After a bit of shopping in Solihull town centre we made the relatively short journey up the M42 to Earlswood Town Football Club to complete our ‘double header’ for the day. This was a Division 1 fixture with Fairfield Villa the visitors to the Pavilions for a 6pm start.

What a cracking set up this is. The site has a rustic feel about it despite being only a few minutes drive from the main M42 motorway. Entry through some large wrought iron gates in one corner leads to a new car park; this continues behind the nearest goal. The main facilities are situated immediately in front and along the right hand touchline; the opposite side is enclosed by small trees and hedges with a low fence separating the far end from open fields. Cover is provided by a veranda which runs in front of the club buildings. Two dug outs are positioned next to the half-way line on the far side. The pitch which is surrounded by a neat post and rail fence drops considerably from each end towards the middle (possibly by as much as six to eight feet).

Since gaining promotion the club has invested much time and money in improving the facilities at the Pavilions in Malthouse Lane (a venue not easy to find – but more about that later). A most helpful club official listed some of the improvements that had been recently carried out including a considerable amount of resurfacing/spectator hard standing; levelling part of the car park; some finishing touches to the newly built clubhouse and changing pavilion and upgrading parts of the perimeter fencing. The whole place really does look a picture. Great care and attention has been paid to detail – the club colours of red and black are lovingly painted on all the major fixtures, fittings and even on the goal nets. The letters ETFC can be picked out on the front gates and across the large flag proudly displayed on the clubhouse roof. 

Surely nothing could top the game we had already seen at Thimblemill (see R No.6)? But it did! Played at a frenetic pace from the off, both teams served up another tasty football feast enough to satisfy the voracious appetite of any seasoned football traveller. The result of this game was in doubt right up until the final whistle. It was Villa who took an early lead through a stunning 35 yard strike just before half-time. Town equalised moments after the break again with another spectacular shot from distance. An action packed last ten minutes saw the visitors net twice more only to be pegged back following a counter attack. With time running out Town did everything but equalise as the ball struck the woodwork and was amazingly blocked on the line several times. It was exhausting just watching as the game it ended 2-3! A crowd of almost fifty spectators were in attendance including one or two ‘hoppers.

A smashing 20-page programme with a striking glossy colour cover was issued for the game priced at £1 including admission. The content was made up of club news and reports as well as plenty of match stats. Interestingly the the match details and contents are printed on the front cover. Refreshments available from the clubhouse were supplemented by some tasty goodies cooked on a Barbeque during the second half. The hot dogs liberally coated in tomato sauce proved popular with the punters (in fact we had two!!).

Finding the ground can be a bit tricky as it situated some way off the beaten track. After leaving the M42 (at junction 3) follow signs for Earlswood village along Foreshaw Heath.  After ¾ mile turn right into Poolhead Lane passing the Earlswood Trading Estate (on your right) and then turn first left into Small Lane (no road sign) just before the road crosses the motorway. The ground is about ½ mile on right hand side.

If you haven’t been to the Pavilions yet make a visit as you will thoroughly enjoy it!

FGIF Rating: 5* 

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