The categories are:
Best Ground Visited - WINNER
Ipswich Wanderers
Humber Doucy Lane
Eastern Counties Division One
What a cracking ground, one of the best i have visited
for a long time. Beautifully ramshackle, quirky, nothing was straight. according to the locals, midweek someone goes around the ground with a spanner to tighten the bolts. Well maintained, very friendly welcome, all set in a lovely rural part
of Suffolk just a few miles from Ipswich Center. A very pleasant and
modern lounge bar only added to the homely feel this little jewel of a
ground presented to the visitor.The standard of football was very
good and entertaining and the pitch was in superb condition, especially
as they had just endured 24 hours of rain. I would very highly
recommend a wander down Humber Doucy Lane to see the Wanderers, as it is simply outstanding.
2nd Place
Bury Town
Ram Meadow
Ryman Premier League
It is always a delight to find a ground at
this level of the Non League Pyramid
that provides covered accommodation on
all four sides. The most immediate
feature of Ram Meadow is the unusual
main stand, with its rather deep wooden
steps-cum-seats, and sharply angled roof
supported by numerous pieces of timber. From research i had imagined the
main stand much bigger than how i found it.But its charm is its own,
and it presents wonderful views all over Ram Meadow and beyond. Namely
the vast sugar processing plant looming
behind one goal and over the other, the more
attractive cathedral tower and the towns roof tops.
The welcome was friendly and helpful. It also has an impressive club
shop as well as an impressive lounge/bar area. Ram Meadow is a most enjoyable, spacious,well
maintained venue, it will be a shame when they move for it is a smashing place to enjoy the beautiful game.
Special Mentions:
Brimscombe &Thrupp
Canvey Island
Stocksbridge Park Steels
Worst Ground Visited
Margate
Ryman Premier League
Very bland, unwelcoming, attitude problems, draconian in nature, poor views, all in the land of Planet Thanet.
Most Friendly Club- WINNER
Brimscombe & Thrupp FC
Hellenic League Div 1 West
Even
before i stepped foot inside the ground i realised what a little gem of
a place it was, as i descended the steep hills from the adjoining
villages. When i did arrive it did not disappoint, in fact it only got
better , much better. Upon arrival i was greeted by the Committee and
helpers and offered a coffee and biscuits with the offer also of home
made sandwiches. They also thanked me for coming and for taking an
interest in their Club. How wonderful was that ? i had never experienced
that before. Then they hit me with the trump card by 'insisting' i
stayed after the game for a hot meal.The Chairman personally made a
point of also welcoming my visit and could not do enough for me. I was
most humbled when they even made a public welcome over the tannoy as the teams came out.
The Meadow Ground is situated in a beautiful location, almost of roman
amphitheatre appearance. Surrounded by very steep grass banking as it
meets the the descending rolling Gloucestershire countryside it is
simply beautiful and very serene.The added bonus of the warm spring
sunshine only added to the glorious setting.
As the club prepares for higher leagues
it may well lose the quirky wooden stand which sits precariously on the
steep grass banking yet offers superb views for the field of play and
the steep rolling hills beyond. Recently the addition of floodlights
will only add to appeal of this fantastic ground.
The Clubhouse is an impressive set up with all the added extras one could wish for, including a skittles alley. The food was homemade and delicious all
served with a genuine and homely smile. At the moment they are doing everything
right both on and off the pitch ...The whole place is simply superb
!
Special Mentions:
Too many clubs to mention as would not want to miss anyone out.
Least Friendly Club
Margate
Arrogant attitudes, think they are a big club, unhelpful, puerile, and hostile tendencies.
No other club i visited came close to consideration. Margate were in the Top 1 all season.
Worst Match attended
Bognor Regis Town 0 v Kingstonian 1
Ryman Premier League
On a bitterly cold day the game did little to warm you up. Very few chances of note until the end when Kingstonian's smashed and grabbed and Bognor were lucky to get nil.
A very close second ..... Bedworth 0 Kettering 1 , again was very poor. It was so poor i nearly paid to be allowed to leave at half time. The bitterly cold wind and swirling rain did little to help.
Best Food- WINNERS
Stamford:
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.
North Ferriby:
Luncheon was served at the Yorkshire Larder and family run deli cafe,
hidden from those who are unaware of it, fortunately i bumped into it by
sheer luck, and how pleased i was. I ordered the Hot Pork, Stuffing
and apple sauce sandwich and salad and it was superb. Succulent in every
way.
Lewes:
A very tasty Steak and Harveys (local brewery) Pie. Homemade pastry,
deep filled with juicy succulent chunks of tender beef in a rich ale
gravy - delicious, if only all pies were made this way.
Worst Food
Bognor Regis In town at Macaris. Portions very small, the portion of Bubble was the size of a fifty pence piece, with high prices,with little taste. I actually left still hungry, worst of the season so far.If i had of known how good the Club food was i would have eaten there.
Marsden The Chinese take away just across the road from the ground. The food was just awful, sickly, obviously re-heated and not fresh. My advice is to avoid !
Tunbridge Wells:
National Company Pizza Express are named and shamed !!! after waiting two hours , only to be served the thinnest thickest pizza of all time. "yes
sir" said the manager with his beguiling smile .... "That is a deep pan,
thick pizza" ...... "No it is not" i replied ..... it was the
thickness of a five pound note. The taste was bland with little
toppings, the waitress was a surly filly and they insisted i payed the
full amount. It was basically theft and was very hard to stomach !.
Best Views from a ground
JOINT WINNERS
Stamford
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 views from the ground over the town are superb. The town has a touch of class about it.
Brimscombe &Thrupp
The Meadow Ground is situated in a beautiful location, almost of roman
amphitheatre appearance. Surrounded by very steep grass banking as it
meets the the descending rolling Gloucestershire countryside it is
simply beautiful and very serene.
Spennithorne & Harmby,
On the edge of the Yorkshire Dales the views of patchwork fields and drystone walls and meandering sheep and newly born spring lamb is simply majestic.
Special Mentions:
Stocksbridge Park Steels
Marsden
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