No.13 - Sat. 29th September 2007; Middlesex County League Premier Division 3.00pm at Meath Gardens, Smart Road, Bethnal Green, London E3 (Att: 19; Admn and Prog: £1)
View matchday images 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Bethnal Green United (0) 1 Neasden (1) 1 A veritable oasis hidden inside the urban jungle When super O's fan (and top FGIF correspondent) Stephen Harris attended a game at Bethnal Green United Football Club a few weeks ago, I couldn't wait to get down to London and visit this go-ahead club myself. Inspired by his comments (see TT No. 26) it was with great anticipation that I made my way to the Meath Gardens ground for this Middlesex County League Premier Division game against Neasden. A relatively hassle-free journey took us down the M11 and along the A12 into the city. The last few miles were negotiated with the help of a large scale London A-Z as we approached our destination. Eventually we managed to park inside the new Barnados resource centre grounds at the end of Smart Street, a narrow cul-de-sac off Roman Road. It's easy to miss though so be careful. A path leads from here into the adjoining park. From the moment we entered Meath Gardens we were captivated by the magnificent location, a veritable oasis of green hidden inside the urban jungle. The enthusiastic traveller will be totally absorbed by such a unique, enclosed setting. David Attenborough would love it. Mighty oaks stretch up as far as the eye can see and sunlight passes through the lofty canopy casting randomn shafts of light on the ground below. Squirrels can be seen flitting between the branches; some even come down in search of a free meal. It's a popular place for families, joggers and dog walkers who come here for some peace no doubt wanting to escape the rigours of daily life. Most though are totally oblivious to any football match in progress. Indeed it is hard to imagine that you are only a few miles from the heart of the City! As part of the local regeneration scheme in the area, a series of modern apartment blocks offering luxury accomodation tower closeby and provide an imposing, yet colourful, backdrop to proceedings. In the distance skyscrapers from the neighbouring boroughs of Mile End, Bethnal Green and Stepney can be seen dotted on the horizon. Everywhere you look there is something to catch the eye. Quite surreal! Back to the football. Recent upgraging has seen the important addition of a new-looking changing block and mini all weather play area as well as the erection of some floodlight pylons. Despite all this, spectator facilities for football are still fairly basic. There is no cover as yet and only a couple of wooden park seats placed conveniently behind the goal nearest the entrance offer some basic comfort! A fairly new blue perimeter rope fitted through some stakes surrounds the pitch. Benches positioned close to the half-way line are used by the substitutes. And that's about it! The game was a thoroughly entertaining affair. Neasden took an early lead only to be pegged back by the hosts midway through the second half. The standard of football was good with players showing odd flashes of brilliance here and there belying the fairly low status of the League. On balance a draw was a fair result. The three officials deserve a mention too. They were superb and directed operations impeccably explaining their decisions clearly and calmly at all times to some rather flambuoyant players who in truth tested their mettle throughout. Great stuff! Travellers may be interested to know that Neasden Football Club are a separate entity to Neasden Foundation FC who themselves were promoted from the Middlesex County League last season. A crowd of only 19 watched the match played in beautiful sunny conditions on a reasonably well-grassed surface. Although no refreshments were provided by the club on our visit there are plenty of local food stores nearby if you feel the need for some sustenance. A basic black and white, 12-page photocopied match programme was freely available pitchside cheerfully dispensed by a couple of helpful committee members who used their car boot as a mobile office. Such ingenuity! It is hoped that this ambitious club can progress further and add more titles to those already gained in the Bangla League and the London Intermediate League. A visit to Meath gardens comes thoroughly recommended. Given the facilities it might be better to attend a game in more conducive weather. You certainly won't be disappointed with what you find there. And finally, thanks to Stephen for bringing this wonderful club and venue to our attention. Oh the joys of hopping!. FGIF Rating: 5* Map l Bethnal Green United FC website edited on 05/10/07
