Match 33. Belstone v Hinton

Saturday 13th April 2013 @3pm
Herts Senior League Premier Division
BELSTONE 2-1 HINTON
The Medburn Ground, Watling Street, Radlett
 
Admission & Programme: N/A
Attendance: 15 h/c
Drink: Fosters £3.40 (Guinness pump not in use)
Food: Mars bar 75p
 
This match wasn't on my list until lunchtime as my original choice of Hullbridge Sports was called off and my family wanted to be dropped off at Lakeside.  The Friday rain had put this fixture in doubt but the club secretary had told me that there were standing puddles everywhere but they forked for four hours and hoped for the best when arriving Saturday. Luckily the pitch had dried out sufficiently and is actually a good playing surface which held up well considering it rained for all but the first 5 minutes of the match.


There is hardstanding around the railed pitch with the dugouts on the open side of the ground and a small area of cover on the opposite touchline. The pitch is closed in by 2 1/2 sides of tall trees and the car park  is situated inside the entrance behind the near goal and the club building is tucked away near the corner flag.  In front of the club building is a patio and table area which would be nice in dry warm weather. There was no programme as the game was in doubt on the Friday.

The match was an even contest with superiority changing hands throughout the match.  All the goals came in the first half.  Nine minutes in a cross from the right enabled the home no10 to reach and stab in from 6 yards.  No10s second goal was a delightful run and chip over the visiting goalkeeper
 after 17 minutes.  The Hinton goal was a shot from the edge of the penalty area which went through the goalies hands on 24 minutes.  In fact, I was told the goalkeeper was a replacement as the regular was away for 2 weeks.  He was unconventional but somehow stopped Hinton from equalising despite allowing a second effort through his fingers and from a shot he actually dived over the ball and it went just wide.

Thanks to the handful of friendly supporters happy to chat and especially the club official Glynn who was bar man/tea man/hospitality and who knows what else.  A friendly club well worth a visit.