Time is starting to run out on the season, at least if I am to fulfil my stated aim of seeing a game at every Northern League ground during 2021-22. With seven grounds to go, and a season ticket at Barnsley, this makes a trip to Boldon tonight non-negotiable – the only other home game I can make clashes with Ryhope CA’s only home game I can make. Having toyed with the idea of leaving one of those at half-time and driving the 10 miles or so to the other, I decide to brave the rain.
This evening it is the Ernest Armstrong Memorial Cup, a competition for those in the second division. 8th placed Boldon play host to 2nd in the league Easington, a side I’ve seen twice over the last year and been impressed both times. Sure enough, their fast, slick, play leads to a break and a shot is lashed into the roof of the net from 20 yards. Hang on though – it’s Boldon. A look at the league table suggest Boldon are no pushovers either, 17 wins and 9 defeats from 33 games.
I arrived as the teams were about to take the field, the clubhouse being behind the goal and towards the corner flag. Large lettering above proudly announces them to be ‘The Villa’, homage to their original founding name, Boldon Villa, in 1892. Afterwards, they were Boldon Colliery, though latterly, they are Boldon Community Welfare; one of several former colliery teams to have replaced ‘Colliery’ with ‘Community’ thereby better reflecting their post-industrial future. Shame that, but at least they still play at the ‘Boldon Colliery Welfare Ground’. Never bury your past.
I was able to muse on more history as I stood for a time on the Sam Bartram Terrace. Yes, I knew he was a legendary Charlton goalkeeper, but did I know he played for Boldon? No, but there was a fantastic plaque to the great man, paid for by the Charlton Athletic museum. Underneath a low roof, half a dozen chairs were bolted onto a plank of wood on top of a couple of breezeblocks. It’s what he would have wanted.
From the turnstiles, turn right and it’s the refreshment kiosk and Sam Bartram Terrace. The kiosk was wonderfully supplied too, given the attendance, including pies and all sorts. Beyond that lay the usual open touchline. I peeked through the metal fence to see what lay in the inky blackness beyond – why, it was the Boldon CA cricket pitch. The difference between here and Whickham’s ground being at least here there is a permanent division, not simply a rope along the touchline.
Behind both goals hung giant netting not seen this side of the Bundesliga. Probably wise at the clubhouse end, as houses overlook the pitch. On the far side was a second stand, running half the length of the pitch at the clubhouse end. Another low roof, but a step at the back. Bizarrely though, along the front were benches tight to the fence. Sit here and you are right on top of the action. Despite the constant drizzle though, I found it slightly claustrophobic. I yearned for the rain.
In an even opening half, Boldon held on till half-time. I continued my circumnavigation of the ground and stood on the halfway line opposite the dugouts. The drizzle never stopped, but I had to admire the players, who, although looking cold when coming back out, gave it their all. The pitch was zippy, and so were Easington at the resumption. Adamson cut inside a defender from the left and equalised low to the keeper’s right. I began to have negative thoughts. I could do without a penalty shootout (especially as Washington and Bedlington Terriers last week broke the world record, having a penalty shootout lasting 56 kicks, 16 more than the attendance). The Boldon defence duly obliged, pressing up to the halfway line against faster opponents and being outpaced with a throughball. There were 73 minutes on the clock, but the game was up 10 minutes later as a defender miscontrolled and tugged the forward back. Penalty, sending off and the odd sight of the offender shaking hands with the away bench on the way off. The Northern League – home of the gentleman.
The Damage:
£5 ent
= £5
The Tunes:
Ministry of Sound House Anthems (Various); only 50p from a charity shop last week!
No comments:
Post a Comment