tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13627131522078267252024-03-14T03:40:29.556+00:00Hopping Around HampshireReports and photos from matches involving Hampshire football clubsAndrew Ormerodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05056455206054228722noreply@blogger.comBlogger212125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1362713152207826725.post-78369346596121857672019-07-31T21:24:00.000+01:002019-07-31T21:24:47.926+01:00Seventy Hampshire Football Grounds, Part Two<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The homemade stand at the soon-to-be vacated AFC Stoneham, the old Pirelli General ground.</td></tr>
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I posted 35 photos from Hampshire football grounds last week as part one of a two-part Facebook quiz. Here are the second 35, which are in no particular order again, but by coincidence, feature a few grounds which have either been vacated since I started writing HAH, or are just about to be.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Springtime at United Sevices Portsmouth.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ONc7bFYl3rc/XUHwG4sKpvI/AAAAAAAAU4Q/BAnnsGwR6Yw2pBzbOBEUtYxbXI_C0gjGgCEwYBhgL/s1600/51hwstand.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1236" data-original-width="1453" height="340" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ONc7bFYl3rc/XUHwG4sKpvI/AAAAAAAAU4Q/BAnnsGwR6Yw2pBzbOBEUtYxbXI_C0gjGgCEwYBhgL/s400/51hwstand.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Upwardly mobile Hartley Wintney, who have risen rapidly through the leagues since I first visited them in 2012.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back of the shelter at Winchester Castle.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the last games to be played at Colden Common's recreation ground last season.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is Sholing, another club to have been highly successful since I started the blog.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wigwams at Upham.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of several pitches at the Wide Lane sports facility in Eastleigh. AFC Station were the home team here.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Jam Boys of Whitchurch United. They've lost every time I've watched them.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset at Folland Sports of Hamble.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old wind sock on MOD land at Fleetlands. I was there again on Sunday and the wind sock has gone!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K1bKfKtd7lI/XUHwNOAR7jI/AAAAAAAAU4c/mHyOOOe9_KAdunvwDOrd5Da9KKKbeP0hwCEwYBhgL/s1600/67basingstokesprinkler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1309" data-original-width="1600" height="326" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K1bKfKtd7lI/XUHwNOAR7jI/AAAAAAAAU4c/mHyOOOe9_KAdunvwDOrd5Da9KKKbeP0hwCEwYBhgL/s400/67basingstokesprinkler.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Basingstoke Town's Camrose. They left at the end of 2018/19 and have nowhere to go in their home town. Grim times for the Stokies.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Netley Central Sports on Southampton's East Side.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0JRYDJN-5HY/XUHwOxdCrBI/AAAAAAAAU4k/3Z9T_Dp0zHoogJTOTVZPa8k66D3lVjr2ACEwYBhgL/s1600/69IMG_1188.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0JRYDJN-5HY/XUHwOxdCrBI/AAAAAAAAU4k/3Z9T_Dp0zHoogJTOTVZPa8k66D3lVjr2ACEwYBhgL/s400/69IMG_1188.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the first matches I ever featured on HAH in 2011 at Cove FC in Farnborough.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qbz16VWL5rU/XUHwOndOdhI/AAAAAAAAU4Y/zGhR9Uhax5MaWN82b8UjdN3wNbKGo4DKQCEwYBhgL/s1600/70atfclastman.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1088" data-original-width="1600" height="271" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qbz16VWL5rU/XUHwOndOdhI/AAAAAAAAU4Y/zGhR9Uhax5MaWN82b8UjdN3wNbKGo4DKQCEwYBhgL/s400/70atfclastman.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After the last-ever game at the Bass Ground in Alton.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dPCw8pOcFaA/XUHwPt1vBoI/AAAAAAAAU4U/LxgOzA5JPmQbxQLu8Oz_rLBa4hQC1Ql6QCEwYBhgL/s1600/70pg36.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dPCw8pOcFaA/XUHwPt1vBoI/AAAAAAAAU4U/LxgOzA5JPmQbxQLu8Oz_rLBa4hQC1Ql6QCEwYBhgL/s400/70pg36.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paulsgrove FC of the Hampshire Premier Football League.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2HLzmCrPUVI/XUHwQEmciPI/AAAAAAAAU4U/W4M1oPne1e4eYaBvzMHR2usjVwMfhmPqgCEwYBhgL/s1600/73blackfieldwelcome.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1198" data-original-width="1600" height="298" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2HLzmCrPUVI/XUHwQEmciPI/AAAAAAAAU4U/W4M1oPne1e4eYaBvzMHR2usjVwMfhmPqgCEwYBhgL/s400/73blackfieldwelcome.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another upwardly mobile club - Blackfield & Langley from the Waterside area.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RFc-Ak7abqc/XUHwQLobyoI/AAAAAAAAU4g/_-lGYG_bMAcVfcIA76SCAMqkBYd51oMwwCEwYBhgL/s1600/73haylingspire.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1097" data-original-width="1600" height="273" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RFc-Ak7abqc/XUHwQLobyoI/AAAAAAAAU4g/_-lGYG_bMAcVfcIA76SCAMqkBYd51oMwwCEwYBhgL/s400/73haylingspire.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The College Ground, home of Hayling United.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mGJoHqO1rRY/XUHwTk3E2EI/AAAAAAAAU4U/88f2U8hdmfoSqiAb9iw2hPLRPO_KtJcPwCEwYBhgL/s1600/75DSC_1154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mGJoHqO1rRY/XUHwTk3E2EI/AAAAAAAAU4U/88f2U8hdmfoSqiAb9iw2hPLRPO_KtJcPwCEwYBhgL/s400/75DSC_1154.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cantell School in Southampton. Unity 101 FC were the home team for this Southampton Sunday League game last season.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A5sAvtYrjjU/XUHwRnarNUI/AAAAAAAAU4c/kZBDMARtv3YWfKDElJyK_kzEcb1aGiAPgCEwYBhgL/s1600/76ptfcultras2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1220" data-original-width="1600" height="305" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A5sAvtYrjjU/XUHwRnarNUI/AAAAAAAAU4c/kZBDMARtv3YWfKDElJyK_kzEcb1aGiAPgCEwYBhgL/s400/76ptfcultras2.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the Ultras at Petersfield Town.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XGHCbB2pCQs/XUHwRl05orI/AAAAAAAAU4Q/TBrVbvYZ-ts_IgUe8QO8nO9u07Fe0RbzACEwYBhgL/s1600/77ts06.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XGHCbB2pCQs/XUHwRl05orI/AAAAAAAAU4Q/TBrVbvYZ-ts_IgUe8QO8nO9u07Fe0RbzACEwYBhgL/s400/77ts06.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Detail from one of the twin stands at Team Solent (now Solent University FC).</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wS19w1uV9bw/XUHwUBI_DUI/AAAAAAAAU4Y/N8JDQvv8y_8qD_naCtzO_A3_kwkZ0M5KgCEwYBhgL/s1600/79andovershelter.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1259" data-original-width="1600" height="313" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wS19w1uV9bw/XUHwUBI_DUI/AAAAAAAAU4Y/N8JDQvv8y_8qD_naCtzO_A3_kwkZ0M5KgCEwYBhgL/s400/79andovershelter.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Behind the goal at Andover Town.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aTTcvFEfe3o/XUHwT90qwwI/AAAAAAAAU4Q/U6dJKL6iZmYS-isng1HkqS_aEdVZu8OpwCEwYBhgL/s1600/79hd017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aTTcvFEfe3o/XUHwT90qwwI/AAAAAAAAU4Q/U6dJKL6iZmYS-isng1HkqS_aEdVZu8OpwCEwYBhgL/s400/79hd017.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hythe & Dibden's new ground at Clayfields.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SZkrLt1eRIo/XUHwVGiE8dI/AAAAAAAAU4M/VypYEnpwbFoEQuWNA4sQVihvil2sRDO_wCEwYBhgL/s1600/79saintscranes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1185" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SZkrLt1eRIo/XUHwVGiE8dI/AAAAAAAAU4M/VypYEnpwbFoEQuWNA4sQVihvil2sRDO_wCEwYBhgL/s400/79saintscranes.JPG" width="295" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can't remember where this is. Perhaps someone else will know?!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XG5IyJ6WU1Y/XUHwWs4oKII/AAAAAAAAU4Y/xQPDxsUI0PkziFKHqU-LadSNQZfmouWpQCEwYBhgL/s1600/82ftfcsunset.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1051" data-original-width="1600" height="262" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XG5IyJ6WU1Y/XUHwWs4oKII/AAAAAAAAU4Y/xQPDxsUI0PkziFKHqU-LadSNQZfmouWpQCEwYBhgL/s400/82ftfcsunset.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poplars at the popular Cams Alders, home of Fareham Town.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vLQs7vfva14/XUHwWCY00EI/AAAAAAAAU4Y/7CLmx-nVd0Yfjbf0gfu3jCkx-GGaX4kCwCEwYBhgL/s1600/85alresfordcupcitizens.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="977" data-original-width="1600" height="243" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vLQs7vfva14/XUHwWCY00EI/AAAAAAAAU4Y/7CLmx-nVd0Yfjbf0gfu3jCkx-GGaX4kCwCEwYBhgL/s400/85alresfordcupcitizens.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Overflowing balcony at Alresford Town.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DPC_tZyKyUw/XUHwXfv_2cI/AAAAAAAAU4U/CN1r2FqFiTAZaomXm20AME44FPhhVCE1ACEwYBhgL/s1600/87DSC_1945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DPC_tZyKyUw/XUHwXfv_2cI/AAAAAAAAU4U/CN1r2FqFiTAZaomXm20AME44FPhhVCE1ACEwYBhgL/s400/87DSC_1945.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The award-winning stand at AFC Totton.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pXsGQvsnpfU/XUHwXFyP07I/AAAAAAAAU4Y/m4s-9gayO4oaecn2cCRrUPduaPNMPLtGQCEwYBhgL/s1600/89beastcelebrate.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1048" data-original-width="1600" height="261" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pXsGQvsnpfU/XUHwXFyP07I/AAAAAAAAU4Y/m4s-9gayO4oaecn2cCRrUPduaPNMPLtGQCEwYBhgL/s400/89beastcelebrate.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Celebrations for Eastleigh as they won promotion from the National South.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-orYn-COwl5M/XUHwXleyacI/AAAAAAAAU4Q/PvgUEXkT50QiLG9gvMKCCdlTHoWSRUtDwCEwYBhgL/s1600/91war18.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-orYn-COwl5M/XUHwXleyacI/AAAAAAAAU4Q/PvgUEXkT50QiLG9gvMKCCdlTHoWSRUtDwCEwYBhgL/s400/91war18.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lounging around at Warsash Wasps.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oBhSOYCn884/XUHwZOUuRTI/AAAAAAAAU4U/Tub7RzoRhrYXgwnbhUiAXzN_9255llLQACEwYBhgL/s1600/92DSC_1745.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oBhSOYCn884/XUHwZOUuRTI/AAAAAAAAU4U/Tub7RzoRhrYXgwnbhUiAXzN_9255llLQACEwYBhgL/s400/92DSC_1745.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gloomy Ringwood Town.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tvfh-yABUsY/XUHwZTOY_yI/AAAAAAAAU4Y/NXTBuNo6cB8C4nZNvsReXmbfhENYQ7RdQCEwYBhgL/s1600/93deansview.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="862" data-original-width="1600" height="215" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tvfh-yABUsY/XUHwZTOY_yI/AAAAAAAAU4Y/NXTBuNo6cB8C4nZNvsReXmbfhENYQ7RdQCEwYBhgL/s400/93deansview.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even gloomier Horndean on a foggy day in December.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AqM9DRwdGhQ/XUHwZndwH3I/AAAAAAAAU4c/NYxefPb_fEYqRD_C86yzhCtT3TIwWv3FQCEwYBhgL/s1600/95moneysstand.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1261" data-original-width="1600" height="315" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AqM9DRwdGhQ/XUHwZndwH3I/AAAAAAAAU4c/NYxefPb_fEYqRD_C86yzhCtT3TIwWv3FQCEwYBhgL/s400/95moneysstand.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sparkly Moneyfields of the Southern League.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-paOCBv4tIzU/XUHwaAbbO0I/AAAAAAAAU4c/Zi8fZMuAeK8YyEGd8FltkMlMgWlkkgrvQCEwYBhgL/s1600/96winchesterbusstopstand.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="763" data-original-width="1600" height="190" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-paOCBv4tIzU/XUHwaAbbO0I/AAAAAAAAU4c/Zi8fZMuAeK8YyEGd8FltkMlMgWlkkgrvQCEwYBhgL/s400/96winchesterbusstopstand.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Bus Stop End at Winchester City.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AzS-m0vkdHo/XUHwaj7r9zI/AAAAAAAAU4g/yqbmL_SYSKsID7xZTza1Z4TyGId5cE8KQCEwYBhgL/s1600/98fleetshaggydog.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1109" data-original-width="1600" height="276" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AzS-m0vkdHo/XUHwaj7r9zI/AAAAAAAAU4g/yqbmL_SYSKsID7xZTza1Z4TyGId5cE8KQCEwYBhgL/s400/98fleetshaggydog.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another team that's lost every time I've seen them (and never scored a goal!), Fleet Town.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BAgjwoO8fSA/XUHwajZPLtI/AAAAAAAAU4k/EG28ymk72YEeNsLcd21BiH_PmIZ-w4VPwCEwYBhgL/s1600/99lymingtonsunset3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="634" data-original-width="1600" height="157" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BAgjwoO8fSA/XUHwajZPLtI/AAAAAAAAU4k/EG28ymk72YEeNsLcd21BiH_PmIZ-w4VPwCEwYBhgL/s400/99lymingtonsunset3.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And finally...Lymington Town. This picture has been the blog header if you read this on a PC since about 2012.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Andrew Ormerodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05056455206054228722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1362713152207826725.post-1406487104726646702019-07-23T22:18:00.000+01:002019-07-23T22:23:47.017+01:00Seventy Hampshire Football Grounds, Part One<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hdGxT3bwkm4/XTdu5lKGPuI/AAAAAAAAUsM/Zi7HmskmLXIzKL4BiDm1BsFk7YGWap-fwCLcBGAs/s1600/00swayview.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1041" data-original-width="1600" height="260" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hdGxT3bwkm4/XTdu5lKGPuI/AAAAAAAAUsM/Zi7HmskmLXIzKL4BiDm1BsFk7YGWap-fwCLcBGAs/s400/00swayview.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A panoramic view of Sway FC in the New Forest.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span id="goog_1301767311"></span><span id="goog_1301767312"></span>As I was sitting around waiting for the new season to start properly (and also dithering about whether to carry on with the blog - shall I, shan't I?), I thought I'd count up how many Hampshire football grounds I've featured on here since 2011. The answer is an impressive 70! And I still haven't finished with the Hampshire Premier Football League yet (Infinity, Colden Common at Otterbourne, and five clubs in Division One - I'll try and visit you all this season and publish a few photos of your grounds).<br />
<br />
I posted photos from 35 of the stadiums/grounds/pitches on the HAH Facebook page yesterday and framed it as a quiz. I invited people to guess who played at each place. There were a lot of correct answers, but there were one or two that I think were too tricky.<br />
<br />
Here's the same photos in the same order, but captioned with either the club who play at the ground, and sometimes the name of the ground. They were chosen semi-randomly and they're in no particular order. There's no overarching theme other than I like these pictures.<br />
<br />
I'll publish another 35 in the next few days, so if your club isn't here (and I've featured you before), it probably will be next time.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VItx_30rPmk/XTdu5c-fuhI/AAAAAAAAUsE/5MwHMxOT8lESRjyRwKbOC6TG5YL6SRHYgCEwYBhgL/s1600/02romsey2013goalmouth.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1416" data-original-width="1600" height="353" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VItx_30rPmk/XTdu5c-fuhI/AAAAAAAAUsE/5MwHMxOT8lESRjyRwKbOC6TG5YL6SRHYgCEwYBhgL/s400/02romsey2013goalmouth.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Bypass Ground, attractive home of Romsey Town, a club whom I watch regularly.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UPUCOJbQnmk/XTdu5sJFBJI/AAAAAAAAUug/z9l0BYFz3fgzgPmrswjsG8m3Nm0ROHJgwCEwYBhgL/s1600/05bh17.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UPUCOJbQnmk/XTdu5sJFBJI/AAAAAAAAUug/z9l0BYFz3fgzgPmrswjsG8m3Nm0ROHJgwCEwYBhgL/s400/05bh17.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is Mansel Park in Southampton, home of Bush Hill.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--3CoNGzXjCo/XTdu6Xf6vtI/AAAAAAAAUug/CBVhAdpQHXcpGVZJLj3ODDMRqGxtOpjPwCEwYBhgL/s1600/06eversleyballflag.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="972" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--3CoNGzXjCo/XTdu6Xf6vtI/AAAAAAAAUug/CBVhAdpQHXcpGVZJLj3ODDMRqGxtOpjPwCEwYBhgL/s400/06eversleyballflag.JPG" width="242" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A halfway line flag at Eversley & California of the Combined Counties League.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-noLtMPyEcK4/XTdu7j5RB-I/AAAAAAAAUuY/WSRmozWtGkUxSeBpNZvn6vFttjaKw66UwCEwYBhgL/s1600/07sfc17.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-noLtMPyEcK4/XTdu7j5RB-I/AAAAAAAAUuY/WSRmozWtGkUxSeBpNZvn6vFttjaKw66UwCEwYBhgL/s400/07sfc17.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new dressing rooms at Stockbridge FC.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MqrKfwOL8dE/XTdu7ykHKzI/AAAAAAAAUuQ/Bc1fIiuQVjUaHsNyGxRGF-kdQwbmgcIoACEwYBhgL/s1600/09hytherain.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="829" data-original-width="1600" height="206" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MqrKfwOL8dE/XTdu7ykHKzI/AAAAAAAAUuQ/Bc1fIiuQVjUaHsNyGxRGF-kdQwbmgcIoACEwYBhgL/s400/09hytherain.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jones Lane Recreation Ground in the rain, former home of Hythe & Dibden.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2B6s3xHSKew/XTdu-GfTU6I/AAAAAAAAUuY/4d2C-90dijoS98hjopAKUMwLcoJ7ZpwRQCEwYBhgL/s1600/10bw00.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2B6s3xHSKew/XTdu-GfTU6I/AAAAAAAAUuY/4d2C-90dijoS98hjopAKUMwLcoJ7ZpwRQCEwYBhgL/s400/10bw00.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The track leading to the lower pitch at Priory Lane, home of Bishops Waltham Dynamoes.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FaPCqTGzeDc/XTdu-KvRjcI/AAAAAAAAUuo/4NiSKI5csto_8NEuv7I77lU8fyhUVkuhACEwYBhgL/s1600/10fm29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FaPCqTGzeDc/XTdu-KvRjcI/AAAAAAAAUuo/4NiSKI5csto_8NEuv7I77lU8fyhUVkuhACEwYBhgL/s400/10fm29.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The dugouts at Four Marks.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-amyFwfwnWVw/XTdu9ltV2UI/AAAAAAAAUuk/vWaaGsICrdAC36-uwkbFUPrCLd16r9ZWQCEwYBhgL/s1600/11bashleyteddy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1260" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-amyFwfwnWVw/XTdu9ltV2UI/AAAAAAAAUuk/vWaaGsICrdAC36-uwkbFUPrCLd16r9ZWQCEwYBhgL/s400/11bashleyteddy.JPG" width="313" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drunken teddy in Bashley's clubhouse.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7VLj7OrzEm8/XTdu-jhX3qI/AAAAAAAAUuU/-0gLT0t6ZekosLnsdwVa65YOZEI9Hja9QCEwYBhgL/s1600/13DSC_1056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="678" data-original-width="1600" height="168" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7VLj7OrzEm8/XTdu-jhX3qI/AAAAAAAAUuU/-0gLT0t6ZekosLnsdwVa65YOZEI9Hja9QCEwYBhgL/s400/13DSC_1056.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monochrome view of Liphook United.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8HqX-yh8aeQ/XTdu_FWANhI/AAAAAAAAUuU/NDoICSKw4Tc9gKf3jqt8nkMUXqguPs5KgCEwYBhgL/s1600/17farnboroughname.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1157" data-original-width="1600" height="288" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8HqX-yh8aeQ/XTdu_FWANhI/AAAAAAAAUuU/NDoICSKw4Tc9gKf3jqt8nkMUXqguPs5KgCEwYBhgL/s400/17farnboroughname.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rainy Farnborough.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uky5sDJhRaw/XTdu_jqWbjI/AAAAAAAAUuo/AQKrwf-ab6A3ZpC79M-5yQadIODMn934gCEwYBhgL/s1600/18altnew029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uky5sDJhRaw/XTdu_jqWbjI/AAAAAAAAUuo/AQKrwf-ab6A3ZpC79M-5yQadIODMn934gCEwYBhgL/s400/18altnew029.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alton's new 3G facility at Anstey Park.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OCMtsSjl6nM/XTdvBHZDQOI/AAAAAAAAUuc/sbjH_c2EqZsVS74q16aMxfrmPSz4wBBIwCEwYBhgL/s1600/19q20180419_125501.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1097" data-original-width="1600" height="273" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OCMtsSjl6nM/XTdvBHZDQOI/AAAAAAAAUuc/sbjH_c2EqZsVS74q16aMxfrmPSz4wBBIwCEwYBhgL/s400/19q20180419_125501.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Short-lived homemade stand at QK Southampton.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5lI74Fk9AKY/XTdvAOYSEdI/AAAAAAAAUuQ/aN23KsNdG3UaspT8DCLJKYsjsUWtcg-TACEwYBhgL/s1600/20tottonelingoutside.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="990" data-original-width="1600" height="246" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5lI74Fk9AKY/XTdvAOYSEdI/AAAAAAAAUuQ/aN23KsNdG3UaspT8DCLJKYsjsUWtcg-TACEwYBhgL/s400/20tottonelingoutside.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outside Totton & Eling's Millers Park.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SUYu4NiSJtc/XTdvBAw0QuI/AAAAAAAAUuU/KmT-eYTbpI8aMMXUjLPj6pnYVYjSKbQGgCEwYBhgL/s1600/23portchykeepoffpitch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1453" data-original-width="1600" height="362" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SUYu4NiSJtc/XTdvBAw0QuI/AAAAAAAAUuU/KmT-eYTbpI8aMMXUjLPj6pnYVYjSKbQGgCEwYBhgL/s400/23portchykeepoffpitch.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AFC Portchester's players obeying the sign.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eYkWlhAODBE/XTdvBZBI6tI/AAAAAAAAUuo/hB6dKqXxuxUuD2CCSsm_mqDwnJmA64vpQCEwYBhgL/s1600/24ford31.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eYkWlhAODBE/XTdvBZBI6tI/AAAAAAAAUuo/hB6dKqXxuxUuD2CCSsm_mqDwnJmA64vpQCEwYBhgL/s400/24ford31.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my favourite photos, taken on the day that Fordingbridge Turks hosted their twin town, Vimoutiers of France.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bY0F4YEby4w/XTdvC-_nn1I/AAAAAAAAUuY/p5nWcnPoi8kYtPy86ipWm0-iX8_sZqW2ACEwYBhgL/s1600/26DSC_0747.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bY0F4YEby4w/XTdvC-_nn1I/AAAAAAAAUuY/p5nWcnPoi8kYtPy86ipWm0-iX8_sZqW2ACEwYBhgL/s400/26DSC_0747.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my favourite action pictures, taken at Testlands in Southampton.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Evf8k8cCdMY/XTdvCmTrnSI/AAAAAAAAUuc/a1BXLezegIg69P61OGlHQEV7iHfxUsTSQCEwYBhgL/s1600/26ha14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1143" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Evf8k8cCdMY/XTdvCmTrnSI/AAAAAAAAUuc/a1BXLezegIg69P61OGlHQEV7iHfxUsTSQCEwYBhgL/s400/26ha14.JPG" width="285" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The very yellow Hamble Club.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d_eCM_f-nz4/XTdvC7IWkjI/AAAAAAAAUuk/z8qE0AZXsd88iyZytwRX9KQ6eRFlZ9oiwCEwYBhgL/s1600/28aldershotbt.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1246" data-original-width="1600" height="311" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d_eCM_f-nz4/XTdvC7IWkjI/AAAAAAAAUuk/z8qE0AZXsd88iyZytwRX9KQ6eRFlZ9oiwCEwYBhgL/s400/28aldershotbt.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another colourful stand, this time at ex-Football League club Aldershot Town.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ji2D1OnGvvE/XTdvDZf0iXI/AAAAAAAAUug/6X3KJ1IcSjgT8_1VWmVU74zSk-YVyDFzQCEwYBhgL/s1600/29fawleyview.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1216" data-original-width="1600" height="303" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ji2D1OnGvvE/XTdvDZf0iXI/AAAAAAAAUug/6X3KJ1IcSjgT8_1VWmVU74zSk-YVyDFzQCEwYBhgL/s400/29fawleyview.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Refinery chimneys behind Fawley's ground.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-owDD-KhIMgc/XTdvE2ysj6I/AAAAAAAAUuc/UNJG64Lt2zYfiuNF7knouc13FJxzBUESQCEwYBhgL/s1600/31ov09.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-owDD-KhIMgc/XTdvE2ysj6I/AAAAAAAAUuc/UNJG64Lt2zYfiuNF7knouc13FJxzBUESQCEwYBhgL/s400/31ov09.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rural idyll at Overton United.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HgwG0aJcJSc/XTdvErlN7QI/AAAAAAAAUug/ViioJWXnKVsH1e1ANZRMEwaHWFTuR8rHACEwYBhgL/s1600/32ansbuildbase.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="959" data-original-width="1600" height="238" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HgwG0aJcJSc/XTdvErlN7QI/AAAAAAAAUug/ViioJWXnKVsH1e1ANZRMEwaHWFTuR8rHACEwYBhgL/s400/32ansbuildbase.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The clever Buildbase Stand at Andover New Street - built on an old flat bed truck.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o0YUq4SBi4k/XTdvFPUptJI/AAAAAAAAUuY/TBzcoicoVfA382yH5ypP5z_I_CLwc78LACEwYBhgL/s1600/33DSC_1763.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o0YUq4SBi4k/XTdvFPUptJI/AAAAAAAAUuY/TBzcoicoVfA382yH5ypP5z_I_CLwc78LACEwYBhgL/s400/33DSC_1763.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The back of a dugout at New Milton Town.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9pwbV2Bqw4w/XTdvF-rHVeI/AAAAAAAAUuc/TmFwiOpRCnwvmQoHwwbeFlxK4-9AGjNBACEwYBhgL/s1600/35mt51.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9pwbV2Bqw4w/XTdvF-rHVeI/AAAAAAAAUuc/TmFwiOpRCnwvmQoHwwbeFlxK4-9AGjNBACEwYBhgL/s400/35mt51.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Through the peephole at Michelmersh & Timsbury.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yvWu-smOXPA/XTdvGSR1HsI/AAAAAAAAUug/x9g5QjJ9ko8cTrva3leAqSIjdL7Tx-VJACEwYBhgL/s1600/36lh34.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yvWu-smOXPA/XTdvGSR1HsI/AAAAAAAAUug/x9g5QjJ9ko8cTrva3leAqSIjdL7Tx-VJACEwYBhgL/s400/36lh34.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two matches going on at the same time at Locks Heath.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zp6SDQ4Kpng/XTdvJxXzn1I/AAAAAAAAUuY/53UCh-EPeHoQghe398TNMiaCKzhnWMz4ACEwYBhgL/s1600/38DSC_0680.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zp6SDQ4Kpng/XTdvJxXzn1I/AAAAAAAAUuY/53UCh-EPeHoQghe398TNMiaCKzhnWMz4ACEwYBhgL/s400/38DSC_0680.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Atmospheric Grigg Lane, home of Brockenhuirst FC.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5MkDjkD97nU/XTdvHQr9QfI/AAAAAAAAUuo/AKjuHpc0k0Ekcbb7OmBDu0Lah2A4yxrKgCEwYBhgL/s1600/39gosportvhawkslino.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="957" data-original-width="1600" height="238" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5MkDjkD97nU/XTdvHQr9QfI/AAAAAAAAUuo/AKjuHpc0k0Ekcbb7OmBDu0Lah2A4yxrKgCEwYBhgL/s400/39gosportvhawkslino.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A big crowd at Gosport Borough's Privett Park during their time in National League South.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cB_t4p6Bkyk/XTdvHyk9r2I/AAAAAAAAUuk/8YAQJKCjJfYTFrBifg3dRNSVjAFz1vWJgCEwYBhgL/s1600/40tadleystandbadge.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1106" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cB_t4p6Bkyk/XTdvHyk9r2I/AAAAAAAAUuk/8YAQJKCjJfYTFrBifg3dRNSVjAFz1vWJgCEwYBhgL/s400/40tadleystandbadge.JPG" width="276" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The seated stand at Tadley-Calleva on the Hampshire-Berkshire border (the ground is actually just over the border, but Tadley's in Hampshire, so I've included them).</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N4kJnqgSuuU/XTdvJ2mh5PI/AAAAAAAAUuY/luuud8SJf0kWSpQiwEu931c3pWHIumv_ACEwYBhgL/s1600/41clan025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N4kJnqgSuuU/XTdvJ2mh5PI/AAAAAAAAUuY/luuud8SJf0kWSpQiwEu931c3pWHIumv_ACEwYBhgL/s400/41clan025.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Skateboarding during a match at Clanfield.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9yXK_XjdYY4/XTdvJzyI3fI/AAAAAAAAUuo/_V4D3jnmRVMPMm_3DL1eFnFE5N4A6Y_0QCEwYBhgL/s1600/41DSC_1781.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9yXK_XjdYY4/XTdvJzyI3fI/AAAAAAAAUuo/_V4D3jnmRVMPMm_3DL1eFnFE5N4A6Y_0QCEwYBhgL/s400/41DSC_1781.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lyndhurst FC during their title-winning game at the end of last season.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fI75gGEVp-8/XTdvKsTtTFI/AAAAAAAAUuc/2VsaA0qPDkQtRE6AzfPUcOwPtmWaZfnEwCEwYBhgL/s1600/42pompeysouthstandspray.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="455" data-original-width="1600" height="113" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fI75gGEVp-8/XTdvKsTtTFI/AAAAAAAAUuc/2VsaA0qPDkQtRE6AzfPUcOwPtmWaZfnEwCEwYBhgL/s400/42pompeysouthstandspray.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The South Stand at Fratton Park, the home of the famous Pompey FC.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6PwJsk6wn64/XTdvMVhyAUI/AAAAAAAAUug/gzdpm1f8a2gzp2tCL8CK-XRPhQVyG6UQwCEwYBhgL/s1600/43bmr10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6PwJsk6wn64/XTdvMVhyAUI/AAAAAAAAUug/gzdpm1f8a2gzp2tCL8CK-XRPhQVyG6UQwCEwYBhgL/s400/43bmr10.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Also in Portsmouth, this is Baffins Milton Rovers.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AuUC94-cVpc/XTdvMhvF9LI/AAAAAAAAUuo/oO0cQ4vAShcCYMeAKbm2jGNYVANddK0LQCEwYBhgL/s1600/44la10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AuUC94-cVpc/XTdvMhvF9LI/AAAAAAAAUuo/oO0cQ4vAShcCYMeAKbm2jGNYVANddK0LQCEwYBhgL/s400/44la10.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The back of one of the dugouts at Hampshire League Liss Athletic.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mKMGrClv47U/XTdvMVSvU2I/AAAAAAAAUuc/nO_9i9ORLggp5WtuY1kRJuqjruWxn0bIwCEwYBhgL/s1600/47fleetspursautumn.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1367" data-original-width="1600" height="341" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mKMGrClv47U/XTdvMVSvU2I/AAAAAAAAUuc/nO_9i9ORLggp5WtuY1kRJuqjruWxn0bIwCEwYBhgL/s400/47fleetspursautumn.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Non-league dog at Fleet Spurs.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rt6hL1RhfII/XTdvNdOjdXI/AAAAAAAAUuk/_lGcKmCYfSUDFD5ZI42uwKNIkZ7wU2BegCEwYBhgL/s1600/48IMG_20170417_152945499_HDR-PANO.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="325" data-original-width="1600" height="81" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rt6hL1RhfII/XTdvNdOjdXI/AAAAAAAAUuk/_lGcKmCYfSUDFD5ZI42uwKNIkZ7wU2BegCEwYBhgL/s400/48IMG_20170417_152945499_HDR-PANO.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And finally, a panoramic view of Westleigh Park, home of Havant & Waterlooville.</td></tr>
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<br />Andrew Ormerodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05056455206054228722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1362713152207826725.post-40954481230523486132019-04-02T20:12:00.000+01:002019-04-02T20:12:31.241+01:00Lyndhurst v South Wonston Swifts<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ninU_D-rigU/XKJxj8Srn6I/AAAAAAAATCI/0x2za97iPq0aKurGR7l62oPZ2-6csUIMgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_2106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ninU_D-rigU/XKJxj8Srn6I/AAAAAAAATCI/0x2za97iPq0aKurGR7l62oPZ2-6csUIMgCLcBGAs/s400/DSC_2106.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hampshire Premier League Division One champions 2018/19, Lyndhurst FC.</td></tr>
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<span id="goog_1202419611"></span><span id="goog_1202419612"></span>Some leagues go on and on in to mid-May, or even June (see certain Spanish leagues), others finish in March. The Hampshire Premier Football League Division One is one of the latter. It's been a mild winter with few postponements, so some teams in this division finished their 21 games weeks ago. The final match of the season was on Saturday, where leaders Lyndhurst entertained second-placed South Wonston Swifts. With just a single point separating the two sides, it was winner takes all at the end of the match (a draw would have meant Lyndhurst won the league). Where to go on Saturday? It could only have been here.<br />
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"Here" is the attractive Wellands Road home of Lyndhurst FC in the heart of the New Forest. Wellands Road has all you need for a club at this level. There's a car park for around 30 cars. On the left as you enter is a wooden hut for the changing rooms, and then another for the tea bar. The pitch is mostly surrounded by railings (there's a few missing on the far side), and there are two unroofed dugouts made of wood (they may be half-built, awaiting a roof, I'm not sure).<br />
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So far, so typical of this level of football. This being the New Forest, the ground is surrounded on three sides by tall mature deciduous trees, with the other side adjacent to several back gardens with 2019's colourful Spring foliage just beginning to appear after the winter break. The pitch itself has a slope in the shape of a bell curve, but drifting downhill quite drastically away from the car park end. If you see some of my photos and think I should have straightened them up a little, well, that's the genuine angle of the pitch!<br />
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With the sun shining, Lyndhurst was definitely the place to be.<br />
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The home side kicked downhill in the first half, which turned out to be a wise decision. Duarte Martins was played through the middle to open the scoring after 10 minutes, sweeping the ball low past the Swifts keeper in to the far corner. The second goal came ten minutes later when Benni Cook was tripped when cutting back from the byline. Martins dispatched the resulting penalty in to the same corner that he'd already scored in earlier.<br />
<br />
Goal number three arrived just two minutes later. The ball wasn't cleared from a corner and Cook smashed it in on the half-volley from 12 yards. The initial phase was quite one-sided. Swifts did hit the bar, but this was from a back-header from a defender. Their first real chance came just before half-time, but Yannick de Mezieres made a spectacular save, fingertipping the ball over the bar from a fierce shot.<br />
<br />
The slope helped Swifts in the second-half as they came more in to the game, but a series of blocks and clearances off the line, plus another worldie save low down to his left by Yannick kept them at bay. They deserved at least one goal, but it wasn't to be their day.<br />
<br />
The celebrations started as soon as the full-time whistle blew - the subs and other club members running on to the pitch, champagne and cans of Fosters spraying rainbows in the sunshine. Lyndhurst then posed for a couple of celebratory team groups before the medal ceremony, then it all went haywire again with more champagne showers and much leaping around.<br />
<br />
I don't know, there may just have been some sore heads on Sunday morning!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OK8eyoG2n9o/XKJxcWjPGdI/AAAAAAAATCU/Qr0_7MaQd3A8aAXoQoP6PhKTHaL1zcjaQCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_1747.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OK8eyoG2n9o/XKJxcWjPGdI/AAAAAAAATCU/Qr0_7MaQd3A8aAXoQoP6PhKTHaL1zcjaQCEwYBhgL/s400/DSC_1747.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Action in front of the tea hut.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u><b>Details:</b></u><br />
<a href="http://www.lyndhurstfc.co.uk/community/lyndhurst-football-club-14914/home">Lyndhurst FC</a> (3) 3 v 0 (0) <a href="https://twitter.com/swswiftsfc?lang=en">South Wonston Swifts FC</a><br />
Saturday 30th March 2019<br />
Hampshire Premier Football League Division One<br />
Attendance: About 50<br />
Admission: None<br />
Programme: None<br />
Colours: Green and black stripes / black / green v White and black stripes / white / white<br />
National Grid reference: <a href="http://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/su3008">SU3008</a><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L-laYNkav7U/XKJxfwtNFhI/AAAAAAAATCY/fKYP3E-oP5IeGm3UET6_U6SVFZx6Vr5ZgCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_1974.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L-laYNkav7U/XKJxfwtNFhI/AAAAAAAATCY/fKYP3E-oP5IeGm3UET6_U6SVFZx6Vr5ZgCEwYBhgL/s400/DSC_1974.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The twin spires of Our Lady's Church and St Michael and All Angels Church look on as Swifts defend in the second half.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There was a short match report in this week's Hampshire Premier League newsletter, which you can read <a href="http://pehfl.non-league.org/">here</a> if you're quick enough.<br />
<br />
There will be more photos from the game on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1394407550858881/">HAH Facebook page</a> shortly. Because of the location and the lighting conditions, they are some of my favourite pictures of the season. It was hard to choose only 40 or so to publish.<br />
<br />
I'm hoping to do one more report on HAH this season. This will be on Saturday April 13th. See you then!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bd6P1NZ4NbU/XKJxZGINzSI/AAAAAAAATCc/whT1LW9WZDk9Tb6ZzShIHG9hYkfb1A3dQCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_1789.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bd6P1NZ4NbU/XKJxZGINzSI/AAAAAAAATCc/whT1LW9WZDk9Tb6ZzShIHG9hYkfb1A3dQCEwYBhgL/s400/DSC_1789.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">League top scorer Duarte Martins scores his first of the day and his 31st league goal of the season.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PHxbzZZUNxQ/XKJxcRn5eVI/AAAAAAAATCY/D0EGnLgr8AgbxxQVMTOvxvbX8-yRIrgvwCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_1816.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PHxbzZZUNxQ/XKJxcRn5eVI/AAAAAAAATCY/D0EGnLgr8AgbxxQVMTOvxvbX8-yRIrgvwCEwYBhgL/s400/DSC_1816.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Benni Cook just about to go down for Lyndhurst's penalty.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l60L0DJ0-cA/XKJxhHJrDoI/AAAAAAAATCc/yRzfySlosekpjWg-6voQqln5GPNvQ0wbgCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_1877.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l60L0DJ0-cA/XKJxhHJrDoI/AAAAAAAATCc/yRzfySlosekpjWg-6voQqln5GPNvQ0wbgCEwYBhgL/s400/DSC_1877.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A big crowd for the big day.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PqlB1yXi32w/XKJxcp1kMDI/AAAAAAAATCk/38XYC_hWcUk20XhHcaiRaySXdEGWSv-nwCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_1870.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PqlB1yXi32w/XKJxcp1kMDI/AAAAAAAATCk/38XYC_hWcUk20XhHcaiRaySXdEGWSv-nwCEwYBhgL/s400/DSC_1870.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flying the flag for the village team.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MTM-HHDr2sU/XKJxlFsyYGI/AAAAAAAATCo/Ua9RD3B7mX4qIJ12CgfcB_Ytz1vhHiQFwCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_4156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MTM-HHDr2sU/XKJxlFsyYGI/AAAAAAAATCo/Ua9RD3B7mX4qIJ12CgfcB_Ytz1vhHiQFwCEwYBhgL/s400/DSC_4156.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emerging for the second half, slightly the worse for wear.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dI96RCKgxKc/XKJxgZ8sUaI/AAAAAAAATCc/AgMCkR6J7RYXyRH1-jOgPW8HQ1FBz-CTgCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_1941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dI96RCKgxKc/XKJxgZ8sUaI/AAAAAAAATCc/AgMCkR6J7RYXyRH1-jOgPW8HQ1FBz-CTgCEwYBhgL/s400/DSC_1941.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lyndhurst attacking up the considerable slope (no, my photo isn't wonky, I promise...)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IRkx87tzD1Y/XKJxi0pjJJI/AAAAAAAATCg/hNvqvebVOqU3HOrK1LlVqCsXNN_LQNiVQCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_2079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IRkx87tzD1Y/XKJxi0pjJJI/AAAAAAAATCg/hNvqvebVOqU3HOrK1LlVqCsXNN_LQNiVQCEwYBhgL/s400/DSC_2079.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gary Rogers had his champagne ready as soon as the ref blew the final whistle!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EoLucwkG-XI/XKJxjVILXPI/AAAAAAAATCk/ewF2DFlhjqgTp7Jal7gu18I2A9dQq0nkACEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_2112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EoLucwkG-XI/XKJxjVILXPI/AAAAAAAATCk/ewF2DFlhjqgTp7Jal7gu18I2A9dQq0nkACEwYBhgL/s400/DSC_2112.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The team group from picture 1 bursts forward.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6B8hmTNcavs/XKJxmts5-gI/AAAAAAAATCs/t3tbwsI-XV8C0d_BDrCU-MeUeMAwe5AtgCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_4184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6B8hmTNcavs/XKJxmts5-gI/AAAAAAAATCs/t3tbwsI-XV8C0d_BDrCU-MeUeMAwe5AtgCEwYBhgL/s400/DSC_4184.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The celebratory champagne-spraying commences.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Andrew Ormerodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05056455206054228722noreply@blogger.com055 Wellands Rd, Lyndhurst SO43 7AB, UK50.874569263479614 -1.573452970955486350.873316763479615 -1.5759744709554864 50.875821763479614 -1.5709314709554862tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1362713152207826725.post-43775032292717709052019-03-25T21:32:00.000+00:002019-03-25T21:32:37.225+00:00Thatcham Town v Blackfield & Langley<span id="goog_225057276"></span><span id="goog_225057277"></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-swBXtLDS0FA/XJk2xEr5whI/AAAAAAAAS8M/kQxMDzIg340j1eDctPIppkUH5QdEDC4aQCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_4104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-swBXtLDS0FA/XJk2xEr5whI/AAAAAAAAS8M/kQxMDzIg340j1eDctPIppkUH5QdEDC4aQCEwYBhgL/s400/DSC_4104.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Way In to Waterside Park, avoiding the turnstiles.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The Watersiders visit Waterside Park...<br />
<br />
The top of the Southern League Division One South is fascinating this season, as at least three Hampshire clubs could be involved in the play-offs in a few weeks. One of them may even be promoted automatically.<br />
<br />
The clubs in question are Moneyfields, Winchester City and Blackfield & Langley (we'll leave AFC Totton out of the argument for the time being, as they've probably left themselves too much to do, being seven points adrift of the final play-off position with seven games to go).<br />
<br />
I followed Blackfield & Langley to Thatcham Town's Waterside Park on Saturday to inspect their promotion credentials. They travelled to Berkshire as league leaders, albeit only a point ahead of Yate Town. Thatcham were in mid-table with no chance of going up or down at the end of April. You might have expected them to take it easy from now on in...<br />
<br />
However, Thatcham Town are a proud club. They are current holders of the FA Vase, having beaten Northern League Stockton Town at Wembley last May. They also won the Hellenic League to be promoted to the Southern League. Of course, Blackfield are current Wessex League champions.<br />
<br />
Thatcham was once in Wessex League territory before it shifted south and west. They won the league in 1995/96. They have an ex-Wessex League manager in Danny Robinson, who has taken charge of Alresford Town and Winchester City in the past, so he knew all about his opponents.<br />
<br />
Blackfield's main threat in the first half came from long throws and corners, with the powerful duo of Connor Doe and Sam Poole both coming close to scoring - Doe's goal was disallowed for a push, whilst Poole's header from a corner smashed against the bar. The closest Thatcham came to taking the lead was from a long-distance lob by Kyle Tooze over the advancing keeper, Lewis Noice.<br />
<br />
Where Blackfield shaded the first half, the home side were slightly the better team in the second. They scored the only goal of the game when Tooze bundled his way down the left before pulling the ball back from the byline for Jack Alexander to sidefoot in to the far corner from six yards.<br />
<br />
It was a tough-tackling game with no quarters asked or given, as they say (sorry for the cliches). Blackfield were obviously frustrated about losing. They lost top spot to Yate Town, who beat Paulton Rovers. However, Moneys failed to make up their four point gap, as they went down 2-0 at Street. Elsewhere, Winchester sneaked in to the final play-off spot with a victory at Larkhall Athletic.<br />
<br />
It's going to be an interesting few weeks...<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7LxqpO81DYc/XJk2yyIuKUI/AAAAAAAAS8Q/cpX4wYBHb9Mj2sYOaOPL90Er5BD2rz33ACEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_4106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7LxqpO81DYc/XJk2yyIuKUI/AAAAAAAAS8Q/cpX4wYBHb9Mj2sYOaOPL90Er5BD2rz33ACEwYBhgL/s400/DSC_4106.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The calm before the stormy game.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u><b>Details:</b></u><br />
<a href="http://www.thatchamtownfootball.club/">Thatcham Town FC</a> (0) 1 v 0 (0) <a href="https://twitter.com/bandlfc?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor">Blackfield & Langley FC</a><br />
Saturday 23rd March 2019<br />
Evo-Stik Southern League Division One South<br />
Attendance: 187<br />
Admission: £8<br />
Programme: £1<br />
Colours: Blue and white stripes / blue / blue v All green<br />
National Grid reference: <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/browse.php?p=149642">SU5265</a><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nrQNzdXJkmo/XJk2m5ruZdI/AAAAAAAAS70/NC_XzFUmTyIQOYLSqLT9qYtjzAG7K4F4ACEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_1503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nrQNzdXJkmo/XJk2m5ruZdI/AAAAAAAAS70/NC_XzFUmTyIQOYLSqLT9qYtjzAG7K4F4ACEwYBhgL/s400/DSC_1503.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Splendid save by AFC Bournemouth loanee Calum Ward.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There is text and video coverage of the game on Thatcham Town's website <a href="http://www.thatchamtownfootball.club/teams/469/news/southern-league-thatcham-town-1-0-blackfield-and-l-2409544.html">here</a> and <a href="http://www.thatchamtownfootball.club/videos/thatcham-town-fc-vs-blackfield-and-langley-fc-high-144198.html">here</a>.<br />
<br />
There will be another 40 or so photos from Thatcham on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1394407550858881/">Facebook</a> later this evening. <br />
<br />
Next Saturday, I shall be heading to a title decider in the New Forest!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f942GD8y500/XJk2u_usrmI/AAAAAAAAS8A/kr1ezsWXrNkLy-0vrevXX_Z7k_d5f1uTQCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_1603.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f942GD8y500/XJk2u_usrmI/AAAAAAAAS8A/kr1ezsWXrNkLy-0vrevXX_Z7k_d5f1uTQCEwYBhgL/s400/DSC_1603.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The home fans gather behind the near goal.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HMfXn80rk3M/XJk2sHi22pI/AAAAAAAAS78/dojUfp4vX24HWtXDzmXZPvsV_O2MGNIhACEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_1640.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HMfXn80rk3M/XJk2sHi22pI/AAAAAAAAS78/dojUfp4vX24HWtXDzmXZPvsV_O2MGNIhACEwYBhgL/s400/DSC_1640.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The chase is on!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jqZIPkH1WBs/XJk2mpHtpHI/AAAAAAAAS7w/moclE8YZUW0_foY_lR8m07hveHfnNK6nwCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_1573.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jqZIPkH1WBs/XJk2mpHtpHI/AAAAAAAAS7w/moclE8YZUW0_foY_lR8m07hveHfnNK6nwCEwYBhgL/s400/DSC_1573.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tough tackling in greyscale monochrome.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G5ZnIKZxN7k/XJk2vw5GUtI/AAAAAAAAS8E/ZUwSOIWESsQZa8JK7c0H6_fhAAHSVNIpwCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_1715.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G5ZnIKZxN7k/XJk2vw5GUtI/AAAAAAAAS8E/ZUwSOIWESsQZa8JK7c0H6_fhAAHSVNIpwCEwYBhgL/s400/DSC_1715.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The tea bar at Thatcham Town.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j7EwzKrL6Hs/XJk2w5jFdKI/AAAAAAAAS8I/ENzwwcKonX02hXJQH_Hu9NllW-Nyh4KEwCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_1677.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j7EwzKrL6Hs/XJk2w5jFdKI/AAAAAAAAS8I/ENzwwcKonX02hXJQH_Hu9NllW-Nyh4KEwCEwYBhgL/s400/DSC_1677.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thatcham celebrate the winning (only) goal.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NzxaiMEd5Ac/XJk2y5g7_KI/AAAAAAAAS8U/x3lN37gaxeAchmOaFuZnECwKvJIW5a_6wCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_4109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NzxaiMEd5Ac/XJk2y5g7_KI/AAAAAAAAS8U/x3lN37gaxeAchmOaFuZnECwKvJIW5a_6wCEwYBhgL/s400/DSC_4109.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flying the flag for the FA Vase holders.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fWtcFirSww0/XJk2r4dpfrI/AAAAAAAAS74/D-QsFmND_H0l6L1SSlLrvzKU7PWwmZweQCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_1651.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fWtcFirSww0/XJk2r4dpfrI/AAAAAAAAS74/D-QsFmND_H0l6L1SSlLrvzKU7PWwmZweQCEwYBhgL/s400/DSC_1651.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Way In is now the Way Out.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JZDdHpPVfX8/XJk2marbTPI/AAAAAAAAS8Y/gyoKkAo-JTIfYvbzAB5m9tWrViJ1QEHUQCEwYBhgL/s1600/20190323_165828.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JZDdHpPVfX8/XJk2marbTPI/AAAAAAAAS8Y/gyoKkAo-JTIfYvbzAB5m9tWrViJ1QEHUQCEwYBhgL/s400/20190323_165828.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A gathering of directors under the stand at the end of the match.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Andrew Ormerodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05056455206054228722noreply@blogger.com0Football Club, Thatcham RG19 4PA, UK51.391712060085752 -1.243586911699253551.390473560085752 -1.2461084116992536 51.392950560085751 -1.2410654116992534tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1362713152207826725.post-78276361718631685882019-02-14T17:49:00.001+00:002019-02-14T17:49:38.444+00:00Unity 101 v Forest Home<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pNdluIuYIGo/XGSBY23ONyI/AAAAAAAASdw/MXRfoxVhJeEfqsZXoiDuTvdOlpfOi3KXgCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_4099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pNdluIuYIGo/XGSBY23ONyI/AAAAAAAASdw/MXRfoxVhJeEfqsZXoiDuTvdOlpfOi3KXgCEwYBhgL/s400/DSC_4099.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unity 101 FC. One gold star so far.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span id="goog_1756579152"></span><span id="goog_1756579153"></span>I'm a middle-aged English white guy. I have my problems, just like anyone else. But being the subject of racist abuse isn't one of them.<br />
<br />
I was never a footballer beyond school age, but I did play hockey for a while. I've always worn glasses, so playing as a hockey goalkeeper was ideal, what with the scary mask keeping my eyes safe. And hockey is just like football with sticks and a ridiculously hard ball. It was second-best, but sometimes you have to accept that second-best is good enough.<br />
<br />
I played for a team with some older white men. I was a bit intimidated by them, to be honest. They all had cars and jobs and talked very loud. I had a rusty bicycle, thick spectacles, spots and no money. Obviously, I listened to The Smiths. Morrissey understood me.<br />
<br />
There was a Sikh on my team. He was a decent player, but I never heard him speak. The problem was, the older white men were constantly horrible to him. Not just banter, but sheer nastiness, all the time, with absolutely no let-up. To them, he had different coloured skin, therefore he was subhuman. It was the first time I had witnessed racism in action and I didn't like it. Nowadays, I'd like to think I would stand up to them and call them out, but as an awkward teenager with little self-confidence, I couldn't do it. I just walked out and never went back.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_cXfg-fi5NQ/XGSBPvwhiGI/AAAAAAAASdQ/3Wd8uXwrnw0vHMPZqsEDgQI3jdU1BAAfgCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_1154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_cXfg-fi5NQ/XGSBPvwhiGI/AAAAAAAASdQ/3Wd8uXwrnw0vHMPZqsEDgQI3jdU1BAAfgCEwYBhgL/s400/DSC_1154.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unity 101's home pitch at Cantell School. School alumni include Coldplay's drummer, Will Champion.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u><b>Details:</b></u><br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/unity101fc">Unity 101 FC</a> (3) 7 v 0 (0) Forest Home FC (can't find any link for them, sorry)<br />
Sunday 10th February 2019<br />
City of Southampton Sunday Football League Junior Division 3<br />
Attendance: One man and his dog (literally!)<br />
Admission: Through reception at Cantell School and out the other side and down the path.<br />
Programme: No<br />
Colours: Yellow / black / black v Orange / black / orange<br />
National Grid reference: <a href="http://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/su4215">SU4215</a><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gs9v51uFmvw/XGSBO5JvO3I/AAAAAAAASd8/4eoiYRI1fzMtkyUA17fiiwE83TULa7vhQCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_1131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gs9v51uFmvw/XGSBO5JvO3I/AAAAAAAASd8/4eoiYRI1fzMtkyUA17fiiwE83TULa7vhQCEwYBhgL/s400/DSC_1131.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tom Gilham, docker during the week, 'baller on a Sunday, controls the ball on his chest. In monochrome for no particular reason.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I wonder what those vile men would think of Unity 101 FC? This is a team that play at the fourth level of Sunday football in Southampton (Junior Division 3). They play their home matches on the artificial pitch at Cantell School in Highfield.<br />
<br />
They're a team that prides themselves on inclusivity. Whatever your skin colour, wherever you're from, you'll be accepted in to the fold for who you are (and before anyone says that they discriminate against white men - they don't - literally everyone is welcome).<br />
<br />
The same is true of the radio station whose name they share (which has been broadcasting for 13 years now). Tune in at any given time, and you might hear Punjabi folk music or some jolly tabla music from Afghanistan, a Polish music and chat show or an hour-long programme from the students of Richard Taunton College. All the communities that make up the city of Southampton are represented, with all the rich variety of languages that can be heard throughout the city. You can tune in live, or listen to a programme of your choice <a href="http://unity101.org/">here</a>.<br />
<br />
Some players play for Unity 101 FC because they've heard about them on the radio, others will come because they have friends who play for them. Others will just turn up for training sessions to keep fit and make friends. It's like many other clubs in that respect.<br />
<br />
There's an excellent film made about Unity 101 FC by Gurpreet Singh. You can see it <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ui6D3KXjnpo">here</a> (with a longer film to follow). Some of the players that featured on Sunday are shown at home and at work. Gurpreet revealed the people behind the players. Not just 11 men in yellow shirts, they're all living, breathing human beings with different back stories who come together to enjoy their hobby on a Sunday. Yes, just like every other team, but you don't see this sort of thing very often. Highly recommended (there's also a link on the HAH Facebook group page if you scroll down far enough).<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YDA5HsXT4Ds/XGSBNlPhk7I/AAAAAAAASeI/91g1TwVAXzoZzHIIExQDWq6FTpblghIJQCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_1213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YDA5HsXT4Ds/XGSBNlPhk7I/AAAAAAAASeI/91g1TwVAXzoZzHIIExQDWq6FTpblghIJQCEwYBhgL/s400/DSC_1213.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bale-esque skills from Taylor Brown.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Not featured in the film, but starring on the pitch on Sunday was Taylor Brown. I was told he was on the books of MK Dons and is currently studying at uni in Southampton. He was one of the standout players on Sunday, scoring the first two goals with a pair of penalties and setting up the third goal, headed in by Shazur Rahman at the back post. It had been an even start, with Forest Home hitting the bar in the first minute, but after Unity took the lead there was no looking back as they led 3-0 at half-time.<br />
<br />
Forest Home (who play their home games in Blackfield) had the perfect chance to get back in the game just after half-time, but they hit the bar for a second time, this time from a penalty. From then on, they weren't seen again as an attacking force, as Rahman scored a superb fourth as he slalomed down the left touchline evading any opponent who got near hime before sliding the ball just inside the post.<br />
<br />
Then it was the turn of Ugandan under-23 international Imran Mpaata to make an impact from the bench (yes, Unity 101 have an international playing for them!). Two brilliant solo goals and a 25 yard thunderbolt free-kick which hit the post. Not bad for a 30 minute cameo! Imran has an interesting story. You can read about how his mother set up a footballing academy in Mombasa for the local children and how it has grown <a href="https://www.nation.co.ke/lifestyle/saturday/Clueless-housewife-turned-football-guru/1216-2380758-21t3pd/index.html">here</a>. Her son may well have a decent future in the game. If any scouts read this blog, you could do worse than pop along and watch Imran play for Unity or his university team at Solent.<br />
<br />
With ten minutes to play, manager Naz Azram brought himself on. He scored the seventh and final goal on 90 minutes with a cheeky flick with the outside of his left boot. Still got it! The sun then made its only appearance of the day as the ref blew his whistle on a good-tempered Sunday morning contest. Unity 101 will be pleased with their day's work - they played with verve and vigour to entertain the one man and his dog who came to watch (and to entertain themselves). Forest Home will have better days. Maybe next Sunday?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1gTVR64_QcQ/XGSBQUmhoLI/AAAAAAAASd4/oeV6cAuPVBUl0kXSFIG5yt1UeqJpM_5GQCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_1231.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1gTVR64_QcQ/XGSBQUmhoLI/AAAAAAAASd4/oeV6cAuPVBUl0kXSFIG5yt1UeqJpM_5GQCEwYBhgL/s400/DSC_1231.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goalkeeper Shah Kamal keeps warm on a nippy day.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The hockey-playing Sikh guy could have done with a team like Unity to play for back in the day. They would have been a safe space for him - somewhere where he could have made friends instead of being on the end of a constant barrage of crap. I like to think that things have changed for the better in the last 30 years and that most sports clubs are welcoming to everyone, whatever their background, but as a middle-aged white guy, I honestly don't know.<br />
<br />
Thank you to Unity 101 FC for inviting me along to take photos. Good luck for the rest of the season to them. And thank you also to Testlands for a similar warm welcome the day before for part one of my double-header weekend.<br />
<br />
You will find another 40 or so pictures from Unity 101 v Forest Home on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1394407550858881/">HAH Facebook page</a>.<br />
<br />
I'm busy again on Saturdays for a while now. The next featured game may well be a random midweeker! I'll see what's on in either the Southern or Wessex Leagues over the next couple of weeks and pop along somewhere and take some pictures.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N4U9YJ5wOa0/XGSBSYHWaYI/AAAAAAAASd8/BDBjR4eMT40sZiDUappCd8snQr9gwF67wCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_1242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N4U9YJ5wOa0/XGSBSYHWaYI/AAAAAAAASd8/BDBjR4eMT40sZiDUappCd8snQr9gwF67wCEwYBhgL/s400/DSC_1242.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taylor Brown slots home his second penalty.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Zg_F2YRrGE/XGSBS_2EZQI/AAAAAAAASd8/CzoRXjYqxt0jE2P5cTTrbQtQcQ0PAPPRQCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_1290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Zg_F2YRrGE/XGSBS_2EZQI/AAAAAAAASd8/CzoRXjYqxt0jE2P5cTTrbQtQcQ0PAPPRQCEwYBhgL/s400/DSC_1290.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shazur Rahman slides home his second goal of the game.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XPHxKzaetWo/XGSBWiZL4LI/AAAAAAAASeE/bbCEBsXfTkg5n1-SbacZtuyZqPWo4EnvACEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_1378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XPHxKzaetWo/XGSBWiZL4LI/AAAAAAAASeE/bbCEBsXfTkg5n1-SbacZtuyZqPWo4EnvACEwYBhgL/s400/DSC_1378.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Imran Mpaata rounds the keeper for his first goal.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yl5xGXij268/XGSBTz1U32I/AAAAAAAASeI/43LmVFl4-MIxu4vXil_una1ge9DRP_wewCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_1309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yl5xGXij268/XGSBTz1U32I/AAAAAAAASeI/43LmVFl4-MIxu4vXil_una1ge9DRP_wewCEwYBhgL/s400/DSC_1309.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One man and his dog watching from the car park.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4dp47KaD3Hk/XGSBWpv3T1I/AAAAAAAASd8/a2GtBgxxs7AbCKIUB727Hgzhz4sn1dUwgCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_1411.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4dp47KaD3Hk/XGSBWpv3T1I/AAAAAAAASd8/a2GtBgxxs7AbCKIUB727Hgzhz4sn1dUwgCEwYBhgL/s400/DSC_1411.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Player-manager Naz Azram shows off his skills. Still got it!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dQAHVLw3kQw/XGSBXFjddiI/AAAAAAAASeA/V9uukJpAl1gb20ZwqIuifZIIEBpBeY1rwCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_1422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dQAHVLw3kQw/XGSBXFjddiI/AAAAAAAASeA/V9uukJpAl1gb20ZwqIuifZIIEBpBeY1rwCEwYBhgL/s400/DSC_1422.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Friendly handshakes after the final whistle.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A97_7-f4EnE/XGSBZM_vggI/AAAAAAAASeI/k5kg6_ppZBAxLpoV6co0QYzOhBgPehyPACEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_4101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A97_7-f4EnE/XGSBZM_vggI/AAAAAAAASeI/k5kg6_ppZBAxLpoV6co0QYzOhBgPehyPACEwYBhgL/s400/DSC_4101.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Man of the Match Meelad Aslami poses for his post-match photoshoot. At least, he told me he was MoM ;-)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Andrew Ormerodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05056455206054228722noreply@blogger.com168 Copperfield Rd, Southampton SO16 3NY, UK50.941336533403174 -1.396695233670698150.940086033403176 -1.3992167336706982 50.942587033403171 -1.3941737336706981tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1362713152207826725.post-64652019880624287152019-02-10T21:23:00.000+00:002019-02-10T21:23:51.127+00:00Testlands v Botley Village<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bJOiKrrQZPc/XGBUoG0RTaI/AAAAAAAAScU/VgUNLDwaH6YYD2QL15Ei2GapJ7OY-1gygCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC_4095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bJOiKrrQZPc/XGBUoG0RTaI/AAAAAAAAScU/VgUNLDwaH6YYD2QL15Ei2GapJ7OY-1gygCLcBGAs/s400/DSC_4095.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The banner on the wall of the hub overlooking the football pitches.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It's double-header weekend!<br />
<br />
I occasionally get asked to take photos at local clubs. If I have time to do so, I'll probably say yes (although I have been a meanie in the past and said no. I was too busy at the time). AFC Station were one of the clubs that put in a request, and I (eventually - possibly six months later...) turned up at Wide Lane to <a href="https://hoppingaroundhampshire.blogspot.com/2018/11/afc-station-v-testlands.html">feature them on here</a>. This was in November. I wrote about the crisis enveloping the adult men's game on a Saturday, with more and more clubs folding. I wrote about how enjoyable it is to play with your mates, out in the fresh air on a Saturday afternoon, kicking a ball about, getting involved - you're only young and fit enough to play for a few years, after all - there's plenty of time to sit around doing not very much when you're old. And so on.<br />
<br />
This was the most popular piece I've written for quite some time, receiving over 400 hits (the average is around half that), so I guess it struck a chord. AFC Station's opponents that afternoon in the Southampton Saturday League Junior Division 2 (effectively the league's 4th division) were bucking the trend as a relatively new club, Testlands FC. After the game, Eddie McCaffery from the club asked me to pop along and take some photos one day. So, I did. Eventually.<br />
<br />
Who are Testlands FC? They are the men's adult team of the Testlands Youth Football Club, based at the <a href="https://www.testlands.com/">Testlands Hub</a> (formerly Millbrook School) on the west side of Southampton. They're newly formed (well, in 2016), as it was felt that the boys who were playing in the youth teams had nowhere to go once they'd reached the top age group. Sure, they could go off and find another club (the likes of Bush Hill and QK Southampton are nearby and play at a reasonable standard in the Hampshire League). But what if they wanted to keep playing with their friends and with familiar coaches in an environment that they are happy in? The adult team gives them the chance to do that.<br />
<br />
It's not all lads from the youth team though - the club is open to anybody. I'm sure they'd welcome anyone who can play at Junior 2 standard and who is committed to playing most Saturdays throughout the season. The club's ambitions are to go as far as they can go. They've seen nearby Bush Hill rise up through the leagues. They'd like to at least emulate them and maybe surpass them, reaching the Wessex League one day.<br />
<br />
As a new club, they have a long way to go, but everyone has to start somewhere. They play on a well-drained pitch at the back of the Hub. You have to go through reception and out the back to reach the pitch, a bit like you used to have to at Fawley. The only structures beside the pitch are a pair of handmade dugouts, salvaged from some old bicycle shelters. Clever, spacious and practical.<br />
<br />
On the pitch, Testlands were facing Botley Village, a former Hampshire League club whose adult men's team have been sliding down the pyramid over the last few years, and may not have stopped sliding yet as they propped up the table going in to this fixture. The hosts were in fourth place, but probably too far behind league leaders Whiteley Wanderers to win the division this season.<br />
<br />
It looked like it was going to be a rout as the hosts raced in to a two goal lead within 9 minutes, Sean Haines blasting the first in from 12 yards (see the two pics below), then being played through and sliding the ball past the keeper to give Testlands a quickfire 2-0 lead. I don't know if Testlands sat back a bit then, or if Botley just woke up, as the rest of the first half was more even. The away side got a goal back after 19 minutes after a defensive mix-up, their number 12 taking advantage, walking the ball in to the net (sorry, I don't have names for the Botley scorers). 2-1 at half-time was probably about right on the balance of play.<br />
<br />
There were to be five more goals in the second half. Haines completed his hat-trick on 55 minutes, blasting past Botley's nervous goalie from 10 yards. The away side got a goal back five minutes later, as their composed number 5 was played through, sliding the ball low to the Testlands' keeper's left.<br />
<br />
It still could have gone either way at this stage, although Testlands were gradually stamping their authority on the game. What proved to be the killer goal came after 73 minutes when there was a shove in the box and the ref awarded a penalty to Testlands. Bertie New kept his nerve to slot home.<br />
<br />
Botley Village got the score back to 4-3 with a minute of normal time to play. A free-kick was awarded just outside the box (it could easily have been a penalty - according to my photographic evidence, the foul was right on the line...). Their impressive captain curled the ball in and there were three men unmarked and onside at the back post, three yards out. One of them side-foot volleyed in and they still had a small amount of hope...<br />
<br />
...which was squashed within 90 seconds as Luca Cordeddu tucked away the fifth goal for Testlands.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GvSES3zUzBA/XGBUnkZxIVI/AAAAAAAAScQ/foJKTLcjgTUQLp6P6wckNV1m1Rgtf7h1ACEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_4084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GvSES3zUzBA/XGBUnkZxIVI/AAAAAAAAScQ/foJKTLcjgTUQLp6P6wckNV1m1Rgtf7h1ACEwYBhgL/s400/DSC_4084.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Testlands FC 2018/19.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u><b>Details:</b></u><br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/TestlandsYouthFC/">Testlands FC</a> (2) 5 v 3 (1) <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BotleyVillageFc/">Botley Village FC</a><br />
Saturday 9th February 2019<br />
Southampton FA Saturday Football League Junior Division 2<br />
Admission: Free<br />
Programme: Of course not! <br />
Attendance: A few friends, family members and non-playing squad players<br />
Colours: White / red / red v Green / green / red<br />
National Grid reference: <a href="http://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/su3815">SU3815</a><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fVzXh1vjK-w/XGBUe4482FI/AAAAAAAASbs/jeS9nj0uTVQ8RYeOkSSyDvAY5H0uCik0wCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_0756.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fVzXh1vjK-w/XGBUe4482FI/AAAAAAAASbs/jeS9nj0uTVQ8RYeOkSSyDvAY5H0uCik0wCEwYBhgL/s400/DSC_0756.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first goal for Testlands (you can just see the ball behind number 17).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There will be more photos from Testlands on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1394407550858881/">HAH Facebook page</a> shortly.<br />
<br />
I'm happy to take requests for photos from other local clubs. My main rule is that there has to be at least one club from Hampshire involved in the game. I'm a season ticket holder at Havant & Waterlooville, so I'm unlikely to visit when they're at home, and I'm also busy on other weekends sometimes, but if I can fit you in, I will.<br />
<br />
I said it was a double-header this weekend - I'll be writing about a Sunday League club next. To follow later in the week!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iNZiQZdUo20/XGBUfTgtg9I/AAAAAAAASco/ikSeGBQiElYhg7IgwSO4YOmVirF90a2JgCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_0757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iNZiQZdUo20/XGBUfTgtg9I/AAAAAAAASco/ikSeGBQiElYhg7IgwSO4YOmVirF90a2JgCEwYBhgL/s400/DSC_0757.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ball hits the net despite the goalie's best efforts to stop it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TAqyBuyszzg/XGBUdDtaDUI/AAAAAAAAScY/rBWU-F78II8K8flr9aXKogjEAN6f8zdRgCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_0747.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TAqyBuyszzg/XGBUdDtaDUI/AAAAAAAAScY/rBWU-F78II8K8flr9aXKogjEAN6f8zdRgCEwYBhgL/s400/DSC_0747.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's Millbrook Towers again! (See also QK Southampton, Bush Hill and Team Solent!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-geVKCvJNiY8/XGBUinMfGiI/AAAAAAAAScc/3PUquWzcGdsgcSkJxlIpQuZ9TqjLiYmlQCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_1090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-geVKCvJNiY8/XGBUinMfGiI/AAAAAAAAScc/3PUquWzcGdsgcSkJxlIpQuZ9TqjLiYmlQCEwYBhgL/s400/DSC_1090.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Basically the same picture, but in the second half and in greyscale monochrome.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3SY97BiJtA0/XGBUfe97sjI/AAAAAAAASco/nCB7hpHcsPQ1MIpj3TwbxBAAVPy1CBMFwCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_0768.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3SY97BiJtA0/XGBUfe97sjI/AAAAAAAASco/nCB7hpHcsPQ1MIpj3TwbxBAAVPy1CBMFwCEwYBhgL/s400/DSC_0768.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Testlands on the attack. Homemade dugouts in the background.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-shPojgIiB8g/XGBUktlW-kI/AAAAAAAASco/Yo2gTY6JybYEMIf8Di1_VR-yODOC20mdQCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_1116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-shPojgIiB8g/XGBUktlW-kI/AAAAAAAASco/Yo2gTY6JybYEMIf8Di1_VR-yODOC20mdQCEwYBhgL/s400/DSC_1116.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Botley Village squad members in the away dugout.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fHViyOz6pb8/XGBUkJg5CHI/AAAAAAAAScg/_FwVBZvRoFgmfKf9RMPdGpXovGpAPxRVACEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_0903.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fHViyOz6pb8/XGBUkJg5CHI/AAAAAAAAScg/_FwVBZvRoFgmfKf9RMPdGpXovGpAPxRVACEwYBhgL/s400/DSC_0903.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pampas grass!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d81NtbFt75w/XGBUmi7C94I/AAAAAAAAScs/4tek21MAmGY34ZhCVV3sV_ryGD4HVgUhwCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_4085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d81NtbFt75w/XGBUmi7C94I/AAAAAAAAScs/4tek21MAmGY34ZhCVV3sV_ryGD4HVgUhwCEwYBhgL/s400/DSC_4085.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Testlands subs look on during a tense period of play in the second half.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CY_ofx-mkK0/XGBUkBFE58I/AAAAAAAASck/TEbbeb301rw4AyaH7RH_OSKlpiNfpGE4gCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_1113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CY_ofx-mkK0/XGBUkBFE58I/AAAAAAAASck/TEbbeb301rw4AyaH7RH_OSKlpiNfpGE4gCEwYBhgL/s400/DSC_1113.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Botley Village score in the 89th minute to trail 3-4.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EBWAnWtzbPg/XGBUnjRTPNI/AAAAAAAAScs/QuUgmuW_55E5AEU_37BXgvoxDwscqqKYQCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_4091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EBWAnWtzbPg/XGBUnjRTPNI/AAAAAAAAScs/QuUgmuW_55E5AEU_37BXgvoxDwscqqKYQCEwYBhgL/s400/DSC_4091.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arty shot of a corner flag to finish off.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Andrew Ormerodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05056455206054228722noreply@blogger.com088 Baronsmead, Southampton SO16 9TD, UK50.93434046494977 -1.455384429511468650.933089464949767 -1.4579059295114687 50.935591464949773 -1.4528629295114686tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1362713152207826725.post-53388197744379009252019-01-21T20:53:00.000+00:002019-01-21T20:53:33.197+00:00QK Southampton v Infinity<span id="goog_1805799582"></span><span id="goog_1805799583"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-urMJd-2XcAk/XETv-sqoQhI/AAAAAAAASQ0/CyA9Fgkb4m4lcjR5QFge3RzHeftMnDYGwCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_4071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-urMJd-2XcAk/XETv-sqoQhI/AAAAAAAASQ0/CyA9Fgkb4m4lcjR5QFge3RzHeftMnDYGwCEwYBhgL/s400/DSC_4071.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The welcome sign at QK.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Star Date 2019, and HAH is still going, eight years on. And where was I this week? At the nearest ground to my home that I've not previously featured, QK Southampton. QK were formed in the Queen's Keep building in central Southampton in 1972 by my ex-union rep at my workplace, and he's been there ever since. They used to play at the old Civil Service ground in Shirley, but moved to their current ground in Lordshill when the Civil Service buildings shut down around twenty years ago (Boo! No more cheap beer for the hard-working civil servants of Southampton and their special guests!).<br />
<br />
QK's ground was quite isolated until recently. There are a few old houses nearby in the area known as Hillyfields, but over the last couple of years, two to three hundred new houses have been built over the road on a new estate. Nearly finished now - you can see the concrete silos and unfinished roofs behind the changing rooms. As part of the deal to build on the fields where the local travellers and their horses used to dwell, Bloor Homes were to help QK upgrade their ground.<br />
<br />
It's looking a lot smarter now than it did a few years ago. The highly-graffitied equipment container has been painted; another container has been placed next to it for the ref's changing room; the teams' changing rooms and cafe are also made out of containers in a U-shape on the halfway line; then there is a small new toilet block, painted bottle green like the ref's changing room.<br />
<br />
A new entrance with a car park is currently being built. Unfortunately, a dump truck was left there overnight recently, and had disappeared by the next morning. Like a lot of clubs, QK suffer from the fact that some local people have no respect for others' property and will try to ruin all their hard work.<br />
<br />
Talking of ruining hard work, the club erected a homemade stand during 2017, but the council didn't like it, so they had to take it down again. The concrete base is still there, so they might try again if planning permission is granted.<br />
<br />
The competition on Saturday was the Southampton Divisional FA Intermediate Cup, which is open to clubs in the area which compete at Hampshire League level, plus the two senior divisions of the Southampton Saturday League. QK are struggling in the Hampshire Premier this season, although their form had been reasonable going in to the match against one of the Hampshire League's "Big Three", Infinity, who were clear favourites to win.<br />
<br />
And so it proved. QK's young team conceded from a corner after just two minutes, as Mitch Fear rose highest at the back post to nod past Mike Adams in QK's goal. The experienced players of Infinity (most of whom have played at higher levels) controlled the game from that moment on, scoring three more before half-time. Danny Phillips ran QK's defence ragged, setting up two for Jamie White (ex-Salisbury and Blackfield & Langley), with Wayne Boud scoring the other from a tight angle.<br />
<br />
At the break, Infinity looked like they could score an infinite number of goals, but QK improved as the game went on. They couldn't quite manage to get a consolation, but they'll be pleased to have kept a clean sheet for the second 45. 4-0 to Infinity, who progressed to the quarter-finals.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HShzoB0IWa0/XETvvvqn-_I/AAAAAAAASQQ/8fzo4ct6_kIKZZUFEB3sj0MgHoL7QLYsQCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_0275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HShzoB0IWa0/XETvvvqn-_I/AAAAAAAASQQ/8fzo4ct6_kIKZZUFEB3sj0MgHoL7QLYsQCEwYBhgL/s400/DSC_0275.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can see the changing rooms and cafe on the right.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Details:</b><br />
<a href="http://www.qksouthamptonfc.co.uk/">QK Southampton FC</a> (0) 0 v 4 (4) <a href="https://infinityfc.org.uk/">Infinity FC</a><br />
Saturday 19th January 2019<br />
Southampton Divisional FA Intermediate Cup Second Round<br />
Attendance: c30<br />
Admission: None, but I bought a 50/50 ticket for £1 (failed to win, as usual)<br />
Programme: No<br />
Colours: Yellow / black / yellow v Dark blue & red / dark blue / dark blue<br />
National Grid reference: <a href="http://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/su3715">SU3715</a><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mTYLbXnqEm0/XETv_aTT1OI/AAAAAAAASRM/vY0WvLN8XQEMcNYi_n_7fg-bhup60Q5zACEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_4078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mTYLbXnqEm0/XETv_aTT1OI/AAAAAAAASRM/vY0WvLN8XQEMcNYi_n_7fg-bhup60Q5zACEwYBhgL/s400/DSC_4078.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from the cafe entrance.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There's a match report from Infinity's perspective on their <a href="https://infinityfc.org.uk/Matchreport.aspx?id=221861">website here</a>. I'm hoping to be back with another report in two weeks. In the meantime, there will be another 40 or so photos from Saturday's game on the HAH <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1394407550858881/?ref=bookmarks">Facebook page</a>.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pxxfl8FdSls/XET2-NEX2QI/AAAAAAAASRU/ndDWVlZcZH8LkLh0Or2cK2QIUXQ5siuaQCLcBGAs/s1600/20180419_125501.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1097" data-original-width="1600" height="273" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pxxfl8FdSls/XET2-NEX2QI/AAAAAAAASRU/ndDWVlZcZH8LkLh0Or2cK2QIUXQ5siuaQCLcBGAs/s400/20180419_125501.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The homemade stand in 2017 before it was forcibly taken down.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g05-Ng3h92c/XETvyTqTDjI/AAAAAAAASRM/tALtFEGqNlw1NI8SP8wdxoi7yowgKRVYQCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_0244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g05-Ng3h92c/XETvyTqTDjI/AAAAAAAASRM/tALtFEGqNlw1NI8SP8wdxoi7yowgKRVYQCEwYBhgL/s400/DSC_0244.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mitch Fear (number 5) opens the scoring after two minutes.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ouq5Bze5VVw/XETv3hp9-cI/AAAAAAAASRI/C3dpt7jre9UDGa4rJFHLnk4AmXmuBAeGQCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_0304.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ouq5Bze5VVw/XETv3hp9-cI/AAAAAAAASRI/C3dpt7jre9UDGa4rJFHLnk4AmXmuBAeGQCEwYBhgL/s400/DSC_0304.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">QK's management team and subs look on as their full-back wins this tackle.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-paxFtP7Ru2Y/XETv4Inh_4I/AAAAAAAASQ8/hGKHDHejIHsbgVH68UL36T1XGqgvupH3wCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_0389.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-paxFtP7Ru2Y/XETv4Inh_4I/AAAAAAAASQ8/hGKHDHejIHsbgVH68UL36T1XGqgvupH3wCEwYBhgL/s400/DSC_0389.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goal by Infinity's number 21, Jamie White.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ryFILHF_ba4/XETv0NtEKWI/AAAAAAAASRA/qdAvsG6FXmElIWO6A-5zo_j4OgTTKA36gCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_0298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ryFILHF_ba4/XETv0NtEKWI/AAAAAAAASRA/qdAvsG6FXmElIWO6A-5zo_j4OgTTKA36gCEwYBhgL/s400/DSC_0298.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Concrete silos across the road on the new estate.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GXWlpirLSGs/XETv0wRaSZI/AAAAAAAASQ8/oBqXNiJS-Dsf0hYHtTWkXWUh3RFy1mTfACEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_0293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GXWlpirLSGs/XETv0wRaSZI/AAAAAAAASQ8/oBqXNiJS-Dsf0hYHtTWkXWUh3RFy1mTfACEwYBhgL/s400/DSC_0293.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new toilet block.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kvYdnM7Y9xU/XETv8ghBPwI/AAAAAAAASRE/I2hc774Iovok9vtLYYZbQ4HzYQco9orbQCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_0553.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kvYdnM7Y9xU/XETv8ghBPwI/AAAAAAAASRE/I2hc774Iovok9vtLYYZbQ4HzYQco9orbQCEwYBhgL/s400/DSC_0553.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">QK improved in the second half on this gloomy January day in Lordshill.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i9KrPISXoFI/XETvvFL3MyI/AAAAAAAASRE/FBw1lm94husPvpHAZxwbmF6YWIANCH6RQCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_0270.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i9KrPISXoFI/XETvvFL3MyI/AAAAAAAASRE/FBw1lm94husPvpHAZxwbmF6YWIANCH6RQCEwYBhgL/s400/DSC_0270.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Millbrook Towers (in the background) is also visible from nearby Bush Hill and Team Solent.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-faGCYHvC3xo/XETv59JNe7I/AAAAAAAASRI/k03K1RL9-psy2OQnXbG8VTL1G86-9axUwCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_0397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-faGCYHvC3xo/XETv59JNe7I/AAAAAAAASRI/k03K1RL9-psy2OQnXbG8VTL1G86-9axUwCEwYBhgL/s400/DSC_0397.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Infinity's subs following the game from inside their dugout.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nMYVOTvbQpY/XETv8n0CLhI/AAAAAAAASRA/xeaxAeKaf3EUnTCIVgJa-risPga3AaBIACEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC_0468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nMYVOTvbQpY/XETv8n0CLhI/AAAAAAAASRA/xeaxAeKaf3EUnTCIVgJa-risPga3AaBIACEwYBhgL/s400/DSC_0468.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Awww!</td></tr>
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Andrew Ormerodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05056455206054228722noreply@blogger.com0Oak Cottage, Jerrett's Ln, Nursling, Southampton SO16 0YR, UK50.938311251513376 -1.463887981164134550.935809751513375 -1.4689304811641346 50.940812751513377 -1.4588454811641345tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1362713152207826725.post-74963210798911804022018-11-19T21:19:00.000+00:002018-11-19T21:19:09.730+00:00AFC Station v Testlands<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WidgLysJryo/W_MU0M79nYI/AAAAAAAARlI/oxlC3bYQsfcfWSBq2mfZhYcjbY7ni_QCwCEwYBhgL/s1600/sta01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WidgLysJryo/W_MU0M79nYI/AAAAAAAARlI/oxlC3bYQsfcfWSBq2mfZhYcjbY7ni_QCwCEwYBhgL/s400/sta01.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AFC Station line up for their team photo.</td></tr>
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<span id="goog_277792563"></span><span id="goog_277792564"></span>People think I'm mad enough anyway for watching any type of football outside the Premier League, but when I go and watch a match in a roped off field in the Hampshire League (levels 11 and 12 in the English football pyramid), they think I'm beyond insane.<br />
<br />
On Saturday, I went four levels lower, down to the fourth division of the Southampton Saturday Football League (known as Junior 2). Is that 16 promotions away from the Premier League? It's a big number, that's for sure. I'll be long retired before either of these sides get there, if they ever do. Realistically, they never will, of course, but that's not the point.<br />
<br />
The point at this level is to get out on a Saturday afternoon in the fresh air and have an organised kickabout with your mates, with a proper pitch and a referee. There are leagues and cups to win, and you'll try hard to win them, but it's really secondary to the social aspect. You make friends for life and there will be moments that you'll always remember - an amazing goal, a brilliant save, or a crazy night out drinking after the game.<br />
<br />
AFC Station asked me to come along and take some pictures. They were formed in 2009 as a team of friends based at The Station pub in Bitterne. They played at Riverside Park until the pitches there were no longer maintained by the council. They now play their home games at Wide Lane in Eastleigh, on whichever pitch is available on the day. They've had the same nucleus of players since they started, with additions arriving as and when required.<br />
<br />
Opponents Testlands are new to the league this season. They're based at the Testlands Sports Hub in Millbrook.<br />
<br />
The game looked like it could be close on paper, as the two sides were neck and neck in the league. It proved to be close on the day, with just the one goal separating them. There appeared to be little danger as Testlands' Ryan Phillips poked over a low cross from an acute angle on the right. However, the ball evaded his team mates, AFC Station's defence, and their goalkeeper, who was guarding his near post. Somehow, the ball squeezed just inside the far post for what proved to be the winner just 18 minutes in to the match. If he meant it, it was brilliant...<br />
<br />
If there had been an Opta statistician there, he would have recorded roughly equal amounts of possession, approximately equal chances on goal (not that many) and quite a lot of crunching tackles. The best piece of action came right at the end, as an AFC Station player curled in a free-kick from 25 yards which was sneaking in to the top corner, but the Testlands keeper made a superb save to win the game for his team.<br />
<br />
If you're of football-playing age and you live in either Bitterne or Millbrook, I'm sure both of these clubs would love to hear from you. The game at this level is slowly dying, with more and more clubs and players dropping out every season. It's a great way to keep fit, and a good way to make new friends. And who knows, you could be the goalscoring hero occasionally, just like your idols in the Premier League. It might be a little odd to watch football at Wide Lane on a Saturday afternoon (I'll admit that), but it's completely normal to want to play.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UfoEamXpKaQ/W_MVFhM6iUI/AAAAAAAARlA/xiMbpQbEsgYyp0SOMtAy57XRZquVxFDNQCEwYBhgL/s1600/sta03.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UfoEamXpKaQ/W_MVFhM6iUI/AAAAAAAARlA/xiMbpQbEsgYyp0SOMtAy57XRZquVxFDNQCEwYBhgL/s400/sta03.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from behind the goal.</td></tr>
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Details:<br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/afcstation?lang=en">AFC Station</a> (0) 0 v 1 (1) Testlands FC<br />
Saturday 17th November 2018<br />
Southampton Saturday Football League Junior Division 2<br />
Attendance: Family, friends, one photographer and the guy with the baby<br />
Admission: No!<br />
Programme: Of course not<br />
Colours: All red v Green / red<br />
National Grid reference: <a href="http://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/su4417">SU4417</a><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b6ehJzPFxcY/W_MVF736DmI/AAAAAAAARlY/utpuqq5AfXoIbzbjA6LBK55lyc14200dQCEwYBhgL/s1600/sta16.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b6ehJzPFxcY/W_MVF736DmI/AAAAAAAARlY/utpuqq5AfXoIbzbjA6LBK55lyc14200dQCEwYBhgL/s400/sta16.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Autumn in Eastleigh.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
That was a good game to photograph. The sun was out, the autumn colours were vibrant, there was plenty going on. I'm tempted to come back another day and spend 15 minutes taking pictures of each match at the complex, a sort of "Day in the Life of Wide Lane" if you like.<br />
<br />
There are another 40 or so pictures on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1394407550858881/?ref=bookmarks">HAH Facebook page</a>. Good luck to both teams for the rest of the season. Keep enjoying what you do and I hope you like some of the pics.<br />
<br />
I'm not sure when HAH will be back. My life looks quite busy over the next few weeks. I'll try and feature at least one game during December, perhaps in the Hampshire League, weather permitting.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lCGaPT_BZB0/W_MU1kPIjEI/AAAAAAAARlM/EseMBmyhgvcao908sRAtJ9hCHC0Q2ABGwCEwYBhgL/s1600/sta25.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lCGaPT_BZB0/W_MU1kPIjEI/AAAAAAAARlM/EseMBmyhgvcao908sRAtJ9hCHC0Q2ABGwCEwYBhgL/s400/sta25.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of many tough tackles.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vh1QAWB4xcg/W_MU47BaCKI/AAAAAAAARlY/_M_jQ0526-8tjmqXVhHFPySS6hHuU3qrwCEwYBhgL/s1600/sta32.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vh1QAWB4xcg/W_MU47BaCKI/AAAAAAAARlY/_M_jQ0526-8tjmqXVhHFPySS6hHuU3qrwCEwYBhgL/s400/sta32.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meanwhile, on the adjacent pitch, it's AFC Hiltingbury Vets v Gosport Vets.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B0hIEBo5GCo/W_MU8wEy1_I/AAAAAAAARlQ/Ep9hAXkz2socXGbcsx2GEnSaMw1SxQilwCEwYBhgL/s1600/sta53.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B0hIEBo5GCo/W_MU8wEy1_I/AAAAAAAARlQ/Ep9hAXkz2socXGbcsx2GEnSaMw1SxQilwCEwYBhgL/s400/sta53.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The guy with the baby stops to watch the footy.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VStRxw8Nsjc/W_MU2ptsJlI/AAAAAAAARlQ/IRHTOxPPTpcGE7oUWsl475v_QPcu-jVYACEwYBhgL/s1600/sta26.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VStRxw8Nsjc/W_MU2ptsJlI/AAAAAAAARlQ/IRHTOxPPTpcGE7oUWsl475v_QPcu-jVYACEwYBhgL/s400/sta26.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jostling for position.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R_rGFR4T5Yk/W_MU7yp3elI/AAAAAAAARlM/8eLuKbj8_yom3RESqqE2_jv0EA06gjXtwCEwYBhgL/s1600/sta47.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R_rGFR4T5Yk/W_MU7yp3elI/AAAAAAAARlM/8eLuKbj8_yom3RESqqE2_jv0EA06gjXtwCEwYBhgL/s400/sta47.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meanwhile, on the other adjacent pitch, it's scrum time!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nnHbEhTj88c/W_MU6L9agWI/AAAAAAAARlI/8dqneRiNh9cGGRyo7NeJw2QbL25jj_2BQCEwYBhgL/s1600/sta35.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1144" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nnHbEhTj88c/W_MU6L9agWI/AAAAAAAARlI/8dqneRiNh9cGGRyo7NeJw2QbL25jj_2BQCEwYBhgL/s400/sta35.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Excuse me sir, I believe that ball should be mine...</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0ZGX3CA8yoY/W_MU-FfaiUI/AAAAAAAARlQ/Qy6EsCU4lawPPhHl3vTyZLYEvP7T2vfVwCEwYBhgL/s1600/sta54.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0ZGX3CA8yoY/W_MU-FfaiUI/AAAAAAAARlQ/Qy6EsCU4lawPPhHl3vTyZLYEvP7T2vfVwCEwYBhgL/s400/sta54.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thumbs up for Saturday Junior football!</td></tr>
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Andrew Ormerodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05056455206054228722noreply@blogger.com0Wide Ln, Eastleigh SO50 5PE, UK50.952366450247716 -1.363775852374260550.949865450247714 -1.3688183523742605 50.954867450247718 -1.3587333523742604tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1362713152207826725.post-26738171096842443652018-10-29T21:27:00.000+00:002018-10-29T21:27:08.384+00:00Colden Common v Liphook United<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GdfFkxG5hXw/W9YnCTzaq0I/AAAAAAAARbE/RG8AiT-WRFA-60OxX--jKIGOfJ8MYRX8wCLcBGAs/s1600/cc01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GdfFkxG5hXw/W9YnCTzaq0I/AAAAAAAARbE/RG8AiT-WRFA-60OxX--jKIGOfJ8MYRX8wCLcBGAs/s400/cc01.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The entrance to the Boyes Lane complex at Colden Common.</td></tr>
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Twitter. Sometimes I don't know whether I love it or hate it. It can be annoying or it can be useful. It's certainly useful for football fixtures. I follow most of our local clubs and often it will be the first place I hear their news. Where is the next game to be played? What time is kick-off? If the weather is poor, has the game been postponed?<br />
<br />
I'd not been to Colden Common before and I wasn't sure if they still played at Main Road or if they'd moved permanently to Boyes Lane. Twitter told me to go to Boyes Lane and that the kick-off would be at 3pm (non-floodlit grounds will have earlier kick-offs from next weekend due to BST ending). Useful!<br />
<br />
Twitter is also good for polls. If someone I know posts a poll, I'll generally have an opinion and vote for my preferred choice. Democracy in action. Last year, I voted in Richard Osman's World Cup of Crisps. Pickled Onion Monster Munch won and I was in full agreement with the electorate, which almost never happens.<br />
<br />
Last week, I posted a poll of my own. There were four Hampshire Premier Football League grounds that I'd not previously featured on HAH which had first team fixtures scheduled for Saturday. 176 people voted and it was very close between the top two - Athletico Romsey obtained 35% of the vote, but they were pipped by Colden Common on 40%. As I respected the result of the poll, I went to Colden Common FC for their league cup game against Liphook United. As it happens, it was a very good choice, so I thank the 70 or so Twitter followers who voted for this option.<br />
<br />
Liphook had won the initial fixture between the two clubs in the league in August by 9 goals to 1. The way they started, kicking uphill, it looked like there might be a similar result. George House capitalised on some hesitation in the Common defence after 11 minutes, snaffling what I thought would be the first of many for the visitors.<br />
<br />
But Common didn't buckle and gradually fought their way back in to the game. Dave Paskins tucked in their first on 31 minutes. The game was suddenly as even as the scoreline suggested. Another 10 minutes passed before Maciej Marcinkowski looped a header over Joshua Bird in Liphook's goal. Paskins then scored his second and Common's third two minutes later with a diving header from close range.<br />
<br />
It was cold, so a warming cuppa from the clubhouse was welcome at half-time. I chatted with one of the club volunteers and volunteered my own opinion that Common would need another goal yet, as I thought Liphook were more than capable of scoring at least twice more - and so it proved. Bird was sent off for handball outside of his box after 58 minutes. A fellow spectator who had a better view than mine thought it was a harsh decision, but Bird didn't complain (indeed, both sides were very well behaved throughout).<br />
<br />
Liphook midfielder James Liddiard, who was by far the tallest player on the pitch, powered in a header after 58 minutes, and then scored again from close range as the ball rebounded off a post in to his path. 3-3 with 15 minutes to go! This was a cup match, and it looked like we were heading for penalties...<br />
<br />
Then the masterstroke by Common's manager Ben Thomson, who brought himself on with five minutes remaining. Within a couple of minutes, his through ball was met by Paskins twelve yards out, who smashed in the winner, much to the home team's delight.<br />
<br />
As I said, thank you to my Twitter followers for sending me to Boyes Lane. You were right!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V9JhM-2cwIo/W9YnCkhadPI/AAAAAAAARbM/7Y2xTcr5chEUv5YDmYWLygQjvthB0URuACLcBGAs/s1600/cc44.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="703" data-original-width="1600" height="175" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V9JhM-2cwIo/W9YnCkhadPI/AAAAAAAARbM/7Y2xTcr5chEUv5YDmYWLygQjvthB0URuACLcBGAs/s400/cc44.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Autumn Panoramic View no1.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u><b>Details:</b></u><br />
<a href="http://coldencommonfc.non-league.org/">Colden Common FC</a> (3) 4 v 3 (1) <a href="http://www.liphook-united.org/home/">Liphook United FC</a><br />
Saturday 27th October 2018<br />
Hampshire Premier Football League Cup 2nd Round (last 16)<br />
Attendance: Approximately 20<br />
Admission: None<br />
Programme: Yes! £1, and very good it is too, full of statistics and club news.<br />
Colours: Red / black / red v All blue<br />
National Grid reference: <a href="http://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/su4822">SU4822</a><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6_OeME__e7o/W9YnCoWQ0HI/AAAAAAAARbI/9EBYQIZ4P0IA6yRpxhfkL0hrbuz01HfigCLcBGAs/s1600/cc24.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6_OeME__e7o/W9YnCoWQ0HI/AAAAAAAARbI/9EBYQIZ4P0IA6yRpxhfkL0hrbuz01HfigCLcBGAs/s400/cc24.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colden Common on the attack...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The Common won't be at Boyes Lane for very much longer. At some point during 2019 (probably at the start of next season), they will be moving across the River Test to Otterbourne FC's old ground. The committee are currently sprucing the ground up and making sure the various safety certificates are in order, so if you haven't been to Boyes Lane yet and you want to go, there aren't many more opportunities for you to do so.<br />
<br />
Common have a superb social media presence for a club this far down the pyramid. A match report (with photos) can be found on their website <a href="http://coldencommonfc.non-league.org/">here</a>.<br />
<br />
There will be another 40 or so pictures on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1394407550858881/">HAH Facebook page</a>. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vWrCnp2AJ7Y/W9YnETIfWmI/AAAAAAAARbQ/1wsXFgzDar4c2d7fBlDkfoaLA9VY6EpKwCLcBGAs/s1600/cc45.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vWrCnp2AJ7Y/W9YnETIfWmI/AAAAAAAARbQ/1wsXFgzDar4c2d7fBlDkfoaLA9VY6EpKwCLcBGAs/s400/cc45.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...But here come Liphook in this ding-dong battle.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wzbQ33cAmks/W9YnAbWlJOI/AAAAAAAARbA/Zp4lDcpBc8YH9qyyZFLccgku1UxP6ZldgCLcBGAs/s1600/cc08.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1600" height="140" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wzbQ33cAmks/W9YnAbWlJOI/AAAAAAAARbA/Zp4lDcpBc8YH9qyyZFLccgku1UxP6ZldgCLcBGAs/s400/cc08.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Autumn Panoramic View no2.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qVfL7mrEJvI/W9YnHnDsecI/AAAAAAAARbg/VsQwvvo42Fgs0qgJZ_ZFbpxiVGE-X0pZQCLcBGAs/s1600/cc49.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qVfL7mrEJvI/W9YnHnDsecI/AAAAAAAARbg/VsQwvvo42Fgs0qgJZ_ZFbpxiVGE-X0pZQCLcBGAs/s400/cc49.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, there is a cameraman here and he did capture this rabona (or whatever it's called!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zuB1Kz-ZSJU/W9YnHqVeKuI/AAAAAAAARbc/oQABV4nBjyU-U62iEhMidlmv1vK8_c-jwCLcBGAs/s1600/cc54.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zuB1Kz-ZSJU/W9YnHqVeKuI/AAAAAAAARbc/oQABV4nBjyU-U62iEhMidlmv1vK8_c-jwCLcBGAs/s400/cc54.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coaching staff and fans watching from the sidelines (no dugouts here).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ho7yWUrzPfk/W9Ym_6izQ0I/AAAAAAAARa8/vz3IH8bwmo86eOK64MInzJL-tvdndqNggCLcBGAs/s1600/cc17.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="664" data-original-width="1600" height="165" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ho7yWUrzPfk/W9Ym_6izQ0I/AAAAAAAARa8/vz3IH8bwmo86eOK64MInzJL-tvdndqNggCLcBGAs/s400/cc17.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Autumn Panoramic View no3.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-udqaOn_gwBc/W9YnHC8R6mI/AAAAAAAARbY/RKtIxxWYA_sjV3soVphSvKp_Lp1AQ2cbwCLcBGAs/s1600/cc51.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-udqaOn_gwBc/W9YnHC8R6mI/AAAAAAAARbY/RKtIxxWYA_sjV3soVphSvKp_Lp1AQ2cbwCLcBGAs/s400/cc51.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The excellent Chloe-Ann Anderson gives out her autograph to this Colden Common player.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DjgTbxphOUY/W9YnKMRuCOI/AAAAAAAARbo/SOtHs2p-J3Yvssxu7yrrIjU3sIk21K0qgCLcBGAs/s1600/cc62.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DjgTbxphOUY/W9YnKMRuCOI/AAAAAAAARbo/SOtHs2p-J3Yvssxu7yrrIjU3sIk21K0qgCLcBGAs/s400/cc62.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goal number 3 for Liphook and it's anybody's game with 15 minutes to go!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mDcbDIwPuzU/W9YnJZDEICI/AAAAAAAARbk/4qIDXaBBhp4th4GGQMxq00Zn0ssawXtsACLcBGAs/s1600/cc65.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mDcbDIwPuzU/W9YnJZDEICI/AAAAAAAARbk/4qIDXaBBhp4th4GGQMxq00Zn0ssawXtsACLcBGAs/s400/cc65.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">But it's Colden Common who score the winner in the 88th minute. Dave Paskins in the middle of the bundle after his hat-trick goal.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NpIcd87M9YU/W9YnEz4Y34I/AAAAAAAARbU/6V3s5fL9GlIqS4dskOOgKP6sB1RW9-HkwCLcBGAs/s1600/cc48.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NpIcd87M9YU/W9YnEz4Y34I/AAAAAAAARbU/6V3s5fL9GlIqS4dskOOgKP6sB1RW9-HkwCLcBGAs/s400/cc48.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And here's this week's quirky pic. A bucket of tools behind the bottom goal.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Andrew Ormerodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05056455206054228722noreply@blogger.com0Boyes Ln, Colden Common, Winchester SO21 1TA, UK50.999738326413272 -1.308962258181622950.994741826413275 -1.3190472581816228 51.004734826413269 -1.298877258181623tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1362713152207826725.post-89283763002408799572018-10-15T22:11:00.000+01:002018-10-15T22:11:11.428+01:00AFC Croydon Athletic v Fareham Town<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b0a36_7JLOk/W8OntLVMidI/AAAAAAAARQM/WbeSWoMvL2YEPNwqnIWB1yPwcRfbaK8tACEwYBhgL/s1600/croy02.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b0a36_7JLOk/W8OntLVMidI/AAAAAAAARQM/WbeSWoMvL2YEPNwqnIWB1yPwcRfbaK8tACEwYBhgL/s400/croy02.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And still there's another five minutes to go until we reach the ground...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span id="goog_138349994"></span><span id="goog_138349995"></span>I booked myself on to the club coach for 12 quid. It seemed like a good idea. It was the FA Vase, the weather in the west half of the country was due to be wet and wild, whereas the sun was gonna shine in London. All the other Hampshire clubs that were playing away in the Vase were going to get drenched. Fareham Town were going to keep dry. Yes, it was a good idea.<br />
<br />
But then the worries started kicking in.<br />
<br />
Worry number 1: I was going out the night before. Would I lose my discipline and drink too much, stay out too late and fail to get up on time? [No, I had a few beers, but I managed to get home before midnight].<br />
<br />
Worries number 2 and 3: Would the M27 be blocked eastbound so that I couldn't reach Fareham by the time the coach left? Or would my car break down? [No and No].<br />
<br />
There were other worries, including the fact that I always take a wrong turning on the way to Cams Alders (Fareham Town's ground) and somehow end up in Segensworth, but I managed it this time. I did it. I got there on time.<br />
<br />
The coach came. The team kit, training cones and tactics board were all loaded. The fans were there. The club officials were there. It was just a few players that were missing. However, they turned up eventually and we set off.<br />
<br />
First stop, Cobham Services to load up on Greggs and KFC. Second stop, AFC Croydon Athletic, or at least that was the plan. The coach driver was advised by a local not to go up the road leading to the ground, "as you'll never squeeze in!" So instead, we were dropped off over a third of a mile from the stadium. The players carried all the kit, the spare footballs and so on for 15 minutes up a potholed track to the Mayfield Stadium, but at least we were there (and of course, the coach could get up the track - it was tight, but the driver managed it so that he was waiting for us at the end)!<br />
<br />
AFC Croydon Athletic play in the Southern Counties East League (formerly the Kent League). I won't describe the ground as I think the pictures here do the stadium justice. For the groundhoppers amongst you, it was worth the journey. However, I wouldn't want to walk along the track leading to the stadium in the dark.<br />
<br />
The first half was quite scrappy, with neither side playing particularly well. However, the hosts probably just about shaded the play and scored the opening goal after 28 minutes, Rob Carter side-footing in from 10 yards when Fareham failed to clear from a corner.<br />
<br />
The second half was all Fareham once they got in to gear. The fact that AFC Croydon's goalkeeper, Nic Taylor was man of the match should indicate where all the action was. He pulled off several decent saves. As Town became more desperate for the equaliser, they left themselves exposed at the back and the home team took advantage of this to score twice on the break, after 88 minutes and again deep in to injury time. The scoreline was what they call "flattering", but if you don't score, you don't win.<br />
<br />
So it was back on the coach after what looked like a meal of cheesy chips for the players and a long journey home in the dark.<br />
<br />
AFC Croydon Athletic's reward is a home tie against another AFC, AFC Uckfield Town of Sussex. Fareham can concentrate on the league (and the Russell Cotes Cup and the Portsmouth Senior Cup - maybe they can win a trophy yet this season).<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rjA8RhgGzm8/W8OnnfddJlI/AAAAAAAARP8/Q9Xf7-Eb-eIWGgBRWzqn-415tQrIgYNuwCEwYBhgL/s1600/croy06.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rjA8RhgGzm8/W8OnnfddJlI/AAAAAAAARP8/Q9Xf7-Eb-eIWGgBRWzqn-415tQrIgYNuwCEwYBhgL/s400/croy06.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The club formerly known as Croydon Athletic FC.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u><b>Details:</b></u><br />
<a href="http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/afccroydonathletic/teams/62078">AFC Croydon Athletic</a> (1) 3 v 0 (0) <a href="https://www.farehamtown.co.uk/default.aspx">Fareham Town FC</a><br />
Saturday 13th October 2018<br />
Buildbase FA Vase 1st Round Proper<br />
Attendance: 96 <br />
Admission: £7<br />
Programme: £2<br />
Colours: All maroon v Blue and black stripes / blue / blue<br />
National Grid reference: <a href="http://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/tq3067">TQ3067 </a><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VliAyAHVZ1Y/W8Onk7ZOd0I/AAAAAAAARPw/-7X7B7oHWUUfC0wLYJk0r2GR40lBFr2XQCEwYBhgL/s1600/croy18.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VliAyAHVZ1Y/W8Onk7ZOd0I/AAAAAAAARPw/-7X7B7oHWUUfC0wLYJk0r2GR40lBFr2XQCEwYBhgL/s400/croy18.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stand and some of the terraces at Mayfield Park.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The official match report on Croydon's website can be found <a href="http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/afccroydonathletic/teams/62078/match-centre/0-4049720">here</a>.<br />
<br />
There will be many more photos from the game on the HAH Facebook page <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1394407550858881/">here</a>.<br />
<br />
Fareham Town's photographer Nick White can be found on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/nickwhite11872">here</a>. He posted a few fine pics over the weekend.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NF1KwnET1-Y/W8On1vLegdI/AAAAAAAARQQ/sWIH-JCA7EwF0nWFII7pQzp_m4pZoAWaACEwYBhgL/s1600/croy45.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NF1KwnET1-Y/W8On1vLegdI/AAAAAAAARQQ/sWIH-JCA7EwF0nWFII7pQzp_m4pZoAWaACEwYBhgL/s400/croy45.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AFC Croydon Athletic's stand.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wha3NKjKG8A/W8Onnp96I7I/AAAAAAAARQA/xFKRJDIoKE8j2IcC1V55g77_mQpoiDJBQCEwYBhgL/s1600/croy21.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wha3NKjKG8A/W8Onnp96I7I/AAAAAAAARQA/xFKRJDIoKE8j2IcC1V55g77_mQpoiDJBQCEwYBhgL/s400/croy21.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Advert for the Ghostfinder Paranormal Society, in case you ever feel the need.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Sqf4WcXipQo/W8Onxcqi5fI/AAAAAAAARQM/I3vsu3fVfHURmHA7jAYdYcqqqx_BrjnmACEwYBhgL/s1600/croy35.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1143" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Sqf4WcXipQo/W8Onxcqi5fI/AAAAAAAARQM/I3vsu3fVfHURmHA7jAYdYcqqqx_BrjnmACEwYBhgL/s400/croy35.JPG" width="285" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Crematorium tower.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ttJi5neb6Ww/W8On43TLd4I/AAAAAAAARQY/gRQXsYkgNFU7_HZ-C8LK1RUTdTINOLXAwCEwYBhgL/s1600/croy54.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ttJi5neb6Ww/W8On43TLd4I/AAAAAAAARQY/gRQXsYkgNFU7_HZ-C8LK1RUTdTINOLXAwCEwYBhgL/s400/croy54.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Covered terraces and dugouts in club colours.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4584PhIytBk/W8On1SA9X2I/AAAAAAAARQQ/6fTvEL9DcPINnmDSFhQEKtXOTNyXyI_ZQCEwYBhgL/s1600/croy46.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4584PhIytBk/W8On1SA9X2I/AAAAAAAARQQ/6fTvEL9DcPINnmDSFhQEKtXOTNyXyI_ZQCEwYBhgL/s400/croy46.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Croydon.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Om6NsdlJXQA/W8On5YACwnI/AAAAAAAARQU/vLz1_OlRxfoqXKmBocrb2VhbKbjkFsRsQCEwYBhgL/s1600/croy52.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Om6NsdlJXQA/W8On5YACwnI/AAAAAAAARQU/vLz1_OlRxfoqXKmBocrb2VhbKbjkFsRsQCEwYBhgL/s400/croy52.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fareham Town fans watching their team trying to score from a corner. Looks like some holding going on in the box, ref!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4ONpjH4wxR0/W8OnsFa-yqI/AAAAAAAARQY/kbC38_mRZg49zo5ohpIoH4vmcilppUoNgCEwYBhgL/s1600/croy33.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4ONpjH4wxR0/W8OnsFa-yqI/AAAAAAAARQY/kbC38_mRZg49zo5ohpIoH4vmcilppUoNgCEwYBhgL/s400/croy33.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The home substitute's job at this level is often to go and fetch lost balls. This one was on the roof of the end terrace.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Andrew Ormerodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05056455206054228722noreply@blogger.com0Mayfield Stadium, Mayfield Rd, Thornton Heath CR7 6DN, United Kingdom51.393209414622426 -0.1266228476825972451.391970914622426 -0.12914434768259725 51.394447914622425 -0.12410134768259724tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1362713152207826725.post-39598085178517885472018-09-02T21:58:00.000+01:002018-09-02T21:58:44.307+01:00Calne Town v Fawley<span id="goog_843430537"></span><span id="goog_843430538"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wgTQqwdSqjw/W4v_M0H1XCI/AAAAAAAAQek/XuZgCCibarI7rC_1Z8wcu34wATV2N1lRwCEwYBhgL/s1600/cal33.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wgTQqwdSqjw/W4v_M0H1XCI/AAAAAAAAQek/XuZgCCibarI7rC_1Z8wcu34wATV2N1lRwCEwYBhgL/s400/cal33.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gaily coloured sign attracting visitors in to Bremhill View.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I can't help it. I love the FA Vase. I can go to places I've never been and watch two sets of amateur or semi-pro footballers giving it their all, knowing there's a Wembley final at the end of the rainbow. I've rarely seen a boring game in this competition.<br />
<br />
This was very much the case at Calne on Saturday in the initial round of the competition. From the first minute, when the home side took the lead with a curling shot from 20 yards, through the 7th minute, when Mark Lilley equalised from the first penalty of the day, to the 19th minute, when Calne scored from a dubiously-given corner, through to the 29th minute (Hawkins drew Fawley level at 2-2), to the 48th and 62nd minutes (Calne going 4-2 up with a pen and a goal from open play), until the 78th, 87th and 89th minutes, when Fawley came back from 4-2 down to win 5-4, with Elliott Earl sliding in the third, then sub Peter Southwick scoring two in quick succession, this was a riveting rollercoaster of a game. Quite possibly the best match I'll see during 2018/19.<br />
<br />
Pre-match, it looked like it could be an even match-up between Calne Town of the Western League and Fawley of the Wessex, and Calne is somewhere I'd never been, which is why I chose this game. Calne is about 1 hour and 35 minutes from Southampton by car (if you don't take any wrong turnings on the way - I didn't on the way there, but I messed up going across Salisbury Plain on the way back, making it a two hour return journey).<br />
<br />
Bremhill View's main structures are on the far side from the corner entrance. You can see the dressing rooms and stand in the pictures below. The other three sides are hard standing - the far end has been newly laid. Aaron Witchell and Lovesey both wrote their names in the concrete as it set. If you'd like to see more of Calne's ground there are approximately 40 more photos on Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1394407550858881/">here.</a> There are also plenty more action pics. I noticed that Calne had their own photographer, so I concentrated entirely on taking photos of Fawley's players.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SCifhNeg63E/W4v_IjOcT5I/AAAAAAAAQeQ/G3bfOfpzzAwyEDdqi7JfNU3HUg6xjzq8gCEwYBhgL/s1600/cal01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1143" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SCifhNeg63E/W4v_IjOcT5I/AAAAAAAAQeQ/G3bfOfpzzAwyEDdqi7JfNU3HUg6xjzq8gCEwYBhgL/s400/cal01.JPG" width="285" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The dressing room steps.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u><b>Details:</b></u><br />
<a href="http://www.calnetownfc.com/">Calne Town FC</a> (2) 4 v 5 (2) <a href="http://www.fawleyafc.com/">Fawley AFC</a><br />
Saturday 1st September 2018<br />
Buildbase FA Vase 1st Qualifying Round<br />
Attendance: Approximately 50-60<br />
Admission: £5<br />
Programme: Free with entry<br />
Colours: White / black / white v Sky blue / navy blue / navy blue<br />
National Grid reference: <a href="http://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/st9971">ST9971</a><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--T0HPCzBERk/W4v_Ge8nBtI/AAAAAAAAQeE/M-y8qaaPaVkK0-gT8jN0aeJR51mke5khwCEwYBhgL/s1600/cal05.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--T0HPCzBERk/W4v_Ge8nBtI/AAAAAAAAQeE/M-y8qaaPaVkK0-gT8jN0aeJR51mke5khwCEwYBhgL/s400/cal05.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I understand it was a lovely sunny day back in Hampshire. The sun shone for about three minutes in Calne.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There are more photos on Calne Town's Facebook page <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CalneTownFC/photos/ms.c.eJxFktmNRTEIQzsaYTBL~_m9sFHLh~;VoBH~_NAjpiVEzBF8Q~_fEGS4w0dgtaD2BAYk85Scb4RZSQZ9dlCO3BEtrFCA4VA~_AWS~;0Bwh~;C51OyMIrxCyI549Ai7HBWP6gqlcF6JmJKOX6gj6smCyWFXeF4XhcMcVsEtpfl2OxQg41yUwpPrQuegE~_sWEsxPNkTYcFu1iHJdrwnBZDuBdTGVI4~;Ui28uxKzB3qcdbOsJNCoPnuIh0L5bTS74stlmc1vFjXkCrT5gTv7LBENNL9g~_CbvvJ~;g6hK5wLlkfqZ9svXIc0u4bfd6i05~_I~;27ujNOam3Ytzeznv6tgdyeei41KiTTojVtX34Jm0RzoLbNHRgm0W9tUvzl6M72LyDyCxqw8~-.bps.a.1090338247798880/1090338541132184/?type=3&theater">here</a>.<br />
<br />
Somewhere on the 'net, there may be a video of this game, which will be worth a watch. There was a drone hovering above the ground throughout the match, presumably taking still or streaming images. It must have quite an impressive battery life, as I didn't notice it coming down for a battery change at any point. I haven't seen the results of this yet, I'm assuming something will be published somewhere at some point. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8OL8Km8RPm0/W4v_G3rWMDI/AAAAAAAAQe0/c90Wf_DVbgwavgRif1NvfdeugDjUvGsdwCEwYBhgL/s1600/cal11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8OL8Km8RPm0/W4v_G3rWMDI/AAAAAAAAQe0/c90Wf_DVbgwavgRif1NvfdeugDjUvGsdwCEwYBhgL/s400/cal11.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Calne Town's seated stand.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7oS76XbLLFU/W4v_JxgFi9I/AAAAAAAAQe4/eOfvKatCr_8aKTXiRLmfXggMagybA_t-QCEwYBhgL/s1600/cal16.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7oS76XbLLFU/W4v_JxgFi9I/AAAAAAAAQe4/eOfvKatCr_8aKTXiRLmfXggMagybA_t-QCEwYBhgL/s400/cal16.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dressing rooms and tea hatch.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VqPk0EDjraQ/W4v_H1QPb4I/AAAAAAAAQfA/7GsgFIU5sZITMWqfMMPExvQ_62mXurnZQCEwYBhgL/s1600/cal14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1143" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VqPk0EDjraQ/W4v_H1QPb4I/AAAAAAAAQfA/7GsgFIU5sZITMWqfMMPExvQ_62mXurnZQCEwYBhgL/s400/cal14.JPG" width="285" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Children watching from the neighbouring playground.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-teWV2f5AfeQ/W4v_M66uz2I/AAAAAAAAQfA/zBS1GsgHVi8PwwsoaR3rBACNRAtOYVJWQCEwYBhgL/s1600/cal43.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-teWV2f5AfeQ/W4v_M66uz2I/AAAAAAAAQfA/zBS1GsgHVi8PwwsoaR3rBACNRAtOYVJWQCEwYBhgL/s400/cal43.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fawley on the attack in front of the rapt audience.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p05Z9K2xysc/W4v_JzIOdgI/AAAAAAAAQfE/J7KZKUN4a3cLKPWAalo9Bf-TkxwHBdq2gCEwYBhgL/s1600/cal21.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p05Z9K2xysc/W4v_JzIOdgI/AAAAAAAAQfE/J7KZKUN4a3cLKPWAalo9Bf-TkxwHBdq2gCEwYBhgL/s400/cal21.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big effort.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qTuEU5Bt95Q/W4v_Or3CVAI/AAAAAAAAQfE/egTMMX6CA44HI7PZxUyXXfQVIvBRuvtTgCEwYBhgL/s1600/cal58.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1143" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qTuEU5Bt95Q/W4v_Or3CVAI/AAAAAAAAQfE/egTMMX6CA44HI7PZxUyXXfQVIvBRuvtTgCEwYBhgL/s400/cal58.JPG" width="285" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crazy dance moves.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BlvkHeTGuvI/W4v_MMaUlPI/AAAAAAAAQfA/zzBuARZYQGEfqK13stzj1WFsiaFznIxNgCEwYBhgL/s1600/cal55.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BlvkHeTGuvI/W4v_MMaUlPI/AAAAAAAAQfA/zzBuARZYQGEfqK13stzj1WFsiaFznIxNgCEwYBhgL/s400/cal55.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unbelievable! The 89th minute winner!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gb-I0rd-oJo/W4v_RNF9IzI/AAAAAAAAQfM/3SoWvjAdLVMwzs3Qg4DF8OlRdD7DH1X7wCEwYBhgL/s1600/cal59.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gb-I0rd-oJo/W4v_RNF9IzI/AAAAAAAAQfM/3SoWvjAdLVMwzs3Qg4DF8OlRdD7DH1X7wCEwYBhgL/s400/cal59.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big smiles from Scott Johnston.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9F3W4_1_Y0Y/W4v_Q6NtKeI/AAAAAAAAQfI/2KlDr11t5P8_6HABA4aspwsgh84enSgTwCEwYBhgL/s1600/cal61.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9F3W4_1_Y0Y/W4v_Q6NtKeI/AAAAAAAAQfI/2KlDr11t5P8_6HABA4aspwsgh84enSgTwCEwYBhgL/s400/cal61.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It wouldn't be right if I didn't finish with an arty one...</td></tr>
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Andrew Ormerodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05056455206054228722noreply@blogger.com015 Bremhill View, Calne SN11 9EE, UK51.445829041712621 -2.010754542954032351.444592041712617 -2.0132760429540322 51.447066041712624 -2.0082330429540325tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1362713152207826725.post-66389435264607374322018-08-19T21:41:00.001+01:002018-08-19T21:41:35.318+01:00Street v Fleet Town<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EQRkfxvT1jY/W3l2ZCmmZAI/AAAAAAAAQO4/LlErMbNfRRoB6wjOXXK7UYpjUoqa7sXHwCEwYBhgL/s1600/st00.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1143" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EQRkfxvT1jY/W3l2ZCmmZAI/AAAAAAAAQO4/LlErMbNfRRoB6wjOXXK7UYpjUoqa7sXHwCEwYBhgL/s400/st00.JPG" width="285" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Newly promoted to the EvoStik Southern League, Street Football Club.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I could have waited until December 29th and the match at Fleet. It's going to be Fleet v Street, and the closest you'll ever get to a fixture which sounds like a Monopoly property. But I decided on the back-to-front fixture, which was a rare match-up between two teams which rhyme. As I'm easy to please, I settled on Saturday's game instead.<br />
<br />
It was a special occasion for the club from Somerset, as after 50 years in the Western League, they won it by 15 clear points last season (including a run of 26 successive victories) for their first-ever Western League championship and automatic promotion to the Southern League Division One South (the same league as Winchester City, AFC Totton, Moneyfields and Blackfield & Langley). They're delighted to be there, unlike opponents Fleet Town, who were moved at very late notice by the FA from the Isthmian League Central (I think!), which was far more geographically appropriate for them, due to Shaw Lane's resignation from the Northern Premier League and Wimborne Town's subsequent belated promotion (it's complicated...).<br />
<br />
Street look as though they'll be carrying on with their Western League form, as they won this fixture with ease. From the very first minute, when Craig Herrod broke through and forced the first of many superb saves from Brendan Norris, until the very last minute, when Phil Ormrod (excellent name despite the lack of an E) missed from close range when it looked easier to score, Street overwhelmed the club from north-east Hampshire.<br />
<br />
Goals from Herrod, Ben Amghar and Steve Murray sealed the win in front of an impressive crowd of 193 at The Tannery. They proved that they're not to be taken lightly. AFC Totton beware, as the boys in green will be down at Testwood on 1st September!<br />
<br />
As for Fleet Town, it appears that they have an almost completely new side from the one which finished 2017/18, so they'll need time to gel. Saturday will be a game from which they must learn about one another and move on.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--jLPDYigm7w/W3l2Yzc2_NI/AAAAAAAAQO0/YKfM7G0OnnY-RNZrdg_4inETqunW1y07wCEwYBhgL/s1600/st03.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--jLPDYigm7w/W3l2Yzc2_NI/AAAAAAAAQO0/YKfM7G0OnnY-RNZrdg_4inETqunW1y07wCEwYBhgL/s400/st03.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Young fans watch on as Fleet have their pre-match huddle.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u><b>Details:</b></u><br />
<a href="https://www.streetfootballclub.com/home">Street FC</a> (2) 3 v 0 (0) <a href="http://fleettownfc.co.uk/">Fleet Town FC</a><br />
Saturday 18th August 2018<br />
EvoStik Southern League Division One South<br />
Attendance: 193<br />
Admission: £8<br />
Programme: £1.50 (very good)<br />
Colours: All green with white trim v All yellow<br />
National Grid reference: <a href="http://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/st4735">ST4735</a> <a href="http://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/st4835">ST4835</a><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Dy-YXF8fup8/W3l2ZZKSHbI/AAAAAAAAQO8/uYkwjgGd2IoS84yN-NPbS79-DpgxcgSFACEwYBhgL/s1600/st05.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Dy-YXF8fup8/W3l2ZZKSHbI/AAAAAAAAQO8/uYkwjgGd2IoS84yN-NPbS79-DpgxcgSFACEwYBhgL/s400/st05.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The older of the two seated stands at Street FC.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Match reports from each of the clubs' websites can be found <a href="https://www.streetfootballclub.com/single-post/2018/08/19/Street-3-0-Fleet-Town">here</a> and <a href="http://fleettownfc.co.uk/street-fc-3-fleet-town-0/">here</a>.<br />
<br />
Approximately 40 more of my photos can be found on Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1394407550858881/">here</a>. Apologies to those of you who aren't on Facebook.<br />
<br />
As an addendum, this was the fourth time I've watched Fleet Town play, and they've yet to score a goal. Curiously, I've seen neighbours Fleet Spurs three times, and they've lost each time. Seven defeats in seven games for the two Fleet teams. I'm obviously an unlucky charm!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d0KfQwTpov4/W3nTzMYqbzI/AAAAAAAAQQ0/AV71gD4HSF0K1tzHRDFsYD6cYQeXZEJWACLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot_20180819-153318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1070" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d0KfQwTpov4/W3nTzMYqbzI/AAAAAAAAQQ0/AV71gD4HSF0K1tzHRDFsYD6cYQeXZEJWACLcBGAs/s400/Screenshot_20180819-153318.jpg" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Fleet Town stats from the Groundhopper app. Not good.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U1IsfOYryD0/W3l2aLwzfJI/AAAAAAAAQPs/eVeWk3pW0K8xT8on1RBlDkjgUv1oUCPFACEwYBhgL/s1600/st09.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U1IsfOYryD0/W3l2aLwzfJI/AAAAAAAAQPs/eVeWk3pW0K8xT8on1RBlDkjgUv1oUCPFACEwYBhgL/s400/st09.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close shave for the home side. Street's second seated stand is in the background with a small standing shelter to the right.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o8GyUZ73DAk/W3l2bGmUo2I/AAAAAAAAQPg/COa9ozEc7poCquiC5CuLsAYMR6FMRMjFACEwYBhgL/s1600/st11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o8GyUZ73DAk/W3l2bGmUo2I/AAAAAAAAQPg/COa9ozEc7poCquiC5CuLsAYMR6FMRMjFACEwYBhgL/s400/st11.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tussling as the home subs look on.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NYW3LSibqOw/W3l2bXqGnoI/AAAAAAAAQPo/yLKZO3rCPjIB8SXdrcYN9lSRnSkr3W6oACEwYBhgL/s1600/st29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NYW3LSibqOw/W3l2bXqGnoI/AAAAAAAAQPo/yLKZO3rCPjIB8SXdrcYN9lSRnSkr3W6oACEwYBhgL/s400/st29.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Action in front of Street's shallow covered terrace.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-szRTczGqDhQ/W3l8Gu3ITQI/AAAAAAAAQP4/fRFNG0F4_Rw4Tv_VH2O0QcsBClOQAvRFwCEwYBhgL/s1600/st13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-szRTczGqDhQ/W3l8Gu3ITQI/AAAAAAAAQP4/fRFNG0F4_Rw4Tv_VH2O0QcsBClOQAvRFwCEwYBhgL/s400/st13.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Penalty? The ref said "No!"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IplPq2y1Wyc/W3l2cKbSzxI/AAAAAAAAQPk/yg5u7R06WX0avU_MiWe5oJuviRJOasq2wCEwYBhgL/s1600/st45.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IplPq2y1Wyc/W3l2cKbSzxI/AAAAAAAAQPk/yg5u7R06WX0avU_MiWe5oJuviRJOasq2wCEwYBhgL/s400/st45.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steve Murray celebrates Street's third goal by the corner flag.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eYjXxXDE-xA/W3l2dej3EGI/AAAAAAAAQPs/XLAyhcyHvEEigGbkEfpQEBDyPLMfaoFEwCEwYBhgL/s1600/st48.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eYjXxXDE-xA/W3l2dej3EGI/AAAAAAAAQPs/XLAyhcyHvEEigGbkEfpQEBDyPLMfaoFEwCEwYBhgL/s400/st48.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'll let you caption this one!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sxs7u1yi7Pk/W3l2dtZ1HKI/AAAAAAAAQPw/r-tAvAjXDrQHD8AMMcdhTEfNR2i1XUGdwCEwYBhgL/s1600/st54.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sxs7u1yi7Pk/W3l2dtZ1HKI/AAAAAAAAQPw/r-tAvAjXDrQHD8AMMcdhTEfNR2i1XUGdwCEwYBhgL/s400/st54.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A bad day in the dugout for Fleet Town. Another 37 games to put things right...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Andrew Ormerodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05056455206054228722noreply@blogger.com047 Goss Dr, Street BA16 0RR, UK51.116195979526587 -2.744029359388150651.113703979526591 -2.7490718593881507 51.118687979526584 -2.7389868593881506tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1362713152207826725.post-45006709412191728592018-08-13T20:31:00.002+01:002018-08-13T20:31:26.433+01:00Sandhurst Town v Lymington Town<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4EFplDJXWrI/W3HA9U5oFrI/AAAAAAAAQKI/ibpXGMxRRWoUtm6Fxt4oNerWawSOpdjlACEwYBhgL/s1600/st01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4EFplDJXWrI/W3HA9U5oFrI/AAAAAAAAQKI/ibpXGMxRRWoUtm6Fxt4oNerWawSOpdjlACEwYBhgL/s400/st01.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the bottom of the track lies Bottom Meadow, home of Sandhurst Town FC.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span id="goog_1015903652"></span><span id="goog_1015903653"></span>Good morning/afternoon/evening and welcome back to Hopping Around Hampshire for another season!<br />
<br />
I considered stopping the blog this summer because I believe I've said everything that needs saying over the past seven years. I'll be repeating myself if I carry on with the writing, and there's nothing worse than going around and around in wordy circles.<br />
<br />
Plus, I have two children at university (with all the travelling back and forth across the country that that involves on several Saturdays between September and next April).<br />
<br />
And what's more, I have a season ticket at Havant & Waterlooville for 2018/19!<br />
<br />
So, I'm quite busy and maybe not as motivated as I once was. So the plan is to turn HAH in to more of a photographic story-telling vehicle, cutting down on the words. On the blog, I shall publish photos of where I've been, primarily for the groundhoppers who might be interested in what the grounds look like, whereas on the accompanying Facebook page, there will be more action shots - I know the players and other people involved in the local game are more interested in these.<br />
<br />
As ever, there will always be at least one club from Hampshire involved. <br />
<br />
So below, here's the photo story of the FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round tie between Combined Counties League Division One side Sandhurst Town and Wessex Premier Lymington Town - the home underdogs pulling off a very creditable 1-1 draw. The replay will be at New Milton Town's home on Wednesday (Lymington share with the local cricket club). The winners will be at home to Frimley Green on August 25th.<br />
<br />
The accompanying Facebook page can be found here:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1394407550858881/">HERE! </a><br />
<br />
I'll add another forty or so photos on there during the course of this evening, concentrating mostly on Lymington's players in action.<br />
<br />
I believe there will be more photos published on <a href="https://www.footballinbracknell.co.uk/">Football in Bracknell</a> (I took a lot of the Sandhurst players as well as Lymington's), but they aren't there as I write. Check on there if you're a Sandhurst Town follower for more pictures of your players.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IJUUOgiKCxQ/W3HA9TPtFDI/AAAAAAAAQKM/nGaBYYv6l9g4hNaxF07Is8ubeCrI8o7JgCEwYBhgL/s1600/st04.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IJUUOgiKCxQ/W3HA9TPtFDI/AAAAAAAAQKM/nGaBYYv6l9g4hNaxF07Is8ubeCrI8o7JgCEwYBhgL/s400/st04.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No-nonsense ref carries match ball with one hand.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u><b>Details:</b></u><br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/Sandhursttownfc?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor">Sandhurst Town FC</a> (1) 1 v 1 (0) <a href="https://twitter.com/lymingtontownfc">Lymington Town FC</a><br />
Emirates FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round<br />
Saturday 11th August 2018<br />
Attendance: About 50<br />
Admission: £5<br />
Programme: None seen<br />
Colours: Red and black stripes / black / black v All yellow (no sponsors for either club!)<br />
National Grid reference: <a href="http://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/su8460">SU8460</a> <a href="http://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/su8461">SU8461</a><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DQZtgOcauFQ/W3HA_OXxo7I/AAAAAAAAQKU/p9Jn8LEHIREIQKzjj4I5xHh8Mpk66BldgCEwYBhgL/s1600/st34.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DQZtgOcauFQ/W3HA_OXxo7I/AAAAAAAAQKU/p9Jn8LEHIREIQKzjj4I5xHh8Mpk66BldgCEwYBhgL/s400/st34.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sandhurst's Ultras watching from the stand.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iSqahbOS83c/W3HA-OWnY8I/AAAAAAAAQKw/bFykt0KlpYooLgT1X60-3BOdW4I4VLDmgCEwYBhgL/s1600/st23.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iSqahbOS83c/W3HA-OWnY8I/AAAAAAAAQKw/bFykt0KlpYooLgT1X60-3BOdW4I4VLDmgCEwYBhgL/s400/st23.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tactical adjustments.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XXb92k3T-1Q/W3HBBX1Qz1I/AAAAAAAAQK8/VWaOkr-vMmU5XPv8RLEKFzsUv_xEMZW3QCEwYBhgL/s1600/st48.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XXb92k3T-1Q/W3HBBX1Qz1I/AAAAAAAAQK8/VWaOkr-vMmU5XPv8RLEKFzsUv_xEMZW3QCEwYBhgL/s400/st48.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The clubhouse and changing room block at Sandhurst Town.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EYpccnZVWfY/W3HA_h5WIMI/AAAAAAAAQK4/Ou8dx-GdbWcMvlSQ4Qv8zc7Z45Fl4c5RgCEwYBhgL/s1600/st37.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EYpccnZVWfY/W3HA_h5WIMI/AAAAAAAAQK4/Ou8dx-GdbWcMvlSQ4Qv8zc7Z45Fl4c5RgCEwYBhgL/s400/st37.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lymington's ball!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lpW0FGBD2Tw/W3HBAkJnYqI/AAAAAAAAQK4/cIAzWq3UILUtSNPd0dvhv1lmR9fOenF6gCEwYBhgL/s1600/st41.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lpW0FGBD2Tw/W3HBAkJnYqI/AAAAAAAAQK4/cIAzWq3UILUtSNPd0dvhv1lmR9fOenF6gCEwYBhgL/s400/st41.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Skinflints.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GFayciv2yLA/W3HBC90uHvI/AAAAAAAAQLE/5WtGWL6UbaEucBV5WQml6JS565Y5YGibgCEwYBhgL/s1600/st70.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GFayciv2yLA/W3HBC90uHvI/AAAAAAAAQLE/5WtGWL6UbaEucBV5WQml6JS565Y5YGibgCEwYBhgL/s400/st70.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lymington's ball?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JogwRQN8Hh8/W3HBCveZ7EI/AAAAAAAAQLA/Vhizg8WGe_Q1nkp8Rndr3pblKeIuEKwVgCEwYBhgL/s1600/st69.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JogwRQN8Hh8/W3HBCveZ7EI/AAAAAAAAQLA/Vhizg8WGe_Q1nkp8Rndr3pblKeIuEKwVgCEwYBhgL/s400/st69.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Golden FA Cup football.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9wwS6LXOohw/W3HBByR8N3I/AAAAAAAAQLE/3mFAgBEd7ugTofPWhay9mbVBObOmzDSAACEwYBhgL/s1600/st57.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9wwS6LXOohw/W3HBByR8N3I/AAAAAAAAQLE/3mFAgBEd7ugTofPWhay9mbVBObOmzDSAACEwYBhgL/s400/st57.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saints fans in Berkshire!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Andrew Ormerodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05056455206054228722noreply@blogger.com02 Old Forge End, Sandhurst GU47 9DY, UK51.342690026431718 -0.7937407493591308651.341450026431716 -0.79626224935913081 51.343930026431721 -0.79121924935913091tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1362713152207826725.post-3292830578123854272018-06-10T21:51:00.000+01:002018-06-11T20:54:30.207+01:00End of Season Roller Round-Up 2017/18<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6ewt4jsSjDE/Wx2AgwKpInI/AAAAAAAAO_k/p7gR_4i0jAkad_dv9npPRTYC76nUzdAbgCLcBGAs/s1600/fmroller.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6ewt4jsSjDE/Wx2AgwKpInI/AAAAAAAAO_k/p7gR_4i0jAkad_dv9npPRTYC76nUzdAbgCLcBGAs/s400/fmroller.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Four Marks FC</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span id="goog_1666192115"></span><span id="goog_1666192116"></span>I should really stop entering internet competitions. I've never won one. I never will.<br />
<br />
There was one at the end of the season on a start-up site sponsored by a betting company. Why they set their website up in April, so close to the end of 2017/18, I don't know. Anyway, they were offering big prizes for a poetry competition:<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Send us your poems about rollers and you could win £1,000 in cash, plus a season ticket for your favourite club!</i></b></span><br />
<br />
Well, this competition looked too good to be true. I had to enter. No chance of winning, obviously, but if I didn't try, I'd regret it forever. Or at least 30 seconds, and then I'd forget all about it.<br />
<b><i> </i></b><br />
I had writer's block. I couldn't get beyond the following, extremely trite ditty:<br />
<br />
<i><b>Roses are red</b></i><br />
<i><b>Violets are blue</b></i><br />
<i><b>Rollers are rusty</b></i><br />
<i><b>And so are you!</b></i><br />
<br />
Well, if they only had one entry, I would win, so why not?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oN7g3jLNxKg/Wx2AeQvtfvI/AAAAAAAAO_U/WYpnomq5zk0NPsDtUlaCm9Muw_5DCKzwwCEwYBhgL/s1600/20180306_204719.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oN7g3jLNxKg/Wx2AeQvtfvI/AAAAAAAAO_U/WYpnomq5zk0NPsDtUlaCm9Muw_5DCKzwwCEwYBhgL/s400/20180306_204719.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AFC Stoneham</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I logged in to the website, typed out my terrible poem (feeling a little embarrassed, to be honest) and forgot all about it.<br />
<br />
A week later, I bumped in to an old friend. He told me he'd got a job with this betting company in the marketing department. Unbelievably, it had been him that had come up with the idea of the poetry competition! I bought him beers for the rest of the evening whilst he showed me the other entrants on his smartphone. For example, this effort about the roller at AFC Stoneham:<br />
<br />
<i><b>Misty, cadaverous, as old as Stonehenge</b></i><br />
<i><b>The haunted roller appears</b></i><br />
<i><b>Forgotten, desperate, seeking revenge</b></i><br />
<i><b>Coffin-bound for eight thousand years</b></i><br />
<i><b>Howling with hatred, tormenting the innocent</b></i><br />
<i><b>The haunted roller appears</b></i><br />
<i><b>The rusted zombie groundsman's equipment</b></i><br />
<i><b>Of your nightmares and day fears</b></i><br />
<br />
I couldn't help it. I shouted out:<br />
<br />
<b>Who ya gonna call? Roller Busters!</b><br />
<br />
My old friend laughed and agreed it was a bit of an overwrought effort.<br />
<b> </b><i><b> </b></i><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--pLLZypdR4A/Wx2Ad-OjMHI/AAAAAAAAO_0/OM99LCEAmXUJF69FOylDx-PH3j-CsU9pgCEwYBhgL/s1600/20180330_144731.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--pLLZypdR4A/Wx2Ad-OjMHI/AAAAAAAAO_0/OM99LCEAmXUJF69FOylDx-PH3j-CsU9pgCEwYBhgL/s400/20180330_144731.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Havant & Waterlooville</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Then there was this one about the moppy rollers at National League Havant & Waterlooville:<br />
<br />
<i><b>Another wet day in Havant</b></i><br />
<i><b>The thirtieth day in a row</b></i><br />
<i><b>Another day for their rollers</b></i><br />
<i><b>To be our spongey heroes</b></i><br />
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<i><b>Slurp it up and regurgitate</b></i><br />
<i><b>Like a parent hawk for its chick</b></i><br />
<i><b>This pitch needs to be puddle-free</b></i><br />
<i><b>We need it to be in good nick!</b></i><br />
<br />
I didn't like the last line. I told my friend it didn't scan properly. He had no idea what I was talking about. He'd never read a poem in his life. He said he'd put it to one side. If there was nothing better, he'd consider it for the prize. I rolled my eyes. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mJ3f0i9iqbo/Wx2AenuNlOI/AAAAAAAAO_4/W0yWDwanzB0fZMUjdZoUDxFMJxN2aMx-gCEwYBhgL/s1600/borth01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1123" data-original-width="1600" height="280" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mJ3f0i9iqbo/Wx2AenuNlOI/AAAAAAAAO_4/W0yWDwanzB0fZMUjdZoUDxFMJxN2aMx-gCEwYBhgL/s400/borth01.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Borth United</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Then he showed me this one about the roller at Mid Wales League Borth United:<br />
<br />
<i><b>Come hippie missiles and fall on Borth</b></i><br />
<i><b>Loaded with unicorns and glitter and flowers</b></i><br />
<i><b>Give the team strength to rise up and finish fourth</b></i><br />
<i><b>And give the players wings and laser boots and other super powers</b></i><br />
<br />
Well, that was so poor, I was beginning to think my trite effort had a chance. One thousand pounds! I could see me renting an open-topped bus for the day, buying myself a cheap trophy and riding up and down Shirley High Street waving my cup around as if I'd just personally won the Champions League.<br />
<br />
Dream on, baby. There were more poems...<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-um2zF-sVfPY/Wx2AfvnOUpI/AAAAAAAAO_8/TD2x69dC1UgNGOmiLIlNwjg17HLdHT8hwCEwYBhgL/s1600/bwroller.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1124" data-original-width="1600" height="280" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-um2zF-sVfPY/Wx2AfvnOUpI/AAAAAAAAO_8/TD2x69dC1UgNGOmiLIlNwjg17HLdHT8hwCEwYBhgL/s400/bwroller.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bishop's Waltham Dynamos</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The next one sounded quite meaningful. For the first time that evening, I was worried:<br />
<br />
<i><b>In a world of circles<br /> He felt like a hexagon<br /> Every divot judged as a jerk.<span class="text_exposed_show"><br /> He wished he had feet and legs.</span></b></i><br />
<i><b> "I can't avoid the broken glass,<br /> The fox, the goose, the dog shit,<br /> The rancid lumps of bubblegum,<br /> The rocks and stones and beercan lids"</b></i><br />
<i><b> Imagine if you had to roll instead of walk<br /> To squeak squeak instead of talk<br /> Squelching over slugs and spiders<br /> Feeling like a reversed Midas.</b></i><br />
<i><b> In a world full of potholes<br /> Don't be a roller (or a wheel)<br /> In a world full of hot moles</b></i><br />
<i><b> ...Now you know how they must feel.</b></i><br />
<br />
But I saw a glimmer of hope. It was that penultimate line about the hot moles. It was rubbish! I bought my friend another beer and pointed this out to him. He was in agreement! I still had a chance.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VCEUbKazsVM/Wx2AghchZsI/AAAAAAAAPAI/aNghz8GyyjAmdw7To3JqE-TcHK6YFVf4ACEwYBhgL/s1600/godroller.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1185" data-original-width="1600" height="295" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VCEUbKazsVM/Wx2AghchZsI/AAAAAAAAPAI/aNghz8GyyjAmdw7To3JqE-TcHK6YFVf4ACEwYBhgL/s400/godroller.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Godalming Town</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Another drink downed. Another two poems to go:<br />
<br />
<i><b>There's a bird called a roller</b></i><br />
<i><b>It doesn't ta-whit</b></i><br />
<i><b>It doesn't ta-whoo</b></i><br />
<i><b>It lets out more of a KWEEK!</b></i><br />
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<i><b>There's a roller called a roller</b></i><br />
<i><b>It doesn't rotate</b></i><br />
<i><b>It barely moves at all</b></i><br />
<i><b>And when it does, it lets out a SQUEAK!</b></i><br />
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<i><b>That's because it needs some oil.</b></i><br />
<br />
Well, that clearly wasn't going to win anything, unless the betting company had some sort of Rotten Tomato Prize...<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MrfMvJ6CYLc/Wx2AhRXnFyI/AAAAAAAAPAA/4SFLeuw7WcMH7iZf0SFpKRIwgsgSTmKJQCEwYBhgL/s1600/mtroller1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MrfMvJ6CYLc/Wx2AhRXnFyI/AAAAAAAAPAA/4SFLeuw7WcMH7iZf0SFpKRIwgsgSTmKJQCEwYBhgL/s400/mtroller1.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Michelmersh & Timsbury FC</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Just one more entry, according to my friend, who by now was on his seventh pint. I offered to buy him another one, and he told me how much he hated his job and all his insufferable workmates and how he'd like to hand in his notice and drop his trousers on his way out of the office and how he'd like to write exactly what he thought about them all on his bum cheeks as he disappeared for the last time...<br />
<br />
<i><b>When your skin flakes off</b></i><br />
<i><b>It becomes dust</b></i><br />
<i><b>When a roller's skin erodes</b></i><br />
<i><b>It becomes rust</b></i><br />
<br />
I just laughed out loud at that last one. I told my friend that if he dropped his pants, I'd write my poem on his cheeks in permanent marker and it would be the perfect riposte to his awful colleagues...<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3US9iS2gWJU/Wx2Ahxc1gnI/AAAAAAAAPAE/YhmtA0Z989UDuH7iTKIGPdEsU5mym-EKQCEwYBhgL/s1600/ovroller1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1184" data-original-width="1600" height="295" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3US9iS2gWJU/Wx2Ahxc1gnI/AAAAAAAAPAE/YhmtA0Z989UDuH7iTKIGPdEsU5mym-EKQCEwYBhgL/s400/ovroller1.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Overton United FC</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i><b>Roses are red</b></i><br />
<i><b>Violets are blue</b></i><br />
<i><b>Rollers are rusty</b></i><br />
<i><b>And so are you!</b></i><br />
<br />
According to the stories I read on social media the next day, he actually carried out his threat! My poem, his arse, all over Twitter!<br />
<br />
Needless to say, I didn't win the poetry competition. Nobody won. The betting company found some legal loophole which meant there would be no £1,000 prize, and no season ticket for the lucky winner. To be honest, I don't think anyone deserved to win, as the entries were so uniformly dire.<br />
<br />
But I was so close, so close to victory for the first and only time in my life...Andrew Ormerodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05056455206054228722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1362713152207826725.post-60237322094809748242018-05-24T21:48:00.002+01:002018-05-24T21:48:42.349+01:00Picture This...A Round-Up of Sorts<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lg7mz7BLiy8/WwRzDQ6T0NI/AAAAAAAAOi4/uwaSNCg1eUUbO2iLkmpiGq2dqGUUj6GjACEwYBhgL/s1600/20171223_144930.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1153" data-original-width="1600" height="287" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Lg7mz7BLiy8/WwRzDQ6T0NI/AAAAAAAAOi4/uwaSNCg1eUUbO2iLkmpiGq2dqGUUj6GjACEwYBhgL/s400/20171223_144930.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new shelter at Andover New Street.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It's all over for another season. I've brought you more words and pictures, and you keep coming back to see whassup. I don't post about every match I go to, for my own sanity more than anything. I don't even take photos at every game - sometimes excitement has to come before art. But I do have a few pictures to spare from games that I didn't cover on here, so I thought maybe you'd like to see some? All of these photos were previously published on the HAH Facebook page. If you follow the blog on there, you'll be familiar with most of these, but not everyone is on Facebook.<br />
<br />
So, would you like to see the new shelter at Andover New Street? Yes? Well, here it is, pictured in December last year. Plenty of places to stand under cover at the Wessex Premier's new boys. You'll never get wet at New Street.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5UOaxzgkFG4/WwRzGunIE-I/AAAAAAAAOjs/oZvU9_5EelMyglrhBqdW-hl_MHuLsuBFwCEwYBhgL/s1600/lym06.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5UOaxzgkFG4/WwRzGunIE-I/AAAAAAAAOjs/oZvU9_5EelMyglrhBqdW-hl_MHuLsuBFwCEwYBhgL/s400/lym06.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lymington Town at night.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
How about a pretty picture of a church tower at night, taken at Lymington Town's ground in January? It rained that night. It rained every single day for three months...<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t0H5m5vP27k/WwRzDVkA0KI/AAAAAAAAOj0/4rukuZpm5LofOdsa-hzmIrcTgczP6WltwCEwYBhgL/s1600/CSC_1840.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t0H5m5vP27k/WwRzDVkA0KI/AAAAAAAAOj0/4rukuZpm5LofOdsa-hzmIrcTgczP6WltwCEwYBhgL/s400/CSC_1840.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Danny Phillips puts Infinity in to the cup final.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There was a league cup semi-final at Locks Heath in early February between Paulsgrove and Infinity. I'd seen top photographer Paul Paxford a few days before at Windsor. I asked him where the best place was to take penalty photos. He suggested behind the goal. He was right. The match went to a shootout, which Infinity won to send them in to the Hampshire League Cup Final.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eGyHEyzPjKM/WwRzJjoJ0dI/AAAAAAAAOj0/v2aRhT33NNkGq1PYVHC-xSuwB1HCuKHxgCEwYBhgL/s1600/sf10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eGyHEyzPjKM/WwRzJjoJ0dI/AAAAAAAAOj0/v2aRhT33NNkGq1PYVHC-xSuwB1HCuKHxgCEwYBhgL/s400/sf10.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bush Hill go close against Sway at Hythe & Dibden.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The second semi-final was held at Hythe & Dibden a couple of weeks later. Bush Hill were cruising at 2-0 up with 15 minutes to go, but Sway came back to draw the game and win on penalties. They then beat Infinity in the final in May in what was a minor shock. I took this photo whilst stood on a raised platform behind the goal at the entrance end. Sway's number 7 heads off the line here. If that had gone in, it would have been 3-0 and game over.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B8OYEFgUmVM/WwRzC3pkuGI/AAAAAAAAOjk/g_UlopksMHkjSTfwu3zR1zPVpr3qunO0QCEwYBhgL/s1600/20180310_150335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B8OYEFgUmVM/WwRzC3pkuGI/AAAAAAAAOjk/g_UlopksMHkjSTfwu3zR1zPVpr3qunO0QCEwYBhgL/s400/20180310_150335.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Mighty Havant & Waterlooville in action at Oxford City.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I follow the mighty Havant & Waterlooville when I'm not doing HAH. Here they are (in orange) at Oxford City's Marston Road in March. A hard-fought 1-0 victory for the Hawks.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TGuBxeIA6aQ/WwRzF4s3T8I/AAAAAAAAOj4/afqPhW1GGDc6VCvQOYwApisnR8Ni06eXgCEwYBhgL/s1600/Whitehawk%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1600" height="298" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TGuBxeIA6aQ/WwRzF4s3T8I/AAAAAAAAOj4/afqPhW1GGDc6VCvQOYwApisnR8Ni06eXgCEwYBhgL/s400/Whitehawk%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Step art at Whitehawk at the Battle of the Hawks.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On Easter Monday, Havant & Waterlooville travelled to Whitehawk in East Brighton. They were possibly fortunate to come away with a 0-0 that day, but every point counted after 42 matches, as they finished level with Dartford, winning the league on goal difference.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3gVdx5-jZ-I/WwRzJNvh_GI/AAAAAAAAOjw/im9xe-O9ZKIB1SFMYDLlJtR5m62LYlmtgCEwYBhgL/s1600/rtfcsunset.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3gVdx5-jZ-I/WwRzJNvh_GI/AAAAAAAAOjw/im9xe-O9ZKIB1SFMYDLlJtR5m62LYlmtgCEwYBhgL/s400/rtfcsunset.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sun sets on Romsey Town's promotion hopes.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As clubs battled to finish their fixtures in April, one week it was possible to go to six matches in six days (a rare opportunity as there are very few Thursday night fixtures under normal circumstances). The week started at Romsey Town, who beat Laverstock & Ford 3-1 at the Bypass Ground. Unfortunately, a home defeat by Tadley-Calleva a few days earlier had put paid to their promotion hopes for this season. There's always next year...<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IoE2fpAPGbA/WwRzFvPV_JI/AAAAAAAAOj4/jBY-zaTJeo4KO7fZoNQwjaza6dPzjM0uQCEwYBhgL/s1600/ans16.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IoE2fpAPGbA/WwRzFvPV_JI/AAAAAAAAOj4/jBY-zaTJeo4KO7fZoNQwjaza6dPzjM0uQCEwYBhgL/s400/ans16.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andover New Street's promotion party starting at Totton & Eling.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
One team that never faltered - and surprised everyone - was Andover New Street. They were promoted after a 5-0 win at Totton & Eling. After being at (or near) the bottom of the Wessex since forever ago, no-one could begrudge them their success this season. Incredibly, they'll be playing in the division above neighbours Andover Town after the Portway side were relegated by the FA for refusing promotion to the Southern League.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ULBz-AyGCIw/WwRzJmB0afI/AAAAAAAAOj4/EnSX6Ofzkik7OhznPZX7nNqQndXID71DgCEwYBhgL/s1600/tsal12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ULBz-AyGCIw/WwRzJmB0afI/AAAAAAAAOj4/EnSX6Ofzkik7OhznPZX7nNqQndXID71DgCEwYBhgL/s400/tsal12.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beneath the high rise at Team Solent.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My third game of this busy week was a Thursday night encounter between Team Solent and Alresford Town. Neither side had anything to play for, but it was an entertaining affair nevertheless. Alresford came back from two down to draw. They probably should have won.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NJ2fJTCzDJw/WwRzGUB_4VI/AAAAAAAAOj0/5TbtidXCInMNGoi7qmJAqrYjkynMLYFugCEwYBhgL/s1600/fs10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NJ2fJTCzDJw/WwRzGUB_4VI/AAAAAAAAOj0/5TbtidXCInMNGoi7qmJAqrYjkynMLYFugCEwYBhgL/s400/fs10.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shock victory for Follands in their final home match.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The Friday night entertainment was at Follands (in yellow above). Rock-bottom, with one home victory all season, you would never have known they'd struggled as opponents New Milton Town were hammered 5-1. Most unexpected.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y5clx4eZNXU/WwRzHoaBhAI/AAAAAAAAOjw/xLdv_TjQk4ohrG57M7F3gtRR_sPaATvIACEwYBhgL/s1600/ft21.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y5clx4eZNXU/WwRzHoaBhAI/AAAAAAAAOjw/xLdv_TjQk4ohrG57M7F3gtRR_sPaATvIACEwYBhgL/s400/ft21.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The home dugout at Fareham Town.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Blackfield & Langley won the Wessex this season. One of their final games was a visit to Fortress Cams, home of Fareham Town. It wasn't much of a fortress that evening as a visibly tired home team were easily beaten after they'd played approximately a zillion games in the previous fortnight. You can see the subs' shirts hung up in the home side's dugout at half-time here.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pwgoKfeyDCA/WwRzFMUshnI/AAAAAAAAOjo/NcB6b_DHRoEEPoaagtwg07yioXzQeC9tACEwYBhgL/s1600/Front%2BLawn%2B%25286%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1221" data-original-width="1600" height="305" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pwgoKfeyDCA/WwRzFMUshnI/AAAAAAAAOjo/NcB6b_DHRoEEPoaagtwg07yioXzQeC9tACEwYBhgL/s400/Front%2BLawn%2B%25286%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paulsgrove rent the Front Lawn facility in Havant for their league match with Sway.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I don't think it counts in my season's match total if I only see half a game, does it? After watching the Hawks beat St Alban's City at Westleigh Park, I caught the last 40 minutes of a 4 o'clock kick-off at Hampshire FA's Front Lawn facility in Havant. It's a 4G pitch which was rented for the day by Paulsgrove for their Hampshire League game against Sway. The "home" club won that game fairly easily.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yNOocgRUyJs/WwcgYl6I8xI/AAAAAAAAOlk/WfNILjns8BgtoPaoZtdIFTmPnBn4zb2nACLcBGAs/s1600/20180428_152538.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1305" data-original-width="1569" height="332" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yNOocgRUyJs/WwcgYl6I8xI/AAAAAAAAOlk/WfNILjns8BgtoPaoZtdIFTmPnBn4zb2nACLcBGAs/s400/20180428_152538.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ed Harris cadges a lift on Rory Williams' shoulders. This was an exciting moment, but not as incredible as what happened in the last minute.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Did I mention that I follow Havant & Waterlooville? And that they won the National League South to take their place in non-league's top division next season? Here they are celebrating their second goal against Concord Rangers on the final day of the season. 2-0 up against a team with nothing to play for? It's all over with an hour still to play, surely? Well, it wasn't, as the club from Essex somehow scored twice in the second half. Heading for the play-offs with a minute to go, Jason Prior scored with the coolest side-foot volley you'll ever see for the most exciting moment of 2017/18. There was a lot of leaping around right there and then, I can tell you.<br />
<br />
One more post this season, and that will be the ever-unpopular roller round-up.Andrew Ormerodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05056455206054228722noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1362713152207826725.post-22397847313505502932018-04-24T18:42:00.000+01:002018-04-24T21:41:58.404+01:00Four Marks v Netley Central Sports<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zrgDP_Al2g4/Wtw1jYfHpAI/AAAAAAAAOBg/Co23b5LCjwwJSVpsSIZieDF-njYXvuwugCEwYBhgL/s1600/fm29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zrgDP_Al2g4/Wtw1jYfHpAI/AAAAAAAAOBg/Co23b5LCjwwJSVpsSIZieDF-njYXvuwugCEwYBhgL/s400/fm29.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The dugouts at Four Marks FC.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When I first started doing this in 2011, there were a lot of other football blogs around nationally. I have to admit, I thought I'd be one of about 19 locally and nobody would be interested in what I did because the other 18 would all be more erudite, more worthy, have better jokes. There were definitely better blogs - <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/when-saturday-comes-blog/2013/oct/04/football-view-from-the-bench">Mark Sanderson</a> was writing entertainingly about playing for Burridge and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/when-saturday-comes-blog/2013/oct/04/football-view-from-the-bench">Skif</a> was authoring Dub Steps (mostly about Havant & Waterlooville, but he covered other teams as well). Sure enough, they were both intimidatingly good. I tried, but I was never going to be their equal.<br />
<br />
But there were hardly any others out there locally, even though that period was supposedly "The Golden Age of the Football Blog", so I carried on as the Third Best Football Blog in Hampshire. Bronze medal position, you gotta be happy with that?! And even if HAH wasn't the third best, at least it kept me occupied.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_gdMEFOxYzo/Wtw1jU8bWpI/AAAAAAAAOBc/yQSivnyVtZYDL1Yib5nG-M2dfQqwoe0fgCEwYBhgL/s1600/fm18.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_gdMEFOxYzo/Wtw1jU8bWpI/AAAAAAAAOBc/yQSivnyVtZYDL1Yib5nG-M2dfQqwoe0fgCEwYBhgL/s400/fm18.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This one is called "The Lonely Footballer Without A Ball" or something equally pretentious.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u><b>Details:</b></u><br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/fourmarksfc?lang=en">Four Marks FC</a> (0) 0 v 3 (1) <a href="https://netleycentralsportsfc.wordpress.com/">Netley Central Sports FC</a><br />
Saturday 21st April 2018<br />
New Forest Care Hampshire Premier Football League Division One<br />
Attendance:10-15<br />
Admission: None<br />
Programme: None<br />
Colours: Orange / black / black v All blue<br />
National Grid reference: <a href="http://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/su6634">SU6634</a><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LiElxLR5L7o/Wtw1kEJv9MI/AAAAAAAAOB8/yL40ZkDGuAsIDfMRRdDWx8kqoW2lPOysACEwYBhgL/s1600/fm15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LiElxLR5L7o/Wtw1kEJv9MI/AAAAAAAAOB8/yL40ZkDGuAsIDfMRRdDWx8kqoW2lPOysACEwYBhgL/s400/fm15.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Division One's top scorer this season, Netley's Alex White, brings the ball under control.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So I carried on as Mark and Skif retired from the game. Others came and went, but I'm still here, and undoubtedly still third best.<br />
<br />
I persisted through the years - I would go to a match involving at least one club from Hampshire every other week throughout the season and describe the town and the ground, occasionally mentioning the match. One thing I would never do was copy a description of a place straight from Wikipedia and pass it off as "research". Firstly, that's ripping off someone else's work, and secondly, it's boring. I'd rather have an original story taken from my own experience (or just make something up).<br />
<br />
Hence, Four Marks. Would you rather a copy/paste job, or would you like to hear about my friend's story about the garage shop? The latter, obviously...<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dhMSQwCHRo0/Wtw1n_lREMI/AAAAAAAAOB8/U4MGtu657RIuC7yNYAm-LLFTZNdrlhV_ACEwYBhgL/s1600/fm52.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dhMSQwCHRo0/Wtw1n_lREMI/AAAAAAAAOB8/U4MGtu657RIuC7yNYAm-LLFTZNdrlhV_ACEwYBhgL/s400/fm52.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view downhill towards the cemetery.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There's not a lot to do in Four Marks, or so my friend told me. She didn't grow up there, but her mum, her step-dad and her dog have moved there since she left home, so she's a fairly regular visitor. It's a nice place to live, apparently, full of large houses with well-kept gardens, but there's NO PUB!<br />
<br />
There used to be one in nearby Ropley, but that shut down after a fatal accident involving a pair of teenagers leaving one evening and crashing straight in to another car. No-one survived. The pub building is still there, but its boards and shutters are rotting away along with the rest it.<br />
<br />
So there's no pub in Four Marks, which means if you want a drink, you need to get a "takeaway". The problem with this is the lack of shops. The only place that sells alcohol is the Co-op attached to the garage. One evening, my friend went there to buy a bottle of wine and was told by the shop assistant on the till that she "shouldn't be drinking that in your state". She didn't know what he was talking about, so she asked him what he meant. He pointed to his stomach and made a bowl shape. He thought she was pregnant.<br />
<br />
She wasn't pregnant - not even chubby - so she was quite upset. She's been dieting ever since.<br />
<br />
So my only Four Marks story concerns a body fascist shop assistant. Not really that interesting, but it's a story.<br />
<br />
Oh, and there's a fireworks shop in Four Marks where I once bought some bangers. One of these fireworks was the one that I planted upside-down in our garden, lit it and watched open-mouthed as it flew three times around the garden, narrowly missing my young children before landing on my friend's head and setting his hair alight. Another story. Good.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vfaejBIyx0g/Wtw1oJh0bJI/AAAAAAAAOCA/Urw7Q7wkiqMmY2-g1EGrbzsCRhMZxuZSQCEwYBhgL/s1600/fm56.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vfaejBIyx0g/Wtw1oJh0bJI/AAAAAAAAOCA/Urw7Q7wkiqMmY2-g1EGrbzsCRhMZxuZSQCEwYBhgL/s400/fm56.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elm Tree View or whatever it's called. No elm trees to be seen.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I have another story now, and it involves my visit to Four Marks Football Club last Saturday. I arrived at about 2:45 and there was nobody about. I did wonder if the match was on, but the Inspector Poirot within me noted that the nets and corner flags were both standing proud and erect, so the players must be warming up elsewhere.<br />
<br />
My little grey cells were correct, as there is another field nearby where the lads were going through their last-minute preparations. The changing rooms and the St George's flag-bedecked clubhouse are next to the other field which appears to host cricket matches during the summer.<br />
<br />
So the players had to walk 50 yards or so from the changing rooms along a road next to a popular playground and bowls club to reach the football pitch.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oc_pMKnIMbU/Wtw1ooMFBdI/AAAAAAAAOCE/E1WCG9k8cOMKigKzV39KPzQE2_uzS58wwCEwYBhgL/s1600/fm58.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oc_pMKnIMbU/Wtw1ooMFBdI/AAAAAAAAOCE/E1WCG9k8cOMKigKzV39KPzQE2_uzS58wwCEwYBhgL/s400/fm58.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Four Marks on the attack during the five minutes that the sun has shone this season.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The pitch slopes by about 6 feet from top corner to the opposite bottom corner. You might think it would be an advantage to play down the slope as you can probably run a bit faster downhill. However, as the Netley manager pointed out at half-time, it was actually harder, as the ball tends to run away quite fast when through passes are played. That had never occurred to me before, but he was quite right.<br />
<br />
Behind a hedge at the bottom of the slope is a cemetery. On the right-hand side is a field with a piebald horse behind some tall trees. I stood for ten minutes in such a position as to try and get some players in a picture with the horse in the background. I failed (there's a photo of the horse on the HAH Facebook page, but no footballers).<br />
<br />
At the top of the slope is a small children's football pitch, whilst off to the left is a new housing estate. As usual with new estates, the roads are named after things that were there before the building started, but won't be there any more. In this case, some of the roads are named after birds that used to nest on the land, whilst others are named after trees that were probably chopped down to make way for the houses.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D_aSE9hcAUM/Wtw1mgrjsjI/AAAAAAAAOCI/AIaBv1nPCWoCrFa3Z-i3TskQspZ9As6rQCEwYBhgL/s1600/fm45.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D_aSE9hcAUM/Wtw1mgrjsjI/AAAAAAAAOCI/AIaBv1nPCWoCrFa3Z-i3TskQspZ9As6rQCEwYBhgL/s400/fm45.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matt Watts scores Netley's second and they know there's no coming back from that!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The match was the most important of the season in Hampshire League's Division One. The visitors, Netley Central Sports (who I featured earlier in the season <a href="http://hoppingaroundhampshire.blogspot.co.uk/2017/11/netley-central-sports-v-infinity.html">against Infinity</a>), were top of the league going in to this, their last match. They were six points clear of the hosts, Four Marks. However, Four Marks would still have one more match to play after Saturday. Win both, and the two clubs would be level on points.<br />
<br />
The catch was that Netley's goal difference was superior by ten, so even a narrow one or two goal defeat would probably be enough for them to be champions, although there would still be some jeopardy as Four Marks could theoretically still score a big win at Upham the following Saturday.<br />
<br />
This was clearly the game of the day in the Hampshire League, but as is often the case at this level, there were more people playing than there were spectating. Even so, that doesn't make the game any less enjoyable for everyone there.<br />
<br />
I didn't take many notes, but from memory, Netley took the lead after around eight minutes - Alex White slotting a penalty home after one of his team-mates was brought down as they were about to shoot. This was White's 24th league goal of the season, which made him Division One's top scorer for 2017/18. I wonder if he wins a trophy for that?<br />
<br />
Netley were the better team in the first half. They knew at half-time that Four Marks had to score at least twice, and then another eight times in their final match, so there was no need to panic if they got a goal back. They didn't, as Netley went further ahead five minutes in to the second half. The ref gave a controversial free-kick 20 yards out on the right as a Four Marks defender appeared to win the ball cleanly in a tackle. But once a decision is given, the ref ain't gonna change his mind. The ball was lofted in over the three man wall, and there was Matt Watts at the back post, ghosting in to head home just like ex-England international Martin Peters used to in the old days.<br />
<br />
Netley knew it, Four Marks knew it, we all knew it...this was the moment when the team in blue had won the league. They did score again five minutes from time when Watts was played through and chipped the keeper, but it really didn't matter at that point.<br />
<br />
Two league officials had turned up with the champions shield and Netley Central Sports were taking it home with them! They had last won a league in 2010 when there was no promotion between the two separate Hampshire leagues. This time, they've applied to go up to the Hampshire Premier Football League Senior Division. They've done the business on the pitch, it's now up to the authorities to judge if they have good enough facilities for the step up.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TLQZeC_68ao/Wtw1pgxSLnI/AAAAAAAAOCI/-URRCCrEGdYzz8kRsh1TS3PP59BQDGgwwCEwYBhgL/s1600/fm66.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TLQZeC_68ao/Wtw1pgxSLnI/AAAAAAAAOCI/-URRCCrEGdYzz8kRsh1TS3PP59BQDGgwwCEwYBhgL/s400/fm66.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Netley Central Sports...CHAMPIO-NAYS!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I shall be uploading more pictures from the game on to the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1394407550858881/">HAH Facebook page</a> later this evening. After dinner.<br />
<br />
I think this will be my last blog report of the season. I've done slightly less than usual, which has been down to the weather in the second half of the season. I may do some sort of round-up of recent matches which will include Fareham Town, who I promised to feature but whose matches have been regularly postponed since I gave my word to them.<br />
<br />
There will also be a roller round-up at some point. Some people seem to like them, although most don't.<br />
<br />
As for next season? I think I'll carry on, but I won't write quite so much - it does take a lot of time. The blog may become more of a photo-blog. I don't know, I'll give it some thought. In the meantime, I'll be cheering on "my" team, Havant & Waterlooville, as they attempt to win promotion to the National League. Exciting times for the Hawks!<br />
<br />
Oh, and my friend is still not pregnant and still enjoys her wine. And my other friend has lost all his hair since the fireworks incident. Nothing to do with me, honest.Andrew Ormerodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05056455206054228722noreply@blogger.com3Uplands Ln, Four Marks, Alton GU34 5AF, UK51.1043572979862 -1.054301261901855551.101864797986195 -1.0593437619018555 51.1068497979862 -1.0492587619018554tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1362713152207826725.post-21753702884911976302018-03-26T18:58:00.002+01:002018-03-26T21:15:12.542+01:00Overton United v Paulsgrove<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-joZxQVwt0z4/WreRnLh-upI/AAAAAAAANfs/JPGbOSc_GdMBIHC8BqEa7vPPu9zs-qJfwCLcBGAs/s1600/ov04.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-joZxQVwt0z4/WreRnLh-upI/AAAAAAAANfs/JPGbOSc_GdMBIHC8BqEa7vPPu9zs-qJfwCLcBGAs/s400/ov04.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Respect before kick-off.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
You know that game Consequences where you're in a group and you take it in turns to write down names and places and what people said on a piece of paper and you fold the paper over and over so that everything is hidden and then you open it up at the end and the consequence is always the same because nobody can think of anything funnier - "they got married, had three children and lived happily ever after"? (He was called... She was called... They met at...blah blah blah...you know the one). Well, if Consequences was real life recently it would go something like... "He was called Andy...The match he was going to was XXX v YYY at ZZZ Recreation Ground...and come Saturday, the consequence was - it rained overnight, the pitch was waterlogged and the match was off".<br />
<br />
Over and over again.<br />
<br />
Whatever has it been like recently? Every Friday and Saturday it tips it
down with rain or snow or cats and dogs and frogs or whatever else is
up there in the sky above us.<br />
<br />
Until this Saturday. At last!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nYy80Hj2gZw/WreRmcvXSVI/AAAAAAAANfo/MYI4p41BX24934BgBC-PHMzXkBwmwJx6gCEwYBhgL/s1600/ov14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nYy80Hj2gZw/WreRmcvXSVI/AAAAAAAANfo/MYI4p41BX24934BgBC-PHMzXkBwmwJx6gCEwYBhgL/s400/ov14.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Overton United's clubhouse and changing room facility.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u><b>Details:</b></u><br />
<a href="https://www.overtonunited.co.uk/community/overton-united-football-club-4994/about-us">Overton United FC</a> (0) 0 v 2 (2) <a href="https://twitter.com/paulsgrovefc?lang=en">Paulsgrove FC</a><br />
Saturday 24th March 2018<br />
New Forest Care Hampshire Premier Football League Senior Division<br />
Attendance: About 40 standing around the pitch, plus a few more watching from the bar.<br />
Admission: By donation (a box was brought round)<br />
Programme: No, but there is a monthly club newsletter called <a href="https://www.overtonunited.co.uk/community/overton-united-football-club-4994/touchline/">Touchline</a>.<br />
Colours: Blue and white stripes / white / blue v All red<br />
National Grid reference: <a href="http://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/su5149">SU5149</a><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DNxGukiP488/WreRpKYp8FI/AAAAAAAANf0/uG90WRh8iKwOi7f3ruaxD9zzPDILSkbrQCEwYBhgL/s1600/ov20.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DNxGukiP488/WreRpKYp8FI/AAAAAAAANf0/uG90WRh8iKwOi7f3ruaxD9zzPDILSkbrQCEwYBhgL/s400/ov20.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crunch!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I've featured both Overton and Paulsgrove previously this season - <a href="http://hoppingaroundhampshire.blogspot.co.uk/2017/11/bishops-waltham-dynamos-v-overton-united.html">Overton</a> in the Hampshire Intermediate Cup at Bishop's Waltham, and <a href="http://hoppingaroundhampshire.blogspot.co.uk/2018/01/paulsgrove-v-stockbridge.html">The Grove</a> at home to Stockbridge. During Overton's match, I got chatting to joint-manager Gary Savory and said I'd pop along and see them before the end of the season. So I did.<br />
<br />
Overton appears to be a prosperous village. Situated around four miles west of Basingstoke, I would guess it's a perfectly pleasant place to live. There's quite a few thatched cottages near the village centre, with plenty of newer houses radiating out from there. The first shop I saw was selling guns (for the sporting community, presumably). I seem to remember when I first visited neighbouring Whitchurch, the first person I saw was carrying a gun - I suppose he bought it from here. He must have been going out to hunt rabbits or pheasants or clay pigeons.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sxm3ovvcc9w/WreRnaNRGAI/AAAAAAAANfw/kTuOi4Wh-FwkgSMtIf-02wJRJqi6Og5tACEwYBhgL/s1600/ov09.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sxm3ovvcc9w/WreRnaNRGAI/AAAAAAAANfw/kTuOi4Wh-FwkgSMtIf-02wJRJqi6Og5tACEwYBhgL/s400/ov09.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St Mary's Church.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I too was hunting on Saturday, as I often am. I was hunting for new beers to add to my <a href="https://untappd.com/">Untappd</a> beer list app. I noticed before I set off that The White Hart had a beer from the Upham Brewery that I'd not tried before, so I popped in pre-match for a cheeky half. That'll be nearly 200 unique types of beer since I signed up 6 months ago then...I'm not obsessed, honest.<br />
<br />
Another phone app I've had since Christmas is the <a href="https://twitter.com/groundhopperapp?lang=en">Groundhopper</a> app, which some of you might know about. On here, you record all the matches you go to and the grounds that the matches are played on. Not every club or ground is on there - so, Overton's ground is on there (so users can record their visits to Overton Recreation Centre), but Overton United FC are not (I don't know why).<br />
<br />
Amongst all the other stats it produces, it ranks its users as "Top Fans" for each club. Apparently, I'm "Top Fan" of several local clubs (because I've seen them play more than anybody else using the app - obviously the number of app users are tiny compared to the number of fans out there, so it's just a bit of fun). Along with the likes of Romsey Town and AFC Stoneham, I'm Paulsgrove's top fan, having seen them play, ahem, five times (like I say, I'm clearly not their top fan in real life - their proper fans have better things to do than record their every movement on phone apps).<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z1wqt7L6d-o/WreRpeyBkLI/AAAAAAAANgQ/Kfe3qo0pPpg95Z-hlaS-dO5EODT6cbJFwCEwYBhgL/s1600/ov39.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z1wqt7L6d-o/WreRpeyBkLI/AAAAAAAANgQ/Kfe3qo0pPpg95Z-hlaS-dO5EODT6cbJFwCEwYBhgL/s400/ov39.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smiles for the winded defender, Jake Warlow, after he was accidentally nutted by his keeper.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So I was out hunting for new beer and a new football ground, as I'd never been to Overton United before. What's it like?<br />
<br />
As with most grounds in the Hampshire League, the pitch is situated on a recreation ground. There are tennis courts in one corner and a cricket square in the middle. The pitch is placed next to the Bridge Street Pavilion, which contains the changing rooms and an upstairs members' bar. I would guess this was built in the 1970s, but I could be wrong.<br />
<br />
Behind the bottom end of the pitch runs a mill race. This shallow
water feature was full of chattering ducks. Throughout the match, I
could hear alarmed quacking as a gaggle of over-excited male mallards
chased a single female mallard, presumably in the hope of mating with
her and passing on their genes to the next generation of ducklings. I
wonder if they record the number of ducklings produced from their loins
on a phone app?<br />
<br />
Where there's water near a football pitch,
there needs to be a method of retrieving stray balls from that water,
so there was a fishing net sat ready on a bench for that purpose.<br />
<br />
As
you can see from the pictures here, the main feature at Overton United,
and what makes it a particularly attractive ground, is St Mary's
Church, positioned on higher ground above the pitch to the north. There
must have been a children's party going on when I arrived, as mums and
dads and small boys and girls came traipsing past during the first half
carrying helium balloons on sticks. One child asked "Daddy, is that a
rugby match?"<br />
<br />
Daddy said it wasn't.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7baH9CEoCes/WreRtMb3feI/AAAAAAAANgY/8hi5P2j2Q24O7feiDqW1NI0UNNG9aP16gCEwYBhgL/s1600/ov78.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7baH9CEoCes/WreRtMb3feI/AAAAAAAANgY/8hi5P2j2Q24O7feiDqW1NI0UNNG9aP16gCEwYBhgL/s400/ov78.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Corner for Overton.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It certainly wasn't a rugby match, because if it was, I'd have turned
around and driven away. I really don't understand that game. Football
is so much simpler. Get a round ball, pass it around a bit with your
feet and/or head until your team nears the opposition target, then try
to get the ball in to that target more times than the other team to win.
That's basically it.<br />
<br />
And that's what Paulsgrove did
twice. Their first goal came after 16 minutes as Tommy Woodward was
played through the centre. He chipped the ball over the advancing Sean
O'Brien in Overton's goal, under the bar, between the posts, nestling in
the net.<br />
<br />
Grove could have argued that O'Brien
shouldn't have been on the pitch, as he'd handled outside the area after
just three minutes. However, referee Chloe-Ann Anderson deemed that there were enough
covering defenders to have made it not a clear goalscoring opportunity.<br />
<br />
Anderson was busy again just after the opening goal, when a spot of handbags broke out
by the clubhouse. Paulsgrove defender Craig Ralph moved his head towards an
opponent. There was no contact, but enough intent was shown to warrant a
red card. So the away side were down to ten men with 70 minutes still
to play.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wWgpnjq7Aok/WreRqdTcYVI/AAAAAAAANgY/Nr2ML2jNPpIJUO88kfuskZ2XmwnFXW-OQCEwYBhgL/s1600/ov40.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wWgpnjq7Aok/WreRqdTcYVI/AAAAAAAANgY/Nr2ML2jNPpIJUO88kfuskZ2XmwnFXW-OQCEwYBhgL/s400/ov40.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Celebrating Paulsgrove's second goal.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When the going gets rough, the players get tough. Grove doubled down, determined not to let Overton through. It really wasn't noticeable that Paulsgrove had one less player as they fought for every ball. After all, they're in a great position to win the league - if their season had been fizzling out, maybe Overton would have had a better chance, but tackle after tackle went in and there was no way through for the home team.<br />
<br />
There was more controversy after 31 minutes as Paulsgrove thought they'd scored a second, but it was ruled out by the club linesman for offside. The Grove swore he was wrong. I couldn't work out why as I was too far away, but there may have been someone on the goal line playing their player onside? I don't know.<br />
<br />
They did get their second, and what proved to be the final goal of the game, after 41 minutes, Danny Lane thumping in a header from close range. The shirt-over-the-head celebration followed, as you can see above.<br />
<br />
There were few chances for either team in the second half. Paulsgrove defended their two-goal advantage well. Overton could never quite break through, as I'm sure they would have done against a less resilient side.<br />
<br />
Oh, and it rained. I wondered where the rain had gone...<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lj9wOV9yLE4/WreRrSPgreI/AAAAAAAANgU/gugSvqJN6ZUfHDWdXxI43xlSHfoewp9ggCEwYBhgL/s1600/ov48.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lj9wOV9yLE4/WreRrSPgreI/AAAAAAAANgU/gugSvqJN6ZUfHDWdXxI43xlSHfoewp9ggCEwYBhgL/s400/ov48.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aw, can I play?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The result leaves Paulsgrove in a strong position. Their biggest problem in the run-in is that they still have 13 matches to play before 28th April, whereas their main rivals for the title, Bush Hill and Infinity "only" have ten to go each. All three have to play each other in the last month, so these "mini-league within a league" games will be crucial. However, they must also avoid slipping up against their other opponents, which is surprisingly something Infinity didn't do at the weekend at Colden Common.<br />
<br />
Overton United will finish in mid-table this time out, although I can see no reason why they shouldn't be challenging for a top five position next season.<br />
<br />
Thank you to Overton for the friendly welcome.There will be more pictures from the game posted on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1394407550858881/">HAH Facebook page</a> later this evening.<br />
<br />
I'm not going to speculate on where I'll be reporting from next. Wherever it is, could the sun come out just for a few minutes? Please! And could there be a beer I've not recorded before in a nearby pub? Pretty please!Andrew Ormerodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05056455206054228722noreply@blogger.com052 Bridge St, Overton, Basingstoke RG25 3HD, UK51.245584258502419 -1.264843940734863351.243099258502419 -1.2698864407348633 51.248069258502419 -1.2598014407348632tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1362713152207826725.post-41015051888499292512018-02-18T22:30:00.000+00:002018-02-18T22:30:37.891+00:00Michelmersh & Timsbury v Lyndhurst<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LLU9m67Rrsk/WoizOEnvsAI/AAAAAAAAMx4/Q-k4JgkGPMY8DFSV_yu2DurkRuHCP2dfACEwYBhgL/s1600/mt01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1143" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LLU9m67Rrsk/WoizOEnvsAI/AAAAAAAAMx4/Q-k4JgkGPMY8DFSV_yu2DurkRuHCP2dfACEwYBhgL/s400/mt01.JPG" width="285" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Football on Junction Box with Michelmersh & Timsbury FC Club Crest"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span id="goog_1942491479"></span><span id="goog_1942491480"></span>There's a word for it, probably taken straight from the original German, but I can't for the life of me think what that word is.<br />
<br />
It's when you've spent your entire life dreaming about a city, imagining it's the most exquisite place in the world, where everything is perfect all the time - where all the houses are designed by Gauguin and Matisse; where all the men are rugged and handsome and sophisticated and all the women are clever and funny and have hourglass figures to die for; where the cafes and bars are full of these incredible, beautiful people who are all interested in you and your life and the beers are all perfectly golden and come with a frothing head and taste amazing. It's your own personal Utopia.<br />
<br />
It could be anywhere, but let's just say you're a Japanese tourist visiting Europe for the first time, and the city you've always dreamt of is Paris. You get there and it's raining. The streets are filthy, the inhabitants are rude. The only people who want to know you are only nice to you because they want your money.<br />
<br />
You realise that your personal Utopia doesn't exist and you go crazy, locking yourself in your Kyoto apartment for the next fifty years, only venturing out to stock up on supermarket sushi and cheap rice wine.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e-4QZvoe3vY/WoizNuEzN4I/AAAAAAAAMxw/emD4JN9TCOsFpHIXBu5oHfZgAVHY3Iz6ACEwYBhgL/s1600/mt05.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e-4QZvoe3vY/WoizNuEzN4I/AAAAAAAAMxw/emD4JN9TCOsFpHIXBu5oHfZgAVHY3Iz6ACEwYBhgL/s400/mt05.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's a bit of a trek from the changing rooms to the pitch.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u><b>Details:</b></u><br />
<a href="https://www.clubwebsite.co.uk/michelmershtimsbury">Michelmersh & Timsbury FC</a> (0) 0 v 7 (6) <a href="https://www.clubwebsite.co.uk/lyndhurstfc01/100171/Home">Lyndhurst FC</a><br />
Saturday 17th February 2018<br />
New Forest Care Hampshire Premier Football League Division One<br />
Attendance: 7<br />
Admission: None<br />
Programme: No<br />
Colours: Amber and black quarters / black / black and amber v Green and black hoops / black / green<br />
National Grid reference: <a href="http://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/su3425">SU3425</a><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3acWwxmJWQo/WoizNuw7tHI/AAAAAAAAMx0/6kJ3PRCeyqMtFNaos1TyuUBKulYXe33gQCEwYBhgL/s1600/mt10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3acWwxmJWQo/WoizNuw7tHI/AAAAAAAAMx0/6kJ3PRCeyqMtFNaos1TyuUBKulYXe33gQCEwYBhgL/s400/mt10.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The match carries on regardless as smoke billows from a garden on Mannyngham Way.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The same sort of situation could occur with football grounds. You've been to watch your own team at their own ground hundreds of times. You stand or sit with your friends, chewing the fat and swapping yarns every couple of weeks. You join in with the chants. You attempt to make up new songs, trying to rhyme your hard-tackling defensive midfielder's surname with your favourite cereals to the tune of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_u08RX7N_OI">Tom Hark</a>. You clap the lads off the pitch after a narrow defeat despite the worthy performance against the league leaders. They clap you back. It's like your second home and you (mostly) enjoy your Saturdays with your football friends.<br />
<br />
But you've always dreamed of that faraway ground, where firecrackers are not only allowed, but positively encouraged; where the tifosi make their own banners, unfurling them before kick-off where they cover the entire Curva Nord (if you made a banner for your team, it would be made out of an old bedsheet, just enough to cover you and your mates at the Tea Hut End).<br />
<br />
So when your team are knocked out of the cup and have a blank Saturday, you get on a plane and fly off to Spain, to Barcelona, Bilbao or Betis, hoping for that ultimate football experience.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7hyCEO-0SeY/WoizPXG1NjI/AAAAAAAAMyA/9kEIuhdKR6o8QkHvcrihliXoGnujYd4qwCEwYBhgL/s1600/mt31.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7hyCEO-0SeY/WoizPXG1NjI/AAAAAAAAMyA/9kEIuhdKR6o8QkHvcrihliXoGnujYd4qwCEwYBhgL/s400/mt31.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kabir Brethen of Michelmersh and Gary Rogers of Lyndhurst battle over possession of the ball.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And then the Spanish TV company moves your game to 11 o'clock in the morning when nobody in the crowd is properly awake, it's raining for the first time in three years (there's no roof over your seat), and the ultras just couldn't be bothered with a pyrotechnic display this week, thank you very much.<br />
<br />
You go home, cry, and lock yourself in your bedroom for the next fifty years.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2mpbQESOluk/WoizPGn5TlI/AAAAAAAAMx8/hovrPinON3sxPC7vV6HsU5hKsnp8xVZugCEwYBhgL/s1600/mt17.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2mpbQESOluk/WoizPGn5TlI/AAAAAAAAMx8/hovrPinON3sxPC7vV6HsU5hKsnp8xVZugCEwYBhgL/s400/mt17.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A consoling pat on the back for Michelmersh's overworked keeper.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Groundhoppers are used to this scenario. They hear about "a little gem of a ground" in deepest Flanders, they save up for months for the trip, and they get there only to find the classic old stand has been knocked down.<br />
<br />
Now, I'm a bit of a groundhopper when I'm not watching the teams that I actively follow. Long-time readers will know that over the years, I've featured all of the clubs in Hampshire down to Step 6 (Wessex League Division One), plus the rest of the Wessex League in Dorset and Wiltshire. I like to think that I've given you an interesting photographic record of football in the county since 2011 (plus some slightly odd articles on rusty rollers).<br />
<br />
But once I've featured all of the clubs at their home grounds at least once (and I've featured many clubs two or three times on their own patch), where do I go next? The answer is to delve deeper, to go lower down the pyramid. Hence, I've been ticking off grounds in the Hampshire Premier Football League over the past couple of seasons. I realised the other day that I only have another eleven grounds to go until I've completed the whole league.<br />
<br />
Michelmersh & Timsbury was one of those places.<br />
<br />
My cunning plan is to show you the home grounds of Colden Common, QK Southampton, Hedge End Rangers, Infinity, Overton United, AFC Petersfield, Four Marks, Lyndhurst, Headley United and South Wonston Swifts by the end of next season (assuming the clubs all survive - not a given). <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p7OB5jMv25Q/WoizPqsW6zI/AAAAAAAAMyE/dIv_J7asEYIZeGDWigKkYs1uiZNDNrlrgCEwYBhgL/s1600/mt70.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p7OB5jMv25Q/WoizPqsW6zI/AAAAAAAAMyE/dIv_J7asEYIZeGDWigKkYs1uiZNDNrlrgCEwYBhgL/s400/mt70.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No idea what's going on here. I hope everyone involved is okay now.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I have no illusions about what any of these grounds will be like. I know full well that there won't be any ultras lobbing fireworks - there won't even be anywhere to keep dry if it rains, so I'm not going to go home and cry if I find myself in a roped off field. I don't mind, so long as there's a bit of fresh air and some entertainment.<br />
<br />
I'd not seen any photos of Michelmersh & Timsbury's home before I went there on Saturday, but what I found was not unexpected. There's a small car park which was full when I arrived 15 minutes before kick-off, but there's plenty of space to park on Mannyngham Way. Next to the car park is a wooden building which houses the dressing rooms. There's a verandah with an overhang there, so you could keep dry whilst watching the football. However, there is a practice pitch and a cricket pitch between the dressing rooms and the roped off main pitch, so you'd need binoculars to watch the match from there.<br />
<br />
On the south side of the main pitch are tall trees separating it from more council pitches at Hunts Farm (not in use on Saturday). On the west are some bushes which prevent stray shots from landing on the main road beyond (there's also a tall net here for the same purpose). There are large houses to the north, whose residents would no doubt complain if Michelmersh & Timsbury ever wanted to erect floodlights.<br />
<br />
There are two large rusty rollers lying around, who may well feature in a far-fetched story at the end of the season.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4TgzkoU6qWg/WoizRMlJ-II/AAAAAAAAMyc/LzXlPWXemHwsBGlSSdbQXA-obt_sest4gCEwYBhgL/s1600/mt71.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4TgzkoU6qWg/WoizRMlJ-II/AAAAAAAAMyc/LzXlPWXemHwsBGlSSdbQXA-obt_sest4gCEwYBhgL/s400/mt71.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Invasion of the spaniels!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I don't want to embarrass the home side by writing about the match too much. I knew it was going to be Bottom v Top, but they had played each other recently and the game had ended up 6-3 to Lyndhurst, so I was hoping for more of the same on Saturday. However, it was never close at any point during the game, as the visitors took the lead after two minutes through Paul Abrahams, and then added four more goals at roughly ten minute intervals, with the sixth coming quickly after the fifth just before half-time.<br />
<br />
Michelmersh improved after the break and looked as though they would draw the half 0-0 until Lyndhurst scored their seventh via a Josh Bench header seven minutes from the end.<br />
<br />
The match could have been abandoned after 89 minutes as there were no balls left - there were only two or three to start with, and at least one was flat, so when the last remaining ball got stuck up a tree, there was a minor panic for a few minutes until one of the lost balls was retrieved from the bushes, where it had lain forgotten about for half the match.<br />
<br />
In the time remaining, Michelmersh did score a consolation, but Hassan Felah was flagged offside. So Lyndhurst improved their goal difference by seven, and Chris Pye, who scored a hat-trick, went top of the divisional scoring charts (James Attwood and Josh Daley were their other scorers).<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w8wkfxmR6Js/WoizRsYyWzI/AAAAAAAAMyg/akpSvDoBpbsCMgq-UbGKLR0ZQ6_tca7igCEwYBhgL/s1600/mt78.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w8wkfxmR6Js/WoizRsYyWzI/AAAAAAAAMyg/akpSvDoBpbsCMgq-UbGKLR0ZQ6_tca7igCEwYBhgL/s400/mt78.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">End of match handshakes outside the wooden changing rooms.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I wish I could have visited Michelmersh & Timsbury on a day when they hadn't been beaten so heavily, but there's always another day, another match when they can go again and hope for better.<br />
<br />
I shall upload more photos from the game on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1394407550858881/">Hopping Around Hampshire Facebook page</a> on Monday evening. I hope I've got everybody's names right on here, but if I haven't, please forgive me - I do it all the time, but not intentionally.<br />
<br />
The next HAH will be in three weeks (March 10th). It will feature another Hampshire League match. Having looked at the fixtures, four of my unvisited clubs are at home, so it will be one from either Hedge End Rangers, Infinity, Overton United or Four Marks (although the latter are playing Lyndhurst!). Perhaps one of these places will resemble my own personal Utopia? I can only dream...Andrew Ormerodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05056455206054228722noreply@blogger.com010 Mannyngham Way, Romsey SO51 0NJ, UK51.025686898067626 -1.507444381713867251.023189898067628 -1.5124868817138672 51.028183898067624 -1.5024018817138671tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1362713152207826725.post-36927217556041310932018-02-06T17:22:00.000+00:002018-02-06T17:25:07.366+00:00Windsor v Hamble Club<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nBoZgx80mfs/WnjIV-weOHI/AAAAAAAAMpE/IhP9Hsw_-1UiPyucLKmkxY00DpDjKTwGgCEwYBhgL/s1600/win01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nBoZgx80mfs/WnjIV-weOHI/AAAAAAAAMpE/IhP9Hsw_-1UiPyucLKmkxY00DpDjKTwGgCEwYBhgL/s400/win01.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The working turnstiles at Windsor Football Club.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
If you've ever been in a position, at work or elsewhere, where you have to give someone some bad news, you'll know the drill - you start with a positive, then you drop the badness bomb (gently), and then you end up with another positive to soften the blow. <br />
<br />
Let's start with the positives for Hamble Club. Always start with the positives.<br />
<br />
They did enormously well to reach the Fifth Round Proper of the national competition for clubs at this level, the FA Vase. They won six times to get this far, starting way back in September last year:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Bemerton Heath Harlequins (h) 3-1</li>
<li>Petersfield Town (h) 5-0</li>
<li>Romsey Town (a) 3-2</li>
<li>Brockenhurst (h) 5-4 aet</li>
<li><a href="http://hoppingaroundhampshire.blogspot.co.uk/2017/12/hamble-club-v-horndean.html">Horndean (h) 2-1</a></li>
<li>Westfields (a) 4-1</li>
</ul>
22 goals scored and 9 conceded in reaching the last 16 (over 400 clubs played in the Vase this year). And all this at their first attempt, as they'd never entered the competition before.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xh22CEEjgO0/WnjIVLIbgZI/AAAAAAAAMpA/i-pB8Z9JH4kcQ-qV2Cqfmfr-W0jf2BIywCEwYBhgL/s1600/win02.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xh22CEEjgO0/WnjIVLIbgZI/AAAAAAAAMpA/i-pB8Z9JH4kcQ-qV2Cqfmfr-W0jf2BIywCEwYBhgL/s400/win02.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of Stag Meadow under grey skies from Windsor Great Park.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u><b>Details:</b></u><br />
<a href="http://www.windsorfc.net/">Windsor FC</a> (1) 2 v 0 (0) <a href="https://twitter.com/HambleClubFC?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor">Hamble Club FC</a><br />
Saturday 3rd February 2018<br />
Buildbase FA Vase 5th Round Proper<br />
Attendance: 625<br />
Admission: £7<br />
Programme: Free with admission<br />
Colours: Red with green and white Union flag / red / white v White / white / yellow<br />
National Grid reference: <a href="http://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/su9575">SU9575 </a><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VUQCpjtO4l4/WnjIUXzCZzI/AAAAAAAAMo8/woJfKrobtGYuCsY_06Xz-1h3rtqp53jnwCEwYBhgL/s1600/win09.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VUQCpjtO4l4/WnjIUXzCZzI/AAAAAAAAMo8/woJfKrobtGYuCsY_06Xz-1h3rtqp53jnwCEwYBhgL/s400/win09.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Windsor's old stand with Windsor Cemetery Chapel behind.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The negatives? Move on to the negatives after the initial positives, but do it nicely...<br />
<br />
This was one game too far. There was no lack of effort, but the home side were just too good on the day, with the scorer of the second goal for Windsor, Jack Denton, being particularly impressive.<br />
<br />
And then the positives again. There's definitely more of those for the Monks.<br />
<br />
Hamble Club went further in the Vase than anybody else from the Wessex League this season. They were the final club standing out of 41. Next year, they will receive byes in the first three rounds and enter at the Second Round Proper stage, so they have a good chance of repeating their efforts in 2018/19.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IlDWoxS9rWg/WnjIYv03h-I/AAAAAAAAMpQ/LWHbJhxxW90yQ-a7xETsl18M4bys56cNgCEwYBhgL/s1600/win11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IlDWoxS9rWg/WnjIYv03h-I/AAAAAAAAMpQ/LWHbJhxxW90yQ-a7xETsl18M4bys56cNgCEwYBhgL/s400/win11.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stud inspection.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I travelled to Windsor by train. Arriving at Windsor & Eton Central, the first thing you see is a replica of an old royal steam engine, nicknamed <a href="http://www.victorianweb.org/technology/railways/64.html">"The Queen"</a>, trapped on a rail between buffers and a restaurant, with no way out. It's the sort of thing that would happen in a Thomas the Tank Engine story to an engine that disobeyed the Fat Controller, except it's happened in real-life in Windsor. Any trains pulling in to the terminus would see "The Queen" and know they should behave themselves on the six minute journey to and from Slough...or else!<br />
<br />
You move on from the trapped engine and start walking through a shopping mall. If you're looking for vapes or a cheeky tattoo, then the arcade which you walk through on the way out of the terminus is not for you. Windsor is not Shirley, shall we put it that way?<br />
<br />
Beyond the arcade, you see Windsor Castle looming up out of the drizzle. It's big. I didn't realise how far back it stretches until Saturday. I guess it's the ideal size for the Queen and her growing family when they need a few days away from Buckingham Palace.<br />
<br />
There were lots of tourists.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pGtxmW0ruXQ/WnjIYI4OKkI/AAAAAAAAMpk/dD8R_f78YQcV0HZDYO0e_sPpKAebBiidwCEwYBhgL/s1600/win37.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pGtxmW0ruXQ/WnjIYI4OKkI/AAAAAAAAMpk/dD8R_f78YQcV0HZDYO0e_sPpKAebBiidwCEwYBhgL/s400/win37.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hamble Club attack through the middle...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
From the castle, it's a two mile walk to Stag Meadow, the home of Windsor Football Club. Situated on the edge of Windsor Great Park (aka Liz's back garden, which stretches off towards the horizon in every direction), the club has played here since 1911. When I say "the club", I mean the current incarnation and their immediate predecessors, Windsor & Eton FC, who collapsed and went out of business in 2011, just after pipping AFC Totton to the Southern League Division One South & West title.<br />
<br />
The original club reached the semi-finals of the FA Vase in 1981. This season's last 16 appearance is the reformed Hellenic League club's best run so far in their short existence.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t4J5noJKC7c/WnjIY8kRNBI/AAAAAAAAMps/w54q6-OAVHsZ6SNNTJ3LlMChADhK8M7eACEwYBhgL/s1600/win39.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t4J5noJKC7c/WnjIY8kRNBI/AAAAAAAAMps/w54q6-OAVHsZ6SNNTJ3LlMChADhK8M7eACEwYBhgL/s400/win39.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...and down the left.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Windsor FC play at Stag Meadow, which is a much-loved ground. Many groundhoppers rate it amongst their favourites. And yes, it's an agreeable ground in an attractive setting, so I can see their point. Dotted around outside the ground are stubby oak trees wearing overcoats of ivy to keep the chill out. Making themselves at home in these trees, and flittering between them every few minutes, are a flock of chittering parakeets. They are constantly calling to each other in high-pitched, irritating screeches, sounding just like *insert your two least favourite minor celebrities, probably from Essex, here* having a pointless argument about whose turn it is to peel the potatoes.<br />
<br />
The focal point of Stag Meadow is its old stand, erected in 1948. It's about the same height as the one at <a href="http://hoppingaroundhampshire.blogspot.co.uk/2017/03/cowes-sports-v-sholing.html">Cowes Sports</a>, but not quite as wide. The original wooden stand was burnt down in 1943, twenty years after it was built. At the time, it was said that it had been the victim of enemy action, but the truth is that it was probably an arsonist that had done for it. The "new" stand is still in good condition and now has red plastic seats. It was full on Saturday, apart from a few seats with restricted views towards the edges.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n_b3mibJraw/WnjIaWVmr6I/AAAAAAAAMps/MWa4GI6mlo8Fe4P27nodKj9YPb7u4YQwwCEwYBhgL/s1600/win54.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n_b3mibJraw/WnjIaWVmr6I/AAAAAAAAMps/MWa4GI6mlo8Fe4P27nodKj9YPb7u4YQwwCEwYBhgL/s400/win54.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joy at the final whistle...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There is terracing of between three and six steps around the rest of Stag Meadow, with the far side having cover. However, both ends are open to the drizzle and any other elements that might be out and about.<br />
<br />
The other thing that might be of interest to groundhoppers is that there is a small hut selling old programmes right next to the entrance. Talking of programmes, the club give the match programme away upon entry, and it's a good one. Saturday's issue had two wordsearches. I always check these for inadvertent rude words - the closest I came to any filth in this issue were the words DOGS and SWINDON.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZsAytRPP6gU/WnjIavCAu7I/AAAAAAAAMpw/UQHg6N-5ocY2pIEim6g7p-IrbiDLyAuqACEwYBhgL/s1600/win56.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZsAytRPP6gU/WnjIavCAu7I/AAAAAAAAMpw/UQHg6N-5ocY2pIEim6g7p-IrbiDLyAuqACEwYBhgL/s400/win56.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...and dejection.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I'm not avoiding writing about the match, but I know my main audience is Hampshire football followers, and it was only disappointment for the club's fans and a few local floating fans that I recognised. Nathan Lynch was as effective in the air as he always is (he wins more headers than he has any right to); Nick Watts worked his magic on the right wing...<br />
<br />
But generally, Hamble's forward play was snuffed out by Windsor's well-marshalled defence before it became too dangerous. The official match statistics showed that Hamble only had three efforts on goal, and that none of them were on target. By way of comparison, Windsor had 14 shots, eight of which were on target. The two that really mattered came after 29 and 50 minutes.<br />
<br />
The first goal was set up via a surging run down the right by Jack Denton, who crossed low and hard across the six-yard line, where Riccardo Cannon cleverly flicked the ball over Rory Anderson in Hamble's goal with the outside of his heel.<br />
<br />
The killer second goal, and one that would have graced the turf at Wembley, was by Denton. He picked up the ball from a throw out by the home keeper, and he just ran with it. It was like the Winter Olympics had already started and he was practicing the slalom as he bypassed the entire Hamble team. As he reached the edge of the area, he let fly, and that was that.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RJt8Fz7kOVY/WnjIWXdzC8I/AAAAAAAAMps/yAbylzCW5MEU5uKDzVIm73WHffdPMPgbgCEwYBhgL/s1600/win36.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RJt8Fz7kOVY/WnjIWXdzC8I/AAAAAAAAMps/yAbylzCW5MEU5uKDzVIm73WHffdPMPgbgCEwYBhgL/s400/win36.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Noisy so-and-so.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Windsor's reward for beating Hamble Club is a journey to the north-east to face Stockton of the Northern League Division One. Now, that will be a tough tie.<br />
<br />
Highlights from Saturday's game can be found on <a href="https://www.southcoastjournalism.co.uk/Latest-Videos.php">South Coast Journalism's website</a>. Both goals are worth seeing. There are also match reports <a href="http://www.windsorfc.net/news_match.php?ID=346#verticalTab2">here</a> and <a href="http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/15918639.FA_Vase__End_of_the_road_for_Hamble_Club/">here</a>. More of my photos from the game will be published on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1394407550858881/">HAH Facebook page</a> when I get around to it.<br />
<br />
That's it from the FA Vase this season for Hampshire clubs. I'll be back in two weeks with a game from the Hampshire League, if the weather is kind.Andrew Ormerodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05056455206054228722noreply@blogger.com0Saint Leonard's Road, Windsor SL4 3DU, UK51.469862388096082 -0.6227660179138183651.468625888096085 -0.62528751791381831 51.47109888809608 -0.62024451791381841tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1362713152207826725.post-36981543293746754362018-01-21T22:19:00.000+00:002018-01-21T22:19:21.527+00:00Paulsgrove v Stockbridge<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wF-omAaPHMU/WmT0mLQRMSI/AAAAAAAAMjs/2x4GQqm2mmomZnIyT21QU2YOIWItMGqpwCEwYBhgL/s1600/pfc06.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wF-omAaPHMU/WmT0mLQRMSI/AAAAAAAAMjs/2x4GQqm2mmomZnIyT21QU2YOIWItMGqpwCEwYBhgL/s400/pfc06.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A muddy football at Paulsgrove FC.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span id="goog_47529987"></span><span id="goog_47529988"></span><b>Reader's voice (in bold): Hey Andy, may I be so BOLD as to ask why you were revisiting Paulsgrove on Saturday so soon after your last visit in February 2017? I thought you were covering 60+ clubs in Hampshire...</b><br />
<br />
HAH (me): I know, I know, I try to spread the love, and there's around ten Hampshire League grounds that I haven't yet featured, but this one looked too good to miss. Top versus third, both on excellent runs. It looked like a potentially colossal match-up on paper. Also, I'd effectively promised Stockbridge that I'd feature them in the second half of the season after drawing them out of a Quality Street tin over Christmas when I'd asked the members of the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1394407550858881/?ref=bookmarks">HAH Facebook group</a> and my <a href="https://twitter.com/AndrewRocklob">Twitter</a> followers who they'd like to see on the blog (the other club that I pulled out were Fareham Town, so you'll be able to read about them as well at some point between now and April).<br />
<br />
I'd also enjoyed my last visit to Paulsgrove. The other clubs in the Hampshire League can wait - I'll feature them all eventually.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uARDdG9Y0ps/WmT0pHY87fI/AAAAAAAAMj8/4SqohYNr6iYAhs2Y6d4JalZeK-3KImrawCEwYBhgL/s1600/pfc24.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uARDdG9Y0ps/WmT0pHY87fI/AAAAAAAAMj8/4SqohYNr6iYAhs2Y6d4JalZeK-3KImrawCEwYBhgL/s400/pfc24.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A slightly less muddy football.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u><b>Details:</b></u><br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/paulsgrovefc?lang=en">Paulsgrove FC</a> (1) 1 v 2 (1) <a href="https://stockbridgefc.wordpress.com/">Stockbridge FC</a><br />
Saturday 20th January 2017<br />
New Forest Care Homes Hampshire Premier League Senior Division<br />
Attendance: 45-50<br />
Admission: Nothing, just donations for the half-time cuppa required.<br />
Programme: No<br />
Colours: All dark blue v All red<br />
National Grid reference: <a href="http://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/su6305">SU6305</a><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1iu4ddw0u44/WmT0mJoNQwI/AAAAAAAAMjo/8o3ANggJ9woHeoVqQebjVls2Lxw6weS9wCEwYBhgL/s1600/pfc16.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1iu4ddw0u44/WmT0mJoNQwI/AAAAAAAAMjo/8o3ANggJ9woHeoVqQebjVls2Lxw6weS9wCEwYBhgL/s400/pfc16.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stockbridge attack with the motorway junction signs not too far away.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Has anything changed at Paulsgrove since last year?</b><br />
<br />
Very little, other than the usual turnover of players. The clubhouse is still well-protected from vandalism, as I'm afraid it needs to be around here. Inside, the 40 or 50 spectators mix with the players and club officials at half-time to help themselves to tea, coffee or Bovril in exchange for a donation. The pitch is surrounded by railings, smartly painted in club colours, with the two dugouts the only other "furniture" at the ground. It's possible that in the future that they might add seating or covered standing, but there's nothing there at the moment. To keep dry on Saturday, it was either bring your own umbrella or stand under a tree.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tumJbQsBiQU/WmT0mKnvCiI/AAAAAAAAMjw/1hGorvEIjvwGATAK7xeazecZA0CR-j3XACEwYBhgL/s1600/pfc14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tumJbQsBiQU/WmT0mKnvCiI/AAAAAAAAMjw/1hGorvEIjvwGATAK7xeazecZA0CR-j3XACEwYBhgL/s400/pfc14.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Away dugout at half-time.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>You predicted that Paulsgrove would win the league this year, didn't you?</b><br />
<br />
I did indeed when I ran a pre-season preview on the Facebook group page. I said words to the effect that anybody who finished above Bush Hill would win the league, and I predicted that Paulsgrove would be that club. I was impressed with them when I saw them twice last season and I had a strong hunch that their chairman, Rich Bessey, would improve them even further. They finished fourth last time out, and this season, they'd won 12 out of 14 going in to this match. Their main rivals, Bush Hill and Infinity, are both a few places behind, but both have games in hand. It should be an exciting second half of the season in this league.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Icsq9s_L_E4/WmT0nwwOoQI/AAAAAAAAMkQ/fZHakibR0sIapoClb2l_8ZbUMf2LPQ9dgCEwYBhgL/s1600/pfc17.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Icsq9s_L_E4/WmT0nwwOoQI/AAAAAAAAMkQ/fZHakibR0sIapoClb2l_8ZbUMf2LPQ9dgCEwYBhgL/s400/pfc17.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Penalty save!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Do the winners of the Hampshire League get automatic promotion to the Wessex League?</b><br />
<br />
No, they do not. Anybody who wants to move up has to apply to the FA Leagues Committee by the end of the calendar year. The FALC will then inspect the applicants' facilities to make sure they comply with the various rules and regulations, e.g., they have to have certain size dressing rooms, floodlights, covered seating, amongst other things. If they don't comply, or can't show that they will comply by a certain date, their application will be rejected. Applicants also have to finish in the top five of their league at the end of a "normal" season. However, this is not a "normal" season, as a new league is being created in the Midlands, and to accommodate this, more clubs from step 7 (equivalent leagues to the Hampshire League) will be needed to backfill the spaces vacated by clubs being promoted or transferred to this new Midland league. Thus, clubs that finish outside the top five may be promoted this year.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jNT7JBiuqDc/WmT0pcHp9tI/AAAAAAAAMkU/9WzL3aeIWfgHTp8p8MS5gPMlu7r9L7WswCEwYBhgL/s1600/pfc34.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jNT7JBiuqDc/WmT0pcHp9tI/AAAAAAAAMkU/9WzL3aeIWfgHTp8p8MS5gPMlu7r9L7WswCEwYBhgL/s400/pfc34.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paulsgrove shoot! This one went just wide.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Have Paulsgrove applied for promotion?</b><br />
<br />
No, they have not. I'm sure that they're well aware that their facilities would fall short of the FALC's requirements. However, opponents Stockbridge have applied, along with Infinity and Sway from the Hampshire League, as have Swanage Town & Herston and Shrewton United, from Dorset and Wiltshire respectively, all of whom fall within the Wessex League's footprint. As a former Wessex League club, Stockbridge should certainly pass the inspectors' exams. I don't know about Infinity or Sway - it will probably depend if they have concrete plans for floodlights and the other things necessary to pass.<br />
<br />
If Paulsgrove want to move on up to play at the higher level, they would probably have to move if the council don't allow them to develop Marsden Road to the required standard. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xz_TVd5ltgk/WmT0o52eFYI/AAAAAAAAMkY/PO6PiXt3QE0fJMUKCDjp5Ak26S8Gy2BkgCEwYBhgL/s1600/pfc32.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xz_TVd5ltgk/WmT0o52eFYI/AAAAAAAAMkY/PO6PiXt3QE0fJMUKCDjp5Ak26S8Gy2BkgCEwYBhgL/s400/pfc32.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sensible spectators with umbrellas.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Did the match live up to expectations?</b><br />
<br />
It certainly did! The pitch passed an inspection a couple of hours before kick-off, but the rain hadn't stopped falling all morning, so it was wet and muddy at the start, and it only got worse as the game went on, players losing their footing and sliding hither and thither over the surface. It was like being transported back to the 1970s when matches were regularly played in these sort of conditions.<br />
<br />
Stockbridge started the brightest as the home side found it tricky adapting to the conditions. Rory Hunter-Brown hit the bar from 25 yards in the second minute with the home keeper beaten. Stocky kept up the pressure and deservedly took the lead after 21 minutes when Callum Buck struck a long-distance shot which Adam Walker couldn't hold. The ball rebounded in to the path of the oncoming Liam Dufall who side-footed in to the unguarded net.<br />
<br />
Their lead only lasted two minutes as the Grove struck back almost immediately. A shot from the right was blocked, but fell to Danny Lane with his back to goal. Instead of turning or passing, he decided to surprise the away side's keeper, Pete Roberts, by backheeling the ball into the net from six yards.<br />
<br />
Stockbridge nearly retook the lead in the 39th minute as Buck tried his luck from distance again. Another one against the bar.<br />
<br />
This was turning in to a great game. I don't know if the players were enjoying themselves (probably not!), but the gathering of 50 or so spectators were being hugely entertained on a miserable rainy afternoon. The home fans nearly had a goal to cheer straight from kick-off in the second half as a Stockbridge defender made an error, letting Alex Miroy through one-on-one with Roberts. Miroy aimed to his left, but Roberts pulled off a terrific save, parrying the ball away for a corner. From this corner, the Grove players were convinced that the ball had crossed the line, echoing a controversial decision <a href="http://hoppingaroundhampshire.blogspot.co.uk/2017/02/paulsgrove-v-colden-common.html">the last time I was here</a>, when they scored the winner against Colden Common when the visitors were convinced that their keeper had stopped the ball crossing the line. It wasn't to be this time as the ref waved play on.<br />
<br />
Pulsating stuff.<br />
<br />
Buck was played through on 50 minutes, but was tripped in the area. Penalty to Stockbridge! Steven Lace stepped up, and...well, you can see what happened in the photo...saved by Walker!<br />
<br />
And so it went on. Stockbridge on top for 20 minutes. Paulsgrove with the majority of the play for the last 20 minutes and the most likely to score a winner in that time. But there was a twist in the 93rd minute. Stockbridge substitute Lewis Price-Lloyd was in the right place at the right time to score the winner with a diving header, causing pandemonium amongst his team-mates as they all slid in to congratulate him on what was a most unexpected victory.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jR_04SP4KM0/WmT0q-qQZsI/AAAAAAAAMkY/bHam5ksAozc8SXEBeD8EiidZM7TExpwBQCEwYBhgL/s1600/pfc39.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jR_04SP4KM0/WmT0q-qQZsI/AAAAAAAAMkY/bHam5ksAozc8SXEBeD8EiidZM7TExpwBQCEwYBhgL/s400/pfc39.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stockbridge celebrate a famous victory!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Sounds great! I wish I'd been there!</b><br />
<br />
You should have been! There weren't many matches on locally, so I believe there were a few local floating fans at Marsden Road, including one groundhopper who spoke to me near the end as he saw me taking photos. I should have asked him how far he'd travelled, but I was preoccupied with trying to keep my camera dry (which I failed to do...). If you're at a loose end on a Saturday between now and the end of the season, I'd recommend you go along and see either of these two sides - they're both playing well, and you never know, you might be watching the league champions-elect (Paulsgrove, despite Saturday's defeat) or a club which may be promoted to the Wessex League come the end of April.<br />
<br />
<b>Where are you going next Andy?</b><br />
<br />
HAH is having a week off next Saturday. I'll probably be at Follands v Romsey Town if the weather is kind. I'll be writing and taking photos again in a fortnight, when I'll be following one of our local clubs on a right royal day out in a national cup competition. I'll leave you to work that one out...<br />
<br />
There will be more photos from this game on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1394407550858881/">HAH Facebook page</a> when I get round to uploading them. There won't be as many as usual for reasons that I won't bore you with, but hey, some is better than none!Andrew Ormerodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05056455206054228722noreply@blogger.com01 Marsden Rd, Portsmouth PO6 4HE, UK50.848196160533881 -1.094598770141601650.846943160533883 -1.0971202701416016 50.849449160533879 -1.0920772701416015tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1362713152207826725.post-68946850530501156262018-01-08T18:25:00.000+00:002018-01-08T18:25:47.003+00:00Bush Hill v Sway<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b27vbedcdgI/WlJIftQa6xI/AAAAAAAAMaY/dAVIWKufvBo7e_3LjUi5Oy6iX8mKgFaTQCEwYBhgL/s1600/bh01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b27vbedcdgI/WlJIftQa6xI/AAAAAAAAMaY/dAVIWKufvBo7e_3LjUi5Oy6iX8mKgFaTQCEwYBhgL/s400/bh01.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bush Hill walk out on to the pitch in front of Southampton's ex-tallest building, Millbrook Towers.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Has anyone escaped the Christmas and New Year lurgy this year? I don't know anyone who hasn't been sneezing, sniffling or barking up phlegm over the past fortnight. At the height (or should that be the depths?) of my own affliction, I was flat on my back, watching the ceiling bounce up and then jounce down again very very slowly as if it was on a length of elastic. I was hallucinating, seeing faces in the artex.<br />
<br />
Up there above my sweating torso was Joe Root, explaining how beastly the Aussies were being to his cricket team, but not in his usual voice - it was deep, gravelly and distorted, like a badass buckled foghorn. And then there was Leon Osman, Everton stalwart and now BBC football pundit, with his trademark cheeky smile. But his mouth was getting wider and wider until it extended from one side of the ceiling to the other, bent out of shape so that it looked more like a conger eel than a human mouth.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_wRpmLJYRnU/WlJIeENezTI/AAAAAAAAMaQ/iTxaRLbR5VAyJB8Y8v4LSBagIxyUVWEiACEwYBhgL/s1600/bh06.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_wRpmLJYRnU/WlJIeENezTI/AAAAAAAAMaQ/iTxaRLbR5VAyJB8Y8v4LSBagIxyUVWEiACEwYBhgL/s400/bh06.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bush Hill celebrate their first goal in front of the shorter, four-storey flats at the lower end of the pitch.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u><b>Details:</b></u><br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/">Bush Hill FC</a> (1) 5 v 2 (0) <a href="http://www.swayfootballclub.co.uk/">Sway FC</a><br />
Saturday 6th January 2018<br />
New Forest Care Homes Hampshire Premier League Senior Division<br />
Attendance: c50<br />
Admission: None<br />
Programme: No<br />
Colours: Red and black / black / red and white v Yellow / blue / yellow<br />
National Grid reference: <a href="http://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/su3714">SU3714</a><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0Bl3eaVNfa8/WlJIezJlvOI/AAAAAAAAMaU/l_W_k3eoMtgLEff_vy7bWwVAPrLsm3zYQCEwYBhgL/s1600/bh14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0Bl3eaVNfa8/WlJIezJlvOI/AAAAAAAAMaU/l_W_k3eoMtgLEff_vy7bWwVAPrLsm3zYQCEwYBhgL/s400/bh14.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stripy dressing room containers.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When I eventually did fall asleep, my sleep-dreams were just as weird as my waking hallucinations. At one point, I'd grown an extra pair of legs which had sprouted through my eye sockets and I was scootling around a football pitch. But I was tiny - blades of grass were arching over me, keeping me hidden from the view of those above. And there were plenty of people there - there was a match going on way above me.<br />
<br />
But I had more to worry about than being trodden on by a pair of Adidas size nines. Spiders were closing in on me from all sides, fangs bared, their multiple eyes all pointing my way, dribbling venom from their fangs. There was no way out...<br />
<br />
But of course there was a way out. All I had to do was wake up and Leon Osman would save me with his conger eel mouth.<br />
<br />
But that's enough about me. How was your Christmas break?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2T6_w898sAM/WlJIf4AsBKI/AAAAAAAAMac/ruhxHLHMffQ4xMfHlrGHGVjMFhZZUVpsQCEwYBhgL/s1600/bh17.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2T6_w898sAM/WlJIf4AsBKI/AAAAAAAAMac/ruhxHLHMffQ4xMfHlrGHGVjMFhZZUVpsQCEwYBhgL/s400/bh17.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She's behind you! Wasn't she in one of my hallucinations?!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I was missing my football whilst lying there, sweating and worrying. So it was good to get back on Saturday. My first choice was to travel on the coach to Westfields in Hereford for Hamble Club's FA Vase match (which they won 4-1 to reach the last 16). However, I didn't feel quite well enough yet to travel such a long way, so I decided to stay local for the first HAH of 2018.<br />
<br />
For me, it doesn't get any more local than Bush Hill, who play on Mansel Park on the Millbrook estate in Southampton. I don't know what you consider to be walking distance, but for me, with Bush Hill being 25 minutes from my house, that counts as within walking distance of where I live. Add on another five minutes, and I could have been at Test Park, home of Team Solent, or another 10 minutes, and I could be at QK Southampton FC - all of which I consider to be within walking distance for me. Another half an hour would take me to the two Totton grounds, which is fine if the weather is reasonable.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PrHUytu0CNQ/WlJIgnznKMI/AAAAAAAAMag/yYWU329YAbc698VELF7Hrta5EP_PMTCdgCEwYBhgL/s1600/bh37.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PrHUytu0CNQ/WlJIgnznKMI/AAAAAAAAMag/yYWU329YAbc698VELF7Hrta5EP_PMTCdgCEwYBhgL/s400/bh37.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No! More! Handbags!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The Millbrook estate was built in the early 1960s as a council estate. Thousands of people have lived in the area over the years. Millbrook Towers, which overlooks Mansel Park, was Southampton's tallest building for over 50 years, only losing that honour in 2014, when Moresby Tower was constructed in Ocean Village. Apparently, several more skyscraping buildings are to be built over the next few years, which will give Southampton the new nickname of Singapore-on-The-Solent (probably).<br />
<br />
You'd think that a football pitch on a public park on an old council estate wouldn't be very photogenic, but the opposite is true. Everywhere the camera points, there is something of interest in the background. Behind the red and black stripy containers which house the dressing rooms, a kitchen area and spectator toilets, you can see The Saints pub. At night, this pub has searchlights switched on which swivel around searching for Nazi bombers.<br />
<br />
Blue buses and red buses stop outside the pub, picking up the locals to take them to Shirley and the city centre, bringing them back again later with bags full of shopping.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-syRNC4ZbxT4/WlJIiJ0CyeI/AAAAAAAAMak/W9gkmsrSVtYsvOoBG1LBVNsddWiEXE-aACEwYBhgL/s1600/bh62.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-syRNC4ZbxT4/WlJIiJ0CyeI/AAAAAAAAMak/W9gkmsrSVtYsvOoBG1LBVNsddWiEXE-aACEwYBhgL/s400/bh62.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crunch!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Creeping up the hill to the right of the pub, there are stark-looking concrete flats. To their right is Millbrook Towers, which is encircled by a curious mural with a pair of giant tits* looking down upon a fox and a badger who guard one of the entrances along with an enormous hedgehog. Around the corner from them is a young woman in a purple top, whose eyes follow you wherever you go in the park. I'm sure she lives in my ceiling as well.<br />
<br />
There are the types of trees that you associate with bogland over the other side of the park - indeed, a lot of Mansel Park was ankle deep in water and mud as I walked across it towards the railed off pitch before the match. The people who look after the pitch have done wonders since the club moved here in 2013, as they had loads of matches called off due to waterlogging at first. That's now a rare occurrence.<br />
<br />
All Saints Church, a couple of playgrounds and some brown-brick flats complete the surroundings.<br />
<br />
*The feathered type, obviously.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7SHjtEgliic/WlJIiec3oSI/AAAAAAAAMas/-Nq6-WJ4L2EucYw211puryBRA_XL0ngiwCEwYBhgL/s1600/bh47.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7SHjtEgliic/WlJIiec3oSI/AAAAAAAAMas/-Nq6-WJ4L2EucYw211puryBRA_XL0ngiwCEwYBhgL/s400/bh47.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sway attacking down the left.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Bush Hill have existed since 2002, when two local clubs, AFC Maybush and Lordshill SAS, merged. With their combined resources, they were able to win the Southampton Saturday League five times in a row before moving up to the Hampshire League. This is now their fifth season at county level.<br />
<br />
Dressed in Saints shorts and stockings, and playing next to the Saints Pub, Bush Hill can only come from one city.<br />
<br />
They are current champions of the Hampshire Premier Football League, whereas their opponents on Saturday, Sway, from the New Forest, are playing at this level for the first time after being promoted last season. The home side sat in mid-table, but with only one defeat all season and several games in hand, they are well-placed to move up in the second half of the season. They took the lead after 6 minutes when a corner fell at the feet of Sean Haines 10 yards from goal. He confidently slotted the ball home.<br />
<br />
And so it stayed until the 50th minute, with Sway holding their own in an entertaining tussle. Nathan Gray broke forward on the right and crossed for Cain Prentice, unmarked 6 yards out to poke the ball underneath Sway's keeper to put Bush Hill two up.<br />
<br />
Ten minutes later, Prentice ran at Sway's defence and crossed for Ben Addams to score a similar goal to make it 3-0. The goals were coming at 10 minute intervals now, as Prentice made it 4-0 with a low drive from outside the box after 70 minutes.<br />
<br />
With the result no longer in doubt, Sway's number 10 scored a consolation after 75 minutes with a daisy cutter from 25 yards. The same player pulled the score back to 4-2 after 79 minutes, much to the frustration of Bush Hill's manager, who accused his players of "switching off". If Sway had scored again, there might have been panic in the Bush Hill ranks, but it wasn't to be, as the final goal came just before the final whistle, with Prentice completing his hat-trick from close range.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8t2Pj_JLYy4/WlJIifWNViI/AAAAAAAAMao/F-TQOpY41WkBBQ5V5CsnA2HytZS0v2tEACEwYBhgL/s1600/bh65.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8t2Pj_JLYy4/WlJIifWNViI/AAAAAAAAMao/F-TQOpY41WkBBQ5V5CsnA2HytZS0v2tEACEwYBhgL/s400/bh65.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saints shorts, Saints stockings, Saints pub. It can only be Bush Hill FC.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I mentioned that Mansel Park makes for some interesting photographs. Once I've uploaded them, you will be able to see more from the match on the HAH Facebook page <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1394407550858881/">here</a>. I intend to feature more Hampshire League teams throughout the rest of the season. Look out for the next one in two weeks.<br />
<br />
I wasn't aware of his presence at the time, but another groundhopping blogger (who had travelled down from Manchester) was also at the match. You wait all season for one blogger, then you get two at the same match... You can read his report <a href="http://stevebthegroundhopper.blogspot.co.uk/2018/01/bush-hill-v-sway.html">here</a>. <br />
<br />
I've been doing this for exactly seven years now. Thanks to everybody who has ever looked in and enjoyed what I've done. There's been over 200,000 page views since January 2011, which isn't too bad.Andrew Ormerodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05056455206054228722noreply@blogger.com0230 Kendal Ave, Southampton SO16 9LT, UK50.928871688185446 -1.462426185607910250.926369688185446 -1.4674686856079102 50.931373688185445 -1.45738368560791tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1362713152207826725.post-28361989963271273162017-12-03T12:42:00.001+00:002017-12-03T13:04:55.247+00:00Hamble Club v Horndean<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w17tv5Fg-Eg/WiPkvB2TaaI/AAAAAAAAL5s/oYcJfGnm5iE1_fSsmvzJfDgWePBVO-17ACLcBGAs/s1600/ha00.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1143" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w17tv5Fg-Eg/WiPkvB2TaaI/AAAAAAAAL5s/oYcJfGnm5iE1_fSsmvzJfDgWePBVO-17ACLcBGAs/s400/ha00.JPG" width="285" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This way to FA Vase action...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span id="goog_779770109"></span><span id="goog_779770110"></span>I don't have time to write a long report this week. There's reasons, but I'm not going to tell you what they are. However, I was at Hamble Club yesterday and I took a few pictures, so I thought it would be remiss of me not to share some of them with you.<br />
<br />
Consider this a "Picture Special". Normal service will be resumed after Christmas when I'm not quite so busy with life.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nRYzyOPz8HE/WiPkuUYjU2I/AAAAAAAAL5o/tNiCSL1wnAMSJwguxtKVE8SdrFhVQJKEgCLcBGAs/s1600/ha04.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nRYzyOPz8HE/WiPkuUYjU2I/AAAAAAAAL5o/tNiCSL1wnAMSJwguxtKVE8SdrFhVQJKEgCLcBGAs/s400/ha04.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pre-match handshakes.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u><b>Details:</b></u><br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/HambleClubFC?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor">Hamble Club FC</a> (1) 2 v 1 (1) <a href="https://www.horndeanfc.co.uk/">Horndean FC</a><br />
Buildbase FA Vase Third Round Proper<br />
Saturday 2nd December 2017<br />
Attendance: 74<br />
Admission: £5<br />
Programme: £1<br />
Colours: All yellow v All red<br />
National Grid reference: <a href="http://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/su4707">SU4707</a><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K6SRVxP2YrY/WiPkv8LSvKI/AAAAAAAAL5w/_lAw82SZA3IbrXNGqPd9AFWK4MHgXFzvACLcBGAs/s1600/CSC_1738.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K6SRVxP2YrY/WiPkv8LSvKI/AAAAAAAAL5w/_lAw82SZA3IbrXNGqPd9AFWK4MHgXFzvACLcBGAs/s400/CSC_1738.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The yellow stand as it was in January 2017.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Hamble Club have expanded their little yellow stand since I last took photos at the ground. Above is a picture from January, whereas below is a picture from yesterday. Spot the difference! The original stand has had extensions added on both sides. On the left, as you look at it, are covered seats for away officials, whereas on the near side in the picture below is the longer extension which can be used by anybody. There are three rows of bench seats all the way along, giving enough covered shelter for well over 100 spectators in inclement weather.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ihDGEM7r12A/WiPk2BN9tzI/AAAAAAAAL6E/UwBNNTxvag0-SajfU5gEBuTVo6T3sw__wCLcBGAs/s1600/ha10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ihDGEM7r12A/WiPk2BN9tzI/AAAAAAAAL6E/UwBNNTxvag0-SajfU5gEBuTVo6T3sw__wCLcBGAs/s400/ha10.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hamble Club's extended stand in December 2017.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Yesterday's match was an FA Vase Third Round Proper tie (the fifth round in all, including two preliminary rounds). Hamble Club entered this national competition for the first time ever this year, which means they've never been beaten in a competition at a national level (they'll be able to enter the FA Cup for the first time next season). Rivals from their Hampshire League days, Baffins Milton Rovers, have also entered the Vase for the first time this season - unfortunately, they lost 4-1 at Combined Counties League Horley Town yesterday.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ztmQYWM7WyQ/WiPkyGD2zHI/AAAAAAAAL50/EluBZaZz9bk404rCIveS3CUEK66FS2vQACLcBGAs/s1600/ha06.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ztmQYWM7WyQ/WiPkyGD2zHI/AAAAAAAAL50/EluBZaZz9bk404rCIveS3CUEK66FS2vQACLcBGAs/s400/ha06.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This landscape shot captures the only blue sky of the afternoon.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This was opponents' Horndean's 20th attempt at reaching the latter stages of the competition. They'd never gone beyond the Third Round before (losing to Bemerton Heath Harlequins at this stage in 2012). Someone was going to be a record breaker by the end of the afternoon.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LFIuQkg_XRI/WiPkynYhEoI/AAAAAAAAL54/tCadT6mvkv0c2S118anhhCeq13ajOZ_nQCLcBGAs/s1600/ha11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LFIuQkg_XRI/WiPkynYhEoI/AAAAAAAAL54/tCadT6mvkv0c2S118anhhCeq13ajOZ_nQCLcBGAs/s400/ha11.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Horndean on the offensive...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It was to be the home side who extended their own best (only) effort, but not before they'd fallen behind to a spectacular Miles Everrett goal in the third minute. Everrett latched on to a bouncing ball 40 yards out and let fly. I was in the perfect position to capture goalkeeper Sam Webb's desperate attempt to keep the ball out of his net as it flew over his head...<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k9kuvoLsVM8/WiPk195rypI/AAAAAAAAL6A/47uGDN0MFwUbf5GgMc5q6saMLQ05sA8VQCLcBGAs/s1600/ha22.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k9kuvoLsVM8/WiPk195rypI/AAAAAAAAL6A/47uGDN0MFwUbf5GgMc5q6saMLQ05sA8VQCLcBGAs/s400/ha22.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...and Hamble Club on the attack.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
...but I thought the ball was going over and wide, so I didn't bother taking a photo...<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r8OxaiUIW4s/WiPk1aB3afI/AAAAAAAAL58/yVWI-Viuvm0ZP-CkzS4RRE35dai0V4apACLcBGAs/s1600/ha25.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r8OxaiUIW4s/WiPk1aB3afI/AAAAAAAAL58/yVWI-Viuvm0ZP-CkzS4RRE35dai0V4apACLcBGAs/s400/ha25.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hamble Club congratulate each other after Mo Nyang's equaliser.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Everyone in the ground was shocked when the ball dipped at the last moment, finding the top corner, an inch below the bar, an inch inside the post. I didn't even manage to photograph the celebrations because (a) I couldn't resist clapping and (b) there were so many Hamble players between me and the group hug. So much for this being a Picture Special...<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/---QKOSWA_nA/WiPk4sLt6bI/AAAAAAAAL6I/y8Tul13m0-AOvRqynJvHMFhO26WMACaxgCLcBGAs/s1600/ha33.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/---QKOSWA_nA/WiPk4sLt6bI/AAAAAAAAL6I/y8Tul13m0-AOvRqynJvHMFhO26WMACaxgCLcBGAs/s400/ha33.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Totally unnecessary fisheye effect as the teams emerge for the second period.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The man near me said that it had been "a game of two halves in the same half" as the interval approached. He was right - Horndean had dominated the opening twenty minutes, but Hamble had played their way back in to take the honours later in the half - literally, as Mo Nyang scored from close range to equalise in the 41st minute.<br />
<br />
The second half was more end-to-end than the first. I couldn't call the result as either side could have scored the winner. It was the team in yellow who got it though, as Nathan Lynch looped a header in to the far corner after 64 minutes to win the tie. Hamble Club join Blackfield & Langley and Newport (IW) as the Wessex league's representatives in Monday's draw for the last 32, which will remain semi-regionalised before the competition goes fully national in February.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oDqWgg38Lzk/WiPk5MebnBI/AAAAAAAAL6M/dMP4j4DExBwD5YGtgylqZA0Go4BUejAgwCLcBGAs/s1600/ha34.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oDqWgg38Lzk/WiPk5MebnBI/AAAAAAAAL6M/dMP4j4DExBwD5YGtgylqZA0Go4BUejAgwCLcBGAs/s400/ha34.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It wouldn't be right if I didn't finish off with the traditional arty shot...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
More photos will be posted on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1394407550858881/">HAH Facebook page</a> later today. There is a report from The Echo <a href="http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/football/nonleague/15698751.Lynch_keeps_Hamble_Club_s_FA_Vase_dream_alive/?ref=fbpg">here</a>.<br />
<br />
Now I know how to write a match report in 15 minutes flat! I'll make more effort next time, I promise. HAH will be back after Christmas. Have a fun few weeks.Andrew Ormerodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05056455206054228722noreply@blogger.com084 Hamble Ln, Hamble-le-Rice, Southampton SO31 4HU, UK50.865019599340428 -1.328573226928710950.860008599340425 -1.3386582269287108 50.870030599340431 -1.318488226928711tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1362713152207826725.post-77145492191163398132017-11-20T20:56:00.000+00:002017-11-26T21:45:53.602+00:00Netley Central Sports v Infinity<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2J7vR4z9bII/WhGOtOSsa1I/AAAAAAAALzM/LUa6OkKaaZIAvhk1T78Nh9-HOhlJmSKIwCLcBGAs/s1600/ncs000.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2J7vR4z9bII/WhGOtOSsa1I/AAAAAAAALzM/LUa6OkKaaZIAvhk1T78Nh9-HOhlJmSKIwCLcBGAs/s400/ncs000.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A stylised Netley Abbey upon a shield. Now that's a proper badge! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We all have them. Little everyday irritations. You'll have your own, no doubt, and some of them may coincide with mine, but we're all different, so we'll agree to differ on certain subjects. I'm a Marmite and liquorice kind of guy; you're a Brussels sprout and parsnip kind of person. I'm not going to change my mind, and you won't be changing yours, so if we meet, let's just get on and enjoy the things we have in common whilst we're together.<br />
<br />
However, as I'm in charge here (above the comments line, anyway), I'm going to let you know some of my bugbears in case we ever do have a chinwag - I have them all on a spreadsheet, so I can order them if I want to and delete them if I mellow with age (unlikely). Here's some of the worst:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li> Let's start with the workplace, and people who "build their own personal brand". I'm well aware that's what we're all supposed to do to get on in life - create a slightly over-the-top LinkedIn profile, dress to impress, talk quite loudly using buzzwords to cover up the fact that we don't really know what we're talking about, mingle with influencers, make out we're having a more interesting time than we really are on social media...I know how to do it, but just count me out. I'm me. I don't have a personal brand. Take me or leave me, but don't ever accuse me of having a personal brand.</li>
<li>Related to the world of work, there are many many phrases that irritate me - "Assume makes an ass out of you and me", "There's no I in team", and so on. And then there are the people who have scrums instead of meetings...</li>
</ul>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HSklKEMEP_E/WhH3ypIZgdI/AAAAAAAALz4/40kub7K7RTEwFqjBfpf9uYrE_-8T2ygUgCLcBGAs/s1600/ncs02.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HSklKEMEP_E/WhH3ypIZgdI/AAAAAAAALz4/40kub7K7RTEwFqjBfpf9uYrE_-8T2ygUgCLcBGAs/s400/ncs02.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A pair of Infinity players encourage one another as they emerge from the changing rooms.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u><b>Details:</b></u><br />
<a href="https://netleycentralsportsfc.wordpress.com/">Netley Central Sports FC</a> (1) 2 v 0 (0) <a href="https://infinityfc.org.uk/default.aspx">Infinity FC</a><br />
Trophyman Southampton Divisional FA Senior Cup Third Round<br />
Saturday 18th November 2017<br />
Attendance: 20-ish<br />
Admission: No<br />
Programme: No<br />
Colours: Blue with white sash / blue / blue v All yellow<br />
National Grid reference: <a href="http://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/su4508">SU4508</a><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vk8B-CJhC84/WhGOtsorQ0I/AAAAAAAALzQ/TbGklHVLpV8mOxM6KRLFhw-hT5i4I6TUwCEwYBhgL/s1600/ncs10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vk8B-CJhC84/WhGOtsorQ0I/AAAAAAAALzQ/TbGklHVLpV8mOxM6KRLFhw-hT5i4I6TUwCEwYBhgL/s400/ncs10.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Danny Phillips on the attack for Infinity.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Carrying on with the irritations...<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>I mentioned scrums. Well, rugby union is right up there on my list. I Just Don't Understand It. I know it's photogenic, I know they're all supposed to be gentlemen (even the players who gouge other players' eyes?!), but I will never ever understand the rules or the general appeal.</li>
<li>People who say "Confused dot com" instead of "Confused". Don't do it.</li>
<li>People who call Berkshire the "M4 Corridor". It's Berkshire.</li>
<li>Dog owners who let their pets slobber all over my crotch when I walk across the park so that I have to go home to change my trousers, and then say "he's only playing!"</li>
<li>Pub quiz cheaters. What's the point of entering a quiz and then looking up all the answers on a smartphone? It's the equivalent of doping in sport. Beyond annoying for all the other teams who do it "clean".</li>
<li>Premiership football and the tedious circus that surrounds it. Do I really have to explain this one?</li>
</ul>
There are many more irritations on my spreadsheet, and they grow almost daily. It's an age thing.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c7hzlqriDkI/WhGOtE10vrI/AAAAAAAALzI/VTZvURcxgzgabspuuLCEoAqk1lIgHoK0ACEwYBhgL/s1600/ncs33.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c7hzlqriDkI/WhGOtE10vrI/AAAAAAAALzI/VTZvURcxgzgabspuuLCEoAqk1lIgHoK0ACEwYBhgL/s400/ncs33.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matthew Watts scores Netley's first whilst a man checks his phone on the balcony of one of the flats overlooking the Rec.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Footballers and the people who run the clubs that they play for will have their big irritations as well, and I'm sure a lot of them will be similar to one another. At the level that I watched on Saturday, with a match being played on a village recreation ground, there's the doggy doo on the pitch. Probably left by the same dog that slobbered all over my trousers. Two of the most useful tools in the groundsman's arsenal are his poop scoop and bucket. Sure enough, there was a foul, steaming lump discovered in the penalty box before kick-off at Netley Central Sports, delaying the start by a few minutes. Not nice. Had the dog owner never heard of poobags?<br />
<br />
Then there's the more general irritations suffered by the players, all dutifully recorded by pros in <i>Shoot!</i>'s <i>Focus On...</i> feature during the 1970s, 80s and early 90s. <i>Biggest Drag In Soccer</i> or <i>Miscellaneous Dislikes</i> is where they would record the fact that they didn't like losing, bad refs, or going shopping with the missus. If you search the internet, you will find some...<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BUu11RRzxPw/UkthLwsdoII/AAAAAAAAK3k/ftolGZXZQMw/s1600/Glenn+Hoddle+Shoot.jpg">Glenn Hoddle</a> didn't like flying or losing to Wrexham.</li>
<li>Alan Biley loved punk, but disliked ignorant people.</li>
<li><a href="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CmWE-_VWAAAdVjP.jpg">Frank Worthington's</a> biggest disappointment was not getting the lead role in The Incredible Hulk. Me too!</li>
</ul>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E7JUeBv9tSQ/WhGOxohAYPI/AAAAAAAALzY/7BO0kcI8RmEn8VJ4yOFZcFhJMHn6x4z8QCEwYBhgL/s1600/ncs42.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1143" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E7JUeBv9tSQ/WhGOxohAYPI/AAAAAAAALzY/7BO0kcI8RmEn8VJ4yOFZcFhJMHn6x4z8QCEwYBhgL/s400/ncs42.JPG" width="285" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One for the <a href="https://twitter.com/crapfootyphotos">Crap Football Photos</a> Twitter account. They don't like unnecessary filters or slightly out of focus players or refs.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
But I digress (to be honest, I've spent the last seven years on HAH digressing. One day, I'll actually write an entire piece about a football match...). Saturday's trip was to the recreation ground in the centre of Netley, a village to the south of Southampton (to my readers in the north - yes, there are places further south than Southampton). It's a typical village rec - there's a playground, a basketball/games court and one of those new-fangled outdoor exercise facilities that look like a playground, but are meant for adults to do "steps" or whatever. And there's doggy doo bins, thank goodness.<br />
<br />
The roped off football pitch is raised above the rest of the field and is fairly flat. There's a drop of two metres or so behind the far goal, which means you can effectively watch a game at pitch level at that end. There are six floodlight poles, but no evidence that they work, as the match was played entirely in daylight. The changing rooms look fairly new, and have a tea hatch on the right-hand side as you look at it. 50p for a cuppa. Good value.<br />
<br />
All in all, a perfectly acceptable venue for a local cup game. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y3pD0B4C8xs/WhGOwSX8FgI/AAAAAAAALzk/FpKEDJ9dgiEUg0X2x0kKZW8IDmFmjHeygCEwYBhgL/s1600/ncs59.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1143" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y3pD0B4C8xs/WhGOwSX8FgI/AAAAAAAALzk/FpKEDJ9dgiEUg0X2x0kKZW8IDmFmjHeygCEwYBhgL/s400/ncs59.JPG" width="285" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matthew Watts does the aeroplane celebration after scoring his and Netley's second.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The competition was the Southampton Divisional FA's Senior Cup, and both clubs had reached the last 16. Now, this is normally contested by men's football clubs within the local FA's area, from approximately the level that teams like Winchester City and AFC Totton play, down to Southampton Saturday League sides, with the final being a potentially once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the players to play at St Mary's Stadium. But this season is extra-special, as the competition is 100 years old, and Southampton FC have entered and are competing for the trophy. Granted, not the first team, but their under-23s. Still, even their u23s are good enough to stick 12 past Hampshire Premier League side QK Southampton, so they're clear favourites to lift the trophy.<br />
<br />
Netley Central Sports play in Division One of the Hampshire Premier Football League (level 12 in the English football pyramid), whereas Saturday's opponents, Infinity FC, play one level higher in the same league's Senior Division. Thus, pre-match, a win for Netley would be unexpected.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4TLRy4hySzA/WhGOymIMcsI/AAAAAAAALzk/6YXxYeTRvjUnviQX3_nUM15jbCQts77mwCEwYBhgL/s1600/ncs71.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4TLRy4hySzA/WhGOymIMcsI/AAAAAAAALzk/6YXxYeTRvjUnviQX3_nUM15jbCQts77mwCEwYBhgL/s400/ncs71.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What is this? The Matthew Watts Fan Club Page? Even goalscoring heroes have to tuck the corner flags away in a safe place at this level!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As it turned out, Netley were the better side on the day. They wanted it more. Listening to the people following the two clubs, this was Netley's best performance of the season, and conversely, it was Infinity's worst. But that's cup football for you. If the lower-ranked team play at their limits, they'll usually have a chance.<br />
<br />
Netley took the lead two minutes after they'd hit the post, in the 37th minute. It had been coming. A cross came in from the right which Infinity failed to clear. Matthew Watts was in acres of space 10 yards out on the left. He thwacked the ball low and hard with his right peg into the opposite corner. Big smiles on the faces of the team in blue. They definitely wanted it.<br />
<br />
Infinity have several experienced ex-Wessex League players on their books. A lot of people tipped them to do well in pre-season, but they showed little evidence of their collective pedigree on Saturday. The closest they came was hitting the base of the post early in the second half. But if anybody was going to score another goal, it was Netley, and so it was after 75 minutes when Watts was played through the centre. He ran on and slid the ball past Infinity's keeper to make it 2-0.<br />
<br />
The same two sides meet again this coming Saturday at Netley in the quarter-finals of the league cup. Will the result go the same way? Netley are the lowest-ranked club left in both the Southampton FA Senior Cup and the Hampshire Premier League Cup. They have a good team which is also challenging for promotion - but they can't be promoted unless they buy some dugouts and have hard standing laid along at least one side of the pitch, which the council will have to approve. But at least they're still going, which wasn't a foregone conclusion as they nearly folded in the summer through lack of funds. They were saved at the eleventh hour by a sponsor coming in and putting enough cash in for them to start the season. It's never easy at this level, whether it's doggy doo in the box, or no money for kits and equipment. I hope they can carry on for a few more seasons yet.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5etk_f_2g3c/WhGOxpDkY3I/AAAAAAAALzk/18xzzNtE9VUgG473VFEf8vy12M5vvQZwwCEwYBhgL/s1600/ncs52.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5etk_f_2g3c/WhGOxpDkY3I/AAAAAAAALzk/18xzzNtE9VUgG473VFEf8vy12M5vvQZwwCEwYBhgL/s400/ncs52.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Study of Autumn Leaves and a Goal Net.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In the next round of the cup (the quarter-finals), Netley Central Sports will play host to Wessex League Lymington Town, which will be extremely tough, with Lymmo playing three levels higher. But if Netley are at their very best, who knows? Further north, Saints u23s will travel to Winchester City.<br />
<br />
I mentioned the <i>Focus On...</i> feature in <i>Shoot!</i> earlier. You can find a few examples of this in a book about goalkeepers that's just been published, called <i>Glove Story</i>. The book was co-written by Rob Stokes, who some of you may remember was Waterlooville's man between the sticks during the 1990s. There are some of my pictures in the book, including one of my dad's old quilted keeper's jersey which adorns the front cover and spine. Another one of my photos fills two pages later in the book. Wessex League followers will recognise the colourful goalposts of <a href="http://hoppingaroundhampshire.blogspot.co.uk/2016/03/bournemouth-fc-v-fareham-town.html">Bournemouth Poppies taken during a match against Fareham Town</a> a couple of seasons ago. I know I'm biased, but I really do recommend this book - it's a cracking read! <i>Glove Story</i> can be ordered in time for Christmas <a href="https://www.conkereditions.co.uk/">from here</a>.<br />
<br />
More pictures from Netley will be added to the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1394407550858881/">HAH Facebook</a> page this evening.<br />
<br />
Next time, I shall either be following one of our local clubs in the FA Vase, or I shall report on a game from the Hampshire FA Intermediate Cup. I'll decide nearer December 2nd. Thanks for reading. In the meantime, I assume HAH hasn't made it on to your personal Irritation Spreadsheet...Andrew Ormerodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05056455206054228722noreply@blogger.com0Chandlers Place, Station Rd, Netley, Southampton SO31 5JA, UK50.875744420470639 -1.349172592163085950.87073442047064 -1.3592575921630858 50.880754420470637 -1.339087592163086tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1362713152207826725.post-85808204535065340542017-11-06T21:43:00.000+00:002017-11-06T21:43:48.022+00:00Bishop's Waltham Dynamos v Overton United<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rvw9IF5128A/Wf827JR2ZZI/AAAAAAAALgg/aEa1TiNuqzYwQJs4MDtR8da98UOJzdkmwCLcBGAs/s1600/bw00.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rvw9IF5128A/Wf827JR2ZZI/AAAAAAAALgg/aEa1TiNuqzYwQJs4MDtR8da98UOJzdkmwCLcBGAs/s400/bw00.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The long walk from the dressing rooms.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span id="goog_1635127717"></span><span id="goog_1635127718"></span>I've recently been reading about artificial intelligence and the rise of machine learning. Scary stuff.<br />
<br />
I'm sure most people are aware of how they're targeted by automated algorithms in various places on the internet, whether that's for advertising purposes or for more sinister reasons, from the simple "If you like James Blunt, then you will probably also enjoy Cannibal Corpse" on Amazon and similar sites (I may have got that one slightly wrong...), to the shady opinion-swaying advertorials from corporate-backed so-called "thinktanks" that appear on our Facebook feeds because we once clicked "Like" on a meme about chain smoking kittens.<br />
<br />
But now the machines are coming and we're all going to have to learn new skills to survive - unless you're a meat-packer or a chief executive of a multinational company, in which case, you can carry on as you are.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xWYQuBVbqdw/Wf827TYn8kI/AAAAAAAALgo/bpJGYVroQPE9WUDcLqE1Cuxirbl5kInsACLcBGAs/s1600/bw03.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xWYQuBVbqdw/Wf827TYn8kI/AAAAAAAALgo/bpJGYVroQPE9WUDcLqE1Cuxirbl5kInsACLcBGAs/s400/bw03.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bishop's Waltham Dynamos gathering their thoughts before kick-off as the rain clouds glower down on those below.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<u><b>Details:</b></u><br />
<a href="http://www.bishopswalthamdynamos.co.uk/club/81677/Home">Bishop's Waltham Dynamos FC</a> (1) 1 v 4 (2) <a href="http://www.overtonunited.co.uk/community/overton-united-football-club-4994/about-us">Overton United FC</a><br />
UK Office Systems Hampshire FA Intermediate Cup<br />
Saturday 4th November 2017<br />
Attendance: About 20<br />
Admission: No<br />
Programme: No<br />
Colours: Yellow / red / red v Blue and white stripes / white / blue<br />
National Grid reference: <a href="http://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/su5417">SU5417</a><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ESMPhUApEIU/Wf827ZnUkvI/AAAAAAAALgk/TdHgA5tztoYbNZIFGClx1qiKiPT8tBUXQCLcBGAs/s1600/bw12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ESMPhUApEIU/Wf827ZnUkvI/AAAAAAAALgk/TdHgA5tztoYbNZIFGClx1qiKiPT8tBUXQCLcBGAs/s400/bw12.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dynamos come close to doubling their early lead, but this shot was saved.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I was reading a report with an infographic which shows you the likelihood of your job being done by machines over the next 15 years or so. I found mine, and apparently, there's an 87% chance that my job will be done by a deep learning trained robot before I retire - and they're pretty good odds compared to some. If you work in a job that is routine and repetitive, your days are probably numbered - this group includes telemarketers, accountants and shopworkers; if, on the other hand, your work involves creativity or empathy, you'll probably be okay.<br />
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Of course, new jobs will be created by this new technology, but the worry this time (compared to previous technological revolutions) is that nearly every sector will be affected at the same time, because machine learning can be applied universally and it's developing so rapidly. So many people will become superfluous at the same time, with not enough jobs left to go round.<br />
<br />
I already refuse to use the automated checkouts in supermarkets (that used to be someone's job!), and I shall in the near future refuse to use automated vehicles that have put human drivers on the scrapheap. I'll do my bit.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iVBzqljEyTo/Wf83ALel84I/AAAAAAAALgw/4wc22xO4XOUP25qjF7BdCEkbukMXOBILQCLcBGAs/s1600/bw23.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iVBzqljEyTo/Wf83ALel84I/AAAAAAAALgw/4wc22xO4XOUP25qjF7BdCEkbukMXOBILQCLcBGAs/s400/bw23.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Equaliser for Overton as Steve Price heads in.</td></tr>
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Footballers will be safe from this unstoppable tidal wave of automation. At least, the creative ones will be. Not so sure about the routine, repetitive Tony Pulis teams, mind. We're going to have an awful lot of leisure time in the near future, so luckily we'll still have our sport, whether we're playing it or watching it.<br />
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With my playing days long since over, I'll carry on getting my dose of fresh air on a Saturday afternoon whilst listening to 22 muddy blokes in their twenties and thirties yelling "Do we want this boys?!", "Left shoulder!" and "In the hole!" to each other.<br />
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This week, it was a trip to the small Meon Valley town of Bishop's Waltham, the home of Jeff "And that's the first goal Stranraer have conceded in over 800 minutes of football" Stelling. It's a pleasant place, bigger than nearby Colden Common, and ten times larger than neighbouring Upham, both of whom have Hampshire Premier League football teams.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AQ0q0Zh2FNs/Wf82_PWGp0I/AAAAAAAALgs/4n7G-fchS3IT_Wivz_gDe2Ci5jrZOsj2QCLcBGAs/s1600/bw37.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AQ0q0Zh2FNs/Wf82_PWGp0I/AAAAAAAALgs/4n7G-fchS3IT_Wivz_gDe2Ci5jrZOsj2QCLcBGAs/s400/bw37.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jonnie Gurney weaves his way through the Dynamos defence on his way to scoring Overton's second.</td></tr>
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Bishop's Waltham also used to have a team in the Hampshire League, and not so long ago. Bishop's Waltham Town finished as Division One runners-up in 1992-93, which is as high as they ever managed. They spent a couple of seasons at the bottom end of the expanded Wessex League a decade or so ago before resigning during 2006-07. They were then absorbed by Sporting BTC and played on for another five seasons before changing their name to Sporting Bishop's Waltham for four seasons before reverting back to Bishop's Waltham Town in 2013-14, when they folded mid-season for a second time.<br />
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The "new" senior team in the town is Bishop's Waltham Dynamos, who were previously a junior side with a large number of children's teams. The Dynamos senior men's team have been working their way up the Southampton Saturday League. They were promoted to the top division last season as champions, and going in to this game, they were leading the table with just a single defeat so far.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pfcq1L7rcvI/Wf83CokugpI/AAAAAAAALg4/goQbZgk7QyMxKB8sgfhp0wqC3faSe4J-gCLcBGAs/s1600/bw47.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pfcq1L7rcvI/Wf83CokugpI/AAAAAAAALg4/goQbZgk7QyMxKB8sgfhp0wqC3faSe4J-gCLcBGAs/s400/bw47.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Overton United keeping dry during the half-time team talk.</td></tr>
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Dynamos' opponents on Saturday were Overton United, who play two steps higher in the Hampshire Premier Football League Senior Division, so it was an intriguing "David v Goliath" match-up (sort of!). The competition was the Hampshire FA Intermediate Cup, which I featured in the previous round when <a href="http://hoppingaroundhampshire.blogspot.co.uk/2017/10/warsash-wasps-v-clanfield.html">Warsash Wasps took on Clanfield</a>.<br />
<br />
This tie turned out to be a little closer than the match at Warsash (it finished 5-1 to Clanfield there). Indeed, for the first quarter of the game, Dynamos looked the more likely winners. They took the lead on the heavy pitch after 5 minutes, when James Cox shot towards the bottom left of the goal, which Overton's keeper anticipated, but a deflection directed the ball in to the opposite corner.<br />
<br />
Dynamos then had several chances to double their lead before Overton equalised after 26 minutes. Steve Price got his head to a corner ball near the penalty spot. There was no stopping that one as it flew between keeper Fin Taylor and the defender guarding the post.<br />
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It had been overcast and gloomy since kick-off, but now the rain started to fall intermittently. The only cover at Bishop's Waltham's Priory Park is the shelter offered by trees surrounding the pitch on three sides (if you count the trees lining the track on the near side as you enter the complex). Those who had come prepared with wellies and umbrellas were the wise ones.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mV-QvRKH0w4/Wf83BezPL8I/AAAAAAAALg0/Z1LmYzrMR5AOJ6M1cT2WbIDO3paUxbd4gCLcBGAs/s1600/bw29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mV-QvRKH0w4/Wf83BezPL8I/AAAAAAAALg0/Z1LmYzrMR5AOJ6M1cT2WbIDO3paUxbd4gCLcBGAs/s400/bw29.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A cheeky peak over the hedge.</td></tr>
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The rain didn't bother the players, least of all Overton's Johnnie Gurney, who had already had a couple of probes at the Dynamos defence. After 41 minutes, he received the ball near the centre-circle and went on a weaving run. Past one defender, past another, then another until he reached the edge of the box. No panic. No problem, as he slipped the ball under the advancing keeper. "That's the difference between these two teams - they just have that little bit of extra quality when they need it" as I was told by a bystander.<br />
<br />
The extra quality allied to the confidence boost of going a goal up just before half-time meant that the away side were in almost complete control during the second half. Gurney and Price both scored again, each from close range, to keep their travelling support happy. They progressed to the last 32 of the competition with their 4-1 victory, whereas Dynamos can concentrate on the league. If they play as well for the rest of the season as they did for the first twenty minutes here, they may well make it two championships in a row come April time.<br />
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The next round of this cup is due to be played on December 2nd. Overton United will travel to Montefiore Halls (another Southampton Saturday League club who play at Wide Lane in Eastleigh). <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L8DSPL_IRqM/Wf83D9xVeoI/AAAAAAAALg8/LOaPTAYnB6orI-FLb1bvYhXS_2_2p7RTQCLcBGAs/s1600/bw75.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L8DSPL_IRqM/Wf83D9xVeoI/AAAAAAAALg8/LOaPTAYnB6orI-FLb1bvYhXS_2_2p7RTQCLcBGAs/s400/bw75.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sun comes out for the first time all afternoon just as it's time to go home.</td></tr>
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Rereading the opening couple of paragraphs, I feel I must apologise for being such a miserable old goat, but I'm not changing it all now. Everything will be fine. It always is.<br />
<br />
For the last two HAH's before Christmas, I'm going to feature two more cup games (making it an entire half-season of knockout matches - no idea if I can keep that up from January until the end of the season...). The next one will be a Southampton Senior Cup tie on November 18th, then something on December 2nd - the Hampshire Intermediate Cup clashes with the FA Vase, and I can only choose one! I may throw that one open to a vote on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1394407550858881/">HAH Facebook page</a>.<br />
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Speaking of which, there will be another 40 or so pictures from Bishop's Waltham on there before bedtime tonight.Andrew Ormerodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05056455206054228722noreply@blogger.com315 Mallard Cl, Bishop's Waltham, Southampton SO32 1LW, UK50.954304207218868 -1.226735115051269550.951803707218872 -1.2317776150512696 50.956804707218865 -1.2216926150512695tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1362713152207826725.post-74901666805489354382017-10-23T21:53:00.000+01:002017-10-23T21:53:25.098+01:00Baffins Milton Rovers v Radstock Town<span id="goog_792766259"></span><span id="goog_792766260"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qqql1xEoY2c/Wez73t58byI/AAAAAAAALXM/AZViEWdZlXgxCQLVhMn5v2ScizOMm6irACLcBGAs/s1600/bmr00.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qqql1xEoY2c/Wez73t58byI/AAAAAAAALXM/AZViEWdZlXgxCQLVhMn5v2ScizOMm6irACLcBGAs/s400/bmr00.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sign by the entrance at Baffins Milton Rovers.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
You know that you've been doing something a long time when things that didn't even exist when you first started doing that thing not only exist but are doing very well indeed. I've got used to having workmates that weren't even born when I started work. It's only a matter of time now before I have a manager or a supervisor that's younger than my own children.<br />
<br />
In football, at first it's quite exciting when you're 16 or 17 and players your age start breaking in to the first teams at big clubs. Then you get used to it in your twenties and you watch entire teams that are of the same generation as you. You grow up with them, feel their joy when things are going well, and their pain when they lose. If they play for your team, you might bump in to them at the local pub or club and share a beer with them and have a bit of banter (yes, it used to happen).<br />
<br />
Then your generation start retiring, and suddenly you're desperately searching around to find that long-serving right-back at Mansfield Town, or the evergreen goalie who's warming the bench at his twenty-third professional club...the last two players in the entire Football League who are still older than you...<br />
<br />
...And then you reach the age at which all the referees are younger than you and you have to accept that you're no Spring chicken any more.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qnUl6hpUtCY/Wez732wbt7I/AAAAAAAALXQ/zyGjWBTjTvUclKElO3e2qMeE8XghVxdzACLcBGAs/s1600/bmr03.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1143" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qnUl6hpUtCY/Wez732wbt7I/AAAAAAAALXQ/zyGjWBTjTvUclKElO3e2qMeE8XghVxdzACLcBGAs/s400/bmr03.JPG" width="285" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The last turnstile from Fratton Park.</td></tr>
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<u><b>Details:</b></u><br />
<a href="http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/baffinsmiltonroversfc">Baffins Milton Rovers FC</a> (0) 1 v 0 (0) <a href="http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/radstocktownafc">Radstock Town FC</a><br />
Saturday 21st October 2017<br />
Buildbase FA Vase First Round Proper<br />
Attendance: 105<br />
Admission: £5<br />
Programme: £1 (I think - it may have been £6 admission with a free programme, not sure)<br />
Colours: All blue v All red<br />
National Grid reference: <a href="http://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/su6703">SU6703</a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cl5dqtjdT9g/Wez76KepgjI/AAAAAAAALXY/I_fuXFucrkkfou_4xqJwEMT5_1kXJ_mzQCLcBGAs/s1600/bmr31.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cl5dqtjdT9g/Wez76KepgjI/AAAAAAAALXY/I_fuXFucrkkfou_4xqJwEMT5_1kXJ_mzQCLcBGAs/s400/bmr31.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Directors seats in the stand.</td></tr>
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And so it goes with Hopping Around Hampshire. I've been doing this since January 2011, and guess what? Baffins Milton Rovers didn't even exist back then! Since forming later that year (as an amalgamation of two successful Sunday sides - Baffins Milton and Baffins Rovers), they have been Hampshire Premier Football League champions twice (in 2013-14 and 2015-16). They also won the league cup in the year that they failed to win the league.<br />
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Promotion to the Wessex League was obtained when their ground was deemed good enough. Last season, they scored 128 goals in 40 matches to finish runners-up behind Hamble Club to secure promotion to the Wessex Premier at the first attempt. This was the third season in a row that they had scored over 100 league goals. They reached the League Cup final at the first attempt as well, losing 2-1 to Sholing on a dry and bumpy pitch at AFC Portchester in May of this year.<br />
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This season, they have entered a national competition for the first time. Clubs have to spend at least one season playing in the FA Vase before they can compete in the FA Cup, so next year, there should be another "first" for the club as they enter the country's most famous competition for the initial time. In the meantime, they've beaten Cowes Sports and Selsey to reach the First Round Proper of the Vase.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MbUj7B2L7FQ/Wez748qNuHI/AAAAAAAALXU/VecmCKzQeo4aGSr1ZbKAs-OUeC4X1LDUgCLcBGAs/s1600/bmr10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MbUj7B2L7FQ/Wez748qNuHI/AAAAAAAALXU/VecmCKzQeo4aGSr1ZbKAs-OUeC4X1LDUgCLcBGAs/s400/bmr10.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">FA Vase gold at the end of the rainbow for Baffins on Saturday.</td></tr>
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In contrast to the newness of Baffins, Western League opponents Radstock Town (near-neighbours of Paulton Rovers, who <a href="http://hoppingaroundhampshire.blogspot.co.uk/2017/09/paulton-rovers-v-winchester-city.html">I featured a few weeks ago</a>) are a relatively ancient club, being formed in 1895. They've been competing in the FA Vase <a href="http://www.fchd.info/RADSTOCT.HTM">since 1975</a>, but they'd never played a club from Hampshire in the competition before. I'll stick my neck out and say that Saturday was the furthest east they'd ever travelled to play a game in this competition (although they'd gone slightly further east in 1986 to play Havant Town in the FA Cup...).<br />
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If these two clubs were in the pop charts (yes, such a thing <a href="http://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/">does still exist</a>), Baffins would be the new kid on the block, say, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALZHF5UqnU4">Marshmello</a>, and Radstock would be someone old and respectable...someone like Cliff Richard perhaps? If he's respectable? Not sure. How about Elton John then? Or Gilbert O'Sullivan? Is there anyone who is both old and respectable?!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Radstock Town win out on this occasion.</td></tr>
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Baffins moved to their new ground in the summer of 2015. They moved all of one hundred yards from the pitch next door which is under the shadow of a giant adult's climbing frame (see the photos on the HAH Facebook page to view this structure). They shared these facilities by the Langstone Harbour wall with a local cricket club. It made sense to move if they were ever to progress, so with the backing of their major sponsors Kendall (based at the wharf just to the north of the ground) and some grant money, they've been developing the new ground ever since. (It looked <a href="https://laurencereade.wordpress.com/2015/08/16/men-at-work/">like this</a> in August 2015).<br />
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As you enter, you click through the last of the turnstiles from Fratton Park (I wonder if it's the one that my dad used to lift me over to get me in to the ground for free back in the day?). There's another old Fratton Park turnstile at Havant & Waterlooville, but I don't know the whereabouts of the rest of them.<br />
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To the right are temporary buildings for changing rooms, a bar/kitchen and a toilet. There's a new, more permanent structure being built which will be the new clubhouse. I suspect this will be open for business before the end of the season.<br />
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There's a gate which prevents access to the far side of the ground (making the stadium effectively three-sided, despite the fact there's hard-standing down the Eastern Road side of the ground). On the harbour side is a brand new homemade, roofed two-step terrace (which came in handy when rain fell in the second half). Next to this is a 120 seat stand with black and white tip-up plastic seats. All very impressive, as this was just a roped-off playing field two years ago.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 120-seater stand and the new terrace at Baffins Milton Rovers.</td></tr>
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The match was a game of attrition, as games between Wessex and Western League sides often are. There was nothing dirty, just everyone putting in their all in difficult, windy conditions, thanks to Storm Brian literally blowing a gale. Victims of Storm Brian included one of the corner flags, which blew over just before the match started, and several foam scaffold protectors which had been placed over the railings, presumably to prevent injury to any spectators that happen to be leaning on them. One or two of these lengths of foam fluttered on to the pitch during play before deciding that they actually felt a little safer where they'd come from and returned to the barriers like shy and regretful cockapoos.<br />
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There was little meaningful action for the first half-hour as players got used to the conditions. Goal-kicks from one end would fly out for a goal-kick at the other end unless the keeper took a little tap-kick, whilst kicking in to the wind too high meant that the ball would swing round at alarming angles and nobody could predict where it would come down again.<br />
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Eventually, the shots on target started arriving, with Radstock, with Storm Brian behind them, having the majority of efforts. Tom Boyle, Baffins' England Deaf international keeper, had to get down smartly a couple of times to prevent the team from Somerset going ahead before half-time.<br />
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The second half carried on in much the same vein, but this time Baffins had the wind behind them. To the permanent background sound of whistles coming from the rigging of the yachts in the neighbouring boatyard (home to the likes of Basil and Bagpuss...), the home side pressed on looking for what increasingly looked like the single goal which would bring victory.<br />
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After 70 minutes, the breakthrough came. A low ball through the middle caught Radstock's goalie by surprise. It must have moved in the wind, as he fumbled on the edge of his area. Joel Jackson was there to pick up the dropped ball, and he couldn't miss the resultant open goal from 15 yards. Cue elaborate celebrations - some sort of dance moves (to an imaginary Marshmello tune?) followed by handshakes and hair ruffles with his team-mates, followed by high-fives with the fans behind the goal.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XJYJYBvZ_dA/Wez779MdBTI/AAAAAAAALXg/4cFzBSyXrrk-rSJiRRJmaDyNisWtRsz8ACLcBGAs/s1600/bmr47.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XJYJYBvZ_dA/Wez779MdBTI/AAAAAAAALXg/4cFzBSyXrrk-rSJiRRJmaDyNisWtRsz8ACLcBGAs/s400/bmr47.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joel Jackson gives high fives to the supporters behind the goal after scoring the winner.</td></tr>
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A hard-fought but deserved victory for Baffins at the height of Storm Brian. Their reward is another home tie, this time against struggling South West Peninsula League side Cullompton Rangers, who caused one of the major upsets of the round by winning away at AFC Portchester on Saturday. <br />
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The other Hampshire clubs that remain in the Vase after Saturday's ties are amongst the final 128 clubs that survive nationwide. The Second Round Proper will be played on Saturday 11th November. Unfortunately, due to family commitments, I won't be at any of the following games...but you could be! Other than Baffins, here are the fixtures:<br />
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Christchurch v Fareham Town<br />
Team Solent v Tavistock<br />
Exmouth Town v Blackfield & Langley (for the second season running!)<br />
Sholing v Wellington<br />
Hamble Club v Brockenhurst<br />
Portland United or Horndean v Royal Wootton Bassett Town<br />
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Also in the draw from the Wessex League are Newport (IW), who will be home to Hengrove Athletic. <br />
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The round after this one is due to be played on December 2nd, so I'm hoping a few of "our" sides get through so I can feature one of them that weekend.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6fP5ATigk2k/Wez78j_r--I/AAAAAAAALXo/BF-zu1-acXcWhG8HHQ57OXf-9B-idlW1QCLcBGAs/s1600/bmr60.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6fP5ATigk2k/Wez78j_r--I/AAAAAAAALXo/BF-zu1-acXcWhG8HHQ57OXf-9B-idlW1QCLcBGAs/s400/bmr60.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">England international Tom Boyle gives the thumbs up as he leaves the pitch.</td></tr>
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There was a photographer from Radstock Town at the match. I assume he was concentrating on taking pictures of his team. I focussed mainly on the Baffins players. More of my photos can be found on the Hopping Around Hampshire Facebook page, which can be found <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1394407550858881/">here</a>. Sholing's Keith Legg has added pictures from his club's tie at Highworth Town on the same page. If anybody else has photos of their own Hampshire-based club, feel free to post them there. I'd be interested in seeing them, as would a few others.<br />
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For the next HAH (on November 4th), I'll be back on the trail of the Hampshire Intermediate Cup, at one of our local recreation ground-based clubs. See you in a fortnight.Andrew Ormerodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05056455206054228722noreply@blogger.com0Eastern Rd, Portsmouth PO3 5FH, UK50.823071618826681 -1.043272018432617250.818056118826682 -1.0533570184326171 50.82808711882668 -1.0331870184326173