Billericay Town 0 v Chelmsford City 1
Conf South Division
Gate: £12
Atten: 1,211 (Bumper crowd for local Essex derby, nearly 3 times the average gate)
Ground: 8/10 The random nature of the stands and buildings around the ground only add to its charm. The main ground improvements of the past are due to their superb three FA Vase successes in the mid-late70's. Made more enjoyable by Chelmsford who came in large numbers.
The main stand aka The Cow Shed is an interesting structure.
Billericay have a great rivalry with Chelmsford City others include fellow Essex club Canvey Island. Locally there was a competitive rivalry with Basildon United but as the two clubs haven't played at the same level for around 30 years this rivalry is largely forgotten.
Match Enjoyment: 6/10 At times this Essex derby was more 'scream' than 'ream' as both teams cancelled each other out. But as the game grew older, vintage claret came out and the goal nabber Slabber took his goal well.But the 'Shoe Army' never lost their
Food and Drink: 2/10 The queues for the tea hut were very long and then the electrics went. The bar was jam packed and difficult to get served or even move ! But not to worry as i had a big brunch in town.
View all Photos from Billericay (48)
It was a beautiful New Years day morning. The air was crisp and fresh and the sun was wonderful as i made my way on the M25 and Dartford Tunnel virtually hassle free.They say The Only way is Essex, so here is my chance to see.
maybe some "ARGie" bargy ? ...well jel ?
After my tasty brunch at The Blue Boar in town and a walk around, which was very pleasant.I arrived at The New Lodge, home of Billericay Town FC to a very friendly welcome in anticipation of a cracking ,feisty Essex Derby. The "Shoe Army" v The Clarets.
According to the locals the foundation of the nickname "The Shoe Army" stems back from an away visit to Margate FC. During an important game 'Ricay had scored and the fans were banging on the advertising boards with their hands admist their euphoria. However the security at "Stalag Margate" told them in no uncertain terms "do not bang the ad boards with your hands" so instead the 'ricay fans proceeded to remove their shoes and use them as technically it was no longer their hands !. (please note another endearing story of the people of Margit !) and so the name has stuck to this very day.
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| The Clarets came in their large numbers |
Good report, one minor correction, the "Cow Shed" is the covered standing area next to the Main Stand, not the main stand itself.
ReplyDeleteIan
Ian, Many thanks for correcting me. I very much enjoyed my visit to Billericay.
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