DIARY OF GROUND HOPPER
SATURDAY JANUARY 6 STUDLEY 4 WHITCHURCH ALPORT 1
HAVING returned from The Big Smoke in the early hours of the morning, I think a shorter, easier trip is in order for this afternoon. The weather is still exerting its influence, so there’s a hunt for another Plastic Fantastic venue.
The Fox finds Studley lurking in the Midland League fixtures. It’s an easy decision.
The club’s website hasn’t been updated for years but I finally ascertain that there’s no problems with the game today. Bitter experience tells me that it is always best to check!
About an hour later, I pull into the large car park at The Studley Sports Centre – The Beehive – and find it virtually full. There’s still 90 minutes to kick off but I then remember I am at a 3G venue, so there’ll be loads of kids enjoying the facility. Excellent!
I enter the cosy clubhouse and am greeted by a friendly lady behind the small bar. She tells me there’s no hot food today but there are filled rolls available. Arriving Whitchurch Alport fans are unhappy at the lack of a hot meal after their 75-mile journey from Shropshire.
I sit in the bar to sip my hot chocolate but soon have to move outside. I cannot stand the persistent, droning bloviation emanating from football ‘pundits’ on the telly!
I emerge from the clubhouse onto a huge patio. The complex of pitches spreads out before me. The Fox reckons the old ground is right in front of us but I cannot remember a thing about it. Access to today’s pitch is along a long, narrow, fenced ‘tunnel’ about 75 yards away.
The complex is surrounded by trees giving it a rural feel. I pass by a tiny shed where a lady takes £7 off me (£4 Concessions) and hands me a free colour teamsheet. There’s no programme but at least I have something. There’s a wide concourse all the way round
the pitch. The far touchline houses a seated stand.
The football in the first half is quick and skilful. Both teams certainly look ‘up for it’ this afternoon! After creating several good chances, Studley go ahead after 20 minutes. Alport are level soon afterwards following a quick break from their own box. It is turning into a very entertaining contest indeed.
A quality goal past Studley in charge again at the break. I head for the warm clubhouse at half-time but the exit is blocked. Everyone has to wait until players and officials have left the field despite them all being over by the far touchline (remonstrating with match officials over some deemed outrageous decision of how they didn’t get that throw-in 30 minutes ago).
The same bottleneck occurs at the start of the second half. Everyone is kept on the patio even though there is no sign of anyone coming out of the clubhouse. I overhear several disgruntled visiting fans murmuring about the lack of food and the atrociously thoughtout spectator/player access.
The second half isn’t as close as the first. Studley really get into their stride and deservedly rattle in a couple more goals. The match becomes a tad tetchy. The referee bottles out of an obvious red card for a Whitchurch player who kicks out at an opponent after a bout of handbags by the corner flag.
With five goals in the bag, The Fox and I scuttle away before the stern lady can imprison us again. To echo the words of some visiting fans: “Let’s hope we never have to come here again”.
PRE-MATCH INFO: 6, WELCOME: 6, FACILITIES: 4, FOOD: 1, CHARM: 4, PROGRAMME: 0, HOME FANS: 6, MATCH: 8, OVERALL TRIP: 6, OFFICIALS: 6, ATT: 65