Match 25. Spalding United v Guernsey

Saturday 9th February 2013@3pm
FA Vase 5th Round
SPALDING UNITED 1-3 GUERNSEY
Sir Halley Stewart Field, Winfrey Avenue

Admission: £6
Programme: £1.50
Attendance: 343
Guinness: £3.20
Cup-a-soup: £1

I arrived in Spalding with an hour to go before kickoff. The journey after leaving the A1 certainly confirmed my assumption how flat this part of the country is.  Not a hill in sight. I Parked in the carpark opposite the ground entrance for £1.30, which covers up to 4 hours. A vast stone wall runs alongside the road, with an entrance open for spectators and an iron gate for vehicles further along the wall. Programmes are only available inside the ground so I paid my admission and ventured in early rather than walk around the town.  The attendance was 3 times the average crowd so unsurprisingly programmes sold out at 2.30 with more than a few disappointed late entrants.
The ground has it's main stand towering over one halfway line and it's a belter, with the raised seating giving a great view of the action on the pitch. The entrance is near one corner of the ground.  Here you will find the food bar, changing rooms, and clubhouse. The clubhouse was very busy but the 3 behind the bar kept up with the Guernsey supporters thirst. There must have been around 70 who made the trip from the Island, and home supporters remarked there would have been more local support if Peterborough weren't at home. 

This was a typical FA Vase tie with both sides throwing caution to the wind on a wet by well maintained playing surface. Spalding took the lead after quarter of an hour when a superb shot by King beat the goalkeeper.  Guernsey stepped up their play and shortly afterwards, successive shots just skimmed the post and crossbar. Just before halftime, Guernsey drew level. A corner was cleared off the line but it fell to Allen who squeezed the ball in just inside the post.


At half time, two of the home defence were substituted, through injury rather than tactical, but Guernsey took the initiative to pounce before the subs had chance to settle. On 54 minutes, a shot by Louring found the net just inside the far post from an acute angle.  Then on the hour, Allen added his second goal of the game when he was the end product of a passing move beginning from the halfway line and involving 4 or 5 Guernsey players.  Spalding did produce a fighting last half and hour but they were unable to break the resolute Guernsey defence.









 

   

Match 24. Cornard United v Great Yarmouth Town

Saturday 2^nd February 2013 @3pm

Eastern Counties League Division One

CORNARD UNITED 0-5 GREAT YARMOUTH TOWN

Blackhouse Lane, Gt Cornard

Admission: Nil

Programme: Nil

Attendance: 21 (15 h/c)

Food: Nil

Drink: Coffee in a proper mug, £1

With Cornard United rock bottom of the league, I thought I would get the ground in while still at Step 6.  On arrival, it seems as though they are already adjusting to future life at Step 7 or below.  The turnstile was shut and the entry gained through the club building.  No-one to take any gate money, no programmes produced, and the club bar unmanned throughout.  The only sale item was at half time when tea and coffee was available, thanks to the home side number 8, still in his kit having played the first 45 minutes but subbed to take the key hot liquid responsibility.  He looks well into his forties but did a great job for the dozen travelling Bloaters support/committee and the 3 neutrals.

The ground has a seated stand straddling the halfway line on the far touchline, whereas the changing rooms and club facilities is opposite on the near touchline, with a covered overhang for standing supporters and the dugouts in front.

It looks as though the whole club is in a state.  The older white haired chubby man on the bench was moaning about getting a team together.  He mustered 12 hardly souls for this one and was auditioning for the Grumpy Old Man award, when after his own player kicked the ball away, had a poke at the visiting right back for asking for another match ball.  The other man I believe was manager Paul Grainger, who is a larger than life character in all sorts of ways.  He at least had some humour when told not to speak to him so loud by the linesman.  “I’ll text you next time” was Pauls reply.  I thought Great Yarmouth players showed great restraint throughout the game as some of the home side, clearly tried to antagonise, bully and get physical with them.  The only blot being a petulant back kick from the captain, that got him sent off, together with the home number 11 “Jerome”, who was sent off for grabbing the Yarmouth captain by the throat and clearly losing his rag.  This was not an isolated incident, as the home number 3 and 9 both “offered to take it outside” after the game, during the second half.  Cornard unsurprisingly, finished the game with 9 men after a two footed air challenge giving the ref little option even though he got the ball first.

I expected a few goals here with Cornard pointless to date. It took 7 minutes for the first goal. A cross by Crux whizzed by both Cornard centre backs for Forbes to tap in at the far post.  On 12 minutes a penalty was awarded after Jones legs were unceremoniously taken from him. The right back scored from the spot kick.  A further goal was ruled out for offside and then the cross bar and each post were hit in a 10 minute attacking spell towards the end of the half.  ALthough only having a quarter of possession, Cornard did muster a couple of good attacks with the goalkeeper saving twice from free kicks. Another cross field pass found Forbes to add a third goal with a low shot just before half time. 

In the second half, after the double red card, Watts scored an excellent goal by turning from the right with his back to goal then unleashing a left footed shot from the edge of the box into the bottom corner.  Both benches got a little confused when the match became 9 v 10 as instructions for a 3-4-3 formation puzzled the players and dugout.  Forbes completed his hat trick with 5 minutes left when the ball was pulled back outside the box and he hit it first time into the top corner.

Like I wrote earlier, Cornard United desperately need and injection of cash, resources and players to even survive the season.

Match 23. QPR v MK Dons

Saturday 26th January 2013 @3pm

FA Cup 4th Round

QPR 2-4 MK DONS

Loftus Road Stadium, South Africa Road, London

 

Admission: £15 + £3.50 booking fee

Programme: £2 (52 pages)

Attendance: 17,081

FOOD & DRINK: Chicken Balti Pie and bottle of Carlsberg £6.50

  

I chose this match on the Thursday, making a second consecutive revisit to a League ground.  This is something I hadn't done since my 92 club hopping in the 1990s.  I still like QPR, a ground I visited frequently in the early 1990s as a work colleague and I went to evening games as he was a QPR fan and they had players like Les Ferdinand, Trevor Sinclair, Alan McDonald, Simon Barker and Ian Holloway. I walked from White City Tube which is the dullest way to Loftus Road.  A much better walk from Shepherd Bush Market where you can take in a pub or two, as well as choice of a pre-match meal, rather than trying to get in the packed Springbok pub (I didn't bother) and having to eat underwhelming food inside the ground (which I did).  The seats aren't built for comfort, but I had an end of aisle seat in the upper tier of the South Africa Road Stand, surrounded by season ticket holders. My seat is normally used by a guy who went to America for the week.  I was expecting a good atmosphere as the club had priced the game about right, with the ground almost full.  I didn't realise QPR proceeded to play diabolical, allowing MK Dons to triumph without even playing their best.

  

The hosts started the better with DJ Campbell finding the net in the 1st minute, only to be given offside. Then 3 minutes later, MK won a corner on the right and the near post cross was turned into the roof of the net by Traore.  QPR had more possession but not creating any real chances.  Granero was supposed to be the creator from Midfield, but his passing often went astray, and Park looks nothing like the player he was at Man Utd.  Even with a nearly full chance from the side doing well to try and get out of the bottom of the Premier League, the line up was recognisable, and probably containing half a side happy just to pick up their cheque every week.  If Harry was putting them in the shop window, I don’t think anyone will be rushing to bid for them in this Transfer window, aside from perhaps Zamora, who came out with credit. MK Dons double their lead just before half time as Ferdinand let a long ball pass behind him into the path of Lowe who shot passed the exposed Green.

Whatever plans for a comeback QPR had were demolished 5 minutes after the restart as Harley put the visitors 3-0 up.  Five minutes later it was 4 as the defence remained static as Potter sent a curler into the corner.  I had kept an eye on the appalling performance of Park, who lost the ball EVERY time he got possession in the 2nd half.  Rednapp put him out of his misery just after the hour and he was rightly booed off by the home fans, some of whom had already headed for the exit.

Bothroyd nodded home in the 83rd minute after Zamora's hard work, and Fabio scored right at the end even though half the stadium had left by then. Both sets of fans ignored them at the final whistle, preferring to applaud the away team. Many won't play again for QPR, but will be happy to continue to be paid.

Match 22. Brentford v Tranmere Rovers

Saturday 19^th January 2012 @3pm

Football League One

BRENTFORD 1-2 TRANMERE

Griffin Park, Braemar Road, Brentford

Admission: £23

Programme:  £3 (68pp)

Attendance: 6,948

Drink: Guinness £3.20 (in the Royal Oak)

I bit of a lottery today as the postponed games came as thick and fast as the snow on Friday.  On Saturday morning, I wasn’t going to bother but had a change of heart as volunteers were sweeping of the snow at Crystal Palace, Brentford and Dulwich Hamlet.  I have visited each venue several times before but to get my Saturday Footy fix it was down to these 3.  A reply from fellow enthusiast Dave UkPunk that he was also going to Griffin Park led me to get the re-timed train to Brentford.  Although services were reduced, the journey was delay free and arrived and went to get mine and Dave’s ticket from the ticket office on my Card as the post Christmas wages are being stretched.  However, the Ticket Office was only taking bookings for the upcoming Chelsea FA Cup match, which should be a sell-out, so it was cash on the turnstiles only.  So after procuring my programme at the club shop, I met up with Dave, Barry, Mrs Sandhurstbee and 2x Sandhurstbee Jnrs in a packed Royal Oak.  This is one of four pubs, each on a corner of the ground.  The area was historically owned by the Griffin Brewery and the other three pubs are The Griffin, The New Inn and The Princess Royal.

 

I sat in the Braemar Road Stand (now Bees United) which has paddock seating at the front and a higher tier behind it.  The New Road Stand (Bill Axbey) is opposite and incorporates the dugouts.  To the left is the small double decker Away Stand where the 400+ Tranmere supporters are located, and the covered Ealing Road terrace completes the structures.  Although I didn’t partake in any refreshment, I noted that the prices were reasonable for League One level.

This was a top of the table clash and I thought most of the first half was cagey as risks didn’t seem to be high on the agenda.  Apart from a tip over by Williams and several dangerous runs by Tranmere Akpro on the left, the game was in desperate need of a goal.  Just before half time, Akpro got space on the left and slipped the ball to Amoo who was tripped by Dean inside the box.  A fairly blatant penalty was despatched by Robinson.

Brentford had more of possession in the second half and drew level 5 minutes from the restart.  A clumsy challenge in the Tranmere half allowed the delivery to the near post to be headed in by Dean.  Brentford continued to push but were being foiled by the strong Tranmere side.  Then against the run of play, Tranmere went 2-1 up.  McGurk ran in from the wing and with Brentford defence not committing the tackle, drove a low shot passed the keeper.  Brentford pretty much camped out in the Tranmere half for the last quarter of the game, but even with 6 minutes stoppage time, failed to get the equaliser.  Sam Saunders was supplying the material for the Brentford forwards and his excellent free kick was superbly saved by Williams near the end of the game.

I did wonder whether Tranmere won by their strength or whether some of the home side had one eye on the big Cup game next week.

Match 21. Whitton United v Ipswich Valley Rangers

Saturday 12th January 2013 @3pm
Suffolk Senior Cup
WHITTON UNITED 4-3 IPSWICH VALLEY RANGERS
King George V Fields, Old Norwich Road, Ipswich

Admission: £4 (inc 12pp, A5 programme)
Attendance: 125
FOOD: Cheeseburger £2,
DRINK: Guinness £3, Cup-a-soup 80p

I was restricted again by a 1pm start time from home so rushed towards Old Norwich Road, Whitton, arriving 20 minutes before kick off for their Cup game v Ipswich Valley Rangers, a new side formed in 2007.  With the car park full, I managed a quick getaway slot along the track from the road towards the ground.  You can see the complex, including junior pitches just after turning off the A14 (jct 53) and passing Asda.  The facilities are a little ramshackle but everything is there.  The clubhouse clientele does resemble a cross between a crèche and a Jeremy Kyle waiting room but the people in there are ok and the prices are reasonable.  A foreign Satellite station kept quite a few inside for the Stoke v Chelsea game as us diehards preferred the cup game with the help of a hot cup-a-soup or 2.  Inside the turnstile is the tea bar, again prices are good for standard fayre.  There is a seated (McDonalds sponsored stand in situ behind the goal but view is restricted with a net in front to pick up the stray shots.  Why not erect the net behind the stand?  Along the right touchline is a covered standing area called The Shed, and opposite is another deeper standing area.  I liked both as they had a DIY feel about them.  The far goal has no access but has a fence stopping stray shots exiting onto the main road.

With the favourites at home against Suffolk & Ipswich League side Ipswich Valley Rangers, most of the crowd expected it to be an easy victory.  Throughout the match I saw no difference between the two sides, apart from perhaps the centre backs.  The contest was evenly poised until a trio of goals within 5 minutes of each other.  After 20 minutes Whitton went 1-0 up when the defence were caught out by the chip over them allowing Clarke to score.  Within a minute it was level when a low shot from no11 beat the keeper.  This was followed by another quick attacking break to make it 1-2 and turned the game on its head.  Whitton dug deep and levelled before half time from the no7 who played furthest forward even though playing inside left all game.  The penalty was given as the keeper fully committed himself but only got a yellow card, which on reflection was a fair decision.

The second half again took an unexpected turn as Rangers would not lie down.  A bundled goal and a rasping 25 yarder kept things equal before Inglis got his second 15 minutes before the end.  Whitton were reduced to timewasting towards the end, especially the keeper who looked an old hand at winding the clock down, and despite 2 late attempts just off target, Whitton ran out winners.

A cracking full bloodied cup game with only 2 bookings.  Well refereed Callum.

Match 20. Welwyn Garden City v Southall

Saturday 5^th January 2013 @ 3pm

Spartan South Midlands League Division 1

WELWYN GARDEN CITY 2-5 SOUTHALL

Herns Way, WGC

Admission: £5 with programme (A5, 28pp)

Attendance: 23

FOOD: Ham salad roll £1.50

DRINK: Guinness £3.40, Cup-a-Soup 80p

Second time lucky for me as my last visit to Herns Way was let down by a late postponement, meaning a late dash to Colney Heath.   This time no such problems, even though the pitch was heavy and cut up badly during the match.  The clubhouse offers the usual facilities, with Sky Sports, rolls behind the bar and a hatch serving hot drinks and hotdogs. There is not a lot pitchside.  A small covered standing area between the dugouts on the far touchline, and a small seated stand, 3 rows deep on the halfway line.  This was more than adequate for todays paltry attendance.

 

This was a game where the first half was fairly even. WGC found themselves two goals down before Tiberiu slotted home to make it 2-1 at the break. The second half, Southall ran away with the game, as WGC appear to crumble in the middle of the park. Three goals for Southall helped in part by WGC failing to defend and had chances to clear on all 3 occasions. WGC did pull one back with the goal of the game as Tiberiu converted with an overhead kick better than Wayne Rooneys last season.

I spent a good part of the second half talking with the secretary and groundsman, who gave a candid account on the weekly challenges of getting the pitch fit to play, from, moles, to rabbits to foxes, all wishing to habitat the pitch at some time.  The secretary also gave an insight on the pressure of running a club without much matchday income, with the bar membership keeping the club alive.

Pablo Ardiles

Match 19. Woodbridge Town v Stanway Rovers

Saturday 29th December 2012 @3pm Thurlow Nunn Eastern Counties Premier Division WOODBRIDGE TOWN 3-2 STANWAY ROVERS Notcutts Park, Fynn Road, Woodbridge Admission: £6.50 Programme: £1 (A5, 36p) Attendance: 113 Food: Bacon and Egg Roll, £2.25

Drink: Guinness, £3.40, Cup-a-soup: £1

Todays choice of game influenced by the weather forecast, the rain not expected to hit Ipswich until after kick off.  I arrived 10 minutes before the start and the pitch was in super condition considering the last fortnight weather.  Being open on three sides and the strong winds helped keep the pitch fairly dry.  The rain only came down for the last half hours play and although the grass became slippery, the bounce of the ball remained true.  The dugouts on the far touchline, the club building which incorporates the tea bar is next to the turnstile.  The selection and standard of food at Notcutts is excellent.  One to visit for the tea hut connoisseurs. The bench seated stand and covered standing accommodation are adjacent to each other on the same touchline next to the clubhouse.   Both sides played to a good standard on football and skill, much better than the Step 4 game I saw 3 days earlier. The first 20 minutes was played without much goalmouth incident, both sides struggling to cope with the strong left to right windy conditions.  On 25 minutes Ross Gilfedders 30 yard shot was turned over the bar by the Stanway keeper.  Stanway took the lead on the half hour when Rymers shot from the edge of the penalty area beat Dixon. Jonathan Fryatts cross after 43 minutes was deflected over by Gilfedder in an uneventful first half.

The second half played at a faster tempo, and on 50 minutes, Paul Berrys hit the crossbar from 30+ yards and the keeper was beaten. Stanway made it 2-0 after 58 minutes when a cross from the wing was despatched by Bentley.  The Woodpeckers didn’t give up and launched an amazing fight back when with 15 minutes left, the substitute rose to flick in a corner.  The equaliser came with ten minutes to go. A shot by Berry took a defection of the defenders knee wrong footing the keeper. After 80 minutes when Paul Berry's shot was deflected in by Kelsey Trotter to make it 2-2. With a minute plus stoppage time a mazy run from the wing by Gilfedder, going past 3 defenders before being brought down inside the area.  Scopes sent the keeper the wrong way to complete the comeback.