We set out on this non-league tour with the goal of seeing every team before my 27th birthday in October. It was surprisingly disappointing then when the end of the season arrived and we hadn't managed to complete the tour.
A shame because the only ground that we failed to get to was that of Great Wakering, and there was even the chance to see them play at home on the penultimate weekend of the regular season meaning we would have completed the set of Non-League grounds in Essex that we were after way ahead of schedule. However, days before that fixture I was invited on a trip to Spain, and after thinking my decision over for all of 10 seconds I begrudgingly accepted the free holiday.
Still, next season will bring some new teams for us to see, as we'll add to our list those teams that were promoted from the Essex Senior League, not to mention Great Wakering being the first team we go to see.
It's not yet entirely clear who we need to view yet, websites at this level are infuriatingly out of date, or just refuse to load but we can speculate that we may be travelling to either Enfield, Stansted or Witham as those were the top 3 teams in that league for 2010/11.
And after that? I really need to find something else to fill my Saturday's. Perhaps a tour of Non-league teams in Kent? Hmm... now there's an idea.
Sunday 15 May 2011
Tuesday 3 May 2011
Waltham Abbey v Waltham Forest
The penultimate game of our tour saw us embarking along the M25 in search of Waltham Abbey's tiny ground 'Cappershots'. With the prospect of a fairly long journey and the need to locate a decent pub to view the Manchester derby after the game, we set off with plenty of time in hand resulting in us arriving at the ground an hour before kick-off. Not a problem we thought, we've been to many a game with time to kill and have always found something to keep us entertained. Not so at Waltham though.
We arrived to find that the ground wasn't actually open yet, and were in fact a little bemused as to where the entrance was. Sure, there was something resembling a turnstile in front of us, but all signs seemed to point to alongside the stadium, with green painted footprints on display for those that cannot read I presume. I followed those footprints step for step only to be lulled into a cul-de-sac and have to embarrasingly retrace my steps to the original entrance.
By now there was something resembling life going on, as at 2.10 a man was opening the turnstile whilst another stapled todays fixture to a board. We were officially the first paying customers to enter the tiny ground that day, and would be eventually followed by a further 67 foolhardy followers. Attendances must be regularly low here as the guy selling tickets wasn't actually sure what the prices were. Eventually I was made to part with £8 and I was in, ready to explore.
With a good 45 minutes to spare there wasn't actually too much to look at. There was no clubshop, no tea bar (ludicrous!), and only one small toilet. There was one stand, about 4 rows deep running about half the length of the pitch, and the rest was standing. A grassy knoll existed in one corner, with a sign telling us we couldn't stand there, and that was about it. In fact, there seemed to be a lot of mis-placed signs here. Along with the misleading entrance, there was a sign for gents and ladies toilets, situated above a small bush. Perhaps that was the place to go but seeing as that bush was on full view of the pitch, I decided that I'd never choose to drop my trousers there, and quickly moved on.
So what else to do in an almost empty stadium with more than 30mins to kick-off? Have a sit down of course. We wandered over to the sole stand, passing a footballer pissing against a fence along the way (as you do), and being less than impressed with the state of the pitch, but amused by the obviously drunken groundsman who had marked out the boundaries. The seating arrangements were also not quite right with numbers and rows definitely not matching up. We sat in row 4. Or row 30, if Waltham Abbey were to have you believe.
Agitated by a few young fans nearby, and increasingly hungry due to the lack of food on offer, we decided to get away from everyone and watch the game from next to the dugouts, the layout of the ground meaning we'd be looking down slightly on the pitch as well. Things had started poorly here, and only a great game would change our mood. The home side were sitting comfortably in mid-table and were taking on the team bottom of the league, who have conceded 78 times this season already so we were expecting goals.
And we were not to be disappointed as the two Waltham's played out a memorable 5-4 thriller. This sort of match is what non-league football is all about. It took just 9 minutes for Abbey to take the lead, as Emmanuel Oesi nipped in from a flick, past a static defence who were waiting for a flag that was never going to come. Sure, already it was all route one stuff from the home side, but it was proving effective against a sluggish back line.
Undeterred, Forest hit back just 2 minutes later. More good work from right midfielder Joel Palmer, who had already started brightly, and an eventual cross from the right and it was tucked home by Midfielder Healy for the equaliser.
Now, despite being level, the away dugout were obviously displeased with the way their defence were playing, and one centre-back 'Joel' seemed to be taking most of the flak. In fairness to Joel his body may have seen better days, and he was certainly finding it difficult to keep up with the pace of the game, but despite being dragged out of position on the odd occasion, he was giving it his all, this point backed up by poking his tongue out in concentration each time play edged his way. But incredibly, after one bit of 'advice'
too far from the sidelines, Joel decided he'd had enough and started walking off the pitch at the exact same time as Abbey were launching another attack. We'd never seen anything like it, especially so early on in the game. Remarkably Forest managed to avert the danger despite having being a centre-back down, but it didn't last.
In fact, just 6 minutes later and now only 30mins into the game the Home team had scored two quick fire goals to move into a commanding 3-1 lead. More calamatous defending, first to concede an needless free-kick, and then moments later a mix up between the back line and their keeper, being all the invitation that was needed.
It very soon got worse for Forest. An attempted swing at the ball in his own area from Palmer, saw the ball spin up his body and strike his arm. With nobody within 5 yards of the player, it seemed a really harsh decision to award a penalty, but by the letter of the law, perhaps the referee was correct, and with 5 minutes until half time it was now 4-1.
Down, but not out, Forest kept going and on the stroke of half time they were back in it, Palmer making amends for his mistake for the 4th goal by tapping in from close range to make it 4-2. All they had to do was see out injury time and re-group for the second half. Not to be though, as Abbey immediately restored their 3 goal margin after a fantastic chest and looping strike on the half-volley from easily 25 yards out. 5-2 at the break. Incredible!
Waltham Forest came out a different side in the second half. Well, a slightly improved side at least. We were a touch surprised to see Joel trotting out after his first half sulk, but he remained focused on the game and helped his team to a second half clean-sheet. In truth it was probably more Abbey who took their foot off the pedal, and they were probably still not too concerned when they conceded a 3rd after 65 minutes, when Zesh Bennet powered through and finished well with the aid of a deflection.
The game seemed to be petering out at 5-3 when with full-time fast approaching there was a tangle in the Abbey box resulting in left-back Daveney (who had look composed all game prior to the incident) lashing out with his boot and catching the Forest striker in the face. It was the Assistant Referee who spotted it and gave the ref no choice but to award a penalty, which was duly dispatched to make it 5-4.
The home bench were livid, none more so than the Darren Ferguson lookalike (sort of) coach, who started inexplicably berating the Assistant on his side, despite him being the furthest possible distance from the incident and having no role in giving the penalty whatsoever. For some reason I decided to side with the officials and get involved, only to be quickly snapped at and told to shut it by Fergie Jnr. Waltham Forest were unable to secure an unlikely 5th, but despite the final whistle the home bench continued to confront the officials at full time as we hastily made for the exit to escape a ground we hope we never have to return to.
We arrived to find that the ground wasn't actually open yet, and were in fact a little bemused as to where the entrance was. Sure, there was something resembling a turnstile in front of us, but all signs seemed to point to alongside the stadium, with green painted footprints on display for those that cannot read I presume. I followed those footprints step for step only to be lulled into a cul-de-sac and have to embarrasingly retrace my steps to the original entrance.
By now there was something resembling life going on, as at 2.10 a man was opening the turnstile whilst another stapled todays fixture to a board. We were officially the first paying customers to enter the tiny ground that day, and would be eventually followed by a further 67 foolhardy followers. Attendances must be regularly low here as the guy selling tickets wasn't actually sure what the prices were. Eventually I was made to part with £8 and I was in, ready to explore.
With a good 45 minutes to spare there wasn't actually too much to look at. There was no clubshop, no tea bar (ludicrous!), and only one small toilet. There was one stand, about 4 rows deep running about half the length of the pitch, and the rest was standing. A grassy knoll existed in one corner, with a sign telling us we couldn't stand there, and that was about it. In fact, there seemed to be a lot of mis-placed signs here. Along with the misleading entrance, there was a sign for gents and ladies toilets, situated above a small bush. Perhaps that was the place to go but seeing as that bush was on full view of the pitch, I decided that I'd never choose to drop my trousers there, and quickly moved on.
So what else to do in an almost empty stadium with more than 30mins to kick-off? Have a sit down of course. We wandered over to the sole stand, passing a footballer pissing against a fence along the way (as you do), and being less than impressed with the state of the pitch, but amused by the obviously drunken groundsman who had marked out the boundaries. The seating arrangements were also not quite right with numbers and rows definitely not matching up. We sat in row 4. Or row 30, if Waltham Abbey were to have you believe.
Agitated by a few young fans nearby, and increasingly hungry due to the lack of food on offer, we decided to get away from everyone and watch the game from next to the dugouts, the layout of the ground meaning we'd be looking down slightly on the pitch as well. Things had started poorly here, and only a great game would change our mood. The home side were sitting comfortably in mid-table and were taking on the team bottom of the league, who have conceded 78 times this season already so we were expecting goals.
And we were not to be disappointed as the two Waltham's played out a memorable 5-4 thriller. This sort of match is what non-league football is all about. It took just 9 minutes for Abbey to take the lead, as Emmanuel Oesi nipped in from a flick, past a static defence who were waiting for a flag that was never going to come. Sure, already it was all route one stuff from the home side, but it was proving effective against a sluggish back line.
Undeterred, Forest hit back just 2 minutes later. More good work from right midfielder Joel Palmer, who had already started brightly, and an eventual cross from the right and it was tucked home by Midfielder Healy for the equaliser.
Now, despite being level, the away dugout were obviously displeased with the way their defence were playing, and one centre-back 'Joel' seemed to be taking most of the flak. In fairness to Joel his body may have seen better days, and he was certainly finding it difficult to keep up with the pace of the game, but despite being dragged out of position on the odd occasion, he was giving it his all, this point backed up by poking his tongue out in concentration each time play edged his way. But incredibly, after one bit of 'advice'
too far from the sidelines, Joel decided he'd had enough and started walking off the pitch at the exact same time as Abbey were launching another attack. We'd never seen anything like it, especially so early on in the game. Remarkably Forest managed to avert the danger despite having being a centre-back down, but it didn't last.
In fact, just 6 minutes later and now only 30mins into the game the Home team had scored two quick fire goals to move into a commanding 3-1 lead. More calamatous defending, first to concede an needless free-kick, and then moments later a mix up between the back line and their keeper, being all the invitation that was needed.
It very soon got worse for Forest. An attempted swing at the ball in his own area from Palmer, saw the ball spin up his body and strike his arm. With nobody within 5 yards of the player, it seemed a really harsh decision to award a penalty, but by the letter of the law, perhaps the referee was correct, and with 5 minutes until half time it was now 4-1.
Down, but not out, Forest kept going and on the stroke of half time they were back in it, Palmer making amends for his mistake for the 4th goal by tapping in from close range to make it 4-2. All they had to do was see out injury time and re-group for the second half. Not to be though, as Abbey immediately restored their 3 goal margin after a fantastic chest and looping strike on the half-volley from easily 25 yards out. 5-2 at the break. Incredible!
Waltham Forest came out a different side in the second half. Well, a slightly improved side at least. We were a touch surprised to see Joel trotting out after his first half sulk, but he remained focused on the game and helped his team to a second half clean-sheet. In truth it was probably more Abbey who took their foot off the pedal, and they were probably still not too concerned when they conceded a 3rd after 65 minutes, when Zesh Bennet powered through and finished well with the aid of a deflection.
The game seemed to be petering out at 5-3 when with full-time fast approaching there was a tangle in the Abbey box resulting in left-back Daveney (who had look composed all game prior to the incident) lashing out with his boot and catching the Forest striker in the face. It was the Assistant Referee who spotted it and gave the ref no choice but to award a penalty, which was duly dispatched to make it 5-4.
The home bench were livid, none more so than the Darren Ferguson lookalike (sort of) coach, who started inexplicably berating the Assistant on his side, despite him being the furthest possible distance from the incident and having no role in giving the penalty whatsoever. For some reason I decided to side with the officials and get involved, only to be quickly snapped at and told to shut it by Fergie Jnr. Waltham Forest were unable to secure an unlikely 5th, but despite the final whistle the home bench continued to confront the officials at full time as we hastily made for the exit to escape a ground we hope we never have to return to.
Essex Senior Cup Final 2011
Billericay Town v Aveley FC
Not part of our scehdule this game, but when on a tour of Essex clubs, who would dare turn down the opportunity of seeing a cup final?
And so it was after 4 days of unseasonally scorching April weather, we approached Ship Lane (for the second time this season) accompanied by heavy rain clouds and a brisk wind. Trust our luck that the weather should decide to turn, myself finding it particularly incredulous after being sat sunbathing merely hours before.
Fortunately though the rain would ease by the time the teams took to the pitch, and despite the breeze, it would still be a darn sight warmer than the last time we were here to see Thurrock play.
There seemed to be something fishy going on as both Tuna and Salmon were missing from the Aveley line-up, and yet we'd only seen them play a few weeks before. We quickly realised though that at this level a lot of the players move from club to club on short term deals meaning it was highly likely that a fair few of the team that we witnessed lose to Wealdstone were probably cup-tied for tonight.
We both predicted a comfortable Billericay victory knowing full well that despite Aveley's commitment to the cause, they lack any real penetration going forward. It seemed their best chance of a positive result would be to keep things tight at the back.
Billericay scored after 60 seconds. No mean feat seeing as it was from a free kick by defender Flanagan who had to wait at least half that time for the Aveley wall to assemble themselves. Unperturbed, Flanagan cooly curled his shot around the wall and neatly into the bottom corner.
I would say it silenced the Aveley crowd, but they didn't seem to have one, just a handful of young fans. To their credit though, one of them had brought a drum to literally try to drum up some support, using it sparingly in the first half, and annoyingly in the second.
So after 1 minute the game was effectively over, but to their credit Aveley fought as hard as they could, with Orlando Smith once again being their most threatening player, but a lack of composure in front of goal thwarted any attempts at a comeback.
We compared the game to that of the 1997 FA Cup Final between Chelsea and Middlesbrough. In that showpiece, Chelsea scored inside a minute and added a second to kill the game, sending the 40,000 or so Chelsea fans into deliruim. Much the same here, Billericay eventually grabbed a second, resulting in 450 or so Billericay Town supporters chanting with glee as they knew they'd be bringing the cup home for the first time in 35 years.
It was a little disheartening to see the Aveley players trudge off at full time to collect their runners-up medals with barely any of their own fans to greet them. Credit though to the opposition support who stood and clapped them as they approached, and despite only being a Non-League Final, the obvious dejection on the players faces was for all to see.
But soon it was time for the winners to approach, and quite possibly the worlds largest trophy was lifted in delight by club captain Micah Hyde. He may be in the twilight of his career, a former Premier League player, a former International player in fact, but winning is winning, and Hyde was clearly enjoying the victory as much as his less prestigious teammates.
Not part of our scehdule this game, but when on a tour of Essex clubs, who would dare turn down the opportunity of seeing a cup final?
And so it was after 4 days of unseasonally scorching April weather, we approached Ship Lane (for the second time this season) accompanied by heavy rain clouds and a brisk wind. Trust our luck that the weather should decide to turn, myself finding it particularly incredulous after being sat sunbathing merely hours before.
Fortunately though the rain would ease by the time the teams took to the pitch, and despite the breeze, it would still be a darn sight warmer than the last time we were here to see Thurrock play.
There seemed to be something fishy going on as both Tuna and Salmon were missing from the Aveley line-up, and yet we'd only seen them play a few weeks before. We quickly realised though that at this level a lot of the players move from club to club on short term deals meaning it was highly likely that a fair few of the team that we witnessed lose to Wealdstone were probably cup-tied for tonight.
We both predicted a comfortable Billericay victory knowing full well that despite Aveley's commitment to the cause, they lack any real penetration going forward. It seemed their best chance of a positive result would be to keep things tight at the back.
Billericay scored after 60 seconds. No mean feat seeing as it was from a free kick by defender Flanagan who had to wait at least half that time for the Aveley wall to assemble themselves. Unperturbed, Flanagan cooly curled his shot around the wall and neatly into the bottom corner.
I would say it silenced the Aveley crowd, but they didn't seem to have one, just a handful of young fans. To their credit though, one of them had brought a drum to literally try to drum up some support, using it sparingly in the first half, and annoyingly in the second.
So after 1 minute the game was effectively over, but to their credit Aveley fought as hard as they could, with Orlando Smith once again being their most threatening player, but a lack of composure in front of goal thwarted any attempts at a comeback.
We compared the game to that of the 1997 FA Cup Final between Chelsea and Middlesbrough. In that showpiece, Chelsea scored inside a minute and added a second to kill the game, sending the 40,000 or so Chelsea fans into deliruim. Much the same here, Billericay eventually grabbed a second, resulting in 450 or so Billericay Town supporters chanting with glee as they knew they'd be bringing the cup home for the first time in 35 years.
It was a little disheartening to see the Aveley players trudge off at full time to collect their runners-up medals with barely any of their own fans to greet them. Credit though to the opposition support who stood and clapped them as they approached, and despite only being a Non-League Final, the obvious dejection on the players faces was for all to see.
But soon it was time for the winners to approach, and quite possibly the worlds largest trophy was lifted in delight by club captain Micah Hyde. He may be in the twilight of his career, a former Premier League player, a former International player in fact, but winning is winning, and Hyde was clearly enjoying the victory as much as his less prestigious teammates.
Harlow Town v Romford
Our longest drive of the tour this week as we were off to see Harlow Town. Originally omitted from the list due to an oversight by me, but reinstated after a tip from Tony at Thurrock. Googlemaps stated about an hours drive so we set off in pursuit of our goal with plenty of time in hand. Googlemaps however seems to cater for those who like to drive along as if they have a caravan attached to the rear of their car, as we found ourselves pulling up way in advance of kick-off. So a needlessly early depature time this week, made all the more annoying by the fact that the game was to start at 1pm to avoid clashing with the Wales v England European Qualifying match at 3pm. I'm just grouchy because I was hungover (again).
Harlow's ground is relatively new, the team having only relocated to Barrows Farm in 2006. Sure, it looked nice, it looked modern, but then it lacked character and a sense of a close-knit semi-professional team. The ground was dominated by one large stand with comfortable seating, and it must have been expensive to build as they were charging £2.50 for a matchday programme! I suppose they've got to make their money back somehow.
Before kick-off and with 45 minutes still to go we took a slower than usual walk around the ground. For those of you that haven't visited a Non-League ground before, they are all rather similar, and generally do not need three quarters of an hour put aside to spend on navigating them. So before long we'd come full circle and sat shivering at the back of the stand awaiting the arrival of the players. One humourous observation of note was that Harlow appear to have gone for a less conventional 'conservatory' style for their dugouts, meaning if you are one of the substitutes that day, unless you get there early and take prime position in the middle of the bench, then you'll more than likely end up having to peer through a window to see the match.
Eventually the players appeared. We knew they were coming as an old lady was summoned to gently pull out the tunnel from which they would emerge. It seemed cruel to make this woman do this job, but all was well about 20minutes later as it became clear that she was actually being paid for her occupation in the form of a cone of chips that were brought over for her to enjoy.
Accompanying the two sides onto the pitch was a man over the tannoy who had quite possibly the most deflated tone I'd ever heard. From previous experience it's usually this guys job to whip up a bit of a frenzy, and make what will quite possibly be a dull encounter, sound like the greatest spectacle to hit the area in years. If only for a few minutes, this man has the most important job in football, as his tones can help influence the crowd that are there, meaning it's important to keep the energy levels up, especially when the majority of your attendance are aged 65+ anyway and prone to dozing off even during more exciteable occasions in life. Alas, no. Because of this man as the game commenced, I was now feeling bored as well as cold.
The game being underway didn't really change things at first as it was a very stop/start affair from the outset. A crude challenge in the opening minutes resulted in a booking and a lengthy stoppage, and minutes later Romford's striker was inadvertently caught in the head by the home 'keepers left knee as he rose to claim an overhit throughball. These incidents would prove key later on though as neither player could fully recover resulting in Romford being forced into making 2 changes after only 12 minutes.
And it was moments after these changes that Harlow opened the scoring. Strikers Lee Roache and Bertie Brayley looked a class partnership all afternoon as they grabbed a brace each, and it was Roache that got the first with a free header from barely 6 yeards. This goal finally helped bring some atmosphere to the ground as the small contingent of hardcore fans (well, the annoying loud ones anyway), went crazy and began chorus after chorus of typical terraced chants.
The tone was set for the rest of the game, it was 2-0 just before half time as Harlow this time flexed their muscles from a corner kick. Aside from the two goals the first half followed a familiar pattern, Harlow would play some neat and tidy football, they'd get the ball out wide to their number 7, and he'd endeavour to put in the worst ball possible to prevent the scoreline from becoming embarrasing. He did improve ever so slightly in the second half by assisting Harlow's third, only to then be hauled off to take his place in the Home Team's conservatory.
Harlows last though was a goal of real quality, Brailey picking the ball up in the centre of the opponents half, and ignoring options both left and right of him, unleashing an unstoppable drive into the roof of the net from 25 yards out. Cue, more raptures from the crowd as they started singing 'Whats that coming over the hill, is it promotion?'
Romford did grab a consolation though on 72 minutes, but it was nothing more than that. Up until that point Harlow had looked solid at the back, as they were commanded by former Southend United centre-back Leo Roget. At 33 he didn't get about the pitch as much, in fact he hardly moved all game, but his mere presence was enough to deter the oppositions rare forays at goal. Sitting a row in front of us was Leo's wife and kids, a point noticed by us as the little girl asked 'why is Daddy being taken off?' when Roget was given a breather with 10 minutes to go.
Our longest drive of the tour this week as we were off to see Harlow Town. Originally omitted from the list due to an oversight by me, but reinstated after a tip from Tony at Thurrock. Googlemaps stated about an hours drive so we set off in pursuit of our goal with plenty of time in hand. Googlemaps however seems to cater for those who like to drive along as if they have a caravan attached to the rear of their car, as we found ourselves pulling up way in advance of kick-off. So a needlessly early depature time this week, made all the more annoying by the fact that the game was to start at 1pm to avoid clashing with the Wales v England European Qualifying match at 3pm. I'm just grouchy because I was hungover (again).
Harlow's ground is relatively new, the team having only relocated to Barrows Farm in 2006. Sure, it looked nice, it looked modern, but then it lacked character and a sense of a close-knit semi-professional team. The ground was dominated by one large stand with comfortable seating, and it must have been expensive to build as they were charging £2.50 for a matchday programme! I suppose they've got to make their money back somehow.
Before kick-off and with 45 minutes still to go we took a slower than usual walk around the ground. For those of you that haven't visited a Non-League ground before, they are all rather similar, and generally do not need three quarters of an hour put aside to spend on navigating them. So before long we'd come full circle and sat shivering at the back of the stand awaiting the arrival of the players. One humourous observation of note was that Harlow appear to have gone for a less conventional 'conservatory' style for their dugouts, meaning if you are one of the substitutes that day, unless you get there early and take prime position in the middle of the bench, then you'll more than likely end up having to peer through a window to see the match.
Eventually the players appeared. We knew they were coming as an old lady was summoned to gently pull out the tunnel from which they would emerge. It seemed cruel to make this woman do this job, but all was well about 20minutes later as it became clear that she was actually being paid for her occupation in the form of a cone of chips that were brought over for her to enjoy.
Accompanying the two sides onto the pitch was a man over the tannoy who had quite possibly the most deflated tone I'd ever heard. From previous experience it's usually this guys job to whip up a bit of a frenzy, and make what will quite possibly be a dull encounter, sound like the greatest spectacle to hit the area in years. If only for a few minutes, this man has the most important job in football, as his tones can help influence the crowd that are there, meaning it's important to keep the energy levels up, especially when the majority of your attendance are aged 65+ anyway and prone to dozing off even during more exciteable occasions in life. Alas, no. Because of this man as the game commenced, I was now feeling bored as well as cold.
The game being underway didn't really change things at first as it was a very stop/start affair from the outset. A crude challenge in the opening minutes resulted in a booking and a lengthy stoppage, and minutes later Romford's striker was inadvertently caught in the head by the home 'keepers left knee as he rose to claim an overhit throughball. These incidents would prove key later on though as neither player could fully recover resulting in Romford being forced into making 2 changes after only 12 minutes.
And it was moments after these changes that Harlow opened the scoring. Strikers Lee Roache and Bertie Brayley looked a class partnership all afternoon as they grabbed a brace each, and it was Roache that got the first with a free header from barely 6 yeards. This goal finally helped bring some atmosphere to the ground as the small contingent of hardcore fans (well, the annoying loud ones anyway), went crazy and began chorus after chorus of typical terraced chants.
The tone was set for the rest of the game, it was 2-0 just before half time as Harlow this time flexed their muscles from a corner kick. Aside from the two goals the first half followed a familiar pattern, Harlow would play some neat and tidy football, they'd get the ball out wide to their number 7, and he'd endeavour to put in the worst ball possible to prevent the scoreline from becoming embarrasing. He did improve ever so slightly in the second half by assisting Harlow's third, only to then be hauled off to take his place in the Home Team's conservatory.
Harlows last though was a goal of real quality, Brailey picking the ball up in the centre of the opponents half, and ignoring options both left and right of him, unleashing an unstoppable drive into the roof of the net from 25 yards out. Cue, more raptures from the crowd as they started singing 'Whats that coming over the hill, is it promotion?'
Romford did grab a consolation though on 72 minutes, but it was nothing more than that. Up until that point Harlow had looked solid at the back, as they were commanded by former Southend United centre-back Leo Roget. At 33 he didn't get about the pitch as much, in fact he hardly moved all game, but his mere presence was enough to deter the oppositions rare forays at goal. Sitting a row in front of us was Leo's wife and kids, a point noticed by us as the little girl asked 'why is Daddy being taken off?' when Roget was given a breather with 10 minutes to go.
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