Great day out in Weymouth yesterday. Awful game but a 92 nd minute winner as Aldershot pull 14 points clear of the drop . Some decent pubs found on a very mild day on the coast .
I looked at making the trip for that one until I saw the rail works and a five hours and a bit journey.
We were sat in the stand behind to the right of the Hastings dugout. It wasn't until Chalmers scored the opener that we realised quite how many had come from Hastings - everyone around us in the stand had.
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Went on a first visit to the LNER Azuma Stadium, to watch York City take on top of the league Gateshead. An odd stadium right on the edge of town, with a huge bowling alley above one stand. Big Clayton Donaldson came on to score the scruffiest equaliser I have ever seen, a true sight to behold, literally carried it in. £6 for a pint of Strongbow Dark Fruits as well, even bad for London. There was a protest against the owner, who seems to be de-investing in the team a bit, a strong league though the National League North.
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I love reading about your travels, Jack, and have always thought that photos would make your posts even better.
Keep 'em coming.
Well done Ashford FC
Hi JV.Wouldn't call it a major surprise, Littlehampton have been riding their luck for a few games now. Well beaten in the Vase (although probably reinstated), won a narrow one at Broadbridge Heath and then scraped a draw against Pagham midweek. Saltdean are a good side, they had a debutant keeper who made an unbelievable save at the death to prevent it ending 4-4. I understand that Joe was told he'd be out for 4-6 weeks, depending on how the physio goes, so we won't be seeing him for a while yet. Should have enough to beat Loxwood on Tuesday, but then another tough looking one at home to Peacehaven on Saturday. Really thin on the ground at the moment, could do without playing twice a week that's for sure.
They could also get into a spot of bother with the FA, there's a group of 'yoof' who have attached themselves to the club. They generate a great atmosphere but are doing things and singing songs which you certainly wouldn't get away with at The Amex, shall we say. The referee had to intervene and ask the Littlehampton manager to have a word with them at one point, I expect it will go into his report.
Carshalton Athletic v Merstham tonight, not a new ground but a 1-0 win for the home side from a cracking 25 yard strike. Toby Bull was man of the match in the Merstham goal, confident and really good with his feet, didn’t expect to be loan scouting tonight!
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Crikey, after all the talk of massively increased attendances across the non-league game this season, that didn't appear to be the case at the War Memorial last night!
All that aside I thought Ashford's supporters, officials/volunteers etc yesterday were fantastic - so welcoming and friendly and a credit to non-league football.
Blimey they weren't like that when they were in SCEFL. Guess they are no longer a big fish in a small pond.
Do they still have the worlds worst 3G pitch?