Entry £15
Programme £3-50
Showing posts with label National League North. Show all posts
Showing posts with label National League North. Show all posts
Saturday, 28 October 2023
Boston United (28-10-2023)
Boston United 1 - 0 Gloucester City (National League North), Saturday 28 October 2023
Monday, 27 August 2018
Spennymoor (27-08-2018)
Spennymoor 2 - 0 FC United of Manchester (National League North), Monday 27th August 2018
Entry £14
Entry £14
Saturday, 8 October 2016
Boston United (08-10-2016)
Boston United 0 - 0 Worcester City (National League North), Saturday 8th October 2016
Bus in Sheffield £3
Train (Sheffield-Nottingham) £13-60
Train (Nottingham-Boston) £16-10
Entry £13
Tea £1
Programme £3
Total £49-70
Bus in Sheffield £3
Train (Sheffield-Nottingham) £13-60
Train (Nottingham-Boston) £16-10
Entry £13
Tea £1
Programme £3
Total £49-70
Let me take you back. It is 1999-2000 and it is my first away game with King's Lynn, before I started ground-hopping or even taking photos. Back then I made the short journey to Boston by coach, and saw an incredible and dramatic win over then league-leaders Boston United. We triumphed 2-1 thanks to an unlikely goal from the halfway line from Dave Robinson, our key central defender.
As it had been over 16 years and I had no photos of the ground, I wanted to return before the club move to a new proposed ground outside the town. As a bonus, I planned to meet up with some family at a pub pre-match for food and a catch-up. Boston is an intriguing place, with an ethnically diverse community in a geographically isolated town at the end of a cul-de-sac. Today I reached the town by train from Nottingham, on a branch line taking in Sleaford and Swineshead Bridge. This added to the intrigue as I had never travelled there by train so was curious about the route it took over the flat landscapes of South Lincolnshire.
After the aforementioned lunch, and a mini-exploration of the town, I headed into the ground. Today was a Conference North game (sorry - Blue Square!) so should be a decent one. In fact it began auspiciously, with Boston's Joe Burgess being stretchered off after an early injury. After a fairly lengthy period, the game slowly got going. The two sides exchanged blows in a physical encounter but no-one could quite find the breakthrough. Boston scored an offside goal, before their Liam Agnew screwed wide from a decent position. At the other end, Worcester were threatening, with both English and Hughes firing half-chances wide. There were an incredible 7 minutes injury time added at the end of the first period.
Boston really should have wrapped up 3 points in the second half. They saw a lot of the ball but could not make the advantage count. At different points, Rollins, Smith, and Adams all fired over, mainly after neat build-up play in and around the box. Chippendale's late free kick was caught well by the away keeper Ryan Boot. It had been a half-decent game but one of those frustrating days when nobody can convert. In spite of this, I was delighted to have revisited Boston for another match, all those years on from my first. As I left the town on the train the sun was beginning to set and I had a sense of satisfaction that I'd got this one in before the nights really started to draw in.
Friday, 2 October 2015
FC United (02-10-2015)
FC United of Manchester 0 - 2 Worcester City (National League North), Friday 2nd October 2015
Fish & chips = £5-40
Entry = £9
Programme = £2
Bus £1-50
Tea = £1-20
Fruit = £1-10
Total = £20-20
So I finally managed to get to FC United's new ground at Broadhurst Park, which is becoming something of a well-trodden route for hoppers and fans alike. The club's history is well-documented, having been formed in 2005 as a reaction to the Glazers' takeover of Manchester United. They have to be fair flown through the leagues, having risen from the NWCFL Division 2 to today's heights of the National North. At present they seem to have found their level in this league.
Broadhurst Park is in Moston, about 4 miles from Manchester city centre, so after some dinner I ambled up there, arriving at the ground at about 7. There was just enough time to get a couple of photos in the light! The ground is full of character, with two sides covered in club flags and slogans referring to their origins and history. The sweeping terraces behind the goal contrasted nicely with the modern stand. I particularly liked that the ground didn't feel plastic or 'breeze-block'-esque, with a great atmosphere gradually building on the terraces.
For tonight's game, Worcester City were the visitors, below FC in the league, but more established at this level. Since my visit to St George's Lane in April 2013, they still haven't found a permanent home, and now ground-share with Kidderminster Harriers.
For the first 10-15 minutes, it seemed the sides were sizing each other up, with hardly any chances to speak of. Then FC's Sam Madeley hit a left-foot effort wide, and Lee Hughes did the same at the other end. Hughes then made it 1-0 when he attempted a rifled shot from outside the box, and beat the FC keeper (who looked like he'd been caught flat-footed). This briefly silenced the home crowd, before the chants started to build again. The most bizarre moment came when Worcester City had a free kick from the right-wing. Two players stood over the ball, one ran over it and then the second did the same. In complete bewilderment, the first player then crossed it in - it clearly hadn't been part of the routine! FC's Wolfenden was then foiled at the far end by Nathan Vaughan in the Worcester goal. As if to set the game up for the second period, Lee Hughes was dismissed for the away side after raising his hands to an FC player.
FC came out looking hungry, and began in positive fashion with some neat interchanges between Sean Cook and Wolfenden. Cook seemed to be at the centre of many attacks, rifling wide, and orchestrating a purposeful home attack. The pace of the game was excellent, and they had Worcester pinned back in their own half for long periods. Worcester were relying on some pretty Route 1 attacking, dropping balls in the box and hoofing it when they had the opportunity. Madeley was again foiled by the away keeper, before Wolfenden's rocket (heading for the top corner) was tipped over. Admittedly, Vaughan was then booked for time-wasting, but he had been excellent in the sticks throughout.
As it was announced that Dean Stott was FC's man of the match, it seemed like they might just nick something, but Madeley then missed an absolute sitter with the goal gaping. The Midlands side then struck a hopeful ball into the centre circle. Deon Burton picked it up and somehow curled a terrific pass down the left wing for Dunkley to latch onto it. This kid had some pace on him, and took the ball with consumate ease, before sliding it in to make it 2-0. The away fans were understandably ecstatic.
This had been a decent game of football, and showed that even the great FCUM don't always have it their own way. I was about to sprint to the nearest tram stop when I noticed an express bus for Manchester city centre, and for £1-50, this sped down to Stevenson Square in plenty of time for the 22.22 train. That's miles better than the bus farce at Anfield, and much cheaper too. For just over £20, I'd seen a National North game, had dinner, a cuppa, and a bus ride back into town. Who can say fairer than that?
Fish & chips = £5-40
Entry = £9
Programme = £2
Bus £1-50
Tea = £1-20
Fruit = £1-10
Total = £20-20
So I finally managed to get to FC United's new ground at Broadhurst Park, which is becoming something of a well-trodden route for hoppers and fans alike. The club's history is well-documented, having been formed in 2005 as a reaction to the Glazers' takeover of Manchester United. They have to be fair flown through the leagues, having risen from the NWCFL Division 2 to today's heights of the National North. At present they seem to have found their level in this league.
Broadhurst Park is in Moston, about 4 miles from Manchester city centre, so after some dinner I ambled up there, arriving at the ground at about 7. There was just enough time to get a couple of photos in the light! The ground is full of character, with two sides covered in club flags and slogans referring to their origins and history. The sweeping terraces behind the goal contrasted nicely with the modern stand. I particularly liked that the ground didn't feel plastic or 'breeze-block'-esque, with a great atmosphere gradually building on the terraces.
For tonight's game, Worcester City were the visitors, below FC in the league, but more established at this level. Since my visit to St George's Lane in April 2013, they still haven't found a permanent home, and now ground-share with Kidderminster Harriers.
For the first 10-15 minutes, it seemed the sides were sizing each other up, with hardly any chances to speak of. Then FC's Sam Madeley hit a left-foot effort wide, and Lee Hughes did the same at the other end. Hughes then made it 1-0 when he attempted a rifled shot from outside the box, and beat the FC keeper (who looked like he'd been caught flat-footed). This briefly silenced the home crowd, before the chants started to build again. The most bizarre moment came when Worcester City had a free kick from the right-wing. Two players stood over the ball, one ran over it and then the second did the same. In complete bewilderment, the first player then crossed it in - it clearly hadn't been part of the routine! FC's Wolfenden was then foiled at the far end by Nathan Vaughan in the Worcester goal. As if to set the game up for the second period, Lee Hughes was dismissed for the away side after raising his hands to an FC player.
FC came out looking hungry, and began in positive fashion with some neat interchanges between Sean Cook and Wolfenden. Cook seemed to be at the centre of many attacks, rifling wide, and orchestrating a purposeful home attack. The pace of the game was excellent, and they had Worcester pinned back in their own half for long periods. Worcester were relying on some pretty Route 1 attacking, dropping balls in the box and hoofing it when they had the opportunity. Madeley was again foiled by the away keeper, before Wolfenden's rocket (heading for the top corner) was tipped over. Admittedly, Vaughan was then booked for time-wasting, but he had been excellent in the sticks throughout.
As it was announced that Dean Stott was FC's man of the match, it seemed like they might just nick something, but Madeley then missed an absolute sitter with the goal gaping. The Midlands side then struck a hopeful ball into the centre circle. Deon Burton picked it up and somehow curled a terrific pass down the left wing for Dunkley to latch onto it. This kid had some pace on him, and took the ball with consumate ease, before sliding it in to make it 2-0. The away fans were understandably ecstatic.
This had been a decent game of football, and showed that even the great FCUM don't always have it their own way. I was about to sprint to the nearest tram stop when I noticed an express bus for Manchester city centre, and for £1-50, this sped down to Stevenson Square in plenty of time for the 22.22 train. That's miles better than the bus farce at Anfield, and much cheaper too. For just over £20, I'd seen a National North game, had dinner, a cuppa, and a bus ride back into town. Who can say fairer than that?
Saturday, 13 April 2013
Worcester City (13-04-2013)
Worcester 3 - 1 Hinckley (Blue Square North)
In normal circumstances, an end of season game between Worcester (all but safe from relegation) and Hinckley (already relegated) would have had limited appeal. However, today was different as it was the penultimate game to be played at St George's Lane stadium, before the ground was sold off and Worcester moved to pastures new for 2013/14. The final game was an all-ticket affair, and would no doubt be a title parade for Chester as they waved goodbye to the Blue Square North, so I'd opted for today's dead rubber.
The ground was a gem, although I could see why the club wanted to move to more modern facilities. One side had an old stand with a couple of steps of terracing beneath it, while the opposite side of the pitch was terracing, some of which was covered by a corrugated iron roof. The far end rose behind the goal, to the point that you just could see the top of the crossbar over the advertising hoarding. The terracing was cracked with parts covered in moss, and had clearly been darkened and weathered by the elements over the years. This was a classic ground, reminding me of Workington's Borough Park, Gainsborough Trinity's Northolme, and Altrincham's Gigg Lane. I counted 22 steps up the terraces as I took my place under the covered area opposite the main stand - they don't build grounds like this any more!
The game kicked off in ignominious style, with the club announcing a minute's silence for some recently deceased fans, before the referee started the game without anything of the kind! There's a first for everything. Given the relative position of both clubs, I wasn't expecting a classic, but the game defied my expectations. The teams at first seemed evenly matched in different areas of the pitch - Hinckley had some committed players and showed a lot of desire to win the ball back in midfield. Worcester, on the other hand, looked more assured on the ball, but not quite as committed. Hinckley had a David Luiz lookalike who seemed to play a similar role to his Chelsea twin, roaming between midfield, defence and attack. I wasn't sure whether he was playing this role through choice or whether his manager had given him free rein - I suspect it was the former! The opener came for Worcester on 25 mins, with the no 10 making a surging run in from the left wing, before slotting the ball neatly to the keeper's left. It was a neat goal, and put a polish on an otherwise in eventful first half. The second came shortly after, with an in swinging free kick launched into the Hinckley box, before being headed down and poked in for close range by no 9. Worcester seemed happy with their half time lead.
As I wandered round the ground at half time, the announcer apologised for the lack of the minute's silence, and then proceeded to welcome a visitor from Arnold Town in the same breath. I glanced up to the right and there was a lonesome figure with a ATFC flag on a blue and yellow background. I was unsure of the connection between Arnold and Worcester or Hinckley, but thought it must have been a fellow ground hopper. As I took photos from almost every conceivable angle, I noticed that a lot of people were doing the same which was rare - many were home supporters perhaps taking the opportunity to savour memories before the ground was flattened. There were 826 spectators here today - I wonder how many were ground hoppers or neutrals seeing the ground for the first and last time.
The second half began in the same fashion as the first, with both sides looking fairly evenly matched. The difference was that Worcester looked to have had an injection of passion into their game, and it was no surprise when the third goal arrived. There was still determination from Hinckley, which impressed me given their relegated status. Deep into stoppage time, the Hinckley no 11 Brown hit a beautifully curled free kick with his left foot into the Worcester net. It was barely scant reward for their trip from Leicestershire, but at least they had something to show for their final game at this ground, and in this league.
As I walked out of the ground, I couldn't resist one final photo - this time not the pitch or terraces, but the caged tunnel the players emerged from. This had a peculiar clock face above it, split into 15, 30 and 45, I suspect it hadn't been used for years. These kind of idiosyncratic features are what's really lost when these type of grounds gradually disappear from the UK football scene. 108 years of history and St George's Lane would shortly fade into memories, photographs and (presumably) a new housing development.
In normal circumstances, an end of season game between Worcester (all but safe from relegation) and Hinckley (already relegated) would have had limited appeal. However, today was different as it was the penultimate game to be played at St George's Lane stadium, before the ground was sold off and Worcester moved to pastures new for 2013/14. The final game was an all-ticket affair, and would no doubt be a title parade for Chester as they waved goodbye to the Blue Square North, so I'd opted for today's dead rubber.
The ground was a gem, although I could see why the club wanted to move to more modern facilities. One side had an old stand with a couple of steps of terracing beneath it, while the opposite side of the pitch was terracing, some of which was covered by a corrugated iron roof. The far end rose behind the goal, to the point that you just could see the top of the crossbar over the advertising hoarding. The terracing was cracked with parts covered in moss, and had clearly been darkened and weathered by the elements over the years. This was a classic ground, reminding me of Workington's Borough Park, Gainsborough Trinity's Northolme, and Altrincham's Gigg Lane. I counted 22 steps up the terraces as I took my place under the covered area opposite the main stand - they don't build grounds like this any more!
The game kicked off in ignominious style, with the club announcing a minute's silence for some recently deceased fans, before the referee started the game without anything of the kind! There's a first for everything. Given the relative position of both clubs, I wasn't expecting a classic, but the game defied my expectations. The teams at first seemed evenly matched in different areas of the pitch - Hinckley had some committed players and showed a lot of desire to win the ball back in midfield. Worcester, on the other hand, looked more assured on the ball, but not quite as committed. Hinckley had a David Luiz lookalike who seemed to play a similar role to his Chelsea twin, roaming between midfield, defence and attack. I wasn't sure whether he was playing this role through choice or whether his manager had given him free rein - I suspect it was the former! The opener came for Worcester on 25 mins, with the no 10 making a surging run in from the left wing, before slotting the ball neatly to the keeper's left. It was a neat goal, and put a polish on an otherwise in eventful first half. The second came shortly after, with an in swinging free kick launched into the Hinckley box, before being headed down and poked in for close range by no 9. Worcester seemed happy with their half time lead.
As I wandered round the ground at half time, the announcer apologised for the lack of the minute's silence, and then proceeded to welcome a visitor from Arnold Town in the same breath. I glanced up to the right and there was a lonesome figure with a ATFC flag on a blue and yellow background. I was unsure of the connection between Arnold and Worcester or Hinckley, but thought it must have been a fellow ground hopper. As I took photos from almost every conceivable angle, I noticed that a lot of people were doing the same which was rare - many were home supporters perhaps taking the opportunity to savour memories before the ground was flattened. There were 826 spectators here today - I wonder how many were ground hoppers or neutrals seeing the ground for the first and last time.
The second half began in the same fashion as the first, with both sides looking fairly evenly matched. The difference was that Worcester looked to have had an injection of passion into their game, and it was no surprise when the third goal arrived. There was still determination from Hinckley, which impressed me given their relegated status. Deep into stoppage time, the Hinckley no 11 Brown hit a beautifully curled free kick with his left foot into the Worcester net. It was barely scant reward for their trip from Leicestershire, but at least they had something to show for their final game at this ground, and in this league.
As I walked out of the ground, I couldn't resist one final photo - this time not the pitch or terraces, but the caged tunnel the players emerged from. This had a peculiar clock face above it, split into 15, 30 and 45, I suspect it hadn't been used for years. These kind of idiosyncratic features are what's really lost when these type of grounds gradually disappear from the UK football scene. 108 years of history and St George's Lane would shortly fade into memories, photographs and (presumably) a new housing development.
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