Wiltshire Senior League

Premier Division

Friday 22nd November 2024

Kick Off 19.30 Actual 19.34

Park United 3 Malmesbury Victoria Development 3, attendance 48

29’ 1-0 (pen)

54’ 1-1

62’ 2-1

68’ 2-2 (pen)

85’ 3-2

88’ 3-3

@ Stanley Park Sports Ground, 3G Pitch

Stanley Lane

Chippenham

SN15 3RP

Admission by donation

No Programme.

I’d seen F.C. Chippenham Youth play a Wiltshire Senior League match on a grass pitch here previously, but hadn’t been back to do a game on the 3G pitch, mainly due to not trusting that the game would definitely take place on the synthetic pitch. No such problems tonight though, as it’s the only floodlit pitch here, so I was safe! The 3G cage runs parallel to the main grass pitch and has spectator access along about three quarters of one side. There is a small seated stand and two other covered areas on this side, but rather annoyingly, the dugouts are carried out (no thought whatsoever by the club towards spectators) and plonked right in front, so much of this side gives poor viewing, especially as most of the coaches/substitutes stand alongside, rather than sitting down anyway. No reason why they can’t be placed on the far side, where there was ample room.

The match was 4th versus 18th (bottom) and was a real slow burner. Apparently, Vics have had an influx of new players and the team on view tonight certainly didn’t look like a team propping up the table, with just one win and one draw to show from their opening thirteen games. Park led 1-0 at the break, courtesy of a penalty just before the half hour mark. Vics levelled nine minutes into the second half, following in after the ‘keeper failed to cut out a cross, but Park were back in front just after the hour. Vics soon made it 2-2, with a penalty of their own, but despite it being constant end to end stuff, it looked like that would be the end of the scoring, until a deflected own goal, when trying to cut out a cross, saw Park edge back in front with five minutes left. Vics deservedly made it 3-3 in the dying minutes, when a diagonal ball to the far side of the 18 yard box was finished with a cushioned shot back into the far corner.

It looks like a third visit may be required too, as they are currently constructing a second 3G pitch here, to the left of the driveway as you enter the complex. At least tonight’s visit means that the top division is definitely completed now, with no loose ends to tie up.