|
No.24 - Sat. 24th November 2007; Bedfordshire Senior Trophy Round 2 1.30pm at the Meltis Sports Ground, Miller Road, Bedford, Beds. (Att: 29; Admn & Prog: N/A) |
|
View matchday images 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 Meltis Corinthians (2) 3 Cobham (0) 1 Meltis experience the sweet taste of success
What a great competition this is! Like many 'hoppers I really do enjoy watching cup ties where the clubs involved play their football at different levels in the pyramid. In the last round I attended a cracking match between Renhold United (Bedfordshire League) and their opponents Arlesey Athleic (South Midlands League). Although the game ended 3-4 in favour of the visitors, there was in truth very little to choose between the two sides - surprisingly the standard of football was terrific and a great advert for the League (see R No. 16). So when the draw for the Third Round was made I just couldn't resist taking in another game. The fixture which stood out for me was another David vs. Goliath contest featuring Bedford-based Meltis Corinthians and Bedford (formerly Bedford & Valerio). As in the last round the hosts from the Bedfordshire League were matched against a much in-form side from the South Midlands League Division 1. It promised to be an exciting and entertaining contest. Along with several well-known hoppers (Pete B, 'DJ' and Gordon W) we arrived at the Meltis Sports Ground in Miller Road on what was a rather dull, overcast and cold afternoon. Wrapped in several layers we took our place pitch side ready for the kick-off. We all hoped to see a good game and collectively wondered whether Meltis could do the unthinkable and conquer their illustrious opponents - to be brutally honest that was the main reason why we had turned up! What ever happened to the 'neutral' hopper? After a slow start Bedford predictably took control and played the better football on a pitch which was firm in spite of heavy rain which had fallen in the area during the previous evening. As the pressure mounted the Corinthians' defence resorted to one or two rather agricultural challenges. They were soon caught on the break and a clumsy challenge in the area led to claims for a penalty which was duly awarded. The spot kick sent the keeper to his left and with cat-like reflexes he managed to push the ball behind the post for a corner (see photo above). He was mobbed by his team mates. This gave the Corinthians a much needed boost. Was it the hand of God that had just saved them? As the ball went down to the other end of the field tricky forward James Allison volleyed the ball goalwards from distance - his aim was straight and accurate leaving the Bedford 'keeper stranded. 1-0! The celebrations had barely died down when the Corinthians strruck again. With only a few minutes remaining before half-time a carefully timed through ball saw Meltis midfielder Jon Patterson steer the ball past the helpless 'keeper. The Bedford players could only look on - their expressions said it all and there was now the very real possibilty that they were going to be dumped out of the competition. The home fans thought so too! With the proverbial rocket fired in the visitors changing rooms at half-time it seemed to encourage Bedford to come back out and make a fist of it (not literally though - I had seen enough of that last week). Within seconds of the restart it was definitely a case of backs to the wall as the Meltis defence was now severely tested. Bedford were soon back in it when an inswinging corner was stabbed into the net from close range It was now 1-2. The football was not pretty as the ball was repeatedly cleared away in desperation from a packed goal area; the tiring defenders were finding the going really tough. But it seemed that the woodwork and a lot of luck was on their side. The visitors just couldn't find a way through and with time running out they changed their formation and pushed more players forward. Corinthians won a loose ball in midfield and the long punt upfield dropped at the feet of Dave Warren who suddenly found himself onside and unmarked. Without hesitation he set off goalwards (up the slope) and unleashed a low drive in the direction of the keeper. The striker turned away in celebration as the ball struck the net. Amazingly the score was now 3-1. As the final whistle sounded the Corinthians gathered on the far touchline to congratulate each other having pulled off a memorable victory. The hopping contingent also left happy - they had just witnessed giant killing at its very best!! Meltis Corinthians Football Club play at the Meltis Sports Ground in Miller Road located just half a mile from Bedford town centre. Bedford based traveller Gordon explained that the playing fields occupy a large site which was once home to the Meltis Company (famous for making those delicious New Berry Fruits - a brand of jelly sweets with a liquid centre that were always plentiful in the shops around Christmas time. I can remember buying my gran a box of these in the ealy 70's). Anyway the firm went bankrupt in 1996 and the business moved down to Oxfordshire leaving the land to be leased as a recreational space. Much regeneration has taken place in the surrounding area with a new housing development providing modern apartments. An old clubhouse/ pavilion is positioned behind the goal nearest to Miller Road. Looks can be deceptive though. Despite its rather battered appearance from the outside inside is a cosy bar lounge, kitchen and large screen TV. A veranda which hangs over the entrance provides the only cover on site but it is close enough to the action to provide useful shelter. The rest of the ground is fairly open with little protection against the elements; randomn piles of autumn leaves had blown across the playing fields and settled behind the top goal - a picturesque autumn scene. Trains transporting passengers to and from Bedford pass behind the ground at the far end at frequent intervals. Like most clubs in this league (apart from Renhold United) Meltis Corinthians do not issue programmes for home matches. Sadly the club did not have enough staff on duty to provide hot drinks and food. A shame really as several patrons were in need of a hot cuppa' on this bitterly cold afternoon. Cold snacks (crisps, nuts and chocolate bars) can be purchased from behind the bar. To reach the ground come off the A421 Bedford by-pass at the A6 exit and follow signs for the town centre along the Ampthill Road. Turn right into Progress Way (A5134) before taking a left into Hope Street. This becomes Miller Road with the entrance to the football club just past Kennedy Road on the right hand side. A great day out and a club worth visiting (if you're not too worried about getting a programme). Take the opportunity to watch a match in the Bedfordshire Senior Trophy if you can, it will be well worth it! For more details see below or visit the County FA Website: http://www.bedfordshirefa.com/default.htm The draw for Round 3: Sharnbrook v Arlesey Ath; Kent Ath v AFC Kempston; AFC Dunstable v Meltis Corinthians and Luton Borough v Caldecote (all matches to be played on Saturday 5 January 2008 with a 1.30pm kick off). FGIF Rating: 5* |
|
edited on 22/11/07 |
