Debden Sports v Toby

Debden Sports v Toby at Chigwell Lane, Loughton in the Essex Olympian League Division 3

 

Well it was a glorious day for football and complacency crept in. I hadn't taken note of any back - up fixtures in case the match was called off.

 

15 Minutes to kick off and no referee - just my luck!  And I'm thinking that's it.....I'm stuck!!!

 

 

1.50 and the referee arrives having been held up in traffic.

 

The game kicks off at 2.10 but as the half time is reduced to only 5 minutes, we finish at a reasonable time.

 

As I said a glorious day for football, weather wise  and Debden should have had the game sewn up by half time.

 

Half time 0-0

 

In the second half Toby changed their formation and it worked.

 

They took the league through Woodard and Sinfield equalised shortly afterwards.

 

Full time 1-1

 

Attendance 10

 

No Programme

 

No food

 

PS Despite turning up late the ref had an excellent game. If at any time however, during a match year  the play becomes a little dull, you can watch the traffic as it rumbles along the M11 next to the pitch.

Biggleswade versus Woodford United

Biggleswade versus Woodford United at the Carlsberg Stadium, Southern League , Central Division 1.

 

Carlsberg to me is a very bland lager as lagers go, Carlsberg stadium is a very bland ground with no identifiable features. There are quite a few of these new grounds springing up that seem to be of a similar design.

 

A wide concrete pathway, surrounds the pitch standard functional Main Stand with a small cover opposite with metal terracing.

 

While these sort of grounds tick all the boxes they are all much of a much ness.

 

In the first half the 'Waders' (Biggleswade) had much more of the game. Lockhead put the 'Waders' 1-0 up after 14 minutes following a mix up in Woodfords defence.

 

Taylor equalised shortly after.

 

Half time -1-1

 

In the second half  Biggleswade looked more impressive and on 55 inutes Donnelly put the Homesters 2-1 up.

 

Woolf scored a third on 85 minutes.

 

Woodford had played doggedly throughout the match and looked dangerous in counter attacks but the 'Waders' were very good on the night and should be one of the contenders for promotion, if they maintain this form.

 

Full time 3-1

 

Attendance 85

 

Programme poor

 

A caravan was selling hot dogs and burgers inside the ground.

 

 

Cockfosters versus Welwyn Garden City

Today I am at Cockfosters versus Welwyn Garden City  in the South Midland Division 1 cup Second round.

 

Chalk Lane is quite a simple ground to find.

 

Turn off the M25 at Junction 24 down the A111 for a few miles and you see the ground on the right hand side next to the underground station

 

The cricket ground and bowling club are also along this road.

 

There is however, limited parking.

 

There is parking at the underground station and a lot of Arsenal fans were using it tonight for their match at home to Marseilles

 

'Fosters ground is very basic with paving slabs round three quarters of the pitch You cannot get passed the far end goal as it is flush against some bushes.

 

A small covered enclosure is available as you turn left past the pay kiosk within an assortment of seating and the club house is just before the kiosk

 

The first two-thirds of this match looked as if there was going to be little chance of any goals.

 

At half time 0 - 0

 

Murphy broke the deadlock for 'Fosters on 65 minutes

 

Soya scored a second on 78 minutes as 'Fosters confidence grew  with 5 minutes remaining McDonald reduced the arrears with a free kick

 

Asante scored a minute later to make it 3 - 1 and McDonald scored again in the 90th minute for City.

 

Final score

Cockfosters  3 -  Welwyn Garden City 2

 

Attendance 59

 

Programme good

 

Tea Bar good

 

Herongate Athletic v Runwell Hospital

Herongate Athletic v Runwell Hospital at Billericay Road  in the Denny King Memorial Cup round 3.

 

There is a village called Herongate. 

I was informed thus after asking at the ground how the club got its name.

 

To get to the ground from Brentwood aim for Ingrave, go through the village and turn left signposted Billericay.

 

The ground is along the road on the right hand side

with two name boards at the entrance which is down a lane.

 

The clubhouse is currently being modernised but  there is ample parking and several football pitches.

 

Herongate 's pitch although roped off has advertising hoardings on either side of the halfway line.

 

This was an entertaining match with  Runwell opening the scoring early on.

 

Herongate equalises shortly after.

 

Half time 1-1

 

In the second half, Herongate took the lead.

Runwell scored again to make it 2-2 but with Runwell now getting on top, they missed several chances to go in front.

 

Late in the game Runwell were awarded a penalty the goalie being sent off Runwell duly scored  the penalty to make it 2-3 with time running out and me heading for my motorbike with damp feet, Herongate equalised.

 

Full time 3-3

 

Into extra time....   Runwell missed several more chances before sealing the match to win 3-4 

 

Full time   Herongate 3 - Runwell 4 

Attendance 22

 

Food and drinks available at the bar.

No programme.

 

 

 

Shenfield Versus Castle United

Shenfield Versus Castle United  in the Essex premier Cup Round 2 at the Drive.

 

Today I am visiting Shenfield who are entertaining High flying Castle United who play in the division above .

 

At the moment Castle are top of their league.

 

On paper it seems like an away banker but this is the cup - a great leveller as they say.

 

Shenfield play just off the main road through Warley.

 

Premier league Hutton play in Shenfield...confusing isn't it?

 

 

Apart from cover from an overhang on the changing rooms there is a small pavilion in the far corner a fair distance from the pitch  where you could watch the match from, in adverse conditions.

 

Castle run into an early 2- goal lead and look as though they are going to run up a big score.

 

But Shenfield battle bravely and at half time the score remains the same

 

 

Shenfield 0 Castle 2

 

In the second half Shenfield start to press but Castle score a third against  the run of play

 

Shenfield continue to battle and are rewarded with a goal midway through the second half.

 

Castle score a fourth but Shenfield get a second goal

 

Shenfield goal scorers were Dobbs, and Rayet

 

Castle goal scorers

Rowlett, and Bacchus and a brace from Winery.

 

Final score Shenfield 2 - Castle United 4

 

Attendance 10

 

No food or programmes

Sungate versus Forest Glade,

Sungate versus Forest Glade,  in the Essex Olympian League - Division 2

 

After an hours driving on the A12 racetrack it was good to stop at traffic lights turn left and left again into another world.

 

Although the A12 is in front of the houses that back onto Ford Sports and Social Club you can hardly hear the traffic

 

Once again  there is a large park incorporating rugby, cricket  and other football pitches.

It is  located next to the Seven Kings Recreation Park and gardens so an air of tranquility reigned. 

 

Sungate (believed to be named after an MOT service station) are entertaining 

Forest Glade (Sounds like an Air freshener)

 

Forest Glade were the dominant team in the first half and duly deserved to go into a 1- 0 half time lead.

 

Sungate had been awarded a suspicious looking penalty on the stroke of half time but missed.

 

Half time  Sungate 0 Forest Glade 1

 

With the wind getting up in the second half, Forest Glade built up a 3 goal lead Sungate pulled a goal back and started to get back into the game.

 

Final Score: Sungate 1 Forest Glade 3

 

Attendance 8

 

No Food or Programme.

Blue Boys Suffer the Blues

Hatfield Town versus Stotfold  in the Premier Division Cup at Gosling Sports Park

 

Unlike most non league grounds I visit, Hatfield is well signposted the reason being  is because it is part of a large sports complex with golf driving ranges ski slopes and indoor sports facilities.

 

The ground is in a huge bowl with covered terrace and seating on one side.The rest of the ground has a walkway surround. However,  the frustrating thing about watching a match here is the athletics track and only one ball boy in attendance.

 

Much of the time is spent on waiting for the ball to be retrieved  and this is compounded tonight with a seven minute hold up with goal netting problems

 

Added to this the odd injuries and the first half goes on for 55 minutes.

 

Ashley Dray opened the scoring on 17 minutes for the 'Blue Boys' (Hatfield)  fifteen minutes later Sean Herr equalised for Stotfold

 

 

Half time score  1-1

 

Like last week I was hoping for a result in 90 minutes to avoid extra time and penalty kicks.

 

Sean Herr relieved my concerns 10 minutes from time to put Stotfold into the next round of the cup.

 

Full time score Hatfield Town 1 - Stotfold 2

 

Attendance 53

 

Programme very good.

 

Food available in the bar of the clubhouse.

Upminster versus Castle United.

Upminster versus Castle United in the Essex Olympian League Division 2.

 

Upminsters ground in Hall Lane is quite easy to find.  Just off the A127 however, I missed the turning  and had to travel through all the road works and heavy traffic of Hornchurch to get there.

 

Once there, I was rewarded with a glorious view of the Essex Hills as  the ground sits on a promontory overlooking this vista.

 

The ground is a roped off field and incorporates both  football and rugby pitches. The rugby club seem to have a large crowd gathered for their match. We are not so lucky.

 

Castle United who are top of the league totally dominated the first half.

 

They should have been at least 4 goals ahead by half time but had to be content by an own goal

by Chris Rowlett.

 

Half time:  Upminster 0 Castle United 1

 

In the second half Upminster came into the game  and were rewarded with an equaliser through

James Lakey.   Rowlett however, got his second goal to maintain Castle's place at the top of the league.

 

Final Score: Upminster 1 Castle United 2

 

Attendance 17

 

No Programme

 

No food but Weather Glorious

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

An evening at Roker Park

Stotfold versus Hadley  in the South Midlands Premier League.

Stotfold is a sprawling village on the Bedford/Hertfordshire  border and

the team play at Roker Park a compact little ground with a seated stand on the left hand side

Parking is behind the nearside goal as is the clubhouse and tea bar.

Tonight, the 'Eagles' as Stotfold are nicknamed  are entertaining Hadley who are languishing in  the bottom half of the league.

 The 'Eagles'  start off brightly but Hadley gradually get into the game.

 Midway through the first half Reynolds opens the scoring for the visitors after some fine build up play.

Half time  Stotfold 0 - Hadley 1

In the second half the 'Eagles' defence is all at sea as Gibbs increases Hadley's lead and minutes later Turner makes it 3 - o

To add to Stotfold's  woe Dance misses a penalty and to sum up Stotfolds night they hit the inside post only for the ball to bounce out near the end of the match.

After the match Gordon Bickerstaff the Stotfold Manager resigns.

Full time  Stotfold 0 - Hadley 3

Attendance 74

Programme insteresting

Tea Bar kept busy behind goal.

Down the Lane

Leytonstone United versus Great Bentley at the Ilford Wanderers Rugby Club in the Essex County League. 

My final visit to Forest Road, after going down the road to Oakfield Sports Ground to watch Frenford Senior, further down the road to Fairlop Oak to watch Westhammians through the hedge to the London Marathon Sports Ground to watch Mamford Way we are now finally down the lane at Ilford Rugby Club to watch Leytonstone versus Great Bentley.

The visitors ran up a 4-0 lead but to their credit Leytonstone pulled back two goals. I was grateful they didn't score any more just in case of extra time as the heat was oppressive.

Goodness knows what it must have been  like to have been playing.

There are two rugby pitches with a football pitch in between.

I borrowed a chair from the pavilion to watch the first half. The pitch has housing backing onto the far end of the ground and in the distance there is a railway on a wet day you could view the match from the pavilion.

Full time score:

Leytonstone United 2 - Great Bentley 4

Attendance 14

No Programme

No food.

So now I am finally finished with Forest Road, I can explore the rest
of the Olympian League, in mysterious places... with exotic sounding

names from Sungate to Runwell......sounds like a Groundhopper's name to mel!

A Trip to Second Meadow

Today I am at Biggleswade to see Biggleswade  United V Royston Town in the South Midlands  Premier league.
Second Meadow, the name of United's ground is close to the river Ibel. A fairly modern looking ground with two stands either side of the centre circle although the stand I was in would double up as terracing as their are no official seats in that one.

Once inside you discover the clubhouse and toilets are outside the ground. There is no cover  or terracing behind either goal. The two turnstile attendants were very friendly and mentioned overall the club was a lot friendlier than their rivals Biggleswade Town who play at the other end of town in a higher league (Southern).

On a balmy evening Royston were far more slicker than their rivals and ran up a 6-1 victory.

Murray scoring United's goal from a penalty.  The Crows (Royston) goals coming from a hat trick from Lockett a penalty converted by Mallins, and goals from Young and Fehmi.

Biggleswade United 1 - Royston town 6
Attendance 132

programmes free with admission and very good quality.

An assortment of food in the clubhouse.

Through the Hedge

 

Todays match was Mamford Way versus Canning Town in the Essex Olympian League..

 

Last Saturday I was at Fairlop. This week I am literally 'Through the Hedge' at the London Marathon Sports Ground.

 

The Sports Ground  building looks very jaded now, most  probably built in the 60's but the playing surface was excellent with fixed rails surrounding the playing area.

 

Canning Town had most of the play in this game but like last Wednesday night hardly any shots at goal.

 

Canning Town's  only goal coming from a dubious looking penalty from Sean Mooney  The Mamford Goals were an  excellent  first from  Keke st Hilaire and a Tom Dosser hat trick.

 

Final score Mamford Way 4 - Canning Town 1

 

Attendance 22

 

Programme not issued but I was given a couple of old ones - excellent quality and content for this level of football.

 

Weather was ideal.

 

Food in clubhouse.

When the Saints.......

Today I am at St. Ives versus AFC Kempston Rovers in the UCL Premier League.

Westwood Road the home of St. Ives (Cambridgeshire) is down a lane next to the sports centre .

On entering the turnstiles there is an amount of covered terracing to the left of the turnstile by the centre touch line.

 The clubhouse is at the top of the terracing.

There is no cover or terracing behind either goal, but a small stand on the opposite side of the pitch with plenty of leg room.

Saints dominated for most of this match particularly in the second half.

They have lost all their home league matches this season and this match highlighted the problems creating  chances but nobody capable of putting the ball into the net.

In the driving rain the match was heading for a stalemate, when Will Fordham found some space in the penalty area  in the 80th minute to drive home the deservedg goal for St Ives.

St Ives 1 AFC Kempston Rovers 0

Attendance 80

Programmes average to fair

Food available in the club house but I went home straight after the match as the weather was bad.

Hammers Hammer Opposition

I am at Fairlop Oak Playing Fields today to see
Westhammians versus Mamford Way, Essex Olympian League Premier division

and I am spoiled for choice as the number of football pitches goes into double figures.

There were at least 6 matches being played but I  chose the match on pitch
number one that has the luxury of a fixed rail surrounding the pitch.

Tom Dosser opened the scoring for Mamford and also scored the final goal.

In between, the 'Hammers' rattled in 6 courtesy of one own goal, a

brace from Danny Downer and goals from Mason, Siabi, and Harding.

Final score:

Westhammians -  6 Mamford Way -  2

Attendance 10  - lowest so far this season.

No Programme

Food probably in clubhouse but as I was soaked  through  from the heavy rain
I headed straight  for home  after the match.