Gloucestershire Northern Senior League
Division 1
Monday 15th April 2024
Kick Off 18.30 Actual 18.32
Chalford 1 Dursley Town 0, attendance 63
14’ 1-0
@ Chalford Sports & Social Club
Highfield Way
Chalford Hill
GL6 8LZ
No Admission or Programme.
I’d seen Chalford play a home game here at Chalford Sports & Social Club back in March 2004, when they drew 0-0 (1-3 pens) versus Brockworth Albion, in a Stroud Charity Cup semi-final, that was played on Pitch 2, which is to the right of the cricket square when looking from the clubhouse/car park. I can’t believe it has taken me over 20 years to return for a game on the main pitch, which is to the left of the cricket square. It is almost completely railed off (roped along the cricket square) and has a small section of cover on the far side, flanked by the old dugouts, whilst a new pair are now placed in front, meaning the view of the pitch from the cover is virtually non existent.
I had managed to confirm via Twitter that the game was going ahead (reply from Dursley, ignored by Chalford), but was unable to confirm that it was being played on the main pitch. Luckily, for me, it was indeed on the pitch I’d hoped for, which meant I would finally accomplish seeing a game on every ground in the Gloucestershire Northern Senior League, having completed Division 2 earlier in the season.
Chalford are the reigning champions, but came into this sitting in fourth place in the table, whilst Dursley were fifth, with both still in with a realistic chance of taking the title, as only six points separated the top five teams. As expected, it was a tight game and was in the balance right up to the final whistle. The only goal came after fourteen minutes, when a corner from the left wasn’t cleared and was finished through a crowded box from eight yards. There were very few clear cut chances, with defences on top and Chalford probably just about deserved it overall. The win sees Chalford move up to second in the table, a point behind Brockworth Albion, but with a game in hand, both having leapfrogged this morning’s leaders Tredworth Tigers, having won their games tonight.
