Enjoy local football

CROWDS are back with face-to-face football at non-League venues below Conference level.

So, gagging to see a live match last Thursday night, I went along to a pre-season friendly at my local nonLeague club Abbey Hey FC at the Abbey stadium on Goredale Avenue, in Gorton.

I joined a small local crowd to watch the match on a lovely sunny evening.

What could be better? Out in the fresh air watching football but still keeping a social distance.

This game attracted the visiting team all the way from Wiltshire, plus a Football League First Division outfit, Swindon Town FC, with former Man United player Richie Wellens in their management team.

The game was very enjoyable with some famous faces in the crowd, with former Oldham Athletic legend Andy Ritchie plus Bolton Wanderers defender Joe Bunney, along with former Abbey Hey football club stalwarts Derek Denby and Gordon Lester and Manchester

FA rep Tony McAllister.

The score was irrelevant really, it was just great to watch, but Swindon really put a professional look on the score, winning 4-0.

It’s just a shame that not many local people came along but maybe in the future they will.

Abbey do have a few more preseason friendlies at the Gorton venue. They entertain Tintwistle FC on Tuesday, September 1, then on Saturday, September 5, Charnock Richard are the visitors, kicking off at 3pm.

So why not come on down folks and support your local non-League football club.

Allan Grafton, chair, Gorton Events