Army F.A. Major Units Challenge Cup Final

Wednesday 30th September 2020

Kick Off 15.00 Actual 14.59

7 Regt Royal Logistic Corps 4 3 Regt Royal School Military Engineering 0, attendance 129

4’ 1-0

22’ 2-0

54’ 3-0

90’+2, 4-0

@ Army Rugby Stadium

Queen’s Avenue

Aldershot

GU11 2JL

No Admission or Programme.

With the Aldershot Military Stadium (next door, behind the south goal end) undergoing refurbishment of the stand, it meant that for the first time in it’s 131 year history an Army F.A. Cup Final was played at a Rugby Stadium. Neutral supporters (groundhoppers) were made very welcome, for what was actually the 2019/20 final that had been delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, which meant it was a much more scaled down event than it would normally be, but it is good to see that the competition has once again been completed, which has happened every year since 1889 excluding wartime. It was the first time I have had to use the new NHS track & trace app since it’s introduction. All very easy and the seated area was set out for everyone to remain socially distant, which is the first time I have seen this done, although to be fair, I don’t visit that many grounds these days that actually have seats anyway!

RLC took an early lead with a low shot into the far corner of the net, before doubling their advantage midway through the half when a free kick on the right flicked off a defender and was scored from close range. Without doubt the third goal was the pick of the bunch. The ball was played out to the left hand touch line about 15 yards into the RSME half, and with one touch to steady himself, the No.10 then lobbed the ‘keeper with a superb finish. A fourth goal was slotted home in stoppage time rounding off a thoroughly deserved win. RSME just never got going.

I have now seen football played on the three grounds that run end on to each other here in Queen’s Avenue. I had seen a Combined Services XI lose 1-4 versus Isthmian League XI in a Representative Match at the Aldershot Military Stadium on 3rd February 1999, then visited The Wavell Ground 3G Pitch (behind the north goal end of the Rugby Stadium) on 23rd January 2012, where I saw Royal Signals Corps 4 Adjutant General’s Corps 5 in an Army F.A. Woolwich Cup semi-final.

Eastern Counties League

Division 1 South

Monday 28th September 2020

Kick Off 19.45. On Time !

Frenford 4 Barkingside 1, attendance 136 (official)

25’ 0-1

36’ 1-1

70’ 2-1

77’ 3-1

81’ 4-1

@ The Jack Carter Centre

The Drive

Ilford

IG1 3PS

£4 Admission

Programme, sold out.

I had visited Frenford (known as Frenford Senior in those days) at their previous ground, Oakfields Sports Centre in Barkingside, on 10th December 2011, where I saw them draw 0-0 versus Galleywood in an Essex Olympian League Premier Division match. In season 2018/19 they joined the restructured Eastern Counties League and were by this time now playing here at The Jack Carter Centre. The pitch was grass back then, but part way through the season news emerged that they would be turning the pitch through 90 degrees and it was to be converted to a 3G ground. Rather than do it then, I decided to wait until the changes had taken place. It would also give me a now far too infrequent chance to pick up new ground visit under lights (the old pitch was not floodlit). The new pitch is a 50% overlap of the original footprint and the old perimeter rail that was behind the ‘car park end’ is still in place about 10 yards behind the back of the new stand nearest the entrance. There were still quite a few groundhoppers present who were counting this as another tick, despite having been here for the original set up! Then again, it shouldn’t surprise me, as groundhopping, and what people count as a ‘new’ ground, or not, is interpreted under a number of different guises these days.

I arrived at the ground about 18.50 and was surprised to see a huge queue at the entrance, mostly made up of those of the groundhopping fraternity that require a programme in order to make their visit more complete. This sold out very quickly. The gateman remarked to the person in front of me “sorry, we’ve sold out of programmes. We didn’t expect a crowd like this”. Not surprising really. Their two previous league matches here this season had attracted just 55 and 36 spectators!

The ground, so typical of new build caged grounds is as bland as they come and probably doesn’t really meet the ‘grading’ for Step 6. The walk from the changing rooms is a good 30-40 yards, with no walkway for players and officials. The only toilets are also in this building and there are no refreshments available inside the ground either. Spectator access is limited to three sides. The far side, opposite the dugouts and stands is out of bounds. The view from the ‘kit’ stands is absolutely dreadful, not helped by having the dugouts in between, then people standing along the rail. Once again, a new build that has been given very little thought. It wasn’t as if lack of space was an issue here. It might not be as bad when they have their ‘normal’ sized crowd. Not that the club will care, and why should they, as they now have a facility that can be in use all day, every day. It is good to see them back in their home area, having spent last season playing at the ground of Bowers & Pitsea whilst the rebuild took place.

The match itself was pretty even early on. Barkingside took the lead, but Frenford were level at 1-1 by halftime. The second half was very much a case of taking your chances when they come. Frenford certainly took theirs and in the end the visitors were lucky to get away with only a 4-1 defeat. The win sees Frenford go top of the league table, albeit very early days, but a bright future looks in order, both on and off the pitch.

One thing that is worth a mention tonight. The Referee. The game kicked off on time, there was just a seventeen minute halftime and no stoppage time played in either half. Game over by 21.32. Well done that man!

Mid-Somerset League

Premier Division

Saturday 26th September 2020

Kick Off 15.30 Actual 15.25

Coleford Athletic 1 Westfield Reserves 6, attendance 25

4’ 0-1

12’ 0-2

16’ 0-3

21’ 0-4

27’ 0-5

64’ 1-5

80’ 1-6

@ Highbury Playing Fields

Highbury Street

Coleford

BA3 5PS

No Admission or Programme.

The early match was over by 14.41, which meant I would have had time to make it to a nearby 15.00 kick off in the Somerset County League, but I decided to stick with my original plan. The eleven mile journey from Evercreech was on some very tight and twisting country lanes, but I was still parked up in Coleford at 15.06.

The ground here, along with it’s undulating pitch that has a large end to end slope away from the changing room end, certainly has some history. As well as hosting County League football, it also hosted Western League games in the 1920’s and 1930’s, albeit for just three seasons, as well as a couple of Preliminary Round F.A. Cup ties at the end of the 1940’s.

The step up in standard from this morning’s match was remarkable. It was far more skilful and was played at a much faster pace. Westfield had the game won inside half an hour, scoring five times from seven chances (the other two were saved by the ‘keeper) in a blistering start. Kicking down the slope in the second half didn’t seem to suit them though. Coleford, who battled well despite being totally overrun, deservedly pulled a goal back to reduce the arrears with twenty five minutes left to play, but it was too late to change the outcome. Westfield did add a sixth goal to finish off the scoring, but the second half never reached the heights of the first. I’m not sure if the Referee had seen enough by then, but he blew the full time whistle a couple of minutes early.

Mid-Somerset League

Division 1

Saturday 26th September 2020

Kick Off 13.00 Actual 12.58

Evercreech Rovers 2 High Littleton 2, attendance 20

20’ 1-0

50’ 2-0

88’ 2-1

90’ 2-2

@ Evercreech Sports Club

Pecking Mill Road

Weston Town

Evercreech

BA4 6PD

No Admission or Programme.

With a double opportunity on offer, it seemed as good a time as any to make my debut in the Mid-Somerset League. Division 1 is tier two of the league, which on the evidence of this match is not the best of standards. There was plenty of effort, but both teams were lacking in skill.

Evercreech led 1-0 at the break, courtesy of a Kepa style howler that was gifted by the visitors ‘keeper when trying to be too clever with a clearance. A good finish to a pull back from the left made it 2-0 five minutes into the second half and it looked like the three points were safe. High Littleton had done nothing as far as attacking went, but somehow snatched an unlikely point in the dying minutes. Their opener, with two minutes left, looped over the ‘keeper, going in off the underside of the crossbar, before a corner was headed in from six yards to level it up right on ninety minutes.

Anglian Combination League

Division 2

Saturday 19th September 2020

Kick Off 14.30. On Time !

Buxton 1 Wells Town 5, attendance 39

12’ 1-0

35’ 1-1

40’ 1-2

51’ 1-3

81’ 1-4

90’+4, 1-5

@ Buxton Recreation Ground

Mill Street

Buxton

NR10 5JE

No Admission or Programme.

Mid table Buxton were hosting the early season pace setters, as Wells Town led the league table having won their opening two fixtures. Buxton started brightly and took an early lead, but Wells looked dangerous with every attack. It took them until the thirty fifth minute to draw level, bundling in a right wing corner at the far post. Five minutes later they were in front, when another corner from the right was headed in powerfully, again at the far post. Six minutes into the second half it was game over as a rebound was smashed into the net to make it 1-3. Two late goals rounded off an emphatic win for the visitors to maintain their 100% winning start to the season.

Track & trace was in operation, which included spectator access being restricted to the ‘car park end’ and the side of the pitch opposite the dugouts/changing rooms only.

Bobby Hancocks Cup

Wednesday 16th September 2020

Kick Off 19.45 Actual 19.48

Southam United 1 Stockton 1 (3-2 pens), attendance 145

22’ 0-1

41’ 1-1

@ Bobby Hancocks Park

Saints Drive

off Lark Road

Southam

CV47 2UZ

Admission : donation bucket at entrance

No Programme.

Back on 3rd May 1993 I saw Southam United lose 0-1 versus Marston Green in a Midland Combination League Division 1 match, which was played at their Banbury Road ground. That has since been sold for housing and they have this season moved into their new stadum, which is little more than a couple of hundred yards south west of their former home. It is named after the club record appearance and goal scorer Bobby Hancocks.

On first impressions it is a nice stadium, but it is somewhat lacking in design. The small terrace sections, which are below the ‘VIP’ seating in the main building, offer a reasonable view at present, but once the dugouts are completed that will mean blind spots are created. Just what is it with non-league clubs where they place dugouts right in front of the main spectator areas. The kit stand on the opposite side of the ground is fine, but is set back as far from the pitch as is possible. This means anyone walking round the ground has to go in front of the stand, therefore blocking the view for those in the seats. One definite plus though is the grass pitch. So much better than just building a soulless 3G cage that so many clubs now opt for.

Southam are in the Hellenic League Division 2 East (Step 7) at present, but should comfortably climb to Step 6 without too many problems. The standard of this league is very poor, so another top place finish (they were 15 points clear at the top, having won 16 of their 17 games when Covid-19 curtailed last season) should be well within their capabilities and the ground certainly ticks all the right boxes.

Stockton play in the Coventry Alliance League Premier Division, which feeds into Midland League Division 3, making it Step 9. You wouldn’t have known these two sides play at different levels. The match was a really good contest and played with a real competitive edge. Stockton were well worth their lead, but Southam came back to level just before the break. Both teams had chances to win it in the second half, but neither could add to the scoring. Having gone second, Southam won the penalty shoot out with a kick to spare.

Track & trace was in operation tonight by way of name and contact number on a clipboard.

Cornwall F.A. Senior Cup

1st Round

Saturday 12th September 2020

Kick Off 14.00 On Time !

Lizard Argyle 0 Marazion 2, attendance 31

45’ 0-1

64’ 0-2

@ Landewednack Recreation Ground

Beacon Terrace

Lizard

TR12 7PB

No Admission or Programme.

Both these clubs play in the Cornwall Combination League, which sits at Step 8 of the pyramid. It is a league I have never done a game in, hoping that one day it would be part of the ‘South West Peninsula League Groundhop’, but that is now looking like it will never happen, especially with other organised ‘hops seemingly taking over and leaving few available dates for this to happen. Anyway, with the new St. Piran League (East and West divisions) now slotted in at Step 7, which would appeal to a larger audience, it more or less guarantees it won’t happen.

So, if I was going to make my debut watching a new league, then where better to start than the most southerly ground on the U.K. mainland. You can’t get much further south, with Lizard Point barely a mile away. The ground itself is pretty basic, although there is a small bit of cover in one corner. The clubhouse was open for business, but the changing rooms weren’t. The players got changed pitchside, which is now the new normal at this level. No track & trace in operation today. Although the ground isn’t up to much, the views certainly are, especially on a sunny day. It might not be so appealing on a wet and windy winters day!

Having seen a couple of matches in the East Cornwall Premier League in midweek, which is of comparable level, this certainly felt it was a lower standard. Plenty of effort, but lacking in skill, and it did get niggly at times. It had been an even contest, but Marazion edged in front right on halftime. Lizard had a shot bounce down off the crossbar, with the headed rebound being tipped over by the ‘keeper. From the resulting corner, the ball was cleared and the visitors striker was put clear to poke the ball past the advancing ‘keeper to open the scoring. Marazion dominated the second half, wrapping the game up when a right wing cross was smashed into the roof of the net just after the hour mark.

East Cornwall Premier League

Wednesday 9th September 2020

Kick Off 18.30 Actual 18.32

Roche 0 St. Stephen 1, attendance 59

80’ 0-1

@ Roche Sports & Social Complex

Trezaise Road

Roche

PL26 8HD

£2 Admission

No Programme.

After last night, it was good to see that the Referee here had the sense to play 2 x 40 minute halves to avoid problems with the light, especially after we started a couple of minutes late. in fact, it even meant there was time for both teams to go back to the changing rooms at halftime. Even though there is only one entrance into the ground there was no track & trace in operation tonight, despite the fact that cash was the only way to pay your admission.

St. Stephen had lost their opening game 7-0 away at Mount Gould on Saturday, whilst this was the season opener for Roche. The game could have gone either way, with both sides going close a number of times in a very even contest. I had resigned myself to seeing a second successive goalless match, which would have been a third in four games, when St. Stephen snatched a last minute winner. The ‘keeper dribbled the ball out about 30 yards and hoofed a long ball towards the box. Striker Courtney Rowe controlled the ball and turned to shoot low into the far corner of the net from 20 yards.

The game was over at 20.01, still light enough to be able to see without any problems, but we wouldn’t have got away with a great deal longer. This brought down the curtain on the midweek early kick offs for non floodlit clubs for me. Roll on the end of March! Not a bad place to sign off at. Although the ground itself is nothing special, a large granite outcrop in the north east corner of the ground that hosts a ruined chapel means the backdrop certainly is.

East Cornwall Premier League

Tuesday 8th September 2020

Kick Off 18.30 Actual 18.29

St. Newlyn East 0 Foxhole Stars 0, attendance 61

@ St. Newlyn East Playing Field

Cargoll Road

St. Newlyn East

TR8 5LB

No Admission or Programme.

St. Newlyn East were sitting in second place in the Duchy League Premier Division when Covid-19 brought football to a halt in March, but were promoted into the East Cornwall Premier League for this season. They had started life in their new league with a 3-2 win away at St. Dominick on Saturday, with tonight being their first home game. Foxhole Stars were fourth when last season ‘ended’, but opened up the season with a 0-4 loss at home to Newquay Reserves on Saturday. Due to a combination of Covid-19 restrictions and refurbishment works going on, neither the changing rooms, stand or dugouts were in use tonight and the teams got changed at the side of the pitch. Track & Trace details were taken at the entrance.

With the match kicking off a minute early, then having just six minutes for halftime, all looked to be going well as far as getting the game in before darkness descended. Remarkably, with 36 minutes having been played in the second half, the Referee blew his whistle for full time, saying that it was too dark to complete the match. We only had nine minutes left to play, which would have been no problem, and if he thought it was indeed going to be the case, then why hadn’t he just decided to play 2 x 40 minute halves and be done with it. Apparently the teams had been informed at halftime that it would be a shorter second half.

Anyway, as for the game, it wasn’t too bad considering that there were no goals. St. Newlyn East had the better of the early exchanges, but Foxhole got stronger as the game went on and should really have won it on balance of play overall. Both teams seemed happy with a point each and there were very few complaints about the missing nine minutes at the end of the game.

Jack Forsdick Cup

Sunday 6th September 2020

Kick Off 10.30 Actual 10.32

Charlwood Village 4 Charlwood 3, attendance 41

8’ 0-1

34’ 1-1

36’ 2-1

40’ 3-1

44’ 4-1

57’ 4-2

80’ 4-3

@ Charlwood Recreation Ground

The Street

Charlwood

RH6 0BY

No Admission or Programme.

The Jack Forsdick Cup is played annually between the two clubs from the village, to honour the memory of Charlwood’s former groundsman, played at the ground shared by the two.

Charlwood Village play in the Redhill & District Sunday League Division 1 (top tier) with Charlwood making their debut yesterday in the Southern Combination League Division 2 (tier 3) having moved laterally from the fellow Step 7 Mid Sussex League Premier Division for this season.

Charlwood opened the scoring against the run of play, but Village hit them with a four goal burst late in the half to lead 4-1 at the break. Charlwood were much the better side in the second half, but could only claw back two of the three goals that they needed to draw level.