Welcome to my blog 'The 100 Football Grounds Club' the site dedicated to groundhoppers everywhere.Please feel free to leave any comments if you wish.
Cheers!!!
site updated on post date
Welcome to my site - The 100 Football Grounds Club
Welcome to my blog 'The 100 Football Grounds Club' the site dedicated to groundhoppers everywhere.Please feel free to leave any comments if you wish.
Cheers!!!
If you build it - they will come!
At long last Gateshead FC have officially revealed plans for a new purpose built stadium in the heart of the town centre. This is also good news on a personal level as I’ve been pestered nonstop for the last 2-3 years from everyone wanting to know where and when the new ground will to be built.The stadium will be constructed on land of the former North Durham Cricket and Rugby Club on Prince Consort Road.
The stadiums key features are;
· Fully covered 9,000 capacity including 2,000 seats
· TTH Architects – previous projects include Liberty Stadium, as well as the rebuild St James Park, Bloomfield Road and Vicarage Road.
· Facilities include Reception and club offices, executive suites and boxes for matchday hospitality.
· 600 car park spaces courtesy of the nearby Civic Centre
· Excellent transport links, close to Metro and bus interchange
· Hopeful completion date - start of 2011/12 season
The Heed Army can at last look forward to finally having our own home, leaving the unpopular International stadium where Gateshead have played since reforming in 1977. The club also have plans to go full time next season, so the future is looking bright with exciting times ahead for the Heed.
More details on the GFC website here
Wearside League Wanderings - part four
220. Leyburn Grove
Houghton Town 0v3 Guisborough Town HC
Wearside League
Wednesday 12th August 2009
Ambitious club Houghton Town took the step up from the Durham Alliance and along with Scarborough Town are this season’s newcomers to the Wearside League.
The club formed as recently as 2006, originally as The Board Inn FC, playing in the Wearside Combination League for two seasons, before a successful season as the renamed Sunderland South FC last season.
The club is based in Houghton-le-Spring, a small town approximately 6 miles south-west of Sunderland town centre.
Home matches are played at Leyburn Grove which is part of the Houghton Sports Complex. The pitch is in the far corner of the cricket field, fenced off with eight sets of beanpole floodlights and a set of ‘site safe’ fold away dugouts.
The clubhouse is the Houghton CW pavilion with a separate changing room block, both found at the main entrance next to the car park, where access is gained at the bottom of the housing estate.
Houghton Town made their Wearside League debut the previous Saturday with a 2-0 home victory over Coxhoe Athletic, but unfortunately were unable to continue their winning start against Guisborough Town HC, their opponents enjoying a comfortable 3-0 success.
The visitors took an early lead when Sharkey got on the end of a free kick, finishing with a fine volley from close range, he then doubled their lead five minutes before the break, his shot taking a slight deflection giving the goalkeeper no chance.
Houghton’s best chances came in the second half, a couple of free kicks from the edge of the box going narrowly wide, then on 76 minutes they were awarded a penalty after a handball incident.
After a lengthy delay due to strong Guisborough protests which resulted in the referee dishing out a few yellow cards, Matthew Raine eventually stepped up only to see Guisborough’s keeper pull off a fantastic save to retain their two goal lead.
The match was finished as a contest five minutes from time, Sharkey got on the end of a left wing cross to complete his hat-trick and secure the away victory.
Houghton Town also have access to the FIFA approved 3G pitch at Houghton Keiper Sports College, which is floodlit and available during bad weather. So I may be revisiting Houghton Town again at another ground during the winter months.
Matchday stats
HTFC 0 GTHC 3(Sharkey 10,40,85)
Admission £2
Programme £1
Att. 33(H.C.)
Houghton Town 0v3 Guisborough Town HC
Wearside League
Wednesday 12th August 2009
Ambitious club Houghton Town took the step up from the Durham Alliance and along with Scarborough Town are this season’s newcomers to the Wearside League.
The club formed as recently as 2006, originally as The Board Inn FC, playing in the Wearside Combination League for two seasons, before a successful season as the renamed Sunderland South FC last season.
The club is based in Houghton-le-Spring, a small town approximately 6 miles south-west of Sunderland town centre.
Home matches are played at Leyburn Grove which is part of the Houghton Sports Complex. The pitch is in the far corner of the cricket field, fenced off with eight sets of beanpole floodlights and a set of ‘site safe’ fold away dugouts.
The clubhouse is the Houghton CW pavilion with a separate changing room block, both found at the main entrance next to the car park, where access is gained at the bottom of the housing estate.
Houghton Town made their Wearside League debut the previous Saturday with a 2-0 home victory over Coxhoe Athletic, but unfortunately were unable to continue their winning start against Guisborough Town HC, their opponents enjoying a comfortable 3-0 success.The visitors took an early lead when Sharkey got on the end of a free kick, finishing with a fine volley from close range, he then doubled their lead five minutes before the break, his shot taking a slight deflection giving the goalkeeper no chance.
Houghton’s best chances came in the second half, a couple of free kicks from the edge of the box going narrowly wide, then on 76 minutes they were awarded a penalty after a handball incident.
After a lengthy delay due to strong Guisborough protests which resulted in the referee dishing out a few yellow cards, Matthew Raine eventually stepped up only to see Guisborough’s keeper pull off a fantastic save to retain their two goal lead.
The match was finished as a contest five minutes from time, Sharkey got on the end of a left wing cross to complete his hat-trick and secure the away victory.
Houghton Town also have access to the FIFA approved 3G pitch at Houghton Keiper Sports College, which is floodlit and available during bad weather. So I may be revisiting Houghton Town again at another ground during the winter months.
Matchday statsHTFC 0 GTHC 3(Sharkey 10,40,85)
Admission £2
Programme £1
Att. 33(H.C.)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
224.Grayfields Enclosure
Hartlepool FC 1v2 Annfield Plain
Wearside League
Wednesday 2nd September 2009
Hartlepool origins began in the 1980’s playing in a local church league initially as the Fens Hotel and then under the name of Arriva FC.
The club moved on to the Teesside League, winning cup honours and the Second Division title under the new name of Teesside Arriva.
On the eve of the 2004-05 season the club became Hartlepool FC, going on to win the Teesside League and the Durham Trophy that season, the move to the Wearside League came in 2006-07.
Grayfields Enclosure is a large area of playing fields on the outskirts of the town, the complex has several pitches, including an all weather surface.
Access to the main pitch is via the pavilion, where you walk through the building’s reception, then along the corridor passing the changing rooms and like the players and staff you gain entry to the pitch through a set of double doors, where a couple of young lads are waiting to take your admission money.
The game with Annfield Plain was played in good spirit, with no nasty tackles and the referee not receive too much stick, a rarity indeed.
Annfield took the lead in the first half when a 25 yard shot from Gordon went in off the post. That lead was extended on 68 minutes when Henderson latched on to a through ball, the keeper saved the initial shot but the rebound fell kindly for him to knock the ball into an empty net.
Hartlepool halved the deficit a few minutes later with a well placed shot from Ross, shooting past the keeper into the far corner from a tight angle wide on the left.
Annfield finished the game more stronger, looking more likely to extend their lead than concede an equaliser.
Then on 80 minutes the referee blew the whistle and called both captains together. It had been raining for most of the day and dark rain clouds meant the visibility was getting worse.
As Grayfields has no floodlights facilities, the referee and both skippers decided to play five more minutes instead of the allotted ten. A desperate last five minutes saw no further goals but Annfield Plain deserving their victory on the number of chances created over the 85 minutes.
The match kicked off five minutes later than the scheduled 6.30pm start, due to the Annfield Plain team turning up late, so if they had of been on time there wouldn’t have been such a problem, so maybe in the end they may have benefited by their late show.
Matchday stats
HFC 1(Ross 70) APFC 2(Henderson 28, Gordon 68)
Admission £1.50
Programme:none
Att. 28(H.C.)
Hartlepool FC 1v2 Annfield Plain
Wearside League
Wednesday 2nd September 2009
Hartlepool origins began in the 1980’s playing in a local church league initially as the Fens Hotel and then under the name of Arriva FC.The club moved on to the Teesside League, winning cup honours and the Second Division title under the new name of Teesside Arriva.
On the eve of the 2004-05 season the club became Hartlepool FC, going on to win the Teesside League and the Durham Trophy that season, the move to the Wearside League came in 2006-07.
Grayfields Enclosure is a large area of playing fields on the outskirts of the town, the complex has several pitches, including an all weather surface.Access to the main pitch is via the pavilion, where you walk through the building’s reception, then along the corridor passing the changing rooms and like the players and staff you gain entry to the pitch through a set of double doors, where a couple of young lads are waiting to take your admission money.
The game with Annfield Plain was played in good spirit, with no nasty tackles and the referee not receive too much stick, a rarity indeed.
Annfield took the lead in the first half when a 25 yard shot from Gordon went in off the post. That lead was extended on 68 minutes when Henderson latched on to a through ball, the keeper saved the initial shot but the rebound fell kindly for him to knock the ball into an empty net.
Hartlepool halved the deficit a few minutes later with a well placed shot from Ross, shooting past the keeper into the far corner from a tight angle wide on the left.
Annfield finished the game more stronger, looking more likely to extend their lead than concede an equaliser.
Then on 80 minutes the referee blew the whistle and called both captains together. It had been raining for most of the day and dark rain clouds meant the visibility was getting worse.
As Grayfields has no floodlights facilities, the referee and both skippers decided to play five more minutes instead of the allotted ten. A desperate last five minutes saw no further goals but Annfield Plain deserving their victory on the number of chances created over the 85 minutes.
The match kicked off five minutes later than the scheduled 6.30pm start, due to the Annfield Plain team turning up late, so if they had of been on time there wouldn’t have been such a problem, so maybe in the end they may have benefited by their late show.
Matchday statsHFC 1(Ross 70) APFC 2(Henderson 28, Gordon 68)
Admission £1.50
Programme:none
Att. 28(H.C.)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
230. Gurney Street
New Marske 1v3 Ryhope CW
Wearside League
Saturday 24th October 2009
New Marske is a village in the borough of Redcar and Cleveland. The village was originally a miners settlement, having a cluster of miners terraced houses, with the old mine works found nearby in Errington Woods.
New Marske Sports Club became members of the Wearside League in 1998-99 season, finishing runners-up in the newly reformed Division Two in their debut season.
The clubs most successful season to date was in 2007-08, winning the league title with only two defeats in 36 games and scoring 120 goals. They also added the Monkwearmouth Cup and I was in attendance to see them completing the treble, when winning the Wearside League Cup at Wolviston.
The Gurney Street ground is found at the beginning(or end - depending which way you came) of the village. The New Marske Sports Club is situated in the car park, the spacious lounge bar looks out onto the pitch.
The players changing rooms annex the clubhouse next to a separate building for the match officials, which also has a refreshment bar. The home dugouts are also on the nearside with some partial hard standing. The other three sides are grass banks with the away dugout opposite, from here you can see panaramic views of the North Sea, covering the coastline from Redcar down to Marske.
The club have ambitions to eventually step up to the Northern League. Planning permission has been giving to develop the ground and install floodlights, but unfortunately the much needed grant from the FA is currently on hold.
New Marske’s opponents Ryhope CW have had a fantastic start to the season, winning 10 and drawing one of 12 games, however this still isn’t enough to claim top spot, leaders Scarborough Town have a two point lead winning 11 from 12.
Ryhope dominated the game but found themselves in the unfortunate position of trailing at half time. Looking at the New Marske players, I think you need to be at least six foot tall to get a game. The goal coming from the big number eleven Michael Mackin just before the interval, nodding the ball high into the top corner after a good cross from the overlapping right-back.
Ryhope took control early in the second half. Butler equalised chipping the goalkeeper with a nice finish and then Jordan rounded the keeper to make it 2-1 in the 54th minute.
New Marske were giving an opportunity to equalise. A free kick from the edge of the box was blocked and adjudged as a handball. Howe stepped up and young keeper Atkinson made a terrific save, diving low to his left to palm the ball out for a corner.
Ryhope were finally guaranteed the three points on 71 minutes, Butler beating the offside trap before nonchalantly knocked the ball past the keeper, his manager’s half time prediction of a 3-1 win proving to be correct.
230. Gurney Street
New Marske 1v3 Ryhope CW
Wearside League
Saturday 24th October 2009
New Marske is a village in the borough of Redcar and Cleveland. The village was originally a miners settlement, having a cluster of miners terraced houses, with the old mine works found nearby in Errington Woods.New Marske Sports Club became members of the Wearside League in 1998-99 season, finishing runners-up in the newly reformed Division Two in their debut season.
The clubs most successful season to date was in 2007-08, winning the league title with only two defeats in 36 games and scoring 120 goals. They also added the Monkwearmouth Cup and I was in attendance to see them completing the treble, when winning the Wearside League Cup at Wolviston.
The Gurney Street ground is found at the beginning(or end - depending which way you came) of the village. The New Marske Sports Club is situated in the car park, the spacious lounge bar looks out onto the pitch.The players changing rooms annex the clubhouse next to a separate building for the match officials, which also has a refreshment bar. The home dugouts are also on the nearside with some partial hard standing. The other three sides are grass banks with the away dugout opposite, from here you can see panaramic views of the North Sea, covering the coastline from Redcar down to Marske.
The club have ambitions to eventually step up to the Northern League. Planning permission has been giving to develop the ground and install floodlights, but unfortunately the much needed grant from the FA is currently on hold.
New Marske’s opponents Ryhope CW have had a fantastic start to the season, winning 10 and drawing one of 12 games, however this still isn’t enough to claim top spot, leaders Scarborough Town have a two point lead winning 11 from 12.Ryhope dominated the game but found themselves in the unfortunate position of trailing at half time. Looking at the New Marske players, I think you need to be at least six foot tall to get a game. The goal coming from the big number eleven Michael Mackin just before the interval, nodding the ball high into the top corner after a good cross from the overlapping right-back.
Ryhope took control early in the second half. Butler equalised chipping the goalkeeper with a nice finish and then Jordan rounded the keeper to make it 2-1 in the 54th minute.New Marske were giving an opportunity to equalise. A free kick from the edge of the box was blocked and adjudged as a handball. Howe stepped up and young keeper Atkinson made a terrific save, diving low to his left to palm the ball out for a corner.
Ryhope were finally guaranteed the three points on 71 minutes, Butler beating the offside trap before nonchalantly knocked the ball past the keeper, his manager’s half time prediction of a 3-1 win proving to be correct.
Footnote; This win for Ryhope, coupled with Scarborough Town's suprising 3-5 home defeat to Kirbymoorside saw them leapfrog them into top spot.
Matchday stats
Matchday stats
NMFC 1(M.Mackin 42) RCW 3(Butler 49,71 Jordan 54)
Admission £2 - which included programme and a raffle ticket for the half time meat draw.
Att. 46(H.C.)
Admission £2 - which included programme and a raffle ticket for the half time meat draw.
Att. 46(H.C.)
My Matchday - 229 Edgar Street
Hereford United 1v1 Dagenham & Redbridge
The club sold land on the Edgar Street side in 1968 to make way for a road widening scheme. ‘Noah’s Ark’ set sail to nearby Risbury, being used as a barn on farmland and a new cantilever stand with 1200 seats was built on the opposite side.
The Merton Stand was then extended when the club progressed in the Football League, replacing the old Cowshed terraces on each side.
The stand has a mixture of red and blue seats which includes the family section.
The club offices, hospitality, boardroom and changing rooms are underneath the stand, which can be seen through a section of windows which look more like a row of Butlins chalets. The dugouts are brick frames with benches next to a narrow opening, which is the players tunnel.
The old wooden grandstand was replaced with The Len Weston Stand, which was named after former benefactor and club president. The stand was built in 1974, two years after the club progressed from the Southern League, winning election to the Football League at the expense of Barrow.
The stand runs pitch length, there’s a terrace below an upper tier of black seats which gives partial shelter to those standing underneath. The terrace has concrete supporting pillars meaning a restricted view in some areas, while access to the seats is via staircases at the side of the terrace. There’s also a section put by for away supporters at the south side.
The stand is now named the Cargill Stand and when originally constructed made Edgar Street the only non top flight ground to have two cantilever stands.
HUFC 1(Walker 80) D&R (Thomas 83)
League Two
Saturday 3rd October 2009
Hereford is a cathedral city which lies on the River Wye, the county town of Herefordshire.
The town’s name derives from Anglo Saxon. “Here” meaning an army of soldiers and “Ford” the crossing point of a river, so the name suggests it was a place where foot soldiers crossed the River Wye.
The city is essentially a trading centre, manufacturing the likes of nickel alloys, chemicals, leather goods, also dealing in poultry and the cattle trade with the famous Hereford breed.
Most important of all is the production of a well known cider, as well as proper beer from the Spinning Dog and Wye Valley Breweries.
The city is essentially a trading centre, manufacturing the likes of nickel alloys, chemicals, leather goods, also dealing in poultry and the cattle trade with the famous Hereford breed.
Most important of all is the production of a well known cider, as well as proper beer from the Spinning Dog and Wye Valley Breweries.
Edgar Street Athletic Stadium has been in use since the late 19th century, primarily for athletics, but also hosted cycling, tennis and of course football.
The ground had been home to Hereford Thistle and then Hereford City, who were playing on Edgar Street when two local sides; St Martins and Rotherwas merged in 1924 to form Hereford United.
A ground share with City was agreed and the following year saw the construction of a diminutive barrel roofed stand on the Edgar Street side nicknamed ‘Noah’s Ark’ and a tin roofed terrace opposite, known as the Coalshed.
The ground was originally owned by the Bulmer family, the brewers of the famous apple based alcoholic beverage, until the local council purchased the ground for £3,000 in 1931. United became sole tenants two years later when City vacated the ground and then ceased playing by the end of the decade.
At the turn of the fifties Hereford United became lease holders. They installing floodlights which were donated by local firm Painter Brothers, who specialise in constructing steel towers, their work includes the Skylon which was built for the Festival of Britain in 1951.
The floodlights were switched on for a Birmingham League fixture with Walsall Reserves in March 1953, the club illuminating their ground before many of the country’s top clubs.
The same decade also witnessed a record gate of 18,114 for an FA Cup 3rd Round tie with Sheffield Wednesday in 1958.
The ground had been home to Hereford Thistle and then Hereford City, who were playing on Edgar Street when two local sides; St Martins and Rotherwas merged in 1924 to form Hereford United.
A ground share with City was agreed and the following year saw the construction of a diminutive barrel roofed stand on the Edgar Street side nicknamed ‘Noah’s Ark’ and a tin roofed terrace opposite, known as the Coalshed.
The ground was originally owned by the Bulmer family, the brewers of the famous apple based alcoholic beverage, until the local council purchased the ground for £3,000 in 1931. United became sole tenants two years later when City vacated the ground and then ceased playing by the end of the decade.
At the turn of the fifties Hereford United became lease holders. They installing floodlights which were donated by local firm Painter Brothers, who specialise in constructing steel towers, their work includes the Skylon which was built for the Festival of Britain in 1951.
The floodlights were switched on for a Birmingham League fixture with Walsall Reserves in March 1953, the club illuminating their ground before many of the country’s top clubs.
The same decade also witnessed a record gate of 18,114 for an FA Cup 3rd Round tie with Sheffield Wednesday in 1958.
The Merton Stand was then extended when the club progressed in the Football League, replacing the old Cowshed terraces on each side.
The stand has a mixture of red and blue seats which includes the family section.
The club offices, hospitality, boardroom and changing rooms are underneath the stand, which can be seen through a section of windows which look more like a row of Butlins chalets. The dugouts are brick frames with benches next to a narrow opening, which is the players tunnel.
The old wooden grandstand was replaced with The Len Weston Stand, which was named after former benefactor and club president. The stand was built in 1974, two years after the club progressed from the Southern League, winning election to the Football League at the expense of Barrow.
The stand runs pitch length, there’s a terrace below an upper tier of black seats which gives partial shelter to those standing underneath. The terrace has concrete supporting pillars meaning a restricted view in some areas, while access to the seats is via staircases at the side of the terrace. There’s also a section put by for away supporters at the south side.
The stand is now named the Cargill Stand and when originally constructed made Edgar Street the only non top flight ground to have two cantilever stands.
Meadow End has a capacity of around 3,500 and is the home fans singing section. You can see how the ground was once used for athletics as the terrace curves round with a flat section of terracing directly behind the goal.
Opposite is a smaller covered terrace at the Blackfriars Street End, which has shown it’s age over recent years, its capacity reduced to 1,000. The terrace is currently closed after failing a health and safety inspection in the summer, but there’s plans afoot to replace the terrace with a 1,500 seated stand. The closure has reduced the current capacity to 7,100.
The line “Now Tudor’s gone down for Newcastle” may not mean an awful lot to some, but it’s been the bane on the life of myself and fellow Toon fans for over thirty years.
That sentence was spoken by the legendary John Motson, in the lead up to the equalising goal by Ronnie Radford for Hereford United in the famous FA Cup 3rd Round Replay in 1972. Cue Motty and a pitch invasion from young'uns in parkas;
“Now Tudor’s gone down for Newcastle, Radford again (slight pause)Oh what a goal! What a goal! Radford the scorer, Ronnie Radford”
That sentence was spoken by the legendary John Motson, in the lead up to the equalising goal by Ronnie Radford for Hereford United in the famous FA Cup 3rd Round Replay in 1972. Cue Motty and a pitch invasion from young'uns in parkas;
“Now Tudor’s gone down for Newcastle, Radford again (slight pause)Oh what a goal! What a goal! Radford the scorer, Ronnie Radford”That piece of commentary is etched on my brain, as it’s shown again and again on Football Focus and MotD without fail on the first Saturday in January every year . 
I’ll make an honest yet bold statement “I Hate Hereford!” But hang on, before a bus load of angry cider swilling Hereford fans make their way up to Tyneside baying for my blood, I’ll make myself clearer;
I’ve got nothing against your beautiful picturesque cathedral city or Hereford United FC, it’s just the word ‘Hereford’ that I despise, it’s like a swear word but with a silent F.
Malcolm MacDonald, blamed the horrible pong from the nearby cattle market for this legendary piece of giant killing, while I personally blame that awful all red strip, Newcastle wearing red! - it just wrong on so many levels.
A few weeks ago this game would have been a case of bottom v top, but The Bulls have shown improvement winning their last two home games including an impressive win over leaders Bournemouth in midweek.
The game with Dagenham & Redbridge looked to be heading for a dour goalless draw until springing into life with two goals in the final ten minutes.
The breakthrough came courtesy of James Walker and was well worth the wait. The striker picked up the ball 20 yards from goal, turned and shot first time past the surprised Roberts in goal, who managed to get a hand to the ball, but the shot proved to be too strong.
The goal spurred Dagenham into life, as if they had settled for a point then suddenly realised they were on the verge of defeat. Their next venture forward produced the equaliser. A good run and cross from Green found the incoming Wesley Thomas who headed home from close range.
There was still time for a winner and with three minutes remaining Hereford almost snatched it. A through ball found Gwynne who managed to stay onside, but was denied by the legs of Roberts.
A draw was a fair result in the end. I was just pleased to see a goal as for long periods of the game that looked highly unlikely.
My original plan for today was to watch Gateshead play away at Grays Athletic. I managed to book a lieu day from work, which is a feat in itself and about as rare as hens teeth!
However the ever reliable Torchy, who I had booked to travel with had a prior engagement meaning the trip to Grays was abandoned. I looked at the possibility of trains to Essex but they were far too expensive and out of my financial league.
Not wanting to waste the much valued day in lieu, I managed to get some decently priced train tickets direct to Birmingham New Street. From there I had the option of Walsall or Hereford, but plumped for the latter so I could tick off another far flung ground.
An early start, catching the 7.25 to Brum giving me plenty of time to make the connection to Hereford, arriving there around lunch time.
Hereford train station is nicely placed in the town centre, only ten minutes from the football ground with plenty of pubs on route to the match.
I predictably starting in the nearby Wetherspoons - The King Fee and then on to the recommended pubs; The Victory which is also the base of the Spinning Dog Brewery and the excellent Barrells, both pubs situated on the same road in St Owens Street.
I even made time to visit the Cathedral before the match, but unfortunately was unable to gain access, as it was pre-booked for another gig!
An enjoyable day out in Herefordshire, where I managed to avoid having to tell anyone of the League club I support, thus avoiding having to be reminded of that fateful day in F’Hereford in 1972.
I’ll make an honest yet bold statement “I Hate Hereford!” But hang on, before a bus load of angry cider swilling Hereford fans make their way up to Tyneside baying for my blood, I’ll make myself clearer;
I’ve got nothing against your beautiful picturesque cathedral city or Hereford United FC, it’s just the word ‘Hereford’ that I despise, it’s like a swear word but with a silent F.
Malcolm MacDonald, blamed the horrible pong from the nearby cattle market for this legendary piece of giant killing, while I personally blame that awful all red strip, Newcastle wearing red! - it just wrong on so many levels.
A few weeks ago this game would have been a case of bottom v top, but The Bulls have shown improvement winning their last two home games including an impressive win over leaders Bournemouth in midweek.The game with Dagenham & Redbridge looked to be heading for a dour goalless draw until springing into life with two goals in the final ten minutes.
The breakthrough came courtesy of James Walker and was well worth the wait. The striker picked up the ball 20 yards from goal, turned and shot first time past the surprised Roberts in goal, who managed to get a hand to the ball, but the shot proved to be too strong.
The goal spurred Dagenham into life, as if they had settled for a point then suddenly realised they were on the verge of defeat. Their next venture forward produced the equaliser. A good run and cross from Green found the incoming Wesley Thomas who headed home from close range.
There was still time for a winner and with three minutes remaining Hereford almost snatched it. A through ball found Gwynne who managed to stay onside, but was denied by the legs of Roberts.
A draw was a fair result in the end. I was just pleased to see a goal as for long periods of the game that looked highly unlikely.
My original plan for today was to watch Gateshead play away at Grays Athletic. I managed to book a lieu day from work, which is a feat in itself and about as rare as hens teeth!However the ever reliable Torchy, who I had booked to travel with had a prior engagement meaning the trip to Grays was abandoned. I looked at the possibility of trains to Essex but they were far too expensive and out of my financial league.
Not wanting to waste the much valued day in lieu, I managed to get some decently priced train tickets direct to Birmingham New Street. From there I had the option of Walsall or Hereford, but plumped for the latter so I could tick off another far flung ground.
An early start, catching the 7.25 to Brum giving me plenty of time to make the connection to Hereford, arriving there around lunch time.
Hereford train station is nicely placed in the town centre, only ten minutes from the football ground with plenty of pubs on route to the match.
I predictably starting in the nearby Wetherspoons - The King Fee and then on to the recommended pubs; The Victory which is also the base of the Spinning Dog Brewery and the excellent Barrells, both pubs situated on the same road in St Owens Street.
I even made time to visit the Cathedral before the match, but unfortunately was unable to gain access, as it was pre-booked for another gig!
An enjoyable day out in Herefordshire, where I managed to avoid having to tell anyone of the League club I support, thus avoiding having to be reminded of that fateful day in F’Hereford in 1972.
HUFC 1(Walker 80) D&R (Thomas 83)
att.2253
admission £13
(19 pictures)
My Matchday - 228 Moss Lane
Alrincham 3v2 Gateshead
Blue Square Premier
Tuesday 29th September 2009
Altrincham is a market town in Greater Manchester within the Metropolitan Borough of Trafford. The town is quite posh, with a strong middle class populace which stems back to the 19th century. Today’s residents including the likes of Premier League footballers and the cast of Corrie. Nowadays it's became a commuter town, with the neighbouring Bowden and Hale make the area the stockbroker belt of Manc.
Altrincham formed as Broadheath FC in 1891, becoming founder members of the Manchester League, changing their name to Altrincham FC in 1903.
In 1910 the club moved from Pollitt‘s Field to Moss Lane, which was originally part an area of common land known as Hale Moss.
The following year the club joined the Lancashire Combination, a league they played in for eight years until becoming founder members of the Cheshire County League in 1919.
The Robins spent almost 50 years in the Cheshire League, but it wasn’t until the mid-sixties that they finally became champions. Back to back titles followed by and a runners-up spot saw the club join the newly formed Northern Premier League in 1968.
Altrincham must be one of the most unfortunate clubs in Non-League football. The club finished runners-up in the Northern Premier League in 1978-79, which made them one of the original clubs in the newly formed Alliance Premier League (Conference)
The Robins won the first two Alliance titles, twice narrowly missed out on election to the Football League. In 1980 a solitary vote denied them a place in League Division Four. They came so close to becoming a League club and since automatic promotion was established in 1987 they haven’t finished amongst the promotion pack.
The club were relegated back to the Northern Premier League in 1997, spending the following few years jumping between the leagues until the 2004 reconstruction placed them in the Conference North.
Alty returned to the Conference National winning the old North v South final in 2005 beating Eastbourne Borough at the Britannia Stadium. Since returning to the top division the club have been lucky to remain in the league, the financial misfortune of others clubs has seen them saved from the drop over three consecutive seasons.
Altrincham have enjoyed success in the FA Trophy with Alty fans taking the walk up Wembley Way on three occasions. Winning the trophy in 1978 against Leatherhead, in 1986 over Runcorn, and losing out to Enfield in 1982.
They are also the biggest giant killers in FA Cup history, knocking out Football League opposition a record 16 times. The biggest scalp of all was top flight Birmingham City in 1986.
Their most famous celebrity fan is old papier-mache nappa himself - The Bard of Timperley -Frank Sidebotton and earlier this season Aussie cricket captain Ricky Ponting became a shareholder in the club after becoming pals with Altrincham chairman Geoff Goodwin.
I again used the excellent Torchy Travel executive Heed tours for my trip to Altrincham.
The only change to the line up which travelled to Kettering three weeks ago was Old Goat came in to the central back seat position, replacing Kav, unavailable due to work commitments.
Moss Lane is a classic homely Non-League ground. The main facilities are all located at one side of the ground. The Carole Nash Insurance Stand is a tall single tier, decked out in red seats with glass windshields and a few narrow supporting pillars. At one side there’s the Goodwin Family Stand, which is a smaller separate stand. The club shop, refreshment bar and a block of terrace steps are at the other side, along with the entrance to the Noel White Suite which is situated under the stand.
The Popular Side is a long terrace which runs pitch length which is mostly covered, the middle section has a higher roof which accommodates the TV gantry.
The Golf Road End is a covered terrace with red crash barriers which runs at a slight angle at each side, making the section behind the goal much wider.
The Hale End is an open terrace which is allocated to away fans, but with the Heed Army masses making up only 13 of the 769 in attendance, then no segregation was in place leaving the Alty fans free to use the terrace when their team kicked towards that end in the second half.
Two goals in stoppage time denied Gateshead a much needed away victory with a hotly disputed penalty giving all three points to the Robins.
The game bust into life with a goal after only 80 seconds. A defensive clearance fell into the path of Anthony Danylyk, who struck a sweet half volley from the edge of the penalty area which flew past the keeper’s right hand post.
The lead lasted only four minutes, Gateshead’s first venture forward saw a well hit Turnbull shot parried by keeper Coburn into the path of Graeme Armstrong. who had the simple task of netting the rebound home from close range.
After such a positive start to the game, the remainder of the first half was a scrappy affair. Both teams failing to find any rhythm, giving possession away cheaply. The home side produced more goal attempts, although nowhere near the target.
Altrincham looked more likely to take the lead in second half. Good wing play from Doughty on the right, should have been rewarded with a goal and then Sheridan went close with a free kick which was deflective over the crossbar.
On 68 minutes Gateshead took to lead with their first effort of the second half. A good ball from Francis found the overlapping Baxter, his cross to the statuesque One was nodded away by a defender, the ball then fell kindly to Turnbull, who struck a well hit drive under the diving keeper’s body from the edge of the area.
After using all their substitutes Gateshead were reduced to ten men after an injury to Richardson with five minutes remaining. This seemed to cause mass panic and a backs to the wall rearguard as the Heed tried to hang on for the three points.
A head injury to Altrincham’s Aaron Burns in stoppage time meant further time to be added to the allotted four minutes. Play resumed with a corner kick which was nodded home by the unmarked Chris Denham at the near post, the Gateshead defence losing concentration after the long delay.
Just as it looked like a great away win had turned into a well earned draw for The Tynesiders, things got worse. A penalty in the 6th minute of stoppage time was awarded for.. well to be honest I’m still not quite sure. Gateshead keeper Farman came out to collect a loose ball and as he gathered the ball the oncoming striker appeared to catch him in the chest with his boot before falling over. A free kick to the keeper, no a penalty kick! Even the Altrincham fans were flabbergasted at the decision. Apparently there was a foul by Curtis on Senior prior to that incident and that's the reason for the spot kick, but again it was a case of - what foul?
Anyway Matt Doughty made no mistake with the penalty and proceeded to do a lap of honour of Moss Lane in celebration.
A good win for Alty which took them into the top half of the table and only a few points off the play-offs. While it’s six defeats out of seven on the road for The Tynesiders, a record which will have to be vastly improved or our stay in the Conference will be a brief one season guest appearance.
Matchday Facts
Ground no.228 Moss Lane - Matchday Webalbum (14 pictures)
Blue Square Premier
Tuesday 29th September 2009
Altrincham is a market town in Greater Manchester within the Metropolitan Borough of Trafford. The town is quite posh, with a strong middle class populace which stems back to the 19th century. Today’s residents including the likes of Premier League footballers and the cast of Corrie. Nowadays it's became a commuter town, with the neighbouring Bowden and Hale make the area the stockbroker belt of Manc.Altrincham formed as Broadheath FC in 1891, becoming founder members of the Manchester League, changing their name to Altrincham FC in 1903.
In 1910 the club moved from Pollitt‘s Field to Moss Lane, which was originally part an area of common land known as Hale Moss.
The following year the club joined the Lancashire Combination, a league they played in for eight years until becoming founder members of the Cheshire County League in 1919.
The Robins spent almost 50 years in the Cheshire League, but it wasn’t until the mid-sixties that they finally became champions. Back to back titles followed by and a runners-up spot saw the club join the newly formed Northern Premier League in 1968.
Altrincham must be one of the most unfortunate clubs in Non-League football. The club finished runners-up in the Northern Premier League in 1978-79, which made them one of the original clubs in the newly formed Alliance Premier League (Conference)
The Robins won the first two Alliance titles, twice narrowly missed out on election to the Football League. In 1980 a solitary vote denied them a place in League Division Four. They came so close to becoming a League club and since automatic promotion was established in 1987 they haven’t finished amongst the promotion pack.
The club were relegated back to the Northern Premier League in 1997, spending the following few years jumping between the leagues until the 2004 reconstruction placed them in the Conference North.
Alty returned to the Conference National winning the old North v South final in 2005 beating Eastbourne Borough at the Britannia Stadium. Since returning to the top division the club have been lucky to remain in the league, the financial misfortune of others clubs has seen them saved from the drop over three consecutive seasons.
Altrincham have enjoyed success in the FA Trophy with Alty fans taking the walk up Wembley Way on three occasions. Winning the trophy in 1978 against Leatherhead, in 1986 over Runcorn, and losing out to Enfield in 1982.
They are also the biggest giant killers in FA Cup history, knocking out Football League opposition a record 16 times. The biggest scalp of all was top flight Birmingham City in 1986.
Their most famous celebrity fan is old papier-mache nappa himself - The Bard of Timperley -Frank Sidebotton and earlier this season Aussie cricket captain Ricky Ponting became a shareholder in the club after becoming pals with Altrincham chairman Geoff Goodwin.
I again used the excellent Torchy Travel executive Heed tours for my trip to Altrincham.The only change to the line up which travelled to Kettering three weeks ago was Old Goat came in to the central back seat position, replacing Kav, unavailable due to work commitments.
Moss Lane is a classic homely Non-League ground. The main facilities are all located at one side of the ground. The Carole Nash Insurance Stand is a tall single tier, decked out in red seats with glass windshields and a few narrow supporting pillars. At one side there’s the Goodwin Family Stand, which is a smaller separate stand. The club shop, refreshment bar and a block of terrace steps are at the other side, along with the entrance to the Noel White Suite which is situated under the stand.
The Popular Side is a long terrace which runs pitch length which is mostly covered, the middle section has a higher roof which accommodates the TV gantry.
The Golf Road End is a covered terrace with red crash barriers which runs at a slight angle at each side, making the section behind the goal much wider.
The Hale End is an open terrace which is allocated to away fans, but with the Heed Army masses making up only 13 of the 769 in attendance, then no segregation was in place leaving the Alty fans free to use the terrace when their team kicked towards that end in the second half.
Two goals in stoppage time denied Gateshead a much needed away victory with a hotly disputed penalty giving all three points to the Robins.
The game bust into life with a goal after only 80 seconds. A defensive clearance fell into the path of Anthony Danylyk, who struck a sweet half volley from the edge of the penalty area which flew past the keeper’s right hand post.
The lead lasted only four minutes, Gateshead’s first venture forward saw a well hit Turnbull shot parried by keeper Coburn into the path of Graeme Armstrong. who had the simple task of netting the rebound home from close range.
After such a positive start to the game, the remainder of the first half was a scrappy affair. Both teams failing to find any rhythm, giving possession away cheaply. The home side produced more goal attempts, although nowhere near the target.
Altrincham looked more likely to take the lead in second half. Good wing play from Doughty on the right, should have been rewarded with a goal and then Sheridan went close with a free kick which was deflective over the crossbar.
On 68 minutes Gateshead took to lead with their first effort of the second half. A good ball from Francis found the overlapping Baxter, his cross to the statuesque One was nodded away by a defender, the ball then fell kindly to Turnbull, who struck a well hit drive under the diving keeper’s body from the edge of the area.
After using all their substitutes Gateshead were reduced to ten men after an injury to Richardson with five minutes remaining. This seemed to cause mass panic and a backs to the wall rearguard as the Heed tried to hang on for the three points.
A head injury to Altrincham’s Aaron Burns in stoppage time meant further time to be added to the allotted four minutes. Play resumed with a corner kick which was nodded home by the unmarked Chris Denham at the near post, the Gateshead defence losing concentration after the long delay.
Just as it looked like a great away win had turned into a well earned draw for The Tynesiders, things got worse. A penalty in the 6th minute of stoppage time was awarded for.. well to be honest I’m still not quite sure. Gateshead keeper Farman came out to collect a loose ball and as he gathered the ball the oncoming striker appeared to catch him in the chest with his boot before falling over. A free kick to the keeper, no a penalty kick! Even the Altrincham fans were flabbergasted at the decision. Apparently there was a foul by Curtis on Senior prior to that incident and that's the reason for the spot kick, but again it was a case of - what foul?
Anyway Matt Doughty made no mistake with the penalty and proceeded to do a lap of honour of Moss Lane in celebration.
A good win for Alty which took them into the top half of the table and only a few points off the play-offs. While it’s six defeats out of seven on the road for The Tynesiders, a record which will have to be vastly improved or our stay in the Conference will be a brief one season guest appearance.
Matchday Facts
AAFC 3(Danylyk 2, Denham 90+3 Doughty(pen) 90+6
GFC 2(Armstrong 6, Turnbull 68)
att.769
Admission £13
Ground no.228 Moss Lane - Matchday Webalbum (14 pictures)
My Matchday - 227 stadium:mk
Milton Keynes Dons 0v1 Leeds United
League One
Saturday 26th September 2009
Milton Keynes is a large town in Buckinghamshire, designated in 1967 as part of the Governments plans to regenerate a new town in the South East, to relieve the housing overspill in London.
The merger of the existing towns of Bletchley, Stony Stratford and Wolverton, along with a further fifteen villages in between made up a total area of 34 square miles. Amongst those was a small village situated east of the planned town centre, which gave the new town its name - Milton Keynes.
The fairytale of the birth of MK Dons is well known, it’s the classic tale which even now still seems a bit far fetched, as it’s never happened before and very unlikely to ever happen again.
It all started when local businessman Peter Winkelman had plans to develop a new stadium in the town, the problem was he didn’t have a professional club to play there.
He cast his eyes over a poor little club in South London, who had been homeless for 12 years, after unsuccessful attempts to move back to their true home in the London Borough of Merton.
He wanted the Dons of Wimbledon to ‘Come to Milton Keynes’ with promises of a home of their own which would be a financially sound and secure the club‘s future. The story reminds me of that song by the Style Council;
May I walk you home tonight
On this fine and lovely night tonight -
Well walk past the luscious houses,
Through rolling lawns and lovely flowers -
Our nice new town where the curtains are drawn
Where hope is started and dreams can be borne.
By 2002 the club was in financial ruin and more desperate to move to a new location to survive, after being approached by a consortium which including InterMK Ltd with a blueprint for a new stadium. The Dons agreed and The FA sanctioned the move in May 2002.
In our paradise lost we’ll be finding our sanity
In this paradise found we’ll be losing our way -
For a brave new day
The 62 mile move north was met with anger from the supporters of Wimbledon and all football fans alike. The club lost the majority of its loyal fan base shifting their alliance to the newly formed AFC Wimbledon, with the rest of the football fan family boycotting games featuring the Dons.
Mounting debts saw the club go into administration in 2004 and were also relegated to League One. Winkelman then purchasing the club, his promise of the move being financially rewarding having failed.
I was looking for a job so I came to town
I easily adopt when the chips are down -
I read the ad about the private schemes
I liked the idea but now I’m not so Keyne.
Once the club was sold Winkelman announced he was renaming the club to Milton Keynes Dons FC, as well as changing the club colours and crest.
The club was re-launched just nine months after they reallocated in June 2004. This move didn’t just bring the birth of a new club, it signified the death of another in Wimbledon FC.
A club which had fought its way through Non-League, before three consecutive Southern League titles saw them joining the Football League in 1977. The first club to win both FA amateur and professional cups, who gave the world the Crazy Gang, gone for good, but never to be forgotten.
Lyrics by Paul Weller.
Reached number 23 in the hit parade in July 1985
(C) 1984 Polydor Ltd. (UK)
Ground no.227 stadium:mk - Matchday Webalbum
(17 pictures)
League One
Saturday 26th September 2009
Milton Keynes is a large town in Buckinghamshire, designated in 1967 as part of the Governments plans to regenerate a new town in the South East, to relieve the housing overspill in London.The merger of the existing towns of Bletchley, Stony Stratford and Wolverton, along with a further fifteen villages in between made up a total area of 34 square miles. Amongst those was a small village situated east of the planned town centre, which gave the new town its name - Milton Keynes.
The fairytale of the birth of MK Dons is well known, it’s the classic tale which even now still seems a bit far fetched, as it’s never happened before and very unlikely to ever happen again.It all started when local businessman Peter Winkelman had plans to develop a new stadium in the town, the problem was he didn’t have a professional club to play there.
He cast his eyes over a poor little club in South London, who had been homeless for 12 years, after unsuccessful attempts to move back to their true home in the London Borough of Merton.
He wanted the Dons of Wimbledon to ‘Come to Milton Keynes’ with promises of a home of their own which would be a financially sound and secure the club‘s future. The story reminds me of that song by the Style Council;
May I walk you home tonight
On this fine and lovely night tonight -
Well walk past the luscious houses,
Through rolling lawns and lovely flowers -
Our nice new town where the curtains are drawn
Where hope is started and dreams can be borne.
By 2002 the club was in financial ruin and more desperate to move to a new location to survive, after being approached by a consortium which including InterMK Ltd with a blueprint for a new stadium. The Dons agreed and The FA sanctioned the move in May 2002.
In our paradise lost we’ll be finding our sanity
In this paradise found we’ll be losing our way -
For a brave new day
The 62 mile move north was met with anger from the supporters of Wimbledon and all football fans alike. The club lost the majority of its loyal fan base shifting their alliance to the newly formed AFC Wimbledon, with the rest of the football fan family boycotting games featuring the Dons.
Mounting debts saw the club go into administration in 2004 and were also relegated to League One. Winkelman then purchasing the club, his promise of the move being financially rewarding having failed.
I was looking for a job so I came to town
I easily adopt when the chips are down -
I read the ad about the private schemes
I liked the idea but now I’m not so Keyne.
Once the club was sold Winkelman announced he was renaming the club to Milton Keynes Dons FC, as well as changing the club colours and crest.
The club was re-launched just nine months after they reallocated in June 2004. This move didn’t just bring the birth of a new club, it signified the death of another in Wimbledon FC.
A club which had fought its way through Non-League, before three consecutive Southern League titles saw them joining the Football League in 1977. The first club to win both FA amateur and professional cups, who gave the world the Crazy Gang, gone for good, but never to be forgotten.
Lyrics by Paul Weller.
Reached number 23 in the hit parade in July 1985
(C) 1984 Polydor Ltd. (UK)
The club played at their temporary home at the National Hockey Stadium for three seasons before moving to their purpose built stadium in the Denbigh district of town.
stadium:mk was designed by Populous, who had also designed Wembley and Emirates Stadiums and constructed by Buckingham Group Contracting at a cost of £50m.
The stadium currently holds 22,000 with the top tier still unused around three sides which would add an extra 10,000 to capacity. The ground is bowl shaped with a large gap in between the roof and the top tier which produces a lot more natural light.
The main West Stand differs, having an added shelf type tier with two rows of executive boxes at the top running the full length of the stand.
There’s a video scoreboard at the North Stand, which is also allocated to away supporters.
The East Stand is the only section with text picked out amongst the black seats, with MK (big red dot) DONS picked out in white.
The South Stand is known as The Cowshed, where the main Dons vocal support gather. I have to mention the excellent backing they gave their team throughout the game.
An injury time winner from Robert Snodgrass denied MK Dons a well earned point after playing the whole of the second half with 10-men.
The goal came in the second minute of stoppage time. A free kick wide left was swung in from Andy Robinson who found Snodgrass unmarked, making no mistake with a strong header past Gueret.
An even first half saw the Dons creating some good openings, striker Aaron Wilbraham failed to capitalise after good play from Chadwick and Lewington setting up the striker on three separate occasions.
Leeds had chances of their own, especially just before the interval with Snodgrass shooting wide after a Leeds counter attack and Kisnorbo sending a free header over
the crossbar.
An unnecessary challenge from Jason Puncheon on the stroke of half time, lunging in with a high footed tackle on Michael Doyle, gave referee Andy D’Urso no choice but to produce a red card.
Leeds failed to capitalise on the extra man advantage, the Dons battled well restricting the visitors to half chances from Beckford and Grella, while Leven went close for the home side with an ambitious volley from 25 yards.
Just as it looked like the Dons had earned a battling draw, they suffered the heartbreak of that last minute strike, which sent the 4,000 plus away following back to Yorkshire happy to see their side remain top of the pile in League One.
I travelled down to Lincolnshire on Friday where we were staying for a relaxing weekend break. I planned a leisurely drive down the A1 to Milton Keynes on Saturday morning, heading off at 1130am and expecting the 88 mile journey to be completed well before 1.30pm, well that WAS the plan.
The first obstacle I occurred was an accident on the motorway which diverted traffic off the A1. This meant an unwanted tour of the Rutland countryside which lead to bumper-to-bumperland aka Stamford.
At this point, if I had a newspaper with me, I would have checked if Stamford were playing at home, then parked up in the town to tick off the Vic Couzens Stadium instead, but I decided to keep going and hope I would make it. (as it turned out they were away)
After finally returning to the A1, I was again bullied off the motorway due to road works, forcing me on to the A14. I was really pushing it at this stage, with the ETA up to 2.50pm. Thankfully Margaret the Satnav was in fine form, guiding me on the A45 and eventually meeting the M1 which led me to the promised land of MK.
I finally arrived at 2.35pm, just managing to find a small parking space without double-yellow lines in the West Denbigh Industrial Estate.
I had enough time to visit the clubs shop, pick up my pass from the main reception and I finally took up my position in the stand just as the players were about to enter the arena.
The journey back to Lincs went smoothly, maybe because I avoided the nightmare A1, instead sticking to it‘s ‘M’ equivalent. Overall the stressful journey was worth it. I was really impressed with stadium:mk, the facilities are first class and as I’ve already mentioned the MK Army backed their team to the hilt. I got the impression of a well ran family club.
However after such an eventful day there was one big disappointment, after travelling all those miles I never spotted the one thing Milton Keynes is famous for - concrete cows! MOO!
Matchday Facts
MKD 0 LUFC 1(Snodgrass 90+2) Att. 16,713
Admission £22-£28
Programme £3
Ground no.227 stadium:mk - Matchday Webalbum
(17 pictures)
My Matchday - 226 Cardiff City Stadium
Cardiff City 0v1 Newcastle United
Championship
Sunday 13th September 2009
With all the backroom shenanigans and lack of cohesion behind the scenes it’s a surprise to report that Newcastle United have made a great start to 2009/10. 
As is always the case when watching Newcastle away I travelled with Ian and Lee Patrick (100FGC squad nos. 2 & 79) Ian gave me the option of setting off at midnight or 4am, I told him that 5am would be ok, but Ian always has the impression that pending disaster awaits, so 4am it was.
Matchday Facts
Ground no.226 - Cardiff City Stadium - Matchday webalbum (20 pictures)
Championship
Sunday 13th September 2009
Riverside Cricket Club formed in 1899, playing at Sophia Gardens on a ground roughly next to where Glamorgan Cricket Club now stands.
The club applied to become Cardiff City FC after the Welsh town was giving city status in 1905. Their request was initially rejected, but were eventually allowed to take the name in 1908 once they became a professional club.
Within two years the club moved to a new ground on the site of a former rubbish tip, naming the ground after a British member of parliament, who was killed during the First World War - Lord Ninian Crichton-Stuart.
After 99 years at Ninian Park, Cardiff City moved a short distance to their new purpose built 26,828 capacity - Stadiwn Dinas Caerdydd.
The stadium was built on the site of the former Cardiff Athletics Stadium by contractors Laing O’Rourke and forms part of the £100m Leckwith development.
The 60 acre project includes the 5,000 capacity Cardiff International Sports Stadium, which is used by Welsh League Two side Cardiff Bay Harlequins, as well as a retail park, new housing and hotel with bar and restaurant.
Cardiff City Stadium was designed by Arup Sport, constructed at a cost of £48m. Work commenced in early 2007 with the completion date set at December 2008, however the not so great British summer of 2007 caused a delay, so work was finally completed in May 2009.
The new stadium is very nice with all the facilities and comfort you’d expect from a spanking new stadium. However the one thing it lacks compared with the old ground over the road is the intimidating atmosphere, which was worth a goal head start when Ninian Park was jumping and filled to capacity.
The ground is identical on three sides, a single tier of shiny blue seats in the Ninian Stand, Grange Stand and Canton End. Away supporters are allocated the corner of the Grange Stand which also has a large video screen.
The Grandstand is different, having an extra shelved tier with a row of executive boxes behind and corporate hospitality suites in each corner.
There’s a large walkway which runs at the back of the stands which is used as a TV gantry. There’s plenty of scope to enlarge capacity if City ever reach the promised land and achieve Premier League status.
With all the backroom shenanigans and lack of cohesion behind the scenes it’s a surprise to report that Newcastle United have made a great start to 2009/10. Prior to this game United had 13 points out of 15 including four clean sheets in a row ( Straights up! Check the stats) which earned caretaker gaffer Chris Houghton the Manager of the Month award for August.
The defence again held firm against Cardiff and old boy Michael Chopra, never looking in danger once they’d taking a 18th minute lead with a Fabricio Coloccini header.
The big hairy Argentinean probably had his finest game in a black and white..sorry! Solero coloured shirt. He started and ended the move laying the ball out wide to Ryan Taylor, his right wing cross was met with a towering header.
As well as a strong defensive display, Newcastle played some good passing football but lacked punch up front. Due to injuries problems, it was left to Nile ‘lone’ Ranger to lead the line himself, the youngster produced another impressive performance.
For City’s endeavour they never created any clear cut chances, efforts at goal were blocked by the Toon defence or comfortably collected by Harper.
City had a good penalty shout when Steven Taylor appeared to handle a Chopra shot and then in the last minute an opportunity to clinch a point. Alan Smith brought down Bothroyd on the edge of the penalty area, receiving a second yellow card and his marching orders. The resulting free kick by Chopra was fired into the Newcastle brick wall, assuring a professionals away performance and a fifth clean sheet on the bounce (Honest - take a look)
As is always the case when watching Newcastle away I travelled with Ian and Lee Patrick (100FGC squad nos. 2 & 79) Ian gave me the option of setting off at midnight or 4am, I told him that 5am would be ok, but Ian always has the impression that pending disaster awaits, so 4am it was. A great driving performance by Ian, at total of 13 hours on the road, which is even more astonishing when you consider that when he picked me up, he announced that his attempt of an early night ended up as a sleepless night. So we could have easily ended up deserted in a ditch somewhere off the M6!
We arrived in Cardiff at 10am, taking advantage of free parking on Hadfield Road which is a short walk from the stadium and handy for junction 33 off the M4.
I wanted to take a proper look around Cardiff, so I left the lads and headed off alone into the city centre. On my stroll around the city I just happened to bump into three Wetherspoons pubs (which was nice!)
We arrived back home at 11pm and so that completes number one in a series of three, in our long Championship journeys of 2009/10 and I'm afraid to say that this trip into Europe is the shortest of the three.
Matchday FactsBluebirds 0 Magpies 1(Coloccini 18)
Att.25,630
Admission £26
Programme £3
Ground no.226 - Cardiff City Stadium - Matchday webalbum (20 pictures)
My Matchday - 225 Rockingham Road
Kettering Town 4v0 Gateshead
Blue Sq. Premier
Tuesday 8th September 2009
Kettering in a town on the River Ise in the East Midlands. The town grew as part of the Northamptonshire boot and shoe industry, which became an integral part in Kettering’s economy in the 19th century. The town was built up with new homes in Newlands and Rockingham Road for the factories owners, with terraced streets built to accommodate the workers.
Kettering FC formed in 1872, originally playing in the Midland League, winning two league titles before progressing to the Southern League at the turn of the 20th century.
Town was adding to the club name in 1924 and over the next five years finished runners-up and twice winners of the leagues East section, and overall champions in 1927-28.
Over the next two decades the Poppies played in the East Midlands League and the Birmingham & District League, adding more league honours in both competitions before returning to the Southern League in 1950.
Tommy Lawton guided Kettering to another league title in 1957, then a third success, this time under the leadership of Big Ron (jingle-jangle)Atkinson in 1973.
A Wembley appearance in the FA Trophy in 1979, losing 2-0 to Stafford Rangers in the final, was then followed by the club becoming founder members of the Football Alliance in the same year.
The club established themselves as one of the leading clubs in Non-League’s top league, although top position has eluded them four times, finishing runners up on two occasions twice in both the eighties and nineties.
The new millennium started well with another trip to Wembley, but a narrow defeat to Kingstonian denied the Poppies a chance to get their hands on the FA Trophy.
The following season the club were relegated from the Conference for the first time in over 30 years of top flight Non-League football.
Over the following seasons the club were promoted and again relegated, playing in the Southern League then the Ryman League, where a ninth place finish was enough the ensure a spot in the newly formed Conference North.
After previously missing out via the play-offs, they returned to the Conference when winning the North title in 2007-08 with a record 97 points tally.
The club originally played on George Eldred’s Field until 1894 when they moved to North Park until residing at Rockingham Road from 1897.
Built in 1972, the Main Stand is a large cantilever structure with a capacity of 1,747 red seats, as well as a model owl sitting in the roof to frighten off the pigeons. The stand is nearer the Rockingham Road end, the space at the other side is taking up by the Tin Hat Social Club, sponsors lounge and disabled area. The press area is in the corner of the stand but gives a central view due to the stands position.
The Britannia Road Terrace has cover running almost pitch length, the roof is set back giving shelter to those standing at the rear. There’s also a TV gantry which would be hard to spot if it wasn’t for the TV screen lit up inside and the big McDonalds logo on its wall.
There is open terraces behind each goal. Away supporters are allocated the Rockingham Road End which is smaller terrace with no steps, this replaced the old popular covered Tin Hat end. Large away followings are also allocated a section of the Main Stand.
The Cowper Street End is a larger terrace, with a large walkway at the top and steps below.
A feature of Rockingham Road is the four floodlights pylons which each form the letter K within the bulbs. The first club to do such a thing, way before di Villa with their A and V.
The ground was named the A-Line Arena, but recently became the Elgoods Brewery Arena(quality ales) and now has an overall capacity of 6,264.
Kettering have made a good start to the season, while Gateshead have struggled to adapt to life in the Blue Sq. Premier.
Of all the steps which run up the football pyramid ladder, the step between Conference North/South and Conference National must be the steepest step of all.
It’s a massive gap to overcome and we now realise the huge task ahead, so we could be in for a very long hard winter.
Kettering started the game brightly, going close through Spencer and Roper before opened the scoring after only ten minutes. A corner kick from the right eventually fell to Danny Thomas lurking on the edge of the box, he drilled his left foot volley into the ground, which bounced directly above Provett and into the roof of the net.
Provett made amends for his error minutes later, making a superb double save to deny Green who looked odds on to score.
Gateshead then enjoyed a good spell of pressure but lacked that cutting edge up front, with new signing Armando One having their best effort with a close range header.
Kettering’s pacey forward three of Thomas, Green and Ashikodi led the Heed defence a merry dance all evening and it was Moses Ashikodi who doubled the lead on 32 minutes. A fine through ball from Boucaud allowed the striker a free run and shot on goal after Robinson’s misjudgement had played him onside.
It was a case of how many more would the Poppies add to their goal tally in the second half. Thankfully for a Geordie sitting in a stand full of goal hungry Kettering fans, there was just two more to report.
Kettering’s third goal was of similar fashion to their second. This time it was Francis Green who took advantage of a square Gateshead defence, latching on to a through ball before producing a low hard shot past Provett.
The rout was completed ten minutes from time. A free kick wide on the edge of the penalty area was nodded home unchallenged by Damian Spencer. A goal which summed up the game perfectly - so easy for Kettering.
Gateshead just weren’t at the races at all, but let's not take anything away from Kettering. They look a very good side with a lot of pace in attack and two classy defenders in Roper and the coolly named Exodus Geohaghon.
The win took them into second place in the Blue Sq. Premier and if they continue with good performances like this, we may see them in a play-off spot come the end of April.
The long midweek journey to Kettering was made with 100FGC squad#51 John Young aka ‘Torchy Travel’ along with Kav, Simon Heed Groundsman(who also does a spot of gravedigger and has a hatred of red traffic lights) and 100FGC squad#26 Alan Price, all making our debuts at Rockingham Road.
On arrival we headed to the Tin Hat Social Club which has a
good selection of beer on offer, including five hand pumps, with a selection from the stadium sponsors Elgood Brewery. along with quality German beer Warsteiner (if that‘s what wets your whistle)
Midweek fixtures in this league are supposed to be reserved for matches with clubs who are located closest, to minimise travel, but arriving back home at 2.15am somewhat dispels that theory.
Feeling disappointed in the performance and result, I was still glad to have visited an old non league ground like Rockingham Road. It’s also gained me some valuable Torchy credit miles, which gives me a good chance of again booking a seat in John’s car on future away trips.
The Groundhog’s visit v AFC Wimbeldon last month.
Matchday Facts
KTFC 4(Thomas 10, Ashikodi 32, Green 73, Spencer 82) GFC 0
Att. 1230
Admission £9-£10
Programme £3
Ground no.225 Rockingham Road - Matchday webalbum(15 pictures)
My Matchday - 223 Spotland
Rochdale 3v0 Bury
It's hard being a cowboy in Rochdale,
The first major work which gives us the Spotland stadium that we know today, was replacing the tattered and torn old Main stand. It was replaced in 1992 at a total cost of £1.2 million. The stand has a capacity of 1774, made up of alternated sections of red and blue seats. There’s 12 executive boxes situated in the centre and a small press area.
I arrived into town at 12.15pm, calling for a few pints in the Regal Moon and the Cemetery Hotel before reaching Spotland at 2.15pm. After walking the perimeter of the ground, securing a programme and pin badge, I had time for another pint in the Radcliffe Arms which is located in the car park at the stadium’s main entrance.
The first half of this derby was a non event. No clear cut chance carved out by either side, the match dominated by fouls. It was like a playground schoolboy game, everyone running around like headless chickens wanting the ball ,then doing nowt once they received it.
Matchday facts
League Two
Saturday 29th August 2009
Rochdale is a large market and former mill town in Greater Manchester. The town lies in the valley of the River Roch, amongst the foothills of the Pennines to the east and Rossendale Hills to the north.
Rochdale came to prominence as a centre of the north’s woollen trade. Then in the late 19th century became one of the first industrialised towns, a major textile manufacturer during the industrial revolution. The Rochdale Canal was one of the country’s major broad canals, used to haulage the importing and exporting of coal, wool and cotton.
The town has a few influential musicians in its time. Gracie Fields to Lisa Stansfield, The Chameleons to The Mock Turtles. However the greatest musical link must surely be comedian Mike Harding with his Top 30 hit the ‘Rochdale Cowboy’
It's hard being a cowboy in Rochdale,Spurs don't fit right on me clogs,
Yee-haa
It's hard being a cowboy in Rochdale,
'Cause people laugh when I ride past on our Alsatian dog.
[lyrics - M Harding -peaked at #22 in the Hit Parade in August 1975]
The ground was originally named St.Clements playing fields after the nearby church, initially used for cricket and then from 1878 by the local rugby club.
Football was first played at the ground in 1900. The original Rochdale AFC and Rochdale Town both played there for one season, but with little success until Rochdale’s current football club were especially formed to take over St. Clements in 1907.
Once established Rochdale AFC were accepted into the Manchester League, then the Lancashire League the following year. In 1910 they became a limited company, which enabled the club to purchase the ground’s tenure for £1,700 in 1914.
The ground was known as Spotland by the time Rochdale became members of the Football League in 1921. A wooden main stand was then erected at the south side, followed by terraces on Willbutts Lane and the Pearl Street end.
An early feature of the ground was the infamous five foot slope which ran down towards Sandy Lane. This was finally levelled in 1948, with the surplus earth pushed towards the Pearl Street End to make a miniature ‘Spion Kop’. Crash barriers were added to the terrace and the following year the ground witnessed its record attendance of 24,231 for an FA Cup tie against Notts. County.
The original Main Stand took a bit of a hiding in its time. In 1921 gale force winds blew the roof down, in 1953 it was partly destroyed by fire, then in 1966 the roof caved in again after a heavy snow storm.
Spotland was lit up for the first time in February 1954 for a friendly against St. Mirren. This was the grounds first set of floodlights, being replaced in 1971 and then again in 1992.
Rochdale Hornets (one of the original 22 Rugby League clubs formed in 1895) returned to there previous home after an 88 year absence to ground share with The Dale, after selling the Athletics Ground to developers for £2.6 million. Both clubs linked up with the local council in a joint ownership, which helped finance much needed work after the Taylor Report.
After the joint co-operative the ground was re-branded as Denehurst Park Stadium, named after the public park which is found on Sandy Lane, the new name never caught the locals imagination and so the Spotland name remained.
The first major work which gives us the Spotland stadium that we know today, was replacing the tattered and torn old Main stand. It was replaced in 1992 at a total cost of £1.2 million. The stand has a capacity of 1774, made up of alternated sections of red and blue seats. There’s 12 executive boxes situated in the centre and a small press area.The only standing section is on Sandy Lane. The terrace has a capacity of 1900 and is now known as the Thwaites Stand. Apart from the odd supporting pillar the view is excellent and great value for money, priced at only £14.
The T.D.S. Stand on Pearl Street was officially opened in September 1997 by Sir Nat Lofthouse. It has a capacity of 2,584 blue seats with Dale picked out in white. It also has the Studds Bar in the stand where you can get a drink at half time and during the game.
Wilbutt Lane Stand completed the new look Spotland Stadium in 2001. It’s now known as the Westrose Leisure Stand and is similar in appearance to the Pearl Street end, it holds 3,560 blue seats with Rochdale picked in white. The stand is set aside for away supporters and also houses the TV gantry .
I arrived into town at 12.15pm, calling for a few pints in the Regal Moon and the Cemetery Hotel before reaching Spotland at 2.15pm. After walking the perimeter of the ground, securing a programme and pin badge, I had time for another pint in the Radcliffe Arms which is located in the car park at the stadium’s main entrance.I stood on the Sandy Lane terrace with Dan(100FGC#93) and Sam(100FGC#139) who unfortunately arrived late, getting to Rochdale just prior to kick-off due to heavy bank holiday traffic.
The PA sound system in the stand was at full blast, turned right up to the maximum 11. They only played music from Manchester bands, like Oasis and in particular Happy Mondays and Stone Roses, it was like being transported back to 1990 with the sound of Madchester.
Matches against Bury are ‘a bit of a do’ around these parts. Local hostilities were prominent throughout, especially in the first half with both sets of fans swapping the usual insults, then the police had the intervene after 25 minutes when things got a little bit out of hand.
We had the misfortune to be standing next to the local headcase. When I saw him standing in front of us, I thought he was about 18-19 years old, judging by his size, physique and the charva clobber he was wearing. When he eventually stopped hurling abuse and flicking the v’s towards the Bury fans and turned around, I couldn’t believe he was actually a 50 year old (at least) gadgey!
The first half of this derby was a non event. No clear cut chance carved out by either side, the match dominated by fouls. It was like a playground schoolboy game, everyone running around like headless chickens wanting the ball ,then doing nowt once they received it.Rochdale took a foothold on the game in the second half, taking the game to their opponents and finally applying some pressure on the Bury defence.
The breakthrough arrived just before the hour mark. A decent cross from the left by Buckley found the unmarked Thompson, his shot taking a slight deflection on its way to goal.
Man of the Match Chris Dagnall had missed a great chance early in the second half to open the scoring when one-on -one with the goalkeeper. In the 72nd minute a similar opportunity arose and this time he took his chance well with a confident finish.
The victory was rubber stamped with ten minutes remaining, when Buckley was barged over by Sodje in the penalty area. Kennedy despatched the spot kick then proceeded to ‘milk it’ in front of the away end which really winded up the Bury fans. One irate supporter then ran on the pitch, looking like he wanted to lynch him, the goalscorer ending up having to leg it from the incensed fan.
The traditional main rivals for these two sides are respectively Oldham and Bolton, but with both clubs not playing their most hated over recent years, then this fixture has taking over as their local derby. In the end it was a convincing win for The Dale, their first over Bury at Spotland for 16 years, so the local bragging rights well earned until the clubs meet again in the new year.
After the game I did my own version of penalty taker Tom Kennedy, legging it back to the train station to catch the 1720 to Leeds. Catching the earlier train gave me a good half an hour before my connection train to Newcastle, thus giving me time for my first visit to the Wetherspoons situated inside Leeds Station.
It was 2030 as my train crossed the King Edward bridge, arriving back home after a pleasant day out in Lancashire where I saw and met some interesting people, but unfortunately I failed to witness anyone in a cowboy hat riding around on an Alsatian dog!
RAFC 3(Thompson 59 Dagnall 73 Kennedy 81p) BFC 0
att.4534
Admission £14
Programme £3
(17 pictures)
My Matchday - 222 Station View
Harrogate Railway Athletic 2v1 AFC Fylde
Harrogate is a spa town in North Yorkshire, originating in the 17th century from two small villages; High Harrogate and Low Harrogate in the Nidd Valley.
I travelled down the A1 to North Yorkshire with Alan Price(100FGCsquad#26) the 75 mile journey taking around an hour and twenty minutes.
After being treated to the pre-match sound of Beaver FM on the PA, it was time for the main attraction; The Rail taking on Vodak Premier Division Champions AFC Fylde for the very first time in the Unibond 1st Division North.
Overall an enjoyable day in sunny Harrogate, the match was competitive and quite entertaining. Station View is well worth a visit, handly placed in between Harrogate town centre and picturesque Knaresborough. Plus if your planning to travel by train then you can't get a much closer ground to the station.
Unibond 1st Division North
Saturday 22nd August 2009
Harrogate is a spa town in North Yorkshire, originating in the 17th century from two small villages; High Harrogate and Low Harrogate in the Nidd Valley.The towns first mineral spring was discovered in 1571 by William Slingsby, water from the Tewitt well containing iron, sulphur and common salt.
The chalybeate properties in the water were a popular health remedy, encouraging wealthy ailing visitors to the town, a major contribution towards the town‘s wealth.
Harrogate hosts the Great Yorkshire Show every year and once hosted the not so great show. In 1982 the town’s conference centre staged the Eurovision Song Contest, which was won, as you may expect when England are at home, by the Germans!
(That’s ‘A Little Piece’ by Nicole…Eddy)
As the name suggests, Harrogate Railway Athletics were formed in 1935 by rail workers from the Starbeck LNER depot.
As the name suggests, Harrogate Railway Athletics were formed in 1935 by rail workers from the Starbeck LNER depot.
After winning the British Railways National Cup in 1946, the club borrowed £1,500 from the LNER to buy their Station View home. A weekly payment of 1d a week from 300 rail workers was more than enough to secure the loan.
Competitive league football began in 1955, joining the Second Division of the Yorkshire League. They won promotion in their third season but yo-yo’d between the two leagues during the fifties and sixties.
Athletic struggled through the 1970’s. Relegation to the newly formed Yorkshire League 3rd Division was followed by dropping into the Harrogate League in 1973.
In 1980 with the club financially stable they returned to the Yorkshire League, then became founder members of the Northern East Counties League two years later.
By 1987 they reached its Premier league for the first time, playing for six seasons before relegation, but they returned as Division One champions in 1998-99.
Station View hosted its biggest match in 2002, Sky TV screened their second round FA Cup tie with Bristol City, as they became the lowest ranked side to ever reach this stage of the competition.
Three temporary stands were erected with the club determined to host the biggest game in their history. A sell out crowd of 3,500 witnessed a brave effort from Railway, eventually losing out 3-1 to the League One side.
A third place finish in the 2005-06 season was enough to clinch promotion to the Unibond, The club adapted well to life at a highest level, which coincided with another fine FA cup run. They overcame local rivals Harrogate Town on the way to again battling their way to the second round proper.
The home tie with League Two side Mansfield Town was broadcast live, this time on the Beeb. Unfortunately the Railway narrowly missing out on a place in the third round, going down 3-2 on a very clarty Station View pitch.
I travelled down the A1 to North Yorkshire with Alan Price(100FGCsquad#26) the 75 mile journey taking around an hour and twenty minutes.Station View is found 2 miles west of Harrogate in Starbeck, on the main Knaresborough Road which leads into the town.
The village has an array of shops and takeaways, amongst them is a Butcher - who must be the greatest sausage maker on the planet! He’s won more honours than Ryan Giggs, with his list of titles shown on the shop window and walls. Alan gave into temptation, purchasing some of his casings of spicy meat goods, so he’ll be able to judge for himself.(Good bangers Alan?…Eddy)
That old phrase ‘red and green should never be seen except upon an Irish queen’ is disregarded at Harrogate Railway. Not only is it the club colours but the ground is decorated throughout with a clash of these two primary shades.
Once you’ve entered the turnstile and gave the young lass a quid for a golden goal ticket, you’ll find all the amenities at the station end of the ground.
Pitch side there’s portakabins used for club shop and media room with the changing rooms and ‘The Railway Buffet’ canteen set further back across the staff car park. There’s also a separate cabin used as offices for directors and club officials and in the far corner of the car park, amongst the weeds and debris are male and female toilets.
The main stand is behind the far goal, which is split between seats and standing. There’s approximately 300 red flip seats which includes a separate section for club directors. The terrace has five steps which tapers off to a point at its edge with conregated iron roof and back walls in those loud club colours.
There’s a small stand at the far side, parallel with the half way line in between the dugouts. This stand is in named in honour of ex player, junior coach and committee man Shaun Glennon. The stand has dark green flip seats and matching facia, adorning the stand and club name.
The rest of the ground is open half standing which includes a raised section of terracing next to the Shaun Glennon Stand.
Floodlights were installed in 1991, four pylons with twin lamps on either side of the pitch. They were first switched on for a friendly with Sheffield United in March of that year.
After being treated to the pre-match sound of Beaver FM on the PA, it was time for the main attraction; The Rail taking on Vodak Premier Division Champions AFC Fylde for the very first time in the Unibond 1st Division North.The game started scrappy, with the match unable to flow. There were too many cheap free kicks conceded, with the players more concerned with winding each other up and questioning every decision made by the referee.
The match was desperately in need of a goal and when it came what a cracker it was.
Liam Richardson received the ball on the left, then from the edge of the box unleashed a fierce shot which swerved around the keepers left hand and crept into the far corner of the net.
This gave the Rail a lift and they doubled their advantage just before half time. The ball falling kindly to Ben Jones in the penalty area, then with his back to goal turned and volleyed past the helpless keeper. He smacked the ball so hard that the ball bounced back off the advertising board behind the goal, then back into play, so maybe if this was Crystal Palace it mightn’t have counted.
Fylde improved in the second half, getting back into the game on 54 minutes after a clear cut penalty was converted confidently by Joe Booth.
The match was finely balanced in the last half hour, with the visitors looking more likely to go back over the Pennines with a draw, with the Rail trying to secure the three points by catching them on the break.
In the 67th minute Fylde substitute Walwyn beat the offside trap before running to the edge of the box and squaring the ball to Watt, who agonisingly saw his shot bounce off the foot of the post before being cleared.
In the 67th minute Fylde substitute Walwyn beat the offside trap before running to the edge of the box and squaring the ball to Watt, who agonisingly saw his shot bounce off the foot of the post before being cleared.
Harrogate added to the away sides frustrations by defending well and time wasting at every opportunity. Then in stoppage time a great chance to equalise. Walwyn was clear through on goal with only the keeper to beat, but the big goalie made himself even bigger, blocking the strikers attempted lob, which proved to be the moment which gave the hosts all three points.
Overall an enjoyable day in sunny Harrogate, the match was competitive and quite entertaining. Station View is well worth a visit, handly placed in between Harrogate town centre and picturesque Knaresborough. Plus if your planning to travel by train then you can't get a much closer ground to the station. I mustn't forget to mention the score updates I received via text message throughout the day, which also contributed to a great football afternoon. (two away wins 4-1 and 2-0)
Matchday Facts
HRAFC 2(Richardson 29, Ben Jones 43)AFCF 1(Booth 54pen)
Att.128
Admission £6
Programme £1.50
Ground no.222 Station View - Matchday Webalbum(15 pictures)
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