Stamford

16th March 2013

Northern Premier League South Division
Stamford 1 

Chasetown 2

Gate: £8
Atten: 172






View all Photos from Stamford 
View Official Stamford Website

Ground: 8/10
There is evidence to support the existence of a football club in Stamford as far back as 1870 and various clubs came and went in the next 20 years until 1894 when the town’s two most prominent clubs, Stamford Town and Rutland Ironworks, agreed to amalgamate. Initially the club adopted the name of the Rutland Ironworks, who were viewed as the stronger of the two, but the current club’s existence is generally accepted to date back to 1896 when the Stamford Town name was adopted to give the club a higher profile.Today the Club sits proudly near the top of the Northern Premier League South Division, whilst chasing promotion to a more lofty perch.
Renamed the Vic Couzens Stadium in July 2005 this little gem of a ground sit quietly among the back lanes of this beautiful town. Surrounded by a stunning backdrop of this most picturesque medieval market town, and steeped in history. The main stand was superb and its wonky roofing only added to its charm.The impressive selection of Chasetown flags and banners only added to the enjoyment. A most delightful environment to spend an afternoon , simply charming. 

Match Enjoyment: 7/10
The match started most bizarrely with the first three seconds as The Daniels kicked off and punted the ball up field a Chasetown defender returned the ball with his hands like an experienced beach volleyball player. The home players gave the ref abuse, and this sadly set the tone for the entire game.
Stamford who were second in the table, were average at best and the first attempt on goal came in the 35th minute after a ten minute period of feisty, juicy and spicy tackles from both teams. 

Chasetown Players celebrate winning goal

Chasetown were awarded a penalty just after half time, 1-0 and minutes later it should have been 2-0 for a beautiful curling 25 yarder hit the post and bobbled on the line. The behaviour and attitude of the Stamford manager was appalling. Non stop bile directed at the Officials, which only proceeded to spread amongst his players.What an example he set !.
In the 96th minute, another free kick for the Scholars and another sending off for Stamford. From which the excellent Chasetown Captain (No 6), rose high to head home the deserved winner.
 
In the end it turned out that The Scholars from Chasetown gave Stamford a lesson (if you pardon the pun !). The Staffordshire boys deserved the win as Stamford's discipline was a shambles. Two players, the Team Manager and Physio were all set off for foul and abusive language. The Daniels were trying to throw their weight around, just like the heavy man they are nicknamed after.The locals were blaming the Ref, but in truth they should of looked closer to home.The Scholars became the teachers and Stamford should learn a big lesson from this, and enrol the Staff and players into 'The School Of Charm' or maybe they should be put in detention or at the very least  be given lines .... 'i must not swear at officals'. At the start of play Stamford stood in second place in the table, so they must be doing something right. They just need to find it again, especially when the pressure is on, and when things are not going their way. Just a shame the behaviour shown against Chasetown could not match the beautiful surroundings. !

 

Stamford boasts seven church spires. The churchyard of St. Martin’s contains the remains of Daniel Lambert, the heaviest British man ever, who gives Stamford their nickname: “The Daniels”. Lambert weighed a mighty 52st 11lb and was a huge 9ft 4ins around his waist.He died at 36 of a heart attack in a Stamford hotel whilst on a trip to the races.
In death his weight proved more of a problem than it had in life - a wall had to be demolished to get him out of the room. His coffin was made from 112 square feet of elm and measured 4ft 4ins wide. An enormous ramp was laid into his grave plot, and it took more than 20 men to lower him in. “Fat Dan”, as he was called, was born in Leicester in 1770. He was so huge he couldn't sink - and he used to float along the River Soar with children on his stomach. 

The town is best known for its medieval core of 17th–18th century stone buildings, older timber framed buildings and five medieval parish churches.

The skies were dark and the rain was heavy as i set of northwards bound. My original choice was in the New Forest, Bashley v St Neots but the weather forecast was not encouraging. In the end my choice was proved correct as the Bashley game was called off , waterlogged pitch.

Moses Beacon

Pre Match meal was in town, recommended by a local ,The Golden Fleece Pub. The Full English was superb, best of the season by far. Fresh local provenance was evident and the Lincolnshire Sausages were outstanding. Tasty, meaty, simply delicious. Very fairly priced, including tea and toast for a fiver. I was certainly not fleeced at the Golden Fleece. .. if you pardon the pun,as Moses Beacon would say ! 10/10

As 'Linda' and I departed this beautiful market town , the rain returned. In no way had it dampened what was another lovely day out.