March Town

BKD Cup

March Town 3 

Wisbech Town 0

Gate £5

Atten 130+

View all Photos from March Town


Upon arrival all seemed quiet in the Fenland Market town of March. Little was i to know at the controversy that lied ahead.

I was greeted on the gate by a very friendly father & son team who welcomed me to the club. Upon entry my eye noticed the fantastic wooden main stand which dominates the lovely spacious ground.

Prior to the outbreak of WW2 the town of March boasted two senior clubs, March Town FC and March GER United FC, with the GER Sports Ground home to the latter since its opening in 1923. Although the modern nickname of ‘The Hares’ and also the club crest is clearly a reference to the March Hare; the older ‘Railwaymen’ nickname is a reminder of the Great Eastern Railway (GER). Founded in 1911, United had originally purchased the then Shepperson’s Field from the local grammar school by floating shares of £1 each, and the splendid wooden grandstand that is very much the focal point, was constructed the same year.

 After i had completed my usual cir-cum-navigation of the ground i was approached and welcome by the club secretary as he had not recognised me before. I thought that was a lovely gesture and very classy. 

The BKD Cup is in memory of the three March Town youngsters, who tragically lost their lives in a car accident. This is one way that the club can pay tribute to them and preserve their memory.What a fantastic day this was in every respect.

Local rivals Wisbech Town are from a higher league but The Hares gave them the run around today. They scored three superb goals and the overall team performance was very impressive. The iconic main stand is simply fantastic and they expect it to still be there for at least another 3 seasons. The new clubhouse is excellent and catering facilities are also very good. Except today there were no Onions available for my cheese burger. Big error when OB is in town !
It was quite funny actually because everybody in the ground knew no onions were available so everyone in turn asked for them much to the amusement of the guys in the tea hut !

It was a wonderful day spent with the Hares , super friendly club with a very decent team this season. Why it has taken me so long to visit here i have no idea but i least i have finally been able now to say i have. A lovely ground , fantastic relaxed atmosphere and a very enjoyable game to watch.

It just does not get any better.

 

Newhaven FC

Pre Season Friendly
Newhaven FC 2 Horley Town 2
Gate £2
Atten 70









View all Photos from Newhaven FC

Newhaven FC is one of the oldest clubs in Sussex, and was formed by the Towner family who were brewers in the town during the latter 19th century, plus some of their enthusiastic friends. A meeting took place at the Bridge Hotel in December 1887 when it decided to form the Club and 20 members signed up on the day. 

The Trafalger Ground , home of The Dockers is to be found a 7iron away from Newhaven Fort , which was built to overlook and defend the harbour and is a popular family attraction. It proved a busy place today with a cricket match taking place , a crown green bowling competition in full flow , a children's play park and picnic area and a skateboard park all in full swing. It was quite a sight watching the ferry arrive from France in the harbour as a back drop to the match. 

The ground is dominated a a big main stand which offers fantastic views over the harbour if there is no sea fret.
The Dockers were all at sea in the first half but in the second half they were thrown a life jacket by a lapse in concentration by Horley's defenders allowed them back into the game. Then moments later the inevitable happened and Newhaven equalised and if anything looked the likely winner. I am not a fan of PSF's but this was an enjoyable and relaxing day out in every respect.