Paper & gum = £1-20
Entrance = £5
Programme = £1-50
Tea = £1
Bovril = £1
Train ticket = £5-20
Total = £14-90
Welcome to the Rec! Such was the friendly welcome I received at Sheerien Park, Barnsley, for my second visit. This ground is surprisingly nestled in the Athersley area of Barnsley, a few miles north of the town centre, so I opted to walk it from the station.
The black and white of Athersley were today pitted against the yellow of Staveley Miners Welfare. As the teams headed out from the near corner, I swear I heard some fans cheer for the 'banana army'! The away side looked like a decent outfit, with 9 full of handy skill, and 4 and 8 looking industrious in the middle of the park. Their first real opportunity came when 9 hit the side netting on 28 minutes, though they didn't manage to forge anything more meaningful than a stray free kick. 6 and 7 in the Sthersrley midfield were strong and skilful, looking like they could contain the threat from the Derbyshire outfit. They pretty much dominated proceedings in the first half, so were rather unlucky to fall behind on 32 minutes when 11's dipping cross rolled in off a home defender.
After the obligatory bovril at half time, I strolled around to enjoy the sounds of 'Wake up boo', Fatboy Slim and latter-day Ocean Colour Scene. The chap in charge of the music was clearly having a great time!
The pattern of play changed slightly in the second half. The Rec came out looking galvanised by the goal, with an early chip saved, and 9 skying a rebound after a run from 10. At the other end, Miners Welfare had a couple of their own chances fired over, through 7 and 9 in quick succession. Athersley's number 10 then fired just wide of the keepers right post, and Staveley's 9 volleyed just over. It was fractional to be honest. The final score of 1-0 was a little unfair on Staveley who had toiled without reward. Nonethless I'd seen another rumbustious encounter in the NCEL. Thanks to Athersley for another friendly welcome.
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