Molly’s come into some money. Well, he hasn’t, but after 4 months of unemploy, he’s gone and got himself a job so is once again out from reclusiveness. So, yes, he’s up for Pontefract Colls, though he’s been before. ‘We can go to Golcar if you like’ I counter. No, he’s happy enough. No Nozzer tho, too sick to travel (I need a parental note) so it’s a 45 minute scoot, most of it M62. Tell you what – it’s easy to find this ground. Take the Pontefract turning, head towards town, and turn left after the racecourse (Beechnut Lane) and you’re there. Though Molly did say the first time he came, his satnav got lost and he ended up in some local housing estate.I presume I’m first here and after parking up I walk back up Beechnut Lane for a pic of the...what do you call them? Welcoming boards? Anyway, one of them signs wot tells you the local football club is just down here and who and when their next game is against. Course, anyone not into football who’s driving into Ponty will just wonder what kind of lunatic you are, taking photos of signage.
The car park is vast, but I’m pleased I’ve put my boots on – it’s essentially a muddy field full of potholes. One can’t risk one’s new trainers at non-league venues, you never know when you’ll be traipsing through mud. The ground is now just over there, but in the darkness it’s not clear how to get to it. Turns out that darkness is a couple of other football pitches inbetween car park and ground.
Once at the turnstile, I receive a text from Moll. He’s already in. I pay my 9 quid and walk through what looks like a kitchen (but without the cooking implements). It’s one of the oddest entry arrangements I’ve ever seen, but at least they had a proper turnstile. Once through this building, you’re met with a snackbar and the clubhouse. And Moll (though possibly not every game for the latter). He’s still wearing the grin of relief that comes from being reacquainted with work (and money).
As you enter the perimeter of the pitch, there’s flat standing. We head left, past not one, but two seated stands adjoining each other. Apparently the seats are from Man City’s Maine Road ground, but now I think about it, can this be true? I’m sure the seats were dark blue. Anyway, I’m pleased to see the prevalence of whitewashed breezeblocks, a staple of the northern non-league scene. As is the mesh fencing which blocks our way when opened, to allow the players access to the field. Pride and joy though is the manually operated scoreboard, which remained unoperated today, neither side being tempted to score.
Opposite the main stand are the dugouts, and quite a few fans elect to stand here. The Colls’ main vocal support are stood behind the left hand goal 1st half, both these sides containing hard standing and enclosed by a fence. The other goal has a large propped roof, large enough for several steps of terracing, but demand there is none. Thus, it’s a cosy 1,200 capacity and with several local clubs nearby, I can see this place getting a decent crowd at some point. Pontefract isn’t a small place either.
It’s not a bad game, plenty of endeavour, etc, though we feel singled out by the home keeper as we stand by the perimeter, near the halfway line. One errant punt has us both scurrying for cover and Moll losing a portion of his beer. We were wise to him after that. Otherwise, Colls are unlucky with a cracking effort from the left winger, cutting inside and finding the top corner...but for keeper and post. Great save.
Half-time and a chance to have a warm in the clubhouse – I’m sure half the crowd are in here, and the other half could comfortably be accommodated. 6 beers on tap, Colls’ livery on the walls, a very tidy affair. Telly wasn’t working though. Maybe they were frightened folk would rather stay in the clubhouse for Bayern Munich – Celtic. Shame about the toilet block too, a grim affair. Nevermind the squeeze, it’s ok, I like not having paper towels or a hand dryer when I’ve just washed my hands in cold water in freezing outdoor temperatures. (Sarcasm.) But Moll does nab a half pound cheeseburger which looked good value (if you like cheese; I don’t.)
For Belper, third in the table, this was a chance to make up some ground on leaders Cleethorpes and Emley and early doors second half, they were at it. However, the Colls stood firm and, with the game heading towards goallessness, Moll took advantage of the bog and missed the game’s turning point: a Belper player took out a breaking Coll on the halfway line and received a red card. Fair play to the ref, who gave himself time to think about it, had a look at the damage done to the prone homester, before brandishing. I presume the stud marks were there for all to see.
Thereafter, midtable Colls became more adventurous, winning a succession of corners without ever looking like scoring and a rare Belper break brought a save from a one-on-one. All square, nils apiece...and I guess that means my visit doesn’t count. Oh well, it’s not too far away. Just remember to bring your walking boots.
The Damage:
£9 ent
£4.50 Beavertown Neck Oil (pint of)
= £13.50
No comments:
Post a Comment