I thought it was all over ...it is now!

Today I am at the Recreation Ground to watch Stoke by Nayland versus Castle in the Colchester & East Essex League.

Terrific news  on Saturday morning when I discover a match on close by. 

Of course I couldnt miss it!

Stoke by Nayland is quite a pretty village. The ground is set in a central location next to a church.

Unfortunately, there was a wedding going on for the first 15 minutes of the match so we were bombarded with  the sound of bells ringing out.

I was offered a complimentary cup of tea which was gratefully accepted (this was my first match in this league).
Stoke only needed a point to finish runners up and after getting close several times managed to score .

Half Time 1 - 0

Stoke and Castle  both had several chances in the 2nd half and it was the homesters who scored with an excellent lob from all of 30 yeards and rounded the day and the season for themselves and for me with a third later on.

Final score 3 - 0

Attendance 15

No programme 

 
Complimentary cup of tea!

We are the Champions!!!!!!

Today I am at Newham United versus Chingford Athletic at Cave Road in the Olympian League Division 3.

Newham's ground is up a side street off the main Plaistow shopping area, just a stones
throw from West Ham's Boleyn ground.

One of the stands of which can be seen at Newham's ground. Newham's ground is neat and has a friendly group of people running the club. 

I was shown the gymnasium which is next  to the clubhouse.

On a minus side, the car park is rather smalland the mens toilets in the changing rooms leave a lot to be desired.

Newham go into this match, needing a draw to clinch the title.

They score very early on in the match, and then add a second.

 A third is on  the cards, but the ball ricochets off the inside of the post and minutes later, Chingford have reduced the arrears with a scorcher of a goal.

Nearly 3 - 0  now 2 - 1  such is football. Newham grab a third and go into half time  3 - 1 up.

The second half is a bit of a anti climax, as Newham add a 4th and as the final whistle goes celebrate their championship win.

I sign off as well as this is my final game of the season.

I will back next season and maybe I might meet you at some roped off fields.

Final Score  4 - 1

Attendance 35

No programme issued but an old one found for me.

Drinks in the clubhouse


The Ground Hopper shall return!!!!

Bishop Boys!!!!!!

Today I am at a match between Bishop Stortford Swifts versus Herongate at 
Silver Leys in the Essex Olympian League division one.

To reach this club simply follow the A1250 the sign will point to the Rugby club but you will see the football pitch first which was in good condition considering the amount of rain we have had recently.

There is ample parking here. The Swifts clubhouse and changing rooms are opposite the football field.

Rugby of course is the predominant sport here with several pitches. There is also indoor squash in one of the large buildings here as well as a Scouts Hut and a Car Wash!!!.

The Swifts were gifted a first minute goal with Herongate's defence dithering.

However, for the rest of the first half Herongate were the better side and scored a couple of goals themselves.

Minutes before half time and with me heading for the club house, Swifts were awarded a penalty which they duly converted.

And then scored a third  goal a minute later!

Half time 3-2

Still amazed at how Herongate were losing in the match, the second half started. 

Herongate eventually equalised but with some weak defending Swifts scored 2 more goals in this  highly entertaining match. 

Goalscorers for Swifts were Bristow 2, Sutton , Wyatt and Roach 1 a piece.

For Herongate, Steel 2, and 1 from Chambers.

As it was a cold day, I made a 'swift' exit.

Final Score 5-3

Attendance 15

No programme
Drinks available in club house.

Pebmarsh v Halstead Wanderers

Today I am at Pebmarsh v Halstead Wanderers at Clayhills, in the Halstead and District League.

The referee wasn't keen on letting this match go ahead,  because of the wet conditions of the pitch but with the help of a garden fork
a bucket and some enthusiasm from the home side the match began.

Throughout the first half, there were some heavy clouds building that could have caused an abandonment.

Fortunately they passed over allowing the match to continue.

Pebmarsh, with a backlog of fixtures are chasing the 'Treble' and were the more dominant team in the first half scoring with a header minutes before half time.

Half time 1 - 0

During half time there was a hunt for the missing match ball amongst the broad beans in the adjoining fields as there were only 2 balls available, it was crucial that it was found.

In the second half,Pebmarsh increased their lead, eventually running out 3  nil winners.

Full time 3 - 0     The 'Treble' is still on.

Attendance 15

No food, drink or programmes at this level.

Beaconsfield Sycob v Daventry Town

Today I am at Beaconsfield Sycob v Daventry Town at Holloways Park in the Southern League Central Division.

Holloways Park is off junction 2 of the M40, follow signs for the Service Station and from there thence to the ground. 

There is a covered terrace behind the nearside goal which backs on to the club house. A small stand straddles the half way line on the left hand side of the pitch.

There are two sets of terracing, either side of the stand, the rest of the ground is hard standing.

Sycob, crept into the play-offs by means of other results going their way.

Throughout the match, Daventry were the better side, Hicks scoring for the away side in the first half.

Half time  0-1

Cross scored a second early in the second half. Soroya's dubious looking penalty gave Sycob a consolation goal 10 minutes from time.

Sycob now play their tenants Slough in the play-offs.

Full time  1- 2

Attendance 86

Programme average

Food and drink available in clubhouse and in the ground

Kedington V Punch 68

Today I am at Kedington V Punch 68 at the Great Meadow in the Halstead and District League.

Kedington's pitch is in the centre of the village next to the library. The changing rooms are adjacent to the library
with the pitch at the bottom end of the playing fields next to the River Stour.

There is a covered enclosure behind the goal but it is some distance from the pitch, so it was not used in the first 10 minutes of the match when we had a rainstorm.

This was an entertaining match with the teams finishing the first half one a piece.
Half time score 1-1

It was noted that Punch's goalkeeper was loud and abusive to the players of both sides and the fans.

Punch raised their game in the second half and ran out 4-1 winners.

They are now a serious challenge for the league.

Final score 1- 4

Attendance 22

No food, drink or programmes at this level

Sandon Royals V Benfleet

Today I am at Sandon Royals V Benfleet at Sandon Sports Club in the Olympian League Division 1.

This ground is adjacent to the village hall and behind the church in this small Essex village.

Easy to find, ample parking and there is a small clubhouse adjoining the changing rooms. The pitch is roped off and has a very rural setting even though it is just a stone's throw from Chelmsford the county town of Essex.


Benfleet only has 9 players and it would seem as though this would be a mismatch particularly as Sandon were 4 - 0 up in thirty minutes.

However, Benfleet settled and managed to stem the flow of goals.

Half time 4 - 0

In the second half, 9 man Benfleet put up a very spirited performance and stopped Sandon from increasing their lead.

Goal scorers Ricks 2, 1 each from Filmer and Harvey.

Final score 4 - 0

Attendance 14
 No Programme issued but an old one was found for me.

Complimentary tea before the  match and at half time.
 

Cup Fever!!!!!

Today I am at Finchingfield versus Pebmarsh at the Playing Fields Halstead league cup semi final replay.

The Playing Fields are up a road as you leave the village, in a pretty setting on the edge of the Essex countryside.

There is some cover by the changing rooms but this is a good distance from the pitch.
The game was fairly even and the score was nicely balanced 1-1 at half time.

Sometime during the first half 2 police officers turned up at the ground following complaints from Finchingfield's goalkeeper
over an alleged head butting incident in a previous match.

Half time 1 -1

The incident seemed to fire up the Pebmarsh side who although not better than their opponents seemed to have more hunger to win.

They were rewarded by 2 late goals which sees them into the second of 2 cup finals which they will be playing shortly.

Full time 1 - 3

Attendance 11

Food Drink and programmes not available at this level.

A Game of Two Half's

Today I am at Maldon St. Mary's versus Clacton United at Plume School In the Essex and Suffolk Border League.

A first and last for me today, my final ground In this particular league and a first on an artificial pitch, which apparently cost a small fortune.

Amongst the artificial grass are little black beads. These are recycled tyre rubber used on most artificial turf to help prevent turf toe and give flexibility.

The pitch Is Inside a cage which resembles an outdoor prison block. 
I inadvertently, went inside the cage to watch the match and the visitors invited 
me into their dug - out. I then noticed the other spectators watching from outside the cage and realised I really shouldn't have been in there but nobody seemed to mind.

In the first half there was little to separate the sides. MSM  (Maldon St Mary's) equalising with a penalty on the stroke of half time.

Half time 1 -1

I was not sure what was put in the half time refreshments but MSM went nap In the second half, running up a 6 - 2 victory.

This victory ensured promotion for the home side to the Essex and Suffolk Border Premier League.

Final score  6 - 2

Attendance 12

No Programme available

No food or drink

Glemsford Gladiators versus Pebmarsh

Today I am at Glemsford Gladiators versus Pebmarsh at the Recreation Ground in the Halstead and District League.

For the second time this season I am at a District League match. This time we have a referee, but the opposition who play in black and white had a selection of different  coloured playing shirts. There were no changing rooms available so the players had to change at the side of the pitch.  
There is covered seating due to a large dug-out set on a concrete plinth, which is not used by the players but handy to the spectator if it is wet.

A fairly even first half with Pebmarsh scoring on half time to finish the half 2 - 1 up.

Glemsford put up a spirited performance in the second half but it was Pebmarsh who got the third and final goal.

All in all a very enjoyable match.

Final score 1 - 3

Attendance 14

Programme, food and drink not available at this level.

Belchamps versus Acton Crown

Today I am at Belchamps versus Acton Crown at the Playing Fields, 
Belchamps St. Paul in the Halstead and District League.

After attempting to watch Pebmarsh and then Halstead Wanderers 
(no match at either venue) my third and last attempt
for the evening was here and fortunately the match was on 
but not without complications.
There was no official referee but at this level it is not so important, 
so a volunteer was sourced and the match  thankfully went ahead!
 
For a 6.15 kick-off read 6.25pm and with black clouds building the 
match started in semi-darkness.

Belchamps were the dominant team but it was the guests that went 
in  1-0  up at half time or should I say ran in as we had a hailstorm on 45 minutes.

I took shelter in a large fir tree, mercifully the storm stopped as the 
second half started. Belchamps continued to press and were rewarded 
with 2 late goals.

Final score 2 - 1

Attendance  7

Programme food and drink not available at this level.

Old Barkabbians versus Chingford Athletic

Today I am at Old Barkabbians  versus Chingford Athletic at South Park Drive in the Olympian League Division 3.

South Park Drive ground is just off the A124 at the Royal Oak Pub turn-off.Due to the increase in petrol prices I had decided to travel by motorbike, so a hot radiator was most welcoming in the small club house which was just tucked around the corner from the car park.

OB (Old Barkabbians) are favourites to win the league whilst their opponents languish in third bottom position.

I thought the floodgates would open when OB scored early on in the match but Chingford battled hard throughout the first half and had a lot more of the play than I anticipated.

Half Time  1 - 0

Chingford equalised early in the second half through an own goal from Lawrence, however OB maintained the lead minutes later and then scored a third to kill off the game.

Goal scorers for OB  - a brace from Shirley and a Shaw singleton.

A very friendly club indeed!


Final score  3 - 1

Attendance 12

No programmes issued but an old one was found for me!

Hot and cold drinks available in the clubhouse.

Deeping Rangers v Yaxley

Tonight I am at Deeping Rangers v Yaxley at Deeping Sports Club in the United Counties Premier League.

 

Deeping Sports Club is a very smart set up with a modern social club in the car park. As you go through the turnstiles  on your left is a small club shop, some covered standing plus a smart stand with the club's name emblazoned across the fascia.

 

The far side goal is open standing with 2 covered standing sections on the other side of the ground separated by the dug - outs.

 

Behind the nearside goal is another section of cover.

 

On this very wet evening, Deeping proved too strong for the opposition. Matt Heron scored on 7 minutes with a neat through ball.

 

Half time 1-0

 

Heron scored the second on 50 minutes heading in a corner.

 

The contest petered out in the last quarter as play was more even.

 

Full time 2 - 0

 

Attendance 105

 

Programme lightweight and over priced at £1.50

 

Food and drinks available in the clubhouse and also inside the ground.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Runwell Hospital v Herongate

Today I am at  Runwell Hospital v Herongate at Runwell Chase in the Olympian League Division 1

This ground can be found off the A130 up a ropy road just before the village of Runwell. You then have to  turn right onto an even rougher road that leads to the Runwell sports complex which incorporates rugby and archery.

The ground itself is in a pleasant countrified setting albeit with the roar of the A130 just a stones throw away.

The clubhouse is at the top of the drive with changing rooms behind and to the right.

The pitch is roped off with a few hoardings.

There is also some seating on the changing rooms side of the pitch although this means that the view is partially restricted.

In a hard fought contest, Runwell ran out winners by 3-0 although at one stage at 2-0 down Herongate looked very threatening. If Herongate  could have managed to get a goal back we could  have had a grandstand finish.

Runwell's 2 first half goals were from a cleverly taken free kick and a dodgy penalty.

Goal scorers  were Gill and a brace from Morkunas.

Final score 3-0

Attendance 38

No programme

Drinks available from clubhouse

Thrapston Town v Long Buckby

Today I am at Thrapston Town v Long Buckby at Chancery Lane, in the United Counties Premier League.

Thrapston's ground is just a 10 minute walk from the High Street.  There is no sign telling you its their ground or any sign at the ground either, but I can assure you it exists as I was there and so were both the teams  playing on this sunny Spring evening.

At the pay box the man taking the admittance fee was on the phone.

Problems of a dire magnitude!!! No-one has notified the Burger Van Man that there is a match tonight! 

Chancery Lane is a 3 sided ground which it shared with the cricket club. The changing rooms and small clubhouse are behind the goals.  Talking of size, the car park is very small and arriving an hour before kick-off it is already full.

Fortunately, there is ample parking on the side roads.

The small covered terrace,stand and dug-outs are along one side.
There is nothing behind either goals.

Thrapston lie bottom of the league whilst there opponents are riding high at the top.

The homesters put up a spirited performance but were 3 goals down at half time.

Goals coming from Byrne at 10 minutes, Cartwright 27 minutes and Foster on 37 minutes. 

Half time score  0 - 3

Foster scored again on 52 minutes, and Byrne on 62 minutes for Long Buckby and Jones converted a penalty  on 76 minutes for a consolation goal  for Thrapston.

Ling made it 6 on 88 minutes for Long Buckby and Dunckley 7 on 89 minutes.

Final Score 1-7

Attendance 42

Programme awful

Drinks in clubhouse

No burger van

A glorious evening and a hard bumpy pitch!

Old Southendians versus Castle United

Todays match is Old Southendians versus Castle United at Warners Bridge
Park in the Olympian League Division 2.

With a National League 2 Rugby match being played plus Hockey as well
as Football parking was at a premium today.

Fortunately, on this sunny day I had taken the motorbike so didn't have
issues parking.

To reach Old Southendians (OS) social club you climb stairs where a
large clubhouse awaits complete with verandah.

There are 2 football pitches which back onto each other.

The Senior pitch is roped off with a few advertising hoardings. There
is a slight bit of banking behind the nearside goal. With the teams in
second and third pace in the league, both chasing for promotion this
looked on paper an interesting match. Sadly, however, in truth OS dominated the match from start to finish and won the match 4 - 0.

Goals came from Sheikh,Woodman,Warrington and McHugh.

Final score 4 - 0
Attendance 25

Programme good

Food and drink available in clubhouse.

Langford versus Ampthill Town

Today I am at Langford versus Ampthill Town at Forde Park in the South
Midlands Division 1.

There are times when my enthusiasm for my hobby wanes particularly as I
am always the neutral fan at the matches I attend.

There are times like tonight though, that completely rejuvenate me.

Forde Park is situated between Langford and Henlow in a countrified
setting.  There is a large car park outside the ground and a large
surrounding field of mostly flat standing inside the ground.

The clubhouse is opposite the pay box.  On the left hand side of the
pitch is a small stand, 2 dug outs and a small terrace.

The rest of the ground   is fixed rail.

The ground is set amongst Fir Trees.

Ampthill start the match in second place in the league, but both sides
were out for a win in this highly entertaining match.

Langford struck first after 5 minutes through Moulton from a corner.

The visitors equalised on 20 minutes through a Lester volley.

Half - time 1-1

Peters volleyed home on 60 minutes for Langford and Garrett put the
homesters 3-1 up on 71 minutes.

As I said earlier an excellent game with the birds singing in the
background and the smell of the countryside, Spring has truly sprung!

Final score 3 - 1
Attendance 76

Complementary programme good

Food and drinks available in club house.

Welcome to Paradise!

Today I am at Writtle versus Debden Sports at the Paradise Playing
Fields, in  the Olympian League Division 3.

At the end of Paradise road lies the car park clubhouse and football
pitch of Writtle Football Club.

The pitch is fully roped off, the clubhouse unfortunately shut on this
damp day.
Writtle will be glad to see the back of this season, lying bottom of
the 3rd division as they are.

The last time I watched them play they turned up with 10 players only.
This time they started with 11 but ended up with 9.

To their credit, they never stopped battling, even when down to 9
players. Matt Crick scored their lone goal from a twice taken free kick
to bring the score to 2-1.

Half-time score 1-3
In the end Debden ran out 5-1 winners, 2 of their goals coming from
penalties.
Matt Dodd scoring 4 goals and a goal from Dave Limber.

For the first 15 minutes, I was the lone spectator, however, the crowd
had swelled at one time to 5 and 1 dog!

For the final 15 minutes I was, back on my own again as they didn't
have my staying power!

Final score 1-5
Average attendance (see above) 3

No programme

No drinks or food.

St. Margaretsbury V Haringey Borough

Today I am at St. Margaretsbury V Haringey Borough at Station Road
in the South Midlands Premier league.

I nearly  missed the ground as it is set in total darkness up a lane. 
Only distant training lights lured me up to investigate and lo and
behold   I find the ground by a fluke.

On entering the ground, there is a makeshift covered stand and terrace
set atop of grass banking.

Also situated here is a food and tea bar.  The other three sides are
railed off with hard standing with a river or canal running close to
the ground.

This entertaining game, was played at a very fast pace in the first
half.

'Bury' were 2 goals down in 15 minutes as they failed to deal with the
long ball over the top.
Darrell Cox was the scorer of both goals for Haringey.

Leigh Rose got a goal back for 'Bury' after some slick interchanging
moves.

Half Time 1 - 2
Haringey were defending for most of the second half and had a player
sent off  for committing 2 bookable offences.

9 bookings altogether made this a hot tempered match.

Final score 1 - 2

Attendance 22

Programme free with admittance  - very good

Food and drinks available

Final Note:  The pre-match and half time country and western music was
the most depressing I have ever heard at a football match.

Hyde v Fc Halifax Town

Today I am at Hyde v Fc Halifax Town at the Ewan Fields in the Conference North.

A ground I have long held in esteem as I have always wanted to visit and it didnt disappoint me.

There is cover on all sides with a unique Main Stand. The ground is situated amongst terrace housing as all traditional football grounds should be in my opinion.

There are views of the Pennines as an attribute to the ground which is full of character.

James Dean opened the scoring early in the first half for the 'Shaymen' (Halifax).

Half time 0 - 1

Hyde equalised moments into the second half when a defensive mix-up left Chris Worsley unmarked at the back post to power in a header.

Full time 1 - 1 

Hyde have now a 10 point lead at the top of the table.

Halifax had brought a large contingency of fans  to the match a few of whom were out to make trouble and attacked Hyde's supporters

after kicking down ground barriers. At half time secuirty police arrived armed with Tazers, such was the seriousness of the fracas.

Attendance 1,364

Programme dotted with spelling errors and mistakes

Clubhouse closed due to crowd trouble.

Forest Glade V Roydon

Today my visit is to Forest Glade V Roydon at the Springhouse ground, Corringham in the Essex Olympian League Division 2.

A visit to Corringham would only be recommended if you lived or worked there or were visiting friends or relatives.

The shopping centre  was built in the sixties with the proverbial Betting Shop, Morrisons, a drab looking pub and some 'cheapie' shops.

On the opposite side of the road is the Springhouse Club, behind which
Forest Glade play their matches.

The interior of the club is spacious, the staff friendly and a cooked meal is available if required.

The football pitch is partially roped off and with little else to talk about, quite non-discript as pitches go.

Last week, Forest Glade failed to raise a team for their match. This week, however, they were more successful  and managed to furnish a side.

Roydon looked the better side in the first half and were leading 2-1 at half time. The second scored just a minute before the half time break but it was Forest Glade's lone strike that was the most memorable of the day  scored by Jack Davidson from an acute angle.

Half Time score 1-2

Early in the second half, Roydon got a third goal and from then on it was 'game over'!

Final score was  1-4

Roydon's goals  - a brace from Steve Banks and one each from Evan Coleman and Martin O'Rourke.

Final Score 1-4

Attendance 4

No programme

Food available

Leigh Ramblers V Springfield

Today I am at Leigh Ramblers V Springfield at Belfairs Park in the Essex Olympian League Division 2.

 

On an almost Spring like morning, I got the motorbike out to give it its first airing of the year and head for Leigh-on-Sea.

 

The football ground here is one side of the riad while on the other side Belfairs Park continues with stables, bowling green and 18 hole golf course.

 

This is by far the biggest park in the Southend area.

 

At the football pitch the changing rooms are situated behind the nearside goal with a large club house above the changing rooms including a verandah so spectators have a choice between keeping up with the scores indoors or watching the match outside.

 

The pitch is roped off and well maintained.

 

The match was played at a fast pace, table-topping Springfield had lost their last 2 matches so could not afford any more hiccups. However, they went a goal down early on in the match but pulled level by half-time.

 

Half-time score 1-1.

 

In the second half, the 'Ramblers' increased their lead, but Springfield equalised towards the end of the match, making the score a fair result of  a draw.

 

Full time score  2-2.

 

Attendance 26

 

No programme

 

Drinks available in club house.

 

Ramsden v Chingford Athletic

Today I am at Ramsden v Chingford Athletic at the Nursery Sports Ground  in the Essex Olympian League Division 3.

 

Another out of the way place, Ramsden Heath lies amongst country roads between West Hanningfield and the village of Stock. The village is larger than expected  and the Nursery Ground has ample parking and Tennis Courts facing the car park.

 

The pitch is fully railed off, the dug-outs however, are on the spectators side

of the railing.

 

Ramsden started the match with great gusto and were a goal up in the first

/minute of the match.

 

As the wind started to get up, Ramsden scored a second.It then started to

rain and Chingford opened their account minutes before half-time.

 

Half-time 2-1

 

With the rain continuing

in the second half, Chingford equalised then went 3-2 ahead and then 4-2.

 

Ramsden were awarded a late penalty which was saved but minutes later scored to make it 4-3, which led to a tense finish.

 

Final score Ramsden 3 Chingford 4.

 

Attendance, first half 8 second half 4

 

No programme

 

Complimentary tea at half-time.

 

 

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Fortune favours the Brave!!!

Today I am at Stambridge United Versus Writtle in the

Essex Olympian League Division 3  at the Memorial Ground.

 

With matches being called off all over the country I rather fortuitously phoned Stambridge's groundsman who said 'A decision would be made at 1pm. As I had to leave by 12 to get to the ground, I took a gamble that paid off.

 

I travelled the back roads to Stambridge to avoid going through Southend and being slowed down by the traffic. I  eventually reached the ground in good time.

 

The pitch was fully railed off and surprisingly for a small club has floodlights.

 

A cosy club house was well received on this bitter cold of days.

 

The bulk of Writtle's first team who are currently bottom of the table, went AWOL due to a 21st birthday party in Norwich. Consequently they started the game with ten players seven of which were from the reserves.

 

Writtle's goalkeeper was kept busy in the first half and with some fine saves, plus a combination of poor finishing from the homesters, the half time score was:

 

1-0

 

Ten minutes into the second half, Stambridge got a second and with the ten men of Writtle tiring, the goals started to come thick and fast at regular intervals.

 

Final score 10 - 0

 

Full credit has to be paid to the referee, for allowing the match to be played and to Writtle's brave goalkeeper.

 

Also, a mention must be made  to Akay Bagdas who netted 5 of the goals.

 

Attendance 18

 

No programme

 

Drinks available in Club house.

Catholic United V Old Barkabbeyans

My match today is Catholic United V Old Barkabbeyans in the Essex Olympian League Division 3 at the South East Essex College Sports Ground.

A difficult ground for me to find, set amidst surburbian Westcliff-on-Sea. A small sign with an equally small driveway led to the ground and clubhouse.

There is limited car parking and at the top end of the car park is a neat modern club house.  Apart from that building the pitch is simply  a roped off  affair with high fencing three quarters around the pitch as it is very close to the back gardens of the surrounding houses.

Having said that, the fence did not do its job efficiently as we lost two balls in quick succession over the said fencing.

A third ball was deemed too soft so we were down to one ball for the remainder of the first half.
The other two balls however, were retrieved in time for the start of the second half.

The visitors opened the scoring midway through the first half from a free kick.

'The Hoops' equalising with a penalty on the stroke of half-time.

Half time  1 - 1

In the second half 'Old B' got the second and decisive goal to end a very entertaining match on a cold winters day.

Full Time score  1 - 2

Attendance 9

No programme  - but an old one was retrieved from the back of a supporters car for me!

Food and drink available in the clubhouse.

Springfield Versus Leigh Ramblers

Today I am at Springfield Versus Leigh Ramblers at Springfield Hall Park in the Essex Olympian League Division 2.

Springfield's ground is down a side road on a large housing estate. The ground is part of a large park that overlooks the river Chelmer.  The clubhouse is immaculate inside. There is an outside counter for drinks and food during the match.  On a windy day, top of the table Springfield are entertaining Leigh third from bottom  of the league.

Springfield dominated for most of the match, Leigh however, came closest to scoring in the first half.

Half time 0 - 0

The second half was more even-steven  and like last week looked to be heading for a goal-less draw.

Five minutes from time, Luke Read hit a scorcher for Leigh to ramble home with all  three points.

Full time 0 - 1

Attendance 25

Complimentary programme  - very good.

Food and drink available.