No.3 - Sat. 18th August 2007; United Counties League Premier Division 3.00pm at the Eslaforde Park, Sleaford, Lincs. (Att: 151; Admn: £5; Prog: 32pp, £1)
View matchday images 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Sleaford Town (1) 2 AFC Kempston Rovers (1) 3 Town put party on hold after second home defeat
Tempted by Andrew Gallon's visit to the club only a few days earlier (see his excellent report - TT No.17. ), I could not wait to see the new Eslaforde Park. For the enthusiastic traveller this is definitely a ground worth visiting and Andrew's expert description serves as a most compelling and useful guide. Greeted by a very friendly gateman we were given the low down on the recent fortunes of the club: it is clear that supporters are very pleased to see the football club moving back in the town once again after playing matches at RAF Cranwell over the last couple of seasons. The new ground, built at a cost of £1.5m, is set on a site of 15 acres; there is plenty of room for development. The main playing arena is contained behind a smart wooden perimeter fence. Access is through a turnstile in the corner; as you would expect, everything here is clean and tidy: on the near side is a large modern pavilion which contains the changing rooms, toilets, bar lounge and tea bar. Opposite is a new stand with plastic seating for over 100 spectators. The pitch, surrounded by a post and rail fence, is lush and beautifully manicured. The match saw a tough hard fought United Counties League encounter against AFC Kempson Rovers. The game was played in blustery showers which made control and passing difficult at times. Despite going down to an early goal Town managed to claw their way back into the game scoring just before and after half-time to take the upper hand. A resilient young Kempston side battled hard and were soon on level terms following a brilliant strike from outside the area which the keeper found unstoppable. With plenty of chances at each end it was the visitors who made the most of their opportunities and snatched a winner with five minutes left on the clock. Sadly this did not make up for the defeat against Yaxley, so the club will have to wait a bit longer to celebrate their home-coming with a victory. A terrific glossy 32 page programme (in plentiful supply) was issued for the the game (priced £1) which attracted just over 150 spectators including several other 'hoppers. A range of hot snacks and drinks were available from a busy tea bar throughout the afternoon; the steak and kidney pie, mushy peas and mint sauce washed down by a mug of hot tea was top notch and proved a popular choice amongst many of the patrons. As Andrew says the club is now based in Boston Road. This is within ten minutes walking distance from the town centre and there is plenty of parking space on site. We approached using the A1 north before turning off just after the Colsterworth roundabout. Follow signs for Ancaster/RAF Cranwell before arriving in Sleaford. A thoroughly enjoyable visit and highly recommended to all travellers. FGIF Match Rating: 4* edited on 17/08/07
