Welwyn Garden City versus Harpenden Town

Welwyn Garden City versus Harpenden Town in the

Challenge Trophy at Hernes Lane

 

The ground has hard standing and slightly rusting rails surround giving it a really lived in appearance.

The small seated stand straddles the half way line.

 

On the opposite side of the pitch is a very small covered enclosure.

 

You pass the clubhouse going in to the ground which was a useful place to be on this cold  damp night. 

Challenge Cups results have to be finished on the night.....So the lone breakaway goal midway through the first half for Harpenden spared us extra time on penalties.

 

Half time Welwyn Garden City  0 Harpenden 1

 

The second half was end to end stuff and overall a very entertaining game.

 

Final score:  Welwyn Garden City 0 Harpenden 1

 

Attendance 41

 

Programme free with admittance - very good.

 

Overall a very friendly and welcoming club.

Bodmin Town versus Godalming Town

Bodmin Town versus Godalming Town  at Priory Park in the  

FA CUP - Third qualifying round.

As you go down the hill you enter Bodmin  and you can see the ground to the left of you.

The ground is set in a large park in the centre of town.

There is one large stand on the left touchline and the rest of the ground

is railed off with high grass banking behind both goals,

This was the furthest Bodmin Town have ever gone in this competition in their 122 year history and although their opponents were two steps above them in ranking the homesters put up a spirited performance

Adam Carter fired Bodmin ahead after 12 minutes Godalming equalised on 32 minutes through Darren Wheeler

 Half time:  Bodmin Town  1 Godalming  Town 1

In the second half, Godalming started to take control of the game .

They missed a penalty on 57 minutes however, Bodmin managed to hold out to earn a replay on Tuesday.

Final score:   Bodmin Town 1 - Godalming Town 1

Attendance 300

Programme excellent

Plenty of food available from Tea bar including Cornish Pasties.

Footnote: Bodmin lost 5- 1 in the replay - Godalming went through.

Huntingdon Town versus Wootton Blue Cross

Today saw me going to watch Huntingdon Town versus Wootton Blue Cross,  at Jubilee Park in the United Counties League Division 1.

 

Not knowing where the ground was I went to the police station  but unfortunately the policeman I spoke to was not aware of  there being a football ground in Huntingdon!!!

After asking a colleague he  gave me directions as the ground turned out to be quite a distance from the town.

 

Jubliee Park is in  a very rural setting.

 

There is a huge car park at the top of which the Clubhouse faces you.

 

Inside the ground,  the pitch is completely railed off with hard standing.

 

There is no seated stand just a covered section down the left touchline.

 

Huntingdon Town went ahead on 12 minutes went Dan Moyes took a free kick from 45 yards which drifted over the goalkeeper who was stranded in no-mans land.

 

Huntingdon were becoming the dominant team against the run of play. However, Wootton  equalised through Janes on 17 minutes.

 

Janes scored again on 35 minutes to put Blue Cross in to the lead.

 

On the stroke of half time Huntingdon were awarded a penalty Furness struck the penalty wide of the post.

 

Half time:  Huntingdon Town 1 - Wooton Blue Cross 2

 

The second half was end to end  stuff as  Huntingdon were awarded another penalty 3 minutes from time.

Furness's second penalty was saved by keeper Gerrard.

 

Full time Huntingdon Town 1 -  Blue Cross 2

 

Attendance 80

 

Programme Good

 

Food available in clubhouse.

 

 

A Groundhopping Weekend - 3 matches in one day - Match number 3

Kidlington versus Ardley at Yarnton Road in the

Hellenic Premier League.

The clubhouse is outside the ground but plastic glasses of beer can be taken into the ground.  Behind the goal is a small covered terrace, near the top right hand side, is a small stand.

Kidlington started the match in grand style hitting the crossbar in the opening minutes.

Within 5 minutes Beckett had put away a penalty for Ardley after Thorne had been cut down after a mazy run.

Thorne scored on 24 minutes to put Ardley 2-0 up.

They were now the dominant team.

On 34 minutes Kidlington were back in the match courtesy  of Coyle.  

Bryan  restored Ardley's 2 goal lead in the 42nd minute.

Half time

Kidlington 1 Ardley 3

Curtin brought the score to 3-2  just 3  minutes into the second half following a free kick. Curtin was on hand later to stab the ball home after a goalmouth melee.

Kidlington 3  Ardley 3

On 85 minutes Beckett scored for Ardley to take all 3 points.

Great Game!!!

Kidlington 3 - Ardley 4

Attendance 158

Programme average

Plenty of food and drink available

This made it 3 matches in one day for me at the Groundhop weekend  in the Hellenic League.

A Groundhopping Weekend - 3 Matches in one day - Match number 2

Clanfield versus Tytherington Rocks in the Hellenic league Division One  at

West Radcot Road.

Clanfields ground is on the edge of this small village, the ground has a brick wall surround interestingly with expensive oak woodwork on top.

Apart from the main stand  with club, bar and food room and toilets all inside the stand

The players changing rooms is in a small building next to the stand.  The rest of the ground is nothing but grass with no hard standing.

Two players dug outs are opposite the stand.

There is ample car parking behind the stand and nearside goal.

An assortment of seating lies stacked behind the stand.

'The Rocks' were favourites to win this match but it was a surprise goal on 36 minutes scored by Dan Bishop that gave Clanfield a 1 - 0 lead at half time.

In the second half 'The Rocks' bombarded the Homesters goal.

4 minutes from time they got their reward when keeper Chris Brain fumbled a 30 yard drive from Tim Baker into the net for a justly rewarding equaliser.

Clanfield 1 Tytherinton Rocks 1

Attendance 32

Programme free with admission, average fare.

Tea and rolls available along with beer from the clubhouse bar.

A Groundhopping Weekend - 3 Matches in One Day !!! - Match number 1

Carterton versus Lydney Town   at Kilkenny Lane, Hellenic Division One East.

The ground is at the end of the said lane the players come out of changing rooms next to the entrance to the ground, behind the goals.

Up the stairs is a clubhouse with an excellent viewing verandah there are two stands one small one near the corner flag on the opposite side another larger one near the half way line.

The pitch has a prominent slope.

Carterton run up a quick two goal lead and look to be heading for three league points.

Just before half time defender Sam Elliot has a wonder strike from all of 40 yards to reduce the arrears.

Half time Carterton 2 - Lydney Town 1

Liddington equalises early in the second half for Lydney.

Full time score

Carterton 2 - Lydney 2

Attendance  102

Programme very good

Food and beverages available in club house.