Chelsea U18 3 Tottenham Hotspur U18 2 - U18 Premier League South
Cobham is a large village in the Borough of Elmbridge in Surrey, centred 17 miles south-west of London and 10 miles north-east of Guildford. Historically, Cobham and other outlying farms comprised two developed areas, Street Cobham and Church Cobham. The former lay on the Portsmouth-London Road and the building now known as the Cobham Exchange, was once a coaching Inn. The latter grew up around St Andrew's church, which dates from the 12th century.
Stoke D’Abernon is a village and former civil
parish in the Borough of Elmbridge in Surrey. It is situated on the right bank
of the River Mole and south of Cobham. Yehudi Menuhin founded his music school
to the south of the village. England cricketer Bob Willis grew up here and
played for Stoke D’Abernon before his professional career. The railway station
for the two villages is situated here.
The Chelsea Training Centre is situated on a 140 acre site that houses all of the club's football activities. It features training, rehabilitation, medical, pitch and media technology. As a condition for receiving planning permission, none of the buildings in the complex were permitted to be taller than others in the surrounding area. The main building has a turf roof in order to help it blend in within the locality. Water from the surrounding area is collected in a reservoir for use on the pitch irrigation system.
My journey to Cobham involved a break at Surbiton (last stop where I can use the oyster card). Whilst waiting for the next train, I had time to visit the Coronation Hall (JD Wetherspoon), where for £1.69, I enjoyed a refreshing pint of Greensand IPA (4.6%) from Surrey Hills Brewery. After this brief interlude, I was on the train for the short journey to Cobham & Stoke D’Abernon. From the platform, down a flight of steps is an electronic gate providing an entrance to the training ground. On identification I was able to gain access to the facility.
The main pitch at the training
ground boats three separate covered seated stands. One of which is only
available to Chelsea players and officials. The pitch also has eight floodlight
pylons. Spectator access is restricted to one side of the pitch, as is common
for these matches at training grounds. Refreshments are provided from a mobile
catering van situated behind this side of the pitch. Toilet facilities are also
housed close by.
The young Spurs side will be
disappointed not to have come away with at least a point from this match having
dominated for large spells. Conceding a goal in the first minute did not help,
but having levelled twice before the break, it was again disappointing to
concede in the closing minutes. A comprehensive report, courtesy of Tottenham
Hotspur can be found here.
After the match I left by the
main entrance which involves a slightly precarious walk until you reach some
paving before crossing over the railway. This route to the station takes around
ten minutes, but was longer on this occasion, due to me being beckoned by Bob
Goodwin to The Old Plough public house where once again I was able to enjoy a
beer from the Surrey Hills Brewery. On this occasion it was Shere Drop (4.2%).
This is the flagship beer for the brewery, the wonderful hop bitterness is complemented
by a balanced malt flavour. A nice conclusion to my afternoon in Surrey!
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