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.