin and everyone wishes him all the best in his recovery.



Meanwhile, the Baris NCEL Division One side have also revealed details about their New Year's Eve party.

It takes place at the Rossington Main Social Club and includes a disco and hog roast.

Tickets are ?12 each and can be obtained from Oxford Street on matchdays and behind the bar anytime at the Welfare Ground.

Former Main Man Finds Success in US

22nd August, 2011

A former Rossington Main midfielder is finding success in the United States where he has just been named in his league's pre-season best team.

Matt Lodge, who is son of manager Steve Lodge, is at the University of Kentucky on a four year 'soccer' scholarship.

After two successful years in the states with much accolade, he has again been recognised by coaches across the width of the Conference that the Kentucky Wildcats play in by being selected in a league 'Dream Team' style team.

In his spell across the pond, Lodge has played in 36 games with 31 starts, scoring ten goals and with five assists.

The Wildcats open the 2011 season on Friday by hosting Dayton at the UK Soccer Complex.

The full story can be seen by clicking here.

(Story Source: Rossington Main)

Rossington Make Signing Coup

30th July, 2011

After many approaches from several clubs, Rossington Main have managed to fend them all off to finally secure the re-signing of goalkeeper Lee Appleby!

In a major coup for the 'big spending' Baris NCEL Division One club, they held off the challenge of Carcroft AFC, Bentley FC and even an unusual attempt by Branton Boys Under 14s until they realised that he was 26.

Appleby said in a statement to the club's official website: "The lure of a packet of Walkers Crinkles, two Mars Bars and a bottle of Lucozade (still not fizzy) along with a plastic cup of orange at half-time and the infamous chilli and chips after the match was too much to resist."

"I am hoping to have a great season at Rosso cause they are a great bunch of lads," he continued.

(Story Source: Rossington Main)

Training the Celtic Way

29th July, 2011

David Moss, Youth Development Officer at Celtic, helped out his old club, Rossington Main, by leading a training session with the first team squad earlier this week.

He put the Main players through their paces on Monday night.

Back home for a few days before flying over to Dublin to meet up with the Celtic team in a tournament in Ireland, David said he was pleased to give something back to his local club.

David played with the old Station FC after returning from New Zealand in the 80s before moving on to play pro football with Dunfermline and Falkirk.

After taking his coaching badges, he has more recently been in charge of youth team football at both Swansea City and Crystal Palace.

The emphasis of his session was on passing drills and possession and he was suitably impressed with the standard of the players involved.

Rossington Main would like to thank David for taking time out of his busy schedule to assist the club in this way and the Baris NCEL Division One side feels certain the players benefited from his input into the night's session.

(Story Source: Rossington Main)

Main on Lookout for New Physio

6th July, 2011

Due to an opening appearing in the coaching staff at Rossington Main, a position of physio for matchdays, home and away, and some training sessions has arisen.

The position within the Baris NCEL Division One club would be on a voluntary basis only at the moment with expenses being paid for travel and supplies

It would be an ideal opportunity for a student or any trainees that are looking to expand their careers in Sports Physiotherapy.

Anyone who is interested is asked to contact Chairman Carl Stokes on carl.stokes@stephanieworks.co.uk or by phone at 07740 796320.

(Story Source: Rossington Main)

Main Set for Thrilling Pre-Season

30th June, 2011

Rossington Main are about to embark on an exciting pre-season campaign that sees them host a four-team tournament before taking a tour of North Wales.

The tournament takes place at the Baris NCEL Division One side's Oxford Street ground on July 9th and 10th.

There will be four games over the weekend with Rossington playing Cleethorpes Town at 2pm on Saturday in the opening match followed by Bentley Colliery versus Buxton U19s at 4pm.

On Sunday, Rossington play Buxton U19s at 11am followed by Bentley versus Cleethorpes at 1pm.

Admission will be just ?1 on each day, there will be a raffle and refreshments will be available throughout with the bar and tea-room open on both days.

It is hoped that all participating teams will use the tournament to look at the strength of their respective squads for the forthcoming campaign and it will also be a great opportunity for any groundhoppers to view four teams in the space of three hours.

Rossington have thanked to Cleethorpes Town who have filled a vacancy left by Llanrug United from North Wales who had to pull out of the tournament when the dates were altered.

Bentley Colliery are close friends of Main and play in the Central Midlands League whilst the Buxton team are newly-formed this year and are using the weekend as a bonding session with overnight accommodation booked in a Doncaster hotel.

Rossington have played the full Buxton first team squad in friendlies for the past three seasons and this tournament was a perfect opportunity for Main to help out in their formation of an Academy side.

Then, for their forthcoming tour to North Wales, Rossington have secured two prestigious friendly fixtures.

On Saturday 16th July, they play Llandudno Town at 2.30pm and, the following day, Gap Connahs Quay provide another tough test with a midday kick-off.

These two clubs are amongst the most respected in the North Wales area and both had excellent seasons last year in the Huws Gray Alliance League.

This is Rossington's 3rd pre-season tour and a party of about thirty will make this year's trip which promises to be their most memorable yet.

(Story Source: Rossington Main)

Tables

NCEL Premier Division P Pts +/-
1 Retford United 38 85 55
2 Bridlington Town 38 84 60
3 Scarborough Ath 38 74 46
4 Brighouse Town 38 73 34
5 Staveley MW 38 71 14
6 Winterton Rangers 38 68 22
7 Parkgate 38 67 27
8 Tadcaster Albion 38 67 18
9 Arnold Town 38 63 10
10 Thackley 38 62 12
11 Barton Town Old Boys 38 53 -3
12 Pickering Town 38 51 -1
13 Armthorpe Welfare 38 50 -1
14 Liversedge 38 41 -18
15 Long Eaton United 38 34 -25
16 Hall Road Rangers (-3) 38 34 -29
17 Nostell MW 38 32 -38
18 Maltby Main 38 29 -43
19 Lincoln Moorlands 38 25 -56
R 20 Selby Town 38 12 -84
NCEL Division One P Pts +/-
R 1 Handsworth 38 82 49
P 2 Glasshoughton Welf 38 79 45
P 3 Worksop Parramore 38 77 43
4 Albion Sports 38 76 36
5 Pontefract Collieries 38 72 37
6 Eccleshill United (2) 38 66 26
7 Rossington Main 38 64 28
8 Hemsworth MW 38 60 7
9 Dinnington Town 38 60 1
10 AFC Emley (-1) 38 57 14
11 Worsbrough Bridge 38 57 9
12 Louth Town 38 55 -3
13 Shirebrook Town 38 51 0
14 Hallam 38 51 -8
15 Teversal 38 51 -12
16 Bottesford Town 38 33 -31
17 Askern Villa 38 33 -33
18 Grimsby Borough 38 26 -56
19 Yorkshire Amateur (-3) 38 25 -59
20 Appleby Frodingham 38 8 -93

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