STEETON 2 ATHERTON LR 2

ANOTHER cheeky double is on the cards today so after watching a very good match between Rotherham United Academy and Scunthorpe United it’s a trip to Steeton fore their game against Atherton Laburnum Rovers in the North West Counties League, First Division North.

The last time I saw the Chevrons, they played at Cougar Park: the rickety old rugby ground bursting with ramshackle charm. Unfortunately, the magnificent old stand is being demolished before it falls down, so I’m glad I went to see it in all its tumbledown glory.

Steeton now play at the Marley Stadium, about a mile from Cougar Park, on the edge of Keighley. When I arrive, the large car park is filling up with players. I somehow expected it to be a brand new ground but the buildings look quite old. Apparently, the original facilities at this playing fields site are being upgraded.This includes the Plastic Fantastic pitch used by Steeton.

I pay a fiver at the turnstile to two friendly ladies (£3 concessions; free to NHS and Under 15s). The programme – with a very professional looking cover – costs £2.

I enquire about the toilets and am directed back out of the ground, down an alley and into the well used changing block.

Back in the stadium, spectators find themselves on a wide concourse behind the small seated stand. The refreshments kiosk is to the left selling a limited range of tasty pies and hot dogs. This cabin also sells club merchandise.

There is an open container-like terrace in one corner, which is the only other cover in the ground. The rest is open, with wide concourses all the way round. A gas tower dominates the scene away in the distance with the main road behind one goal.

Before kick-off, I have time to look through the programme. As usual, there’s a full page dedicated to the manager’s thoughts. His musings include the line: “I’m never one to criticize an official...” Note the use of the word ‘never.’ There then follows nearly 250 words criticising the match officials from Steeton’s previous game!

A handful of Atherton fans arrive and spend 15 minutes putting up flags on the perimeter fence. They don’t miss much action early on but it soon warms up. The Chevrons are ahead 2-1 at the break in a steady half.

The second half is end-to-end. Rovers are hunting down the three points and it is nothing more than deserved when they grab an equaliser. Either side could have won it but it ends in a gentlemanly ‘Desmond’ (two-two). 35(˨0$7&+,1)2 :(/&20(

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