CORSHAM TOWN 1 DEAL TOWN 0

THIRD time lucky, surely? The Fox and I try Corsham Town in The FA Vase once more again this weekend. Also there will be supporters of Deal Town, Kent, making their third journey in three weeks. The weather is mild and dry, so there should be no pitch inspection today. Surely?!

While checking for back-up fixtures in the south-west, I suddenly notice that Bristol City Youth are down to play Ipswich Town in The Development League in the morning.

There’s a friendly welcome at the Robins’ Academy, the burgers are delicious and the football is, at times, sublime. The final score is a scintillating 3-3 draw.

I arrive at the Taxtful Southbank Stadium, Corsham with 25 minutes to spare. I consider this late. I pay £8 to the friendly chap collecting card details in the car park. I have my programme from last week (£1), which was already a week out of date. I am directed to park on the grass behind the far goal. I am in exactly the same spot as last week.

The pitch looks fine; a bit heavy but fine. There’s a sense of relief about the place, especially among the throng of Deal fans (who look to be in the vast majority this afternoon). I take a walk round the ground.

All facilities can be found down one side.

First up is a burger van. This is no ordinary burger van; it is selling very expensive burgers (£8 and £9). Fortunately, I am still full from my Bristol Butty this morning, so I don’t have to break into my mortgage money.

The usual club canteen is selling cheaper food for those that like their football food a bit less ‘artisan’. The bar is doing a roaring trade in the large clubhouse. Corsham have put up a gazebo to house their club ‘merch’; it is full of shirts, scarves, etc.

And then we’re off ! Corsham hit the post after just six minutes and it looks like we are in for a tasty match. We then have more injuries and stoppages than I have ever seen at a game. Every little touch seems to have a player rolling around in the mud. The match never has a chance to get going. The two physios are the two most knackered people in the ground! Mercifully, there is a goal; Hobbs sticks one away just before half-time.

The Corsham players celebrate wildly. As they are about to trot back to the centre circle, the captain tries to call them back for a huddle in the corner. Thankfully, the excellent referee is having none of it!

As I’m walking back to the car after a desperately disappointing game, I notice the home keeper shaking hands with Deal fans behind his goal and wishing them a safe journey home. That’s a well-deserved white card for him from me.

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