I’ve an early start on the Saturday though, for Newbiggin. Of all the grounds in the Northern League, they have to start with Newbiggin, which could only have been furthered by Alnwick Town, today’s visitors. Indeed, the Northern League have made this weekend a derby special, to increase crowds as well as to appeal to groundhoppers. And so far it’s worked, with bumper crowds beginning with 508 at West Auckland v Thornaby (unfortunately enough, NOT a derby; it would be too ideal if the whole league matched up), over 200 more than their previous highest attendance this season.
But I had to go to Newbiggin. Of the 3 games today, it is the only one I’d not been to. Since moving from the north-east 3 years ago, there have been a number of promotions, both out of, and in to, the Northern League, meaning I’m shy of a few. Others being Alnwick, Darlington Town, Grangetown Boys Club and Kendal Town, though I expect the latter will be back in the North West Counties next year, with a plethora of former Northern League clubs struggling in the Northern Premier East this season.
It’s an easy drive up, and I even have time to pop into my home town for a Greggs breakfast…and some ham and pease pudding. Pease pudding is the one thing I miss about the north-east. Get the satnav on, but I’m dodging the A19 and the Tyne Tunnel payment (I’m tight, and there’s also been too many stories of them messing up card payments and debt collectors being called). Newbiggin is just off the A1, though I’ve never been.
It’s an inauspicious entrance: it’s a pitch behind a local sports centre. Still, the area is buzzing and there’s cars all over the place. I’m forced to park on a grass verge before entering through the sports centre. I pay my 5 quid (bargain!) and am given a wristband, in case I need to go in and out. The sports centre is in use for the usual yoga, etc, but this is also where the toilets are.
Through the back door, there’s a stall selling merch, including home and away shirts, as well as a couple of other sellers, including Groundtastic. I buy my ‘Our Friends in the North Revisited’ mag, which I’ve been really looking forward to. It is cracking. So much so, I later buy another one for my mate Kev. Up some steps, we’re are up to pitch level, past a small refreshment kiosk. I am pleased I have filled myself up in advance, if this is all they have. (I don’t spot a ‘proper’ refreshment van, complete with hotfood, near the corner flag.)
This ground is basic, but what to expect? This is AFC Newbiggin’s first season in the Northern League (currently midtable, division 2). By chance, I end up chatting to the groundsman and one of the committee. They’re very pleased with the pitch, which all but died after a drought in the summer, while other improvements include erecting a perimeter fence, with vegetation planted to eventually block out the (free) view from outside. The reserve team, meanwhile, has been moved to the adjacent pitch. Future plans include a new clubhouse on the housing side of the pitch, with a small stand for standing to the side of the goal at the sports centre end. A club with ambition!
Right now though, the only stand is on the right hand touchline as you enter. There’s flat standing all round, but the far end was blocked off by a barrier, so no walking around the whole pitch today. Another dog walker or 2 looked on from outside as the game progressed. Do it while you can. Opposite the main stand is open, made more so by another football pitch behind you.
The match wasn’t a classic, but ascended into a feisty second half, as first a home player was sent off (elbow to the head?) before Alnwick ‘equalised’, kicking a player long after the ball had left the scene. As for the score, Newbiggin equalised in 90+10, 3 minutes after they’d equalised the sendings offs. Thus, having a player sent off did them a favour.
Full-time, and everyone jumped into their cars for the convoy to Newcastle Blue Star (Groundhop game 2 today). Except some bloke was rapping on my passenger side window. Had I upset him, reversing out into the road? No, he was after a lift to Ashington. Pete had done all the grounds in the top 7 non-league tiers (I think that’s what he said) except for Seaton Delaval, so needed a lift to Ashington for the train. Glad to be of service!
The Damage:
£5 ent
£1.50 prog
= £6.50
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