Bedworth United

13th April 2013

Yummy local home made broth is served !

Southern League Premier Division

Bedworth United 0  Kettering Town 1
Gate: £8
Atten: 220










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Ground:

Originally a small market town with Saxon origin, Bedworth developed into an industrial town in the 18th and 19th centuries, due largely to coal mining and the overspill of ribbon weaving and textile industries from nearby Coventry. Today sitting proudly in the middle of the Welfare Park, surrounded by public play areas,and some delightful beds of the horticulture variety, you will find The Oval , home of Bedworth United, nicknamed the Greenbacks.

Last season the new management team steered the club to Promotion for the first time in its 65 year history to the dizzy heights of the Southern League Premier Division.

I had chosen a visit today for several reasons, to watch a vital bottom of the table clash, and to catch up with some old ground hopping friends. I thought a visit in April would award me with seeing the flower beds which surround the ground in their full glorious colour. Sad to say due to the poor winter and the heavy rain had dampened that particular avenue of enjoyment.

As you enter The Oval from an elevated entrance via the gardens you are awarded with a lovely view of the main stand, sitting proudly. I was fortunate enough to have been given the Grand Tour by no less than two Vice Presidents ! who have so much feeling for the Club that they literally bleed green !

Inside the bowls of the Bedworth Boot Room !

Both ends behind the goal are open but afford pleasant views. Namely of the Giant Wheel from the former Bedworth Colliery and the big flume from the adjacent swimming pool .However far from ideal if they heavens open like yesterday. The active Social Club was decent and the views of the ground from above in the Boardroom galleries were the best in the house

You are always assured of a warm welcome and plenty of playful banter down at The Oval

Despite lacking some decent cover, the main impression of the ground is the people. You are always assured of a warm welcome from the Greenback enthusiasts whoever you are, and wherever you have come from. 7/10




Match Enjoyment:  2/10

Sad to say that apart from the Bedworth Broth, The Greenbacks were missing a few ingredients !

Bedworth Colliery wheel in background

As they failed to come to the boil in their most important match of the season , and to cook up anything of note. They were not soup-er ! and it left a bad taste in the mouth, as the Poppies popped up with the only goal as the Bedworth defence played statues.

 But fair play to the youthful Kettering outfit they kept going and hung in there and at the sound of the final whistle they celebrated loudly and proudly. Despite already being relegated and amazingly they played again less than 24 hours later on a Sunday to record another win (3-1 v Bideford) So within the space of five days they have recorded three victories ! nearly as many as they have won all season , amazing !!!

The Kettering fans applauded their team of the pitch and the generous Bedworth fans also applauded. At that really summed everything up about my time at The Oval.

Lets hope the Greenbacks dont sink and 'slide' down the Leagues

 But as the rain came down harder and the dust settled on a disappointing display and result for Bedworth. The die hard Greenback fans were asking each other if they were going down to Chesham on Tuesday night to support the boys in green. "No way ..... not after what we've just watched" came the replies but a few seconds later before departure they all nodded in agreement and said  "What time do we need to leave on tuesday then ?  ..... a typical answer given only by those who bleed green !.