Match 17. AFC Stoneham v Fleet Spurs

Saturday 19^th December 2015 @3pm

Wessex League Division 1

AFC STONEHAM 2-2 FLEET SPURS

The Elliots Arena, Chestnut Avenue, Chandlers Ford, Eastleigh SO50 9PF

Admission: £5

Programme: Included with admission. Extra copies £1.50 (16pp)

Attendance: 28 (Grumpy headcount)

Refreshments: Bacon Roll, Coffee, Bovril, all £1 each. Flapjack 50p.

My original destination was Horndean and the game was still on when I left home at 12.15. On arriving just after 2pm, I bumped into the groundsman who told me the game was called off just after 1pm by the local referee, who had deemed one corner of the pitch too soft.  So after checking, it was another 30 minutes driving to AFC Stoneham passing Eastleigh’s ground after exiting the M27.  The ground is located down a dark long driveway off of Chestnut Avenue. There is a decent sized car park which is shared with the golf driving range next door. The ground entrance is next to the changing rooms, then there is a short walk to the pitch. With a tea bar and committee room on one touchline and a quaint wooden stand with 100+ bench seating further along. The dugouts on the opposite touchline completes the set up and there is no clubhouse at the ground.  There is hard standing along 2 sides with out of bounds behind the far goal with the second pitch behind it.

Despite the uneven playing surface and long grass it was a decent match played in good spirit by both sides with a draw being the fair result. The first goal went to the visitors when a low shot was allowed to squirm under the goalkeepers body into the net.  The keeper made amends when he saved a penalty a little later on, diving to his right and palming the ball to safety. Stoneham equalised when following a half cleared corner, the attacker managed to steer the ball between the two defenders.  Stoneham took the lead when a penalty was awarded for handball and the strike went straight down the middle of the goal.  A deserved equaliser and the best of the game when a loose ball was hit from the penalty ‘D’ with a wrapped left foot by no9 into the top of the net with 20 minutes left.  Was nice to watch football at this time of year in unusually warm weather, the gloves, hat and scarf stayed in the car. 

Match 16. Lordswood v Ashford United

Saturday 12^th December 2015 @3pm

FA Vase 3^rd Round

LORDSWOOD 1-5 ASHFORD UNITED

Martyn Grove, North Dane Way, Lordswood, Chatham ME5 8YE

Admission: £7

Programme: £1 (24pp)

Attendance: 90

Refreshments: Bovril, £1.

With working in the evening and domestic duties running into the afternoon, I decided at 2pm to re-visit Lordswood, a club I last saw in their first season at Step 5 in 1996-7.  I couldn't remember too much about the ground but I don’t think there are any changes in the 18 years since my last visit.  Martyn Grove is part of a large sports centre including Rugby, Cricket and unusually, Pentaque.  The ground entrance is next to the changing room building and also has a tea bar just inside the turnstile. The teams enter from behind the near goal, with the dugouts on the left (green mesh) touchline and small areas of cover, for seating and standing area on a raised step on the right touchline. The area behind the far goal is out of bounds. The clubhouse is the social club which is outside the ground, between the 2 car parks.

This was definitely a game of two halves. Ashford just couldn’t seem to do anything right in the first half, allowing the limited skill in the Lordswood side to take a first half lead. The home side had a couple of half chances before the 20^th minute when a flick on found the path of Ben Francis to ran on and slotted the ball past the onrushing keeper. Ashford had more possession after the goal but the passing let them down and neither side troubled the keepers for the rest of the half. 

The half time break did the trick for Ashford, who drew level 10 minutes into the second half when from a corner the ball ran loose for Palmer to score from the 6 yard area.  A few minutes later Ashford took the lead when a shot from the edge of the penalty area flew into the net. It was soon 4-1 to the visitors when they were awarded 2 penalties, each for handball, which were equally clumsy.  The second half rout was completed in stoppage time when an attack on the left by Palmer gained momentum going into the area where he shot passed the home keeper. 

Match 15. Chatham Town v Whyteleafe

Saturday 5^th December 2015 @3pm

Isthmian League Division One South

CHATHAM TOWN 1-2 WHYTELEAFE

Maidstone Road Sports Ground, Chatham ME4 6LR

Admission: £9

Programme: £2 (40pp)

Attendance: 127

Refreshments: Bacon in French Stick, £2.70. Crisps, 90p. Bovril, £1.30

With my family opting to visit Dickensian Rochester Christmas Festival, I went for a revisit to my first ever ground in Maidstone Road, some 38 years ago although I’ve gone dozens of times since. The club was called Medway when I first visited, and I used to get in through a gap in the mesh fence behind the trees, emerging just before kick-off. I could then spend my pocket money on a programme which was 10-20p I think, with a 50p hot dog.   

Now the fence is in front of all but one of the trees and much more substantial.  The Sports Ground has seated cover on both sides including a great bench seated stand and standing cover is behind the entrance goal, where all the facilities are located. Additions since my last visit a few seasons ago is a clubhouse extension near the turnstile with a 1^st floor committee room incorporating a viewing balcony. The club shop looks fairly new and is plentifully stocked and there are 2 building shells which are either in process of demolition or construction.

The pitch was in good condition following the wet weather but the blustery wind played its part in the match, with the side from right to left having a distinct advantage.  Whyteleafe took the lead on 5 minutes when a free kick on the right was headed onto the far post then hit the opposite upright before Francis was first to head in the rebound. Whyteleafe were in total control for the first half hour, with the Chats only just getting into the match towards the end of the half.  Chatham, playing in a blue kit, put more pressure on the visitors in the second half, with the wind on their backs and drew level when on 65 minutes Ofunsi-Hene ran at the defence and despite 2 attempted tackles managed to slide the ball beyond the onrushing keeper into the net.  Whyteleafe went ahead again only 5 minutes later against the run of play when a pass into the left of the area was hit well by Dsane into the corner of the goal.  Whyteleafe hung on to steal the 3 points.  Chatham should get out of trouble on that performance.

Match 14. Grantham Town v Salford City

Saturday 28^th November 2015 @3pm

Evo-stik League Premier Division

GRANTHAM TOWN 2-0 SALFORD CITY

The Meres, South Kesteven Sports Centre, Trent Road, Grantham NG31 7XQ

Admission: £10

Programme: £2 (48pp lots of ads)

Attendance: 788

Refreshments: Cheese & Bacon burger, £4. Chips & curry sauce, £2. Bovril, £1.50. Becks Blue, £2.50.

Chose this fixture with the Class of ’92 bandwagon riding into Grantham and the opportunity for the family to visit old friends in nearby Bottesford (Nott’m).  The car journey up from Kent was trouble free and after the drop off arrived in the large car park by 2.15pm.  Eventually found the clubhouse from inside the ground, using the players’ tunnel.  It’s easier to go to the clubhouse from outside the main stand before the match, but the doorman allowed me back inside the ground before the teams came out.  In the clubhouse on the next table to me was Mr G Neville, with a gaggle of people queuing up for a selfie with the Sky pundit.  Fair play to him, who spent half an hour doing the honours with a smile and then ended up 2 rows behind me in the main stand to watch the first half an hour before leaving to do his day job at the Crisp Stadium in Leicester.  I can’t fault the dedication from the former Man Utd man, who appears to be spearheading the “project”. 

The stadium is one with an athletics track around the pitch and it offers hard standing all round, although pointless to watch behind either goal as the rail is about 30 metres away from the goalposts. There is the main stand, built in 2 tiers with the club facilities attached to the back of the stand and is impressive for non-league level. The upper tier offers the best view of the match even though the 8 lane running track puts the viewer a fair distance from the pitch.  A large covered terrace is on the opposite touchline. 

The bumper crowd were in for an extremely dull first half, with only 2 shots on target, both were Grantham shots. The winner was the blustery wind from right to left, not helping the players. I thought the Salford team had thoughts of staying injury free with next weeks FA Cup match as they looked to be playing in 2^nd gear all match.  The second half brought driving rain and with Salford having to contend with that in their faces, together with the Gingerbreads looking more positive, the home side deserved their win.  Both goals coming in the last 20 minutes from corner set pieces. The first was a header in from the far post and the second was blasted in from a crowded penalty area both scored by Rhys Lewis.

The drive home was one accompanied by heavy rain for the dark A1 part of the trip but a happy day out was had by all in the car.    

Match 13. Kidlington v Deal Town

Saturday 21^st November 2015 @3pm

FA Vase 2^nd Round Proper

KIDLINGTON 7-0 DEAL TOWN

Yarnton Road, Kidlington, OX5 1AT

Admission: £5

Programme: £1 (24pp)

Attendance: 71

Refreshments: Chicken/Tomato Cup-a-soup, £1 each. Mars, 70p, Bread pudding, free.

A planned family visit to Bicester Village so after a 2 ½ hour drive there with only congestion on M25 Jct 10-13, pre-match lunch was spent at The Acorn in Bicester then the short 15 minute drive to Kidlington, where it was dry and sunny, but cold with +2 degrees on the car thermometer and felt like -2 degrees watching the game with the wind chill. The turnstile entrance is next to the clubhouse building and it brings you out behind the near goal.  Beside the goal is an Atcost covered terrace for around 50 people and a snack bar with hot drinks and snacks. Sausage rolls and pasties are the hot microwave food available. It was a nice touch that a slice of homemade bread pudding is offered free with any hot drink.  The dugouts are on the “allotment” touchline with the Main seated stand on the opposite touchline, again in the Atcost style and 4 rows deep. I sat in the stand in the first half then stood in the stand behind the goal second half.

With Kidlington top of the Hellenic Premier and Deal Town struggling near the foot of the Southern Counties East League I expected a comfortable home win but didn’t expect the massive gulf between the 2 teams.  Deal were woeful throughout and barely registered a shot on target all match. The central striker tended to concentrate on the centre half rather than the ball and the back four had no idea where their co-defenders were.  The result was 3-0 by half time, and any chance of a better 2^nd half were dismissed 5 minutes into the second half when a stupid penalty was given away by Deal and Kidlington were 4-0 up. It was a case of how many after that and at least Kidlington scored 3 more down our end to help us ignore the cold chill.  Certainly the most one-sided match of the season so far for me.

There was quite a few hoppers in attendance including from the North East, Leeds, Coventry and even one with a Glasgow Rangers hat on. 

Match 12. Molesey v Harlow Town

Saturday 14^th November 2015 @3pm

FA Trophy 2^nd Qualifying Round

MOLESEY 4-3 HARLOW TOWN

412 Walton Road, West Molesey, KT8 2JG

Admission: £8

Programme: £2 (36pp)

Attendance: 94

Refreshments: Bacon Roll, £2. Cheese Roll, £1.20. Chicken Cup-a-soup, £1.  Curly Wurly, 70p. Mini Cheddars, 60p, Golden Wonder crisps, 60p

Decided not to travel for a new tick and plumped for a first revisit to Molesey since 1993, with Sutton Common Rovers at Gangrene Lane as the 3G back up, in case the wet weather won in Molesey. Luckily the match was on thanks to the common sense from the match referee.  The touchline had visible small puddles but although the playing surface was very wet and it rained for the first hour of the match, the ball still offered a decent bounce and the referee officiated with common sense.

The only detail I recalled from the first visit was an elevated seating area as part of the main stand. Thankfully it’s still there although I think the clubhouse building and dressing rooms located behind are a new addition since my last visit?  The dugouts are in front of this seated stand and the snack bar is also at the ground level.  A small covered standing area is available behind each goal and along a part of the far touchline.

I was treated to the best match I’ve seen so far this season.  Harlow came out at the start determined to control the match and went in front after just 4 minutes.  The first corner of the match was crossed into the danger area and Small headed in strongly from 6 yards.  The half continued with Harlow on top. The keeper received a yellow card for charging out of his area and bringing down the attacker.   There was a couple of last ditch tackles by the Molesey defence before Harlow doubled their lead. A free kick was awarded 30 yards out and was swung into the area where a slight flick on was enough to fool the defender Elliot, who simply volleyed it into the net for an own goal.  Molesey got straight back into the match when Palmer received the ball on half way, recovered from 2 heavy tackles, laid off the ball and received it back on the edge of the box where he drove it passed the diving keeper.

Harlow regained a 2 goal advantage before the hour mark when Eadie crossed in from the left side and the bearded Fisher tapped in from close range. With 30 minutes still to play, Molesey began to step up the pressure on their visitors and gained hope for a draw with 13 minutes left when McShane reduced the score to 2-3. Then, with just 5 minutes left a great through ball found Palmer who slotted in the equaliser to the cheers of the home crowd.  Then, amazingly, Molesey carried on their offensive spell and snatched the winner on 90^th minute when a cross from McShane found Stanislaus in space where he slammed home to gain a slot in the next round of the FA Trophy.

Match 11. Coventry City v Northampton Town

Saturday 7^th November 2015 @3pm

FA Cup 1^st Round

COVENTRY CITY 1-2 NORTHAMPTON TOWN

Ricoh Arena, Phoenix Way, Coventry CV6 6GE

Admission: £15

Programme: £2.50 (36pp)

Attendance: 9,124

Refreshments: None purchased.

With cheap Virgin train tickets acquired, I finally made my first visit to the Ricoh Arena 10 years after it opened.  There was a fiver off normal admission prices as well so I arrived at Coventry rail station just after 2pm and took around 50 minutes to make the journey by 2 buses as the traffic was heavy but I got into the ground 10 minutes before kick-off, found one programme seller inside the concourse and bought his last programme. I had eaten on the train up so didn’t need any refreshments but they have the usual hot food for £3-£4.50 and alcohol for similar prices. Hot drinks were £2 and crisps & chocolate was £1.

I climbed the 50 odd steps to my seat near the back of the East Stand in time for the minutes silence and kick off.  The view was excellent and the elevated view only highlights the positional mistakes in the match.  The away fans were in good voice and got behind their team from the start.  They were rewarded within 5 minutes when a free kick was crossed in by Nicky Adams and got a nick off someone and found its way into the net.  Coventry were level 5 minutes later when a run in from the wing by Murphy created space for himself and shot into the net from the edge of the box.  Northampton regained the ascendancy and got what was the winning goal after 15 minutes when a cross from the right corner found Richards unmarked in the 6 yard box and headed easily into the empty net.  The rest of the match was more Coventry in possession, with Northampton relying on counter attacks, but it was not until the last 20 minutes that the home side showed more urgency and found their passing improved, due partly to the introduction of the lively pair Sambou and Alliyu. Northampton held on to a deserved win and coped with the pressure of the last quarter.

The 1655 no4 bus didn’t turn up and the 1715 bus took 40 minutes to get to the bus station.  Thankfully there were plenty of taxis in the adjacent taxi rank so got to the station in time for my booked 1810 train into London.

Match 10. Cirencester Town v North Leigh

Saturday 31^st October 2015 @3pm

FA Trophy 1^st Round Qualifying

CIRENCESTER TOWN 2-1 NORTH LEIGH

Corinium Stadium, Kingshill, Cirencester GL7 1HS

Admission: £10

Programme: £2 (A5, 24pp)

Attendance: 85

Refreshments: Oily chips, £2. Lucozade Sport, £1.50. Klix tomato soup, 90p.

I had the use of my daughters hop mobile so as she has a black box fitted I had a leisurely drive to Cirencester as I chose this thinking there could be a cup upset. The Corinium Stadium does have all the facilities needed for a Community club but is lacking in character, and the small attendence didn't help the lack of atmosphere.  Once parked in the large car park in front of the ground and through the open turnstile (of 6) the refreshment snack bar is on the left, with the main building on the right, including the changing rooms and a small covered searing area in front. The clubhouse is large and is beyond the changing room and players’ tunnel. There is standing cover behind one goal and a main seated stand of around 250 seats opposite the main building with several support posts restricting the view.  The home side are celebrating their 125^th year, the last 13 have been at this location. I do wonder what their former ground was like.

The match was played in beautiful warm sunshine throughout with the sun setting towards the end of the match.  The home side in red and black started well against the visitors in yellow and black and dominated possession for the first half and hour.  The deserved lead arrived on 26 minutes when a corner from no11 found Griffin unmarked in the 6 yard box to head in. North Leigh got back into the match and were unlucky not the go in at the break on level terms. North Leigh started the second half well but fell further behind five minutes into the half with a copycat move, this time Henry using his head to go 2-0 up.  North Leigh then dominate the second half, with Cirencester querying everything and using gamesmanship to rattle the visitors, but the strong referee was having none of it.  The bookings were for dissent and playacting.  North Leigh pulled a goal back with a quarter of an hour to go but despite a late onslaught of the home goal, couldn’t force the equaliser.

Match 9. Glebe v FC Elmstead

Friday 30^th October 2015 @7.45pm

Kent Invicta League

GLEBE 4-0 FC ELMSTEAD

Foxbury Avenue, Chislehurst

Admission: £5 including Programme: (A5, 16pp)

Attendance: 272 (official)

Coffee: £1.

After 4 weeks without a live match due to work commitments and illness, I decided to revisit Glebe for their first match under the new floodlights.  Owner Rocky has certainly made progress at the venue in the last 6 months.  From an open field of 2 pitches to a ground soon to be Step 5 standard with just covered standing and changing room to pitchside player “tunnel” to complete before end of March. There had been a fair effort to publicise this match and the result was the 2^nd highest attendance in KIL history. There was a disco and singer booked for post-match celebrations, with the home side already having one hand on the League championship following another demolition and ever expanding cushion between them and 2^nd place.

Glebe went in front early on as the right back Clark made progress down the flank then a great cross allowed Lockyer to place his header into the corner of the net.  Glebe went further in front on 25 minutes as Alderman turned his marker and let loose a screamer from outside the box that the keeper could only parry into the path of Golding to slot home.

FC Elmstead were up against it but put in a better shift in the second half, having subbed the centre forward who was carrying enough extra timber to start a bonfire! They played more positive but still no match for the league leaders, who added 2 more goals in the last 15 minutes to tee up the end of game fireworks and party mood.

Good to finally meet up with Sussexhopper and his driving companions from Lyme Regis.

Match 8. Abbey Rangers v Tytherington Rocks

Saturday 3^rd October 2015 @3pm

FA Vase 2^nd Qualifying Round

ABBEY RANGERS 1aet1 TYTHERINGTON ROCKS

Addlestone Moor, Addlestone KT15 2QH

Admission: £5 including Programme: (A5, 28pp)

Attendance: 60 h/c

Refreshments: Guinness, £3.30. Oasis soup, £1.20.

A trouble free 1 hour drive around the M25 to a new ground for me.  I arrived just after 2pm as the away team coach pulled up.  Plenty of parking at the ground to the side of the club building which has food and drink on offer and I had a lovely veg soup homemade by one of the catering staff.  The pitch this season which has been developed is the ex-training pitch, closest to the clubhouse, has an overhang and wooden tables and bench seating in front.  The pitch is fully railed with hard standing around, with dugouts and floodlights.  Some work still to do to reach sufficient grading to remain at step 6 or rise any higher but they appear to have a plentiful amount of committee and volunteers at the club.

Having watched the last half an hour of Palaces dominating win against WBA and chatting with a North London based traveller from Oldham, the game kicked off and The Rocks had much the better of the first half hour, with the home side struggling to settle and guilty of some aggressive tackling.  The away side wished they had converted opportunities in the first period as on a counter attack, Abbey went a goal up and this seemed to settle them and they ended the half in a controlling mood.

The second half was fairly even but the combative nature of both sides threatened to boil over several times before Rocks managed a late equaliser. Amazingly about a 1/3 of the attendance left not bothering to watch extra time, including Barry the T### and his similarly tailored acquaintance.  Despite a last period of pressing by The Rocks on the near goal the teams have to battle it out near Bristol on Wednesday.  I just hope someone tells the catering manager that Tytherington is not near Birmingham!!

Match 7. Ashford United v Corinthian

Saturday 26th September 2015 @3pm
Southern Counties East Football League
ASHFORD UNITED 1-1 CORINTHIAN
Homelands stadium, Ashford Road, Kingsnorth, Ashford TN26 1NJ

Admission: £7
Programme: £2 (A5, 32pp double issue)
Attendance: 190
Refreshments: Guinness India Porter, £3.60. Sausage Roll 60p, Chips, £1.50. Chicken Cup a soup, £1.30

Another revisit for me as the family went to the nearby Outlet Centre.  I had watching both Maidstone United and the former Ashford club hear but this was the first game here with the 3G pitch laid.  The perimeter also has 4 x¾ size goals for the weekday evenings 5/6 a side bookings that bring in the extra income for the club.

This is a nice place to watch football, with a large main stand with the incorporated facilities behind the stand.  There are 3 steps on covered terracing behind each goal and the ground is suitable for a higher level of football if success follows the obvious bigger income.  The tea hut is good as well. There is even Pie, mash & liquor on offer at £4.50.  Something I will go back for again next time.

The match was dominated by the home side and the ball went in the net from a corner via the head of Kingwell but was disallowed for a soft infringement in the box.  Within 5 minutes Ashford went 1-0 up on 32 mins when Welford turned the centre back and drove the ball into the bottom corner.  Ashford had a handful of good chances plus dominated the rest of the game with Corinthian defending in numbers with the odd counter attack.  Against all the odds they levelled with a minute to go when a scuffed shot by Axell somehow managed to slide under the keepers’ body and trickled into the net.  Ashford had another chance on stoppage time but yet again the shooting was inaccurate

Match 6. Hurstpierpoint v AFC Vardeanians

Saturday 19^th September 2015 @3pm

Southern Combination Football League Division 2

HURSTPIERPOINT 0-3 AFC VARDEANIANS

Fairfield Recreation Ground, Uckfied Road, Hurstpierpoint BN6 9SD

Admission: free

Programme: donation (A5, 12pp)

Attendance: 12 h/c

Refreshments: Red Stripe £2.50. Mug of coffee: £1.  Crisps: 50p

Hurstpierpoint were resurrected from the ill-fated merger last season with Burgess Hill Albion, with the latter reforming in the Mid Sussex League as the merged club were more or less bankrupt.  Hurst are run by a 4 man committee with Dave, Jake, Jamie and manager Dudley Christensen, with Dudley slowly assembling a side which only contained 2 players from last season.  The ground has a small car park in front of the club building but there are spaces in the main road near the track to the ground.  The Fairfield ground is shared with the cricket club and the football pitch is on the far side of the ground. A metal rail is down the tree lined side with dugouts also in situ.  The other 3 sides are fully roped off with no hard standing so I was grateful that it was a warm sunny afternoon.

One of the problem positions is that of goalkeeper and the second keeper so far filled in between the sticks.  Unfortunately he collided with the Vardeanians striker after 20 minutes, injuring his shoulder.  He continued and handled well but when the first goal went in soon before half time, the despairing dive to his right was the final straw.  The slightly built sub took over in goal despite having little experience. The original keeper was on the way to hospital at half time with a suspected broken collar bone.

The away side have adjusted well to the step up and dominated the second half although Hursts heads never dropped. They conceded a further 2 goals in the half.  The first was a cross goal shot following a corner and the final goal a well taken hit from 20 yards into the corner.  Both goals would have beaten most keepers at this level.

I hope they get volunteers and sponsors to alleviate the workload of the small committee but with a team only a few short of a decent side, a sponsor now on board and a club linesman volunteered from the local college, the club should be on the rise in the near future and worth a visit on a dry day.

Match 5. Billericay Town v Enfield Town

Saturday 12^th September 2015 @3pm

FA Cup 1^st Qualifying Round

BILLERICAY TOWN 1-1 ENFIELD TOWN

New Lodge, Blunts Wall Road, Billericay

Admission: £10

Programme: £2 (A5, 44pp)

Attendance: 333

Refreshments: Guinness £3.60. Chips £1.50. Twix 60p.

Wanted a cup tie and chose a revisit having last been to New Lodge some 20 years ago.  The ground has a small car park and cover of sorts on all four stands. Standing cover behind each goal and a mix of standing and seating cover on both sides, with the Main Stand straddling the halfway line with the clubhouse behind and adjacent.

The match didn’t live up to expectations and the game was fractious both on and off the pitch including a bald headed Enfield supporter who walked from behind the away goal to behind the home goal, to incite the opposition by removing an orange home bib. Who knows his reasoning, but he was spoken to by stewards after a kafuffle and was allowed to remain.  The home skipper meanwhile was determined to get sent off and managed to achieve this within the first half hour for 2 bookings, for verbal and a late challenge.

The best player on the pitch was the home no10 Sodje who opened the scoring after 13 minutes by receiving a through ball and lifting it over the advancing keeper into the empty net.  After being down to 10 men, Billericay sat back relying on quick counter attacking but found to be pushed into defending more than they would like.  The equaliser came when a free kick was half cleared only for Devyn to control the ball and shoot home without being challenged.  There was almost a late winner for Billericay but after catching the defence square, missed a chip over the keeper as it rose high over the crossbar.  

Match 4. Glebe v Crockenhill

Saturday 5^th September 2015 @3pm

Kent Invicta League

GLEBE 1-2 CROCKENHILL

Foxbury Avenue, Chislehurst, Kent.

Admission: £5 including Programme (A5, 16pp)

Attendance: 85

Refreshments: Guinness £3.50. Kit Kat 60p.

Stayed local due to family commitments this weekend.  Despite Glebe being chucked out of the FA Vase on ground issues, they were still at home in a rearranged league fixture in what was their first Saturday home match at the spruced up ground at the bottom of Foxbury Avenue. Just a 10 minute bus ride on the 160 from Sidcup Rail Station or about a mile walk to Chislehurst Rail Station, although it’s a steep hill from that Station.

As you enter the Sports Ground there is a pitch in front of you where the vets were playing then you see beyond it, the club building and the newly erected fencing surrounding the main pitch.  The clubhouse has a main room and a function room. It also has the bar and a food kiosk behind on the way to the toilets.  The England rugby was on the several TV screens and as I arrived at 2.40pm the gateman was just inside taking admission, before opening the admission gate 15 minutes before kick-off.  The ground is fenced off on 3 sides and has trees behind the far goal completing the enclosure.  The pitch is in good condition and is railed with dugouts on one touchline and a 100 seater stand on the nearer touchline, of which 50 seats was delivered only 2 days beforehand.  Still floodlights and a covered standing area to complete this season and a protected walkway from dressing room to ground to be constructed to progress higher I imagine among other things. But perfectly acceptable for Step 6 apart from the aforementioned list.

Glebe started the match in dominant mood and should have been a goal up after 15 minutes but the referee and assistant didn’t spot the ball hitting the wheel on the bottom station half a yard inside the goal before bouncing back into play. Both teams thought it had been awarded only for the referee to point for a goal kick!  This decision galvanised the away side into action and they had the better chances before, on 36 mins a corner wasn’t cleared properly by the Glebe defence and the 2^nd cross to the far post was directed across the goal into the far corner by Dalrymple.

Early in the second half and Glebe didn’t learn from their first half mistakes by again failing to completely clear the lines in defence and the return was stabbed home from close range by Johnson,  So Glebe found themselves 2 goals down against the run of play.  They did bombard the visitors for the last half hour, with bookings escalating, language on the field deteriorating as Glebe reduced the arrears with a ¼ of the game left when a free kick was headed in.  Despite the pressure and about 5 minutes stoppage time, Crocks stole the 3 points against a good Glebe side who should be up there about at the end of the season.

Match 3. Ebbsfleet United v Whitehawk

Saturday 29^th August 2015 @3pm

National League South Division

EBBSFLEET UNITED 2-2 WHITEHAWK

Stonebridge Road, Northfleet.

Admission: £11

Programme: £3 (A5, 44 pages)

Attendance: 972

Refreshments: Guinness £3.80. Bovril £1.20. Snickers 70p.

With my chosen game being switched to Sunday and restricted to a match within an hours drive I settled for Ebbsfleet as the M25 was at a near standstill from the Dartford Crossing to Junction 4.  Pre match was spent in the Blackfen Pie & Mash shop where my family noshed on the best found in North Kent.  The ground hasn’t yet changed but plans are now approved by Gravesham Council to completely renovate the stadium which is likely to start sometime in 2016.

The match was played with both sides looking to pass the ball around and unfortunately, we had a referee insisting on blowing his whistle on every minor incident and he didn’t let the game flow or playing any advantages. The first 20 minutes had Ebbsfleet enjoying the majority of possession but the slow build-up allowed Whitehawk to defend in numbers and limiting the home side to half chances throughout the half.  The match turned halfway through the first half when a rare foray into the Ebbsfleet area by the visiting right back prompted the defender to make a lunge which the linesman gave as a foul. However from the other 3 sides of the ground it was one of those obvious dives that a forward leaves a trailing leg to find the opponent then makes a theatrical race for the grass.  Justice was done in the short term as the penalty was saved and resulted in a corner.  However a goalmouth scramble from the said corner ended up with the ball being stabbed into the net from close range from Ijaha.  This decision had shook up the home side and they struggled for the rest of the half.  Inevitably after another poorly taken corner kick was cleared by Whitehawk, a quick counter attack involving 4 players one touch football allowed Deering to convert from 20 yards.

The manager McMahon made a brave double substitution at half time. Bringing off the flair midfielders Parkes and Kissock and replacing them with the pacey Haynes and Godden.  In a second half completely dominated by Ebbsfleet, it took 10 minutes to half the deficit when a through ball was met by Godden who shot beyond the keeper from 15 yards.  With the noise level raised from the supporters the home team got back on level terms when a Godden cross found fellow sub Haynes on the far post to convert with 10 minute left.  They went for the win but ultimately ran out of time in what was an exciting second half of football.  Both teams should be in the top 5 come the end of the season. 

Match 2. Leamington v Bideford Town

Saturday 22^nd August 2015 @3pm

Southern League Premier Division

LEAMINGTON 2-1 BIDEFORD TOWN

The New Windmill Ground (Philipps 66 Community Stadium), Harbury Lane, Leamington Spa.

Admission: £11

Programme: £2.50 (A5, 48 pages)

Attendance: 482

Refreshments: Coors Shandy £3.30.

With my family and friend spending the day at Warwick Castle, I took an opportunity for a game in the area.  I arrived at 1pm at Coventry Sphinx but found the area less than desirable and wasn’t taken on the ground, which was less rustic, rather shabbier. I could either hang around for 2 hours or drive back to Leamington Spa.  To be honest I had plenty of time, so I chose to have a look around the town centre then drive the almost 4 miles to the wilderness that is Leamington FC.  

The ground has a small signpost for the gap in the bushes towards the car park and stadium but you should see the floodlight pylons to find the ground on Harbury Lane. The entrance is in the near corner of the ground which has the clubhouse and catering in front of you and the club shop and toilets to the left.  There is covered terracing behind the near goal and both covered seating and standing alongside one touchline.  The dugouts and hard standing are on the open touchline and there is also uncovered terracing behind the far goal. I had bought a lunch with me so didn’t partake in any food but the usual fayre was on offer (no pies).  The pre match pint was most refreshing in the Brakes Bar on this hot day.  30 degrees Celsius as I parked up and even the forecasted shower blew over during half time.

This match was controlled by the home side although the match scoreline was closer due to their own unforced errors.  Bideford took the lead in the first half after the home centre half shoved the striker in the back when heading the ball.  The 30 plus yard free kick was accurately hit but lacked real power, however the keeper seemed to lose concentration as the ball somehow slipped through his hands and bobbled over the line.  Leamington got back in it after 25 minutes when Lee Moore drew level and the centre midfielder Richard Taundry calling the shots it looked just a matter of time for a home victory.  However Taundry picked up a hamstring injury and was subbed at half time.  The second half was dominated by the Brakes but they lacked leadership but was helped by a fatigued North Devon outfit who were playing their 4^th away game in 11 days.  The expected winner was a good goal though. A 55^th minute half volley on the edge of the box from Rob Ogleby dipped into the far corner of the net.  A good support from the 40 or so travellers from Bideford, a team who will rack up a fair few miles this season.

Post-match after picking up the family, was a stop off for dinner at The Crooked Billet in Iver Heath, then home for 9pm. 

Match 1. Abbey Hey v Worksop Town

Saturday 15^th August 2015 @3pm

FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round

ABBEY HEY 3-1 WORKSOP TOWN

The Abbey Stadium, Goredale Avenue, Gorton, Manchester.

Admission: £5

Programme: £1 (A5, 20 pages)

Attendance: 180

Refreshments: Becks Vier, £3. Beef & Onion Pie, £1.50

I had earlier taken the opportunity earlier in the summer to purchase cheap Virgin Train sale tickets and the pull of the FA Cup saw me at Goredale Avenue for a clash of sides who have both started the season well in their respective leagues.  The train journey was hassle free and I arrived at the ground quite early at 1.30 due to the hourly service from Manchester and no pubs or cafes on the 10 minute walk to the ground from Ryder Brow.

The ground is dominated by the two storey club building with the clubhouse and tea bar on the first floor and the dugouts in front of the players’ entrance to the pitch.  On the opposite touchline is a covered area of seating and standing around 50 metres in length straddling the half way line.  The rest of the railed perimeter fence has hard standing throughout.

This was a match of two halves.  The first half was dominated by Worksop Town and pleasing on the eye on the lush green playing surface. The second half, following the early substitution of the tall no9, was all belonging to Abbey Hey. They played with 5 in midfield and started to overrun the away side with power and pace. But the main focus of attention during the afternoon regrettably was the performance of referee Paul Ince (no not that one). Firstly he sent off Abbeys Henshaw for something no one else seemed to see. Secondly he failed to punish at least 3 players after a terrible tackle, retaliation and melee which should have resulted in reduced numbers by both sides.  He then insisted that if he stopped play for an injury, the player on the ground would return to the touchline even if the trainer was not called onto the pitch.  Is this a new directive this season???

Worksop took the lead early in the second half when a defence splitting pass found Adam Ward who beautifully dispatched the ball beyond the keeper into the net.  George Noon equalised soon after when Worksop failed to clear their defensive lines. The home lead arrived with 20 minutes left when a free kick was only parried by the Worksop keeper and the defence failed to clear which allowed Jon Hardy to gain the advantage.  Hardy then wrapped up the match in the last minute by unleashing an unstoppable shot beyond the hands of the Town keeper.

Post-match, I killed the 45 minutes wait at Manchester in the disappointing sports bar, The Green in Dulcie Rd, then at the station 1^st floor pub, The Mayfield, which was a Yates pub the last time I was up here. 

Match 38. Buckhurst Hill v M & B Club

Saturday 16^th May 2015 @2.30pm

Essex Olympian League Premier Division

BUCKHURST HILL 1-4 M & B CLUB
Roding Lane, Buckhurst Hill

Admission: Nil

Programme: £1.50

Attendance: 45 h/c

Refreshments: none purchased

With the nice sunny weather arriving in the South East, it was an hour drive to the small town of Buckhurst Hill, where the wannabe TOWIE extras seem to hangout.  The pub I went in before kick-off, The Three Colts, really did epitomise the need for people to be seen. The men and women clothed in designer gear and the restaurant area serving overpriced gastropub grub.  It was lucky I had a shirt on with an animal on it and Vans on otherwise the normal ground hopper apparel would have got a few strange Botox looks I’m sure.

The ground is situated in Roding Lane with the football club on one side of the road and the cricket club on the other.  Parking was tight but they do have an overflow parking area adjacent to the entrance. There is a club building beyond the parking area on the main touchline where there are dugouts as well as a roped off pitch. Three outer pitches complete the football complex.  There was no alcohol at the ground but does serve snacks and hot drinks.

The match was typical end of season fayre and in hindsight I should have gone to by plan B fixture at Harold Wood. There was 5 goals however, with M & B Club in control for most of the game Said and Settle bagging a brace each and only a consolation by Richbell for Buckhurst. A nice venue in the spring sunshine and the view from the disabled railed ramp to the snack area is a comfortable le place to view the action.

Post-match, I dropped by The King Harold to leave play off paper for Mr D.Q. Rioja and enjoyed a swift half in the suntrap of the garden not knowing that DQ was still nursing his 2^nd bottle of red at the nearby Rec Ground.

Match 37. Stansfeld (Oxford & Bermondsey) v Metrogas

Saturday 9^th May 2015 @2.45pm

Kent County League Premier Division

STANSFELD (OXFORD & BERMONSEY) 0-3 METROGAS

Marathon Playing Fields, Forty Foot Way, Avery Hill Road, New Eltham

Admission: Nil

Programme: £1

Attendance: 78 h/c

Refreshments: Guinness £3.60.

I didn’t have the enthusiasm to travel today so I thought I would meander to Metrogas to see them play “visitors” to their tenants, Stansfeld, the game being a 2^nd v 1^st although Metrogas had already won the League for a second successive year.  With cricket taking preference, pitch #1 & #2 were out of bounds so a bonus of a new pitch #3, the top pitch on the other side of Forty Foot Ways driveway.  There is no football furniture apart from a storage unit, but the pitch is surrounded by fencing on 3 sides and the spectators’ touchline is roped off.  The pitch, like all others on the complex is in very good condition.

Despite the warm sunny conditions there was a fierce wind travelling across the pitch from left to right which did affect the play of both teams.  Stansfeld, playing in their blue and yellow striped kit, do have runners up spot to consolidate and the first half was competitive but only half chances for both teams made the half finish goalless.  The healthy attendance consisting of cabbies from Bermondsey, reserve players talking about the recent stag do weekend in Magalluf and a fair smattering of local hoppers.  A chap walked along the touchline in the first half selling the programme, a bonus for this level.

Metrogas came out in their fetching grey kit for the second half in a bouncing mood.  I was still walking back from the clubhouse when a cheer went up and Metrogas had gone 1-0 up.  The second goal arrived just before the hour mark. A cross was met with a defenders diving header which flicked into his own net.  The killer third goal arrived on 70 minutes when a shot was only parried to no17 who scored from close range.

The game was done and dusted by 4.30 and the clubhouse had 100+ in it before 5pm for the League Trophy presentation.

Match 36. Folkestone Invicta v Merstham

Saturday 2^nd May 2015 @3pm

Ryman League Division One South Play off Final

FOLKESTONE INVICTA 0-3 MERSTHAM

The Fullicks Stadium, Cheriton Road, Folkestone.

Admission: £9

Programme: £1.50

Attendance: 1,465

Refreshments: Guinness £3.90, Bovril, £1, Salted nuts 80p.

My last visit to Cheriton Road was the last game of 2010/2011 season when they lost 1-0 to Maidstone which was a winner takes all to stay in the Ryman League. Many changes at the ground since then due to the storm damage last season which meant the main stand is now at the opposite touchline and the old stand without its roof is open terracing.  It still has that historic ground feel to it with its low covered stand behind one goal and the open terracing behind the other goal. 

Turnstiles were open at both ends of the ground to cope with the expected large attendance and almost 1,500 turned up for the game 90% must have been from Kent but the Merstham fans behind the goal gave a noisy account of themselves.  I had turned up about 2pm and procured my programme order before parking in Morrison and having lunch there. There was a queue to get in 10 minutes before kick-off but got in as the teams had a minute silence for those lost in the Nepal earthquake.

Folkestone completely dominated the first half but went in at the interval 2 goals down with Merstham having 3 attacks in the whole half. The first on 6 minutes resulted in Cooper turning up in the area on the blind side and scored while the defence had their arms up for offside.  Merstham really should have been down to 10 men when their centre back pushed his head into the Folkestone strikers face but the referee claimed to be unsighted.  The linesman in front of me should have seen it though. The ref allowed a lot of illegal tackles to go unpunished so the home fans were not impressed with his performance.  The second goal arrived just before halftime thanks to the giant centre back Henriquez.  Then the killer blow came 6 minutes into the second half when the Merstham captain curled a free kick into the corner to make it 3-0. This knocked the stuffing out of the home side and the rest of the match was controlled by Merstham with a passing masterclass.  The only spoiler was a group of a dozen home teenagers looking to cause trouble with the away fans but the stewards brought in from Dover rounded them up and escorted them to the exit. So another play off defeat for Folkestone to digest before next season and a Merstham team needing some fresh blood to survive in the higher league.

I stopped off at The Lion of Kent in Bearsted for a comfort break and the Bearsted FC players were enjoying an end of season beer or three.

Match 35. VCD Athletic v Billericay Town

Saturday 25^thApril 2015 @3pm

Ryman League Premier Division

VCD ATHLETIC 2-0 BILLERICAY TOWN

Oakwood, Old Road, Crayford, Dartford.

Admission: Pay what You Want (£2)

Programme: £2

Attendance: 363

Refreshments: Guinness £2.80 (can), Bacon Cheeseburger £3.

With no new venues attracting my interest, it was a revisit to Oakwood to see this last Ryman league game of the season with VCD needing a point to ensure survival. Also the special admission offer was too good to turn down. 

30 or so Billericay fans had made the trip and they were on the bar before kick-off and most of them were in the food queue inside the ground when I entered through the turnstile at 2.55.  The ground hasn’t changed much since my last visit in October 2008. They have recently added a 3^rd turnstile entrance and extended the Main Stand to comply with staying at Step 3 next season. 

The match wasn’t a good watch for the neutral with everyone rushing and the game was strewn with errors from both sides.  In the stand was local ex-footballer Jimmy Bullard but he had enough of the game just before half time.  The game was rescued in the dying minutes with 2 VCD goals cementing their stay in the Ryman Premier next season.  The first on 88 minutes was a shot from the left side of the area which beat the keeper and ended up in the right hand bottom corner credited to James Buckworth, who was substituted immediately afterwards.  This was inspired as substitute Azeez collected the long ball in injury time and dribbled around the keeper to pass the ball into the empty net.

Match 34. Hullbridge Sports v Ilford

Saturday 18^thApril 2015 @3pm

Essex Senior League

HULLBRIDGE SPORTS 1-1 ILFORD

Lower Road, Hullbridge, Hockley

Admission: £6

Programme: £1

Attendance: 45

Refreshments: Guinness £3, Mini Cheddars, £1.

One of the closest Step 5 grounds I had yet to visit, so the one hour drive was uneventful and the Dartford Crossing was behaving itself.  I arrived just after 2pm and there is plenty of parking outside the ground.  The club building facilities are outside the entrance for the visitor and only the changing room area is inside the ground boundary.  There is a club bar, toilets and a kitchen which sells the hot food and drinks.  Then the entrance hut is in the near corner of the ground.  The fencing doesn’t block the view from outside so there are some wooden boarding erected behind the goal to obscure the view from the car park.  The dugouts are on the open touchline and the cover is on the facilities side of the ground. There is a flat are of standing cover on the halfway line which is sandwiched between 2x50 seated atcost stands. Another small area of standing cover is found towards the far side of the touchline, much more of a DIY effort.  The rest of the railed perimeter is hard standing.

The match was very dull as the swirling wind defied the bright sunny skies and together with a dry, bumpy pitch made both teams hustle and bustle through the 90 minutes.  Even the goals were uninspiring.  Hullbridge took the lead when a cross was fumbled by the keeper as he tried to catch the ball in the wind and only succeeded in dropping the ball into his own net.  Ilford drew level early in the second half after a scramble in the area and the rest of the game really was a tale of both sides trying to control the ball with dozens of errors. 

Just one of those days where the game is instantly forgettable and at least it was a new ground visit.

Match 33. Yaxley v Harrowby United

Saturday 11^thApril 2015 @3pm

United Counties League Premier Division

YAXLEY 2-4 HARROWBY UNITED

In2itive Park, Leading Drove, Holme Road, Yaxley.

Admission: £6

Programme: £1

Attendance: 58

Refreshments: Guinness (surged) £3, Cheeseburger £3, Kit Kat Chunky 70p

Apart from the congestion at Dartford Crossing, it was an easy enough drive into Cambridgeshire and I parked in Leading Drove an hour before kick-off and walked to spend prematch in the nearby, pleasant Three Horseshoes to watch the second half of the Swansea v Everton match before returning before kick-off for a clash between 4^th from top against 4^th from bottom. I was expecting a few goals but not in the way it turned out.

The ground has seen new club buildings built in the last few years and the clubhouse is now large with a hired hall facility which was being used for a 50^th birthday in the evening. There are also new changing rooms and toilets and all housed in one corner of the ground, left of the turnstile entrance, which doubles up as a club shop (with old programmes). The food van is to the immediate left of the entrance. The main stand is next to this and is a metal frame with wooden benches in 2 rows on top of a concrete base. Unspectacular but not as bad as the Atcost type.  There is a small red covered standing area each on the 2 main touchlines, one with a white bench at the back. Be careful if you are over 6 foot though as they have a low roof.  The dugouts are brick built on the opposite touchline and there is hard standing around the post and rail perimeter.  Oddly behind the goal at the non-allotment end, the hard standing consists of 100 or so electric or telephone rectangular man hole covers. Must be someone using their In2itive (sic).

Yaxley begun the stronger of the two sides and after a couple of close efforts, the home side broke the deadlock on 18 minutes.  A free kick on the left side was cross in by Hipwell and the ball missed everyone including the no10 by a whisker and ended up in the far corner of the net.  Yaxley didn’t have it all their own way in the half and both sides came close to adding to the goal tally, but the half finished at 1-0

The wind was picking up in the second half in favour of the visitors and they started the second half in control and ascendency.  Their dominance was rewarded on 55 minutes when a cross was not cleared by the defence and Carr to stab in from inside the area.  The side near the bottom certainly didn’t play like a struggling team now. A corner was drove to the far post where Hill rose and fiercely headed into the top corner to give Harrowby the lead.  Yaxley didn’t give up which made for an excellent second half and they equalised with 20 minutes left. I had one eye on the Grand National so only saw Joyce one on one with the keeper and slotted past hi m for 2-2.  With both eyes back on the match Harrowby regained the lead within minutes.  A free kick again gave the home defence problems and another headed goal from about 8 yards.  In the added stoppage time, Yaxley could have equalised, once denied by a good low save and also a last ditch tackle inside the area, but the ball then went down the other end where the subs shot was only parried for Shaw to score with the rebound just before the final whistle. 

A very entertaining second half, possibly the best 45 minutes I’ve watched this season, coupled with a friendly welcome from the gateman, food cook and birthday barman.

Match 32. AFC Fiorentina v Sampdoria

Saturday 4^th April 2015 @6.30pm

Italia Serie A

AFC FIORENTINA 2-0 SAMPDORIA

Stadio Artemio Franchi, Firenze

Admission: €40

Programme: N/A

Attendance: 33,777

Refreshments: Peroni €3 (330ml)

A long weekend in Florence with my wife thanks to my daughters Christmas surprise gift. Then as a birthday gift from my Mrs, a ticket for the match on early Saturday evening. I had left Kay drinking Prosecco in Trattoria Bondi near the main station Firenze Santa Monica Novella as I took the regional train to Firenze Campo Marte which takes under 10 minutes and costs €3 return.  It is then a brisk 10 minute walk to the ground going over the railway bridge and passing the official merchandise stalls and food outlets which have a variety of meat products much superior to the English fayre outside the grounds.  I had earlier gone to the match day ticket outlet a few minutes from the ground which opens from 0900-1300 and 1430-kick off on match days. I needed just my passport and cash to buy a ticket in the main stand as it is the only one with cover in an otherwise open bowl-shaped all seated stadium.

It was drizzle when we landed mid-morning and more persistent when we had arrived in Florence after the transfer from Pisa airport.  By the afternoon when I got my ticket it was chucking it down and it continued throughout the afternoon and evening so much so that I purchased a waterproof poncho from the looky-looky man at the main station.

On entering the main stand there is a concourse behind the lower tier, under the upper tier which sold hot and cold drinks, popcorn and snacks. I didn’t see hot food but there is a members area which may have had that on offer.  At least it is cash sales rather than the card system in some other grounds in Europe.

There was a few familiar names from the Premier League. Ex-Man City Micah Richards, ex-Liverpool Aquilani and Chelsea loanee Salah all in the home side starting line-up. Eto’o was up front for the visitors.  The pitch had fast slick areas but patches of boggy mud as well making flowing play difficult. The best shot of the half came from Salah whi struck the post and Sampdoria also had a shot from Eto’o early in the half which was well saved. Fiorentina had more possession but lacked a decisive pass.

At half time I got chatting to a supporter in that broken Italian-broken English way and he stayed chatting with me through the 2^nd half as we watched from the back of the lower tier. He explained that Fiorentina played in a Barcelona style under their current manager Montella and the fans are fully behind him as they try and gate-crash a Champions League spot for next season.

In the second half Fiorentina took control and the fans went wild as Diamanti shot into the top corner on the hour.  The crowd had barely settled down when Salah showed his skill in avoiding the defenders and slipping the ball beyond the keeper for the 2-0 result. They almost had a third at the end from Gomez but the shot was well saved.

So my first Italian ground and match has wetted my appetite for more. Afterwards the café outside the station reopened and made a small fortune in the 30 minute wait for the train back.

Match 31. Chipperfield Corinthians v Wormley Rovers

Saturday 28^th March 2015 @3pm

Herts Senior League Premier Division

CHIPPERFIELD CORINTHIANS 0-2 WORMLEY ROVERS

Queen Street, Chipperfield.

Admission: NIL

Programme: £1.

Attendance: 21 plus 6 under school age and a dog (h/c)

Refreshments: Coffee in a mug, £1. KitKat 70p

Chipperfield is about 10 minutes from junction 20 of the M25, passing Kings Langley on the route.  After locating Queen Street, football supporters are directed to park opposite the entrance to the Street which has loose stones as the road surface, which leads to the ground at the other end. After checking the game was on and purchasing a programme in the tea bar I walked a further 100yards to The Windmill which is a pub stuck in a post war décor, with half wall panelling, picture cork placemats and a group of local lacrosse team having lunch.  There are 3 hand pumps on and the lunch menu served 12-2pm looked good.  Back at the ground, the pitch is railed on all 4 sides and has dugouts on one side with large holly bushes and trees enclosing it, together with a slope across the pitch towards the club building, which has changing rooms, a snack bar, toilets and a covered overhang in case of rain.

The surroundings has that village feel about it and was played with sporting attitudes by both sides with one exception.  The visiting no10 Jordan attempted to play act his way around the pitch until finally getting a home player booked even though there was no physical contact.  Unfortunately Wormley only had the bare 11 players so he remained on the pitch apparently uninjured despite being shot 3 times by an invisible assassin.

The game was dominated throughout by the Corinthians but typically, Wormley scored in each half.  The first goal was an in swinging corner to the far post which was headed back for no9 to half volley into the net from 10 yards on half hour. The 2^nd half continued with a great chance by Rob no2 passing 3 players before his shot was brilliantly saved. Another chance by no10 hit the crossbar. Then with 10 minutes left a long corner was cleared up field to no11 who ran 40 yards before knocking the back into the path of no8 who shot at the keeper and the loose ball allowed no10 to slot in the rebound.

After the match I stopped off in Kings Langley to visit the Saracens Head which has several hand pumps and an excellent food menu at bargain prices. 

Match 30. St Ives Town v Leighton Town

Saturday 21^st March 2015 @3pm

Southern League Division One Central

ST IVES TOWN 4-0 LEIGHTON TOWN

Pro Edge Stadium, Westwood Road, St Ives, Hunts.

Admission: £8

Programme: £1. Raffle £1.

Attendance: 229

Refreshments: Strongbow, £2. Sausage roll, £1. Chicken cup-a-soup, £1

I dropped off my Mrs and youngest daughter for retail therapy at Thurrock Lakeside and drove the 75 minute journey to Westwood Road to see mid-table versus strugglers Leighton. The parking at the ground is at a premium but the Leisure complex next door has free parking for up to 24 hours.  Turn left at the turnstiles to the club building which has a tea hut, changing rooms and clubhouse with overhang cover and 6 rows of terracing.  There is also a 2 row block of seating for the directors and officials only.  The dugouts are in front of this side. On the opposite touchline is the Main seated stand for around 250 with the rest of the ground having hard standing around the perimeter rail, infilled with mdf.  The locals are best described as ex-North London and many decide to stand right in front of the clubhouse door on the obviously yellow marked no standing area.

The first half was instantly forgettable as both sides struggled with the poor surface, content to argue with the ref at any opportunity. The game picked up in the second half as St Ives decided to concentrate on playing football and expose Leighton of their obvious weakness in midfield and at the back.

The first goal arrived early in the second half as a cross by the winger Seymour-Shove was met by the bearded captain to head strongly into the net. The second goal came from a penalty on 70 minutes as the player was unceremoniously dumped on the ground following a corner.  The 3^rd goal came as the winger again provided a good low cross for Hall to tap in from 6 yards. A 4^th goal arrived on 89^th minute when a long ball was headed down for my MOM Seymour-Shove to meet it and smash into the net from 6 yards. 

Match 29. Brighton & HA U21 v Newcastle United U21

Monday 16^th March 2015 @7pm

Barclays U21 Premier League Division 2

BRIGHTON & HA U21 3-0 NEWCASTLE UNITED U21

Amex Stadium, Village Way, Falmer.

Admission: £5 + £1.50 processing fee

Programme: none. Team sheet provided

Attendance: c450-500

Refreshments: Harvey’s Best Bitter, £3. Bovril, £2.10.

A rare weekday outing as my Mrs and youngest were going to the Brighton Centre and my eldest and Uni friend wanted to go to “Crèmes” café and generally doss in the City for the evening, so I volunteered driving duties and found this Under 21 fixture.  There was ample free parking at the Stadium but the only way to get in was to go to the North stand box office and queue for a ticket.  Entry was advertised as a fiver but the joys of modern technology meant a bar coded ticket is needed to scan at the only open turnstile in the West Stand.  This modern joy cost an extra £1.50 even with cash and asked for purchase history to update the database.  Each transaction took 3-4 minutes so lucky it was a small attendance.  I took it in a normal silent British way but the Geordie in front insisted on a 5 minute argument that it only costs £3 at home and no extra charges. He had a point.

My previous visit was in August 2011 against Peterborough and in this evening game the stadium is aesthetically lit up and pleasing on the eye, one of the better new build structures since the Taylor report.  The spare capacity since my first visit has now been filled in with seats and in this sparse crowd all situated in a section of the lower west stand a good view can be gleaned of the overall structure. Unfortunately there were no award winning meat pies on sale but the Bitter was on offer probably because there is no further 1^st team game until Easter. All other alcohol is £4.10 upwards.

The game was played in the right manner with good passing and movement, but without as much diving around or crunching tackles.  It reminded me of a game on 3G. Brighton were by far the better side and the Newcastle youngsters are coached by a Mr P Beardsley!  All the goals came in the first half. On 10 minutes a free kick on the right side was curled in left footed by Jesse Starkey onto the head of centre half Pappoe to direct into the net.  A near carbon copy for the 2^nd goal by both players, this time a free kick near the corner flag but with the same result. A defensive short back pass was pounced on by no9 Rob Dean to run unchallenged and slot the ball beyond the advancing keeper.  The second half as dominated by Brighton and they hit the post near the end. The best thing I recall from the away side is to name and shame the no4 who sported a chicken haircut. Short black hair with a yellow dyed chicken barnet. Macaulay Gillesphey ran about midfield like a headless version though.

Match 28. Holmer Green v London Colney

Saturday   14^th March 2015 @3pm

Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division

HOLMER GREEN 1-2 LONDON COLNEY

Airedale Park, Watchet Lane, Holmer Green, High Wycombe

Admission: £5

Programme: free with admission

Attendance: 45 h/c

Refreshments: Guinness, £3.95. Small hot dog, £2. Cheese savouries 70p

I have been meaning to go to Watchet Lane for a few seasons now and finally the opportunity came with no other family plans and the hop mobile full of petrol and time on my side.  A relatively short drive (78 miles) on a well behaved M25/M40 and I arrived just after 2pm.  After parking in the ample sized car park, there was no gateman and the away trainer was setting out cones for his side who were still getting changed.  I went to the club building which has a kitchen, clubhouse and several dressing rooms.  I believe there is a squash court on site and I spotted a cricket square and 3 football pitches.  One next to the cricket square and the main and reserve pitches further away. The main pitch has trees and bushes on 3 sides with the dugouts on the open side where the reserve pitch is adjacent and also has built dugouts.  There is a gatehouse at the entrance which is occupied by an 82 year old who has just celebrated 50 years with the club.  Be sure to say hello as he a hospitable chap. Just the kind of welcome a visitor enjoys.  Behind the goal is a 3 step terrace with an area of cover on the back row in the style of scaffold and metal roofing.  The main stand straddles the half way line and is brick built with 3 rows of wooden benches offering a good view of proceedings.

Holmer Green are languishing next to bottom of the table whereas Colney are in sixth and on a good run of form.  The first half however was quite even but with no goals.  The visitors had more possession but the hosts had clearer chances.  Their best effort came on half hour when the Colney keeper botched a clearance, leaving his goal open with the ball near the touchline 35 yards out. Andy Shed hooked the ball but the bounce on the hard pitch make it hit the crossbar and go over.  London Colney had a great chance 5 minutes before the break when a free kick rebounded off the defence to Fitzgerald who shot across the keeper but it hit the post.

Holmer started the second half on the attack but were not getting the rub of the green together with some dubious refereeing decisions. After about an hour the home sides drive went cold as well as the cold wind arriving to make the spectator find somewhere to stand to stay warm. The Green came under pressure and conceded a goal on 75 minutes. The defence didn’t deal with a through ball and Collins slotted past the keeper unchallenged.  The Green had a good penalty shout ignored on 83 minutes but got their equaliser 5 minutes later when a thundering 25 yard shot by Mealings flew beyond the despairing keeper.   Cruel blow in stoppage time when Fitzgerald got the ball and run onto the retreating defence and curled a shot from the edge of the box into the bottom corner.

A friendly club who I hope avoid relegation and should do if they play like today for the rest of the season.

Match 27. M&B Club v Harold Wood Athletic

Saturday 7th March 2015 @2.30pm
EOFL Premier Division
M&B CLUB 0-0 HAROLD WOOD ATHLETIC
May & Baker Social Club, Dagenham Road. RM7 0QX

Admission: Nil
Programme: None
Attendance: 13 h/c
Refreshments: Guinness, £3.35

Needed a cheap day out so chose this fixture as I had heard good things about the club and the expectation of a programme.  I drove from home in under an hour and after driving the 250yds from the road entrance before arriving at the large car park. As well as the well maintained clubhouse, there are changing rooms for several sports. There are squash courts, a cricket square and scoreboard, a rugby game in progress on the right sports pitch and the football pitch had a rope and post for all 4 sides although only the 2 touchlines were roped off.  The clubhouse had the Bradford v Reading FA Cup match on TV and there is an impressive eatery called Jo's Kitchen with hot drinks and meals available until 5pm. I had brought my own lunch with me so didn't partake.  There was no sign of a programme and the barmaid had no idea either. It transpires that the MK Publication sponsored programme for 10 EOFL clubs has ceased from lack of interest and feedback.

I stood on the halfway line opposite the 2 benches and there are fences on 2 sides of the pitch to semi enclose the pitch.  Next to me was an old 'un with his early teen grandnephew. He is an Essex groundhopper now and the conversation flowed nicely throughout the match.  The game however was poor, and the language from both sides, especially the home side was appalling.  One player was booked for calling the 18 year old linesman an f*king spotty c*nt.  I can't see 3 officials in this league for much longer if the referee and linesmen have to deal with this abuse every week. There was a couple of bright points in the second half when a shot heading for the top corner was superbly saved by the home keeper and another shot pushed beyond the post. The play in general on a bumpy dry pitch was difficult to maintain ball control and too much whinging puts this down as the worst game so far this season for me.

Match 26. Highworth Town v Tadcaster Albion

Saturday 28^th February 2015 @3pm

FA Vase Quarter Final

HIGHWORTH TOWN 1-1(aet) TADCASTER ALBION

The Elms, A361, Highworth, Swindon

Admission: £7 (special increase for FA Vase. Usually £5)

Programme: £1

Attendance: 771

Refreshments: King Brain Cider, £1.50 (1/2). Guinness, £3.20. Burger, £2.40. Mini Cheddars & Mars bar, £1.30

I wasn’t sure if I was going to attend this match as the family were making noises about shopping in Southampton, but their mind was changed with a little persuasion so I dropped them off at Reading just after 1pm and drove to Highworth, arriving about 2.15 and parked to the south of the ground and trekked across some junior pitches to the gap in the fence known as the 2^nd turnstile.  The main entrance is to the north corner but parking that end was at a premium. Still I had paid my £7 and got a programme and walked around to the clubhouse the opposite end. This a basically a 3 sided railed pitch with a wooden fence and dugouts on the open 4^th side where the cricket pitch is beyond.  The hard standing is available behind both goals and the 3 covered areas are on the east touchline. Two are seated and one is standing.  Nearly 800 crammed into this tiny ground for the biggest match in Highworth Town history.  About 220-250 fans arrived from Yorkshire and all behaved themselves throughout despite copious amounts of alcohol consumed.

The teams lined up and Highworth decided to kick down the obvious slope in the first half.  The away side certainly were all broad shouldered and mostly 6 foot plus so would have a physical presence and would not have looked out of place as a Rugby League side (-2). Indeed the pitch and windy conditions favoured the egg chasing but both sides put on a tense but thrilling show. The Tadcaster style was to mainly pump long balls to the strikers and wingers to stretch the home defence whereas Highworth preferred using the midfield and shorter balls unless necessary.  The first big chance fell to Tadcaster but with the striker one on one with the keeper, the ball was smothered at his feet. Highworth scored just before half time when a powerful shot was saved by the keeper and rebound slotted in but the flag was raised for offside.

The clubhouse and hot drinks queue was packed at half time so I and about 25 others sloped out next door to the Rose & Crown for half time refreshments.

Highworth were given a penalty on the hour when No10 Parsons got to the ball between defender and keeper and was illegally sandwiched in the area.  No9 Bohane scored from the spot.  Tadcaster got back in it about 25 minutes into the half when they were awarded their own penalty for handball and Ward converted to level the score. The rain started to fall and 2 goalmouth scrambles couldn’t add to the score and the game entered into extra time.  Highworth had more chances in the extra 30 minutes but Tadcaster had the best chance right at the end when a cross was backheaded onto the cross bar.  Battle resumes in Yorkshire next Saturday.

Match 25. Chertsey Town v Hanworth Villa

Saturday 21^st February 2015 @3pm

Combined Counties League Premier Division

CHERTSEY TOWN 4-2 HANWORTH VILLA

Alwyns Lane, Chertsey

Admission: £7

Programme: £1.50

Attendance: 103

Refreshments: Can of Somersby cider, £2.50. Chicken Soup £1. Walkers Crisps, 60p.

I was going to a match in the EOFL but after the previous wet evening the games were falling fast so I decided to head west on the quiet M25 for a revisit to Alwyns Lane.  This ground I last visited on 7 December 1996 when the hosts played in the Icis League Premier against a pink kitted Yeovil Town where they lost 2-0 and that goalscoring machine Warren Patmore were playing for the Glovers.  Today I had another goalscoring machine, John Pomroy, who was on 299 goals before this game.

I arrived with an hour to spare so walked around the small but pretty little town and had a chicken bap from the local bakery, and small refreshments at the award winning Thyme at the Tavern and the quirky The Olde Swan with its bygone age memorabilia and furniture. The former had 5 hand pumps in use.

I don’t think the ground has changed in the near 20 years since my last visit. There is small standing cover behind both goals and also cover alongside most of the terracing on the far touchline. The main focus of course is on the main stand with wooden steps and faded blue plastic seats but certainly a one off design with a press box table area in the middle of the stand.  The tea bar is behind the near goal and the clubhouse and changing rooms are next to the main stand.  The clubhouse only serves refreshments from bottles or cans from a fridge (no draught).

Chertsey are struggling a little this season in the lower mid table but Hanworth Villa are having a bad season, sitting next to bottom of the division.  The first quarter of the game was evenly matched on the heavy but playable pitch.  Chertsey then started to dominate and got a deserved penalty on 33 minutes when the attacker was tripped after playing a neat 1-2.  After several minutes of protests by the away side, Pomroy got his 300^th career goal as he drove the ball just of centre to the despair of the diving goalkeeper.  The referee, who was inadvertently slowing the game down played a good advantage a few minutes later when continuing play after a bookable foul and the ball went forward into the path of Salako who shot into the net under the keepers’ body.

The second half began with Chertsey on the ascendancy and scored three minutes in when Pomroy got his 2^nd goal with a delightful lob over the keeper into the corner from 20 yards. The visitors then decided to stop the verbal and play which gave them 2 chances which were saved well by Adam Faith, the new Chertsey keeper.  Into the last quarter of the game and Hanworth began a comeback when a freekick on the edge of the box was rocketed beyond the keeper. Hanworth sensed a jittering home side and took the match to them. They added a 2^nd goal on 89 minutes when a counter attack found the defence short on numbers and a tap in made the 5 minutes stoppage time nervous for the home fans but Chertsey made the game safe in the 94^th minute when a Wadmore shot went in off the post.  At the end there was applause and a player guard of honour for John Pomroy, 301 goals and counting.

Match 24. Harlow Town v Wroxham

Saturday 14^th February 2015 @3pm

Ryman League Division 1 North

HARLOW TOWN 1-1 WROXHAM

Harlow Arena, Elizabeth Way, Harlow

Admission: £10

Programme: £1

Attendance: 220

Refreshments: Cheeseburger, £2.50. Guinness, £3.20.

I was going to go to the FA Vase match at Holbeach but was not feeling well on Friday and felt rough early on Saturday so didn’t decide until lunchtime that I was ok to venture out and could only fit in a revisit so chose the safe option of the Harlow Arena 3G.

The ground is found driving through a myriad of roundabouts and had plenty of parking available today as I remembered the problems I had last time I was here on proper grass versus Chelmsford which drew a much bigger crowd and I had to park on a grass verge.  On entering through the turnstiles in one corner of the ground the main stand is on the right hand side, with the standing cover on the opposite touchline, as well as the dugouts.  Hard standing throughout and a small caged 3G immediately inside the turnstiles was in use by some youngsters.  Several goals are stacked up beyond the main stand next to the toilet block I presume for pitch rental on non matchdays.  The directors lounge is at the back of the main stand and the food kiosk and supporters bar is on the side of the main stand.  

The last match I saw on artificial surface was at Maidstone in the rain 18 months ago and I came away with a positive opinion.  This surface however, didn’t enhance the argument for 3G. Although the pitch is nice and flat with a consistent bounce, I thought it bounced too low, like a flat ball and the game is noticeably devoid of sliding tackles and the ability to get right under the ball on taking corners and free kicks.  Apart from these setbacks, the game was still enjoyable, with Wroxham the better side in the first half, and Harlow in charge of the second period. 

Wroxham had already had a shot tipped over the bar earlier on before opening the scoring after 25 minutes.  A long ball from the back was controlled well by Danny White who then turned around the last defender and shot under the keepers outstretched arm into the net.  J King had a close range effort block by the home keeper on the half hour.  Harlow managed to draw level just before the break, when a quick counter attack found Alex Read 25 yards out and he expertly shot over the keeper and just under the crossbar.  The second half drew a blank on goals but Harlow had the best chances to win the match with several good saves made and a diving header just wide of the post with the attacker ending up in the net.  Wroxham did manage a shot against the crossbar and on reflection, a draw was the fair result.