Crescent Rovers FC

Crescent Rovers 2 Worcester Park 2 – Combined Counties League, Division One

Combined Counties League

Another end of season, early evening kick-off in the Combined Counties League, drew me to the Wallington Sports Club, the home of Crescent Rovers FC. The club was formed in 1947 by a group of ex-servicemen in the Whitehorse Manor area of Croydon. After initially playing friendly matches, election to the Thornton Heath & District League followed. Gradual progression via various Surrey based leagues culminated in joining the Combined Counties League in 2003, following merger with the Surrey Senior League.


I caught a train from London Victoria to Wallington. The relatively slow service took around 40 minutes to reach Wallington by which time your correspondent had acquired a thirst. Therefore, it was my good fortune to discover the Whispering Moon Wetherspoon pub, where I delighted in Okells Red – a very smooth beer infused with Amarillo hops.


From there I made my way to the Wallington Sports Club in Mollison Drive in about 15 minutes, stopping off at Sainsbury’s for some refreshments as I was not sure what would be available at the ground. With just over half an hour to go before the 18:45 start, a number of neutral individuals were gathering on the veranda of the clubhouse in order to secure their match programmes. Such individuals are often described as Ground Hoppers and your correspondent, if looking in a mirror, may even see such a person!


The clubhouse (more of a cricket pavilion in appearance – Ed) is the only permanent structure at the ground. On a wet day, that veranda would provide a fair amount of cover but one would be a fair way from the pitch. This building clearly has a history and is ‘well worn’. It does contain a licensed bar, which opened after the match had started and I did see a sign advertising filled rolls.


The pitch is roped off on both sides. The near side is adjacent to the cricket square. It is not possible to walk behind either goal which gives an indication of how tight space is in that direction. Both ends are hemmed in with bushes. However, via the neighbouring sports ground through a gap in the hedge I managed to access a raised concreted platform overlooking the pitch, from where I was able to take a couple of photos and view some of the match.


Visitors Worcester Park FC still had a chance of winning the league championship and knew that if they maintained their winning run until the end of the season, they would claim that prize. The home side started the match determined to play more than a support role and despite early pressure from the visitors, took the lead with a fine goal on the break after 13 minutes.

That missed penalty

Ten minutes later Worcester Park squandered a chance to level, when the Rovers keeper saved a penalty. However, on 37 minutes the equalizer came. With 5 minutes remaining, another breakaway goal looked to have given Rovers all three points but with 2 minutes remaining Worcester Park salvaged a draw with their 2nd goal.


After the match I walked to Waddon station, arriving in plenty of time to catch the 20:57 service to Victoria. Both stations are convenient for Mollison Drive where a couple of bus routes also pass the entrance to the ground.



Attendance: 53
Admission: £2-30
Programme: included with admission
Tea: None to be found
Fare: £4-90 (all Zone Travelcard with Goldcard discount)

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Maine Road FC

Maine Road 3 Squires Gate 3 - North West Counties League, Premier Division

North West Counties League

Maine Road FC was founded in 1955 by a group of Manchester City supporters under the name City Supporters Rusholme originally competing as a Sunday league team in the Rusholme Sunday League. In the late 1960s they joined the Manchester Amateur Sunday League, moved their headquarters to the Social Club at Maine Road and changed the name of the club to Maine Road F.C. In 1972 the club joined the Manchester League, seeking a new challenge after winning the Manchester FA County Sunday Cup in 1971-72 and dominating their league. They won the Manchester Premier Cup in 1975-76, beating Abbey Hey in the final and again in 1976-77, when they beat Little Lever in the final. The also won the Manchester League four times consecutively from 1983-84 to 1986-87.

Maine Road moved into their present home, Brantingham Road in 1980. The club upgraded the facilities to become eligible to join the North West Counties Football League in 1986. The club joined the North West Counties Football League in 1987, playing the 1987-88 season in Division Two and finishing fifth. They also won the Manchester Premier Cup for a third time, beating Irlam Town in the final. The following season they were runners-up and were then promoted to Division One in 1988-89 as Division Two champions. They finished ninth in their first season, spending twelve seasons in Division One, mostly finishing in the lower half of the table. In 1994-95 they reached the fourth round of the FA Vase and were losing finalists in the Manchester Premier Cup in 1998-99. However, they were relegated to Division Two in 2001-02 after finishing 22nd. Ater a third place finish in 2002-03 the club were promoted back to Division One as runners-up in 2003-04.


A 5:30 pm kick off at Old Trafford provided an excellent opportunity to visit another ground in the vicinity. I was already aware of the close proximity of Chorlton and on discovering that Maine Road FC was hosting the final league match for the season, prompted me to explore the possibility of attending two matches.



On arrival at Manchester Piccadilly and via the nearby Wetherspoon (beer festival), Ciderman and I caught the 85 bus service to Chorlton, alighting at the junction of Withington Road and Brantingham Road. From here it is less than a five minute walk to the home of Maine Road FC.


The ground it is fair to say, is in need of some TLC and having spoken to a couple of club officials before the match, it is a wonder that they manage to keep the club going. Having said that the team is more than holding their own in the top flight of the North West Counties League. There is plenty of covered accommodation, with terracing/bench seating along one side of the ground. On the opposite side, just along from the dugouts is a small seated stand.


On the refreshment front, the tea bar is very welcoming with a good selection of snacks. The pies (Meat & Potato and Steak & Kidney) were good value The crisps were half price (sell by date looming – last match of season – Ed) and there was the usual tea, coffee etc. Inside the club building was the bar area. Unfortunately due to what is clearly a legacy of under use the options here are limited to cans from the fridge. On a hot afternoon Ciderman and I were pleased that this facility was there and that whoever turned the fridge on, had done their job.


For an end of season match, after a slow start, this match got progressively better. Squires Gate FC will be disappointed not to have gone away with all three points having led on three occasions. However, this Pieman believes that would have been harsh on Maine Road, who were certainly worth a share of the spoils. Their 3rd equaliser coming in the 90th minute.

The Pieman was not the only journalist in the Spurs section

The match ended at 16:47 and following a very brisk walk, your scribe was at the Old Trafford turnstiles at 17:22! Welsh Roger was with us at Brantingham Road and probably lost a stone in weight trying to keep up with the fleet footed Pieman between the two grounds. I was pleased to have visited Maine Road FC and although I witnessed 7 goals in the latter match, I think the 6 at the former represented better value for money. Maine Road and Old Trafford on the same day - who'd 'ave thought it!

Maine Road: Jones, McGrath, Robinson, Mason, Jay (Capt), Chappell, O'Shea, Haggis, Mack, Landregan, Hall. Subs: Rothel, Brocklehurst, Gresty, Clare Goals: Hall (2), Mason.
Squires Gate: Speight, Benfield, Ford, Maden (capt), Horn, Muscroft, McKenna, Hibbert, Bennett (Booth), Bartlett, Stayte. Sub not used: Ryan. Goals: Bartlett, Hibbert, Stayte.
Referee: I Nolan Assistants: S Rudd & M H Tattersall



Attendance: 80
Admission: £5
Programme: £1
Tea: 50p
Pies: £1-20

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Ascot United FC

Ascot United 2 Wokingham & Emmbrook 1 - Hellenic League, Division 1 (East)

Hellenic League

Ascot is a small town within the civil parish of Sunninghill and Ascot, in the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, Berkshire, England. It is most notable as the location of Ascot Racecourse, home of the prestigious Royal Ascot meeting. The region is split into three distinct areas: Ascot itself, North Ascot (partially in the civil parish of Winkfield) and South Ascot. Tittenhurst Park, the former home of Beatles John Lennon and Ringo Starr is located in Ascot. Also, Girls Aloud singer Sarah Harding was born here and the celebrated Lapworths (Sarah and Kevin) are established on the local social scene.


Ascot United FC was founded in 1965 by a men’s team who played their games at Sunninghill, with “after match meetings” in The Wells public house in Cheapside village. Within three seasons, the club had gained permission from the Ascot Racecourse Trustees to convert the land north of coach park 10 into a football pitch. In 2007 the senior team won the Reading League and were promoted to the Hellenic League Division 1 East. In their first season at that level, the club ended the campaign in fourth place.


The decent spring weather, a 6:30pm kick off and a disappearing football season, inspired me to venture out to Berkshire to visit Ascot United FC for the final home fixture of the 2008/9 campaign. I travelled from London Waterloo direct to Ascot, with the journey taking a little under an hour. From the station it is up the hill to the high street, where the imposing grandstand of the racecourse is the prominent feature.


For a relatively small place, Ascot appears to attract an incredible amount of traffic, most of which appears to be passing through. I had been advised that there was not really anywhere en-route to buy food. The options being Budgen or ………… Budgen! So it was onwards to the Ascot Racecourse which is actually situated within the famous racecourse, adjacent to the ‘New Mile’.


Probably a brisk 15-minute walk from the station, the ground is situated in a fine picturesque setting. The backdrop of woodland and racecourse on a fine sunny evening, set the scene for what turned out to be an eventful match between 2nd placed Ascot United and 4th placed Wokingham & Emmbrook.


Before proceedings I visited the portakabin refreshment area for a mug of strong tea that set me up nicely for a very competitive and somewhat niggly tussle between two local rivals. Neither side was taking the affair lightly and the match was interrupted by a number of fouls. That said, both teams showed that they are worthy of their current league status with some good passing football.


It was a couple of excellent goals that gave the home side the advantage. Firstly a fine long range curling effort from Steve Curtis after 34 minutes broke the deadlock. In the second period, shortly after the visitors were reduced to ten men following a red card for Billy Elgar (two bookings), John Keough struck on 67 minutes. His overhead kick matched the earlier goal for entertainment. However Ascot themselves were soon down to ten men, when Neil Corbett was sent off for deliberate handball on the goal line. From the resultant penalty scored to reduce the arrears and set up an exciting end to the game. However, with a couple of minutes to go the visitors were down to nine men when Nicky Bateman walked for a ‘professional foul’.


The match ended just before 20:20 and was delighted to be able to swiftly amble to Ascot Station in time to catch the 20:40 to Waterloo. I enjoyed my visit to Ascot and have to say that the pleasant surroundings enhanced a fine match. As a result of this win, Ascot United guaranteed 2nd place with an outside chance of winning the title.



Attendance: 145
Admission: £3
Programme: 50p (obtained for you Andy, Stan and Glyn, the barman in Phil Butler's local, the Prince Albert in Ely,)
Tea: (in a mug) 70p
Fare: £7.75 (with goldcard discount)

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Worcester Park FC

Worcester Park 1 Knaphill 0 - Combined Counties League, Division One

Combined Counties League

Worcester Park is a suburb of London and a ward in the extreme north west of the London Borough of Sutton. It is 10.2 miles (16.4 km) south west of Charing Cross. At the 2001 Census the population was recorded as 9,874. Worcester Park takes its name from the 4th Earl of Worcester, who was appointed Keeper of the Great Park in 1606. The area was once part of a Great Park surrounding the Nonsuch Palace of Henry VIII. Former Prime Minister, John Major lived in Longfellow Road and went to Cheam Common School.


Founded in 1908, Worcester Park FC play at Skinners Field, on Green Lane. This venue could not be much nearer to Worcester Park Station, as the platform looks over the pitch. However, to reach the ground from there it takes a bit less than 5 minutes, crossing over a small stream immediately before entering the ground. Green Lane houses football, cricket, tennis and bowls and is clearly a focal point for the local community.


There were a lot people wearing blue football shirts. However, although Worcester Park play in all blue this was merely coincidental as these people were Chelsea fans taking advantage of the club's facilities to watch the FA Cup Semi-Final v Arsenal. Two large TV screens in the bar would facilitate this. Apart from the bar area (Real Ale = Abbot and Greene King IPA - Ed), the clubhouse also boasts a fine refreshment are a where a variety of hot food can be purchased. At half-time this journalist enjoyed a decent portion of cheesy chips!


Of the other sports enjoyed at this venue, cricket is clearly a major player. Adjacent to the football pitch is the cricket square and with sunny weather gracing us, it was clear to see that the switch between the two sports was imminent for the Worcester Park faithful.


Of course, multi-use venues can mean that football clubs are restricted in what they can provide by way of spectator facilities. At Skinner’s Field there is just the covered area immediately behind the dugouts. This area would be rather cramped on a wintry day with a decent sized crowd. That said, it would be possible to get a reasonable view via the windows of the clubhouse bar area.


Being a nice sunny afternoon, your scribe took the opportunity to watch the proceedings next to the cricket square on the half way line. I watched the match in the company of Adrian, a fellow Spurs season ticket holder, who along with his pal Dave and another ‘hopper’ from Norfolk had already taken in the Copland v Sloane (Middlesex County League) fixture in the morning.


Worcester Park FC has a chance of the league title this season and the club is enjoying a good winning run with games in hand. I have enjoyed the improving standard of Combined Counties League football over the last few seasons. It was clear on this occasion that both these sides are of the ‘footballing’ variety and an interesting match ensued.


Sensible refereeing ensured that a ‘handbags’ moment did not get out of hand earlier in the match and the Knaphill keeper also deserves credit for removing a team-mate from confrontation at the time Worcester Park won the match with James Dunning's scuffed effort on 35 minutes, which deceived the visiting keeper. The close proximity of the railway station meant an easy stroll back in time to catch the 16.58 service arriving at Waterloo 20 minutes later.



Attendance: 67
Admission: £5
Programme: With admission (extras £2)
Tea: 60p (in a mug)
Cheesy Chips: £1-30
Fare: £4.90 (all zone travelcard with goldcard discount)

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Holmesdale FC

Holmesdale 0 Faversham Town 1 - Kent League

Kent League

Holmesdale FC was originally formed in the 1920's and can be traced back to the Baptist Church in Holmesdale Road, South Norwood, where it was affiliated to the London FA and competed in the Excelsior Football League. After two years in the Excelsior Football league, the club moved to the Thorton Heath and District League where they finished second in the 3rd Division and won the Sportsmanship Cup. To play for the team in those days you had to be involved in the church, attend Bible class and pay match fees of 6d (2.5p) with a signing on fee of six shillings (30p). Sadly, in 1923, the team folded for a period of 33 years, before being resurrected in 1956 by the 3rd East Surrey Boys Brigade Company. They were pleased to inherit the original Post Office savings account of the predecessors which had funds of £7.00, but with 33 years interest had risen to the princely sum of £12.00.


In 2000 part of Holmesdale FC moved to Oakley Road in Bromley, moving into the British Energy Kent County League. Since moving to Oakley Road the club has developed the facilities to boast a floodlight training area, a fully enclosed senior pitch with dugouts and a licensed bar with function hall. In 2005-06 the first team won the Kent County Division One West (gaining promotion to the Premier Division) and the Surrey Intermediate Cup, the following season 2006-07 the first team were crowned champions of the Kent County Premier Division and gained promotion to the Kent League.


A Tuesday evening excursion to Bromley was facilitated by a train journey from London Victoria to Bromley South. From there, four local bus routes run to Bromley Common. The 320 stops just along Oakley Road from the ground and is the best of the four. For a night match there is a convenient 21:50 service back to Bromley South station. Before boarding our bus, Kareoke Bob and I took advantage of the local Wetherspoon pub opposite the railway station. At The Richmal Crompton we enjoyed Dark Star beers from Sussex.


This was a very special evening for Kareoke Bob, he was visiting his 100th ground. Therefore, he is the latest hopper to join Shaun Smith's 100 Football Grounds Club. A champagne moment for Bob and the possibility that the champagne might be shared by Holmesdale FC. The home side in only their second season at this level went into this match just 4 points behind leaders Hythe Town, with a game in hand. Of their four remaining matches Holmesdale will travel to Hythe in the penultimate fixture - game on!


I took the opportunity, to enter the ground early to take some photographs, secure a programme and whist there the gateman confirmed to me that the pub just over the road was certainly worth a visit. The Two Doves is a fine example of a traditional English pub and my pint of Tribute from the St Austell Brewery was just the compliment this pub deserved.


The club has clearly come along way recently and the necessary improvements to the ground in order to senior status are there for all to see. The unique stand is certainly worth a look and gives those seated in the elevated back row an interesting view. Anywhere else in the stand and you are virtually on top of the dugouts! Having said that, it is a lot sturdier than it looks.



Visitors Faversham Town FC are enjoying a good season themselves and were not prepared to play a supporting role in this match. Despite some early pressure from the home side, it was not long before the visitors tested Holmesdale with a couple of decent crosses from the right flank. Just before the half hour Damian Abel scored a fine 20 yard goal in off the left hand post. Holmesdale battled away in search of a leveller and came close on a few occasions, but Faversham were always a threat on the break and could easily have scored again. It is not over for Holmesdale but clearly Hythe Town aare hot favourites for the title now - theirs to lose as they say.

Kareoke Bob - 100 not out!

Holmesdale: Danny Harwood, Christos Nicoli, Roland Duo, Frank Bunani, Tom McQuade (Ben Chick 84), Paul Springett (Jason Thompson 77), Daniel Westerman (James Dadson 58), Paul Semakula, Joel Greaves, Serge Musungu, Anthony Morrison.
Subs: Charlie Corneille, Russell Bedford.

Faversham Town: Carl Hodgson, Liam Wybraniec, Kris Richardson, Dave Botterill, Ashley Brown, Lee Shearer, Dane Luchford, Damian Abel, Craig Thompson, Dave Soutan, Chris Oyebanjo.
Subs: Sam Parter, Ray Turner, Craig Preston, Rob Hudson.

Referee: Mr Martin Peck (West Malling)
Assistants: Mr Mark Heads (Bearsted) & Mr Peter Ward (Sevenoaks)


Attendance: 52
Admission: £6.
Programme: Free with admission, extras £1 (obtained for you Andy, Stan and Glyn, the barman in Phil Butler's local, the Prince Albert in Ely,)
Tea: 50p
Mars: 50p
Fare: £4.90 (all zone travelcard with goldcard discount)

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Hanworth Villa FC

Hanworth Villa 2 Knaphill 2 - Combined Counties League, Division One

Combined Counties League

Hanworth lies to the south east of Feltham in the London Borough of Hounslow and the name is thought to come from the Anglo Saxon words “haen” and “worth”, meaning “small homestead”. In 1512 Hanworth came to the Crown and Henry VIII, who enjoyed hunting on the heath surrounding the village, gave the manor to Anne Boleyn for life. After her execution, the manor returned to the King who held it until his death in 1547, when it passed to his final wife Katherine Parr, who lived in the house with her stepdaughter Princess Elizabeth. When the princess became Queen she stayed at Hanworth Manor several times, often hunting on the heath.


Hanworth Villa FC was formed in 1976 following a managerial disagreement at another long established Hanworth club. Since 1980 the club has had a 'nomadic' existence but in 1997 moved to its existing Headquarters at Rectory Meadow. The club was elected to Division One of the Combined Counties League in time for the start of the 2005/06 campaign. Two seasons later finishing in the runners up position, but promotion to the Premier Division was not allowed due the lack of the appropriate facilities. The necessary improvements, including floodlights and a 100 seater spectator stand, were in place ready for the start of the 2008/09 season.


Having seen how well Hanworth Villa played at Takeley recently, I was inspired to visit Rectory Meadow for this midweek encounter with Knaphill. The nearest railway station is Feltham and it is a half hour walk from there. However there are numerous bus routes that criss-cross the area linking up with Feltham and other stations including Twickenham.


The main pitch at Rectory Meadow is enclosed with hardstanding along the main clubhouse side. On the side opposite where the dugouts are located there is what could best be describe as a cinder path running the full length. Behind one end, shielding the ground from the busy A316, is a wooded area. The 100 seat stand, although relatively new, was locked, not sure why.


There was a bit of a local fixture clash on the night with the clubhouse showing Juventus v Chelsea on the big screen. A few stayed inside throughout to watch that. However, there was a decent number that ventured outside on a chilly but not too cold evening to watch a decent encounter between two sides riding high in the league.


We were not dissapointed. The home side took the lead half way through the first period when Steve Reddings chipped the visiting keeper from the edge of the box but it was not long before Knaphill drew level courtesy of a fine strike from Matt Baker. Shortly afterwards, Reddings added another quality goal to restore the lead for the Villians, this time with an instinctive lob.


The second period was competitive throughout and Knaphill always looked as if they might grab a second goal. That said Hanworth are an impressive side and could have added to their tally. With time up on the 90 minutes this Pieman had made his way to the exit to ensure a swift getaway. There he was still able to witness a late shot from outside the box being allowed to slip through the keeper’s grasp and on to the post before being gleefully converted by Nick Darnell for Knaphill’s equaliser. So close for the home side who will have been ‘gutted’ – excellent entertainment for this neutral though! Back at Feltham Station in time for the 22:05 to Waterloo.



Attendance: 78
Admission: £3
Programme: Sort of - Editor on holiday so teams provided within cover.
Tea: 50p
Fare: £4.90 (all zone travelcard with goldcard discount)

Photographic Archive