Non League Day - S&B at Pinxton FC

Saturday lunchtime, shutters down at HQ.

Normally, it’s a quick dash home, lunch, and then off to a Premier League or League One game—I switch between the two most weekends. But with the international break in full swing, my usual routine was out.

Flicking through socials, I clocked that Saturday, 22nd March 2025, was Non-League Day. Rather than explaining what that means, you can read more about it here.

A quick scan of local fixtures led me to Pinxton FC, just a few miles from HQ. Never been before, but that’s half the appeal. Time to see what the GCE Hire Fleet United Counties Football League has to offer. A quick glance at the table—Pinxton sitting just outside the playoffs. Looked like a decent game on paper.

Parking up in front of the Miners Welfare, you could feel the history—every mining village had one of these back in the day. Walking past it to the small but welcoming football ground, I was already looking forward to the afternoon.

💰 Entry Fee: £5. Absolute bargain, regardless of the standard.

I arrived 30 minutes before kick-off and made my way to the top end of the pitch, where a small clubhouse served up refreshments. This is what I love about non-league grounds. Everything feels personal, and it seemed like everyone knew everyone—kids kicking a ball about, younger lads getting the beers in, and old-timers who’d seen it all before.

Quick stop inside for a brew (£2 – another bargain), then back outside. The raised ground at the top end gave a decent view of the pitch. Despite the slope of the land, the pitch itself was impressively flat and in great condition.

Crowd: Over 100 people dotted around the ground—a solid turnout. I stood outside the clubhouse, right in amongst the locals, ready for kick-off.

The game started, and Pinxton looked a little shaky, maybe a bit expectant with the home crowd behind them. The visitors took an early lead, which stunned the place, but in fairness, they’d started brighter.

That said, the standard of football was good. You could tell Pinxton had some proper players in there, and before long, they started to find their rhythm. When a penalty was awarded, the crowd let the officials know their feelings.

⚽ Goal. 1-1. Game on. Volume up.

Half-time came around, and I resisted the tempting food smells wafting from the clubhouse—though I wasn’t sure how long I’d hold out.

The visitors came out flying in the second half and scored an absolute screamer. Even the most die-hard Pinxton fans had to hold their hands up—it was class.

At that point, I caved—food time. Maybe I was the bad omen because, while I was queuing, Pinxton equalised. Apparently, another worldy. Gutted to miss it, but at least the food softened the blow.

The clubhouse was small but packed, with food, drinks, and a fridge that was rapidly emptying of beer. The walls were lined with memorabilia, giving the place some proper character.

Then, the heavens opened. Rain hammering down. Everyone huddled under whatever shelter they could find—but it didn’t dampen the spirits or the noise.

Final whistle: 2-2. A fair result, but on the balance of play, Pinxton should’ve won it.

.

As I walked out into the grey and wet Saturday afternoon, I had a little smile to myself.

✅ Good standard of football
✅ £5 entry – you can’t argue with that
✅ Decent food, proper club atmosphere
✅ The kind of experience you only get in the lower leagues

I’ll definitely be back. Maybe I’ll catch Pinxton away, or maybe I’ll check out another local team. Either way, this won’t be my last non-league game.

If you get the chance, give the lower leagues a go. It’s proper football—and absolutely worth your time.

Oh, and I ended the game with a Cup-a-Soup in hand. So British.