Aveley are poorly supported and is a shame that gates of 250 stack up for them. I imagine their revenue comes from outside the football. The home side won 1-0 in front of 280, about 20 from Bury and a sprinkling ftom Charlton and Peterborough.
I bumped into a mate of a mate and ended up in Swanley at 17.25, the time my bus was due from Aveley. Kent to Essex is a squirrel by train.
Yep, it's a decent set-up at Aveley. I'm pals with Alex Stephenson's dad, who would have been there yesterday, cajoling from the sidelines. I was due to attend FC Clacton, but their match with Coggeshall fell afoul of the weather.
Hungerford v Bognor in the Conference South yesterday. I had been in touch with Hungerford officials in the morning who confirmed that the game would be played. I waited at Paddington for the confirmation as my other option was Slough v Merthyr, Slough have a 3G pitch so the game would definitely have been played. So off I travelled confident I'll get my preferred game in until I arrived at Hungerford station to find steady rain. Not surprisingly on reaching the ground at 13.30 there was a pitch inspection as the goalmouths were extremely boggy. Fortunately the ref passed the pitch fit to allow the 280 fans to enjoy a 1-1 result. Fair play to the coachload from Bognor that travelled.
I will be at Westfield v Guildford in the Combined Counties League. A local derby with Westfield playing next to Woking's ground, Westfield are top of the table and flying so the gate MIGHT reach 125 today.
Away games only Mr van Gerwen, do not part with your hard earned(?) until Duchatelet is up up and away.
Westfield beat Guildford 5-0 yesterday. They are romping away in the Combined Counties. £7 with programme for admisson was reasonable. A shame only about 80 here with about 20 from Guildford.
I've met a lot of disgruntled Addicks during my groundhopping tour, and I always ask them, 'Will you return to The Valley once Roly fooks off?' The vast majority answer with a resounding 'No' because they don't miss the travel, the traffic, the queues(?) and the added costs of league football. And everyone has said non-league football grabs your heartstrings; it is earthy, friendly, reasonably priced and, more often than not, less than ten minutes from home (unless you are a pro-groundhopper like Elfs). I'm currently torn on whether to end my hiatus, but I do expect a clear sign to arrive by February 22nd.
It is a shame that non-league football will never be able to attract more people through the turnstiles. I have always groundhopped around Charlton, but normally only manage about 6 games a season as my Saturdays involve watching us. I have thoroughly enjoyed the hopping over the past two seasons have knocked out about 40 new grounds. However, once the Belgian prick sells I will be back, and have to revert back to games here and there. Non-League is fantastic, BUT Charlton are my passion.
Your last line sums it up perfectly. Beautifully put, my friend. I just know I'll be back where my heart lies.
Sussex League today for Broadbridge Lane v Eastbourne Town, they are based about 2 miles from Horsham. I have to get this one done quick as this is their last season before moving to a new ground. I may ask for an unemployed rate so that should allow me in for about £3, I'll repay them with a half-time pint.
