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No.32 - Sat. 29th December 2007; Anglian Combination League Division 2 2.00pm at The Street, Corton, Lowestoft, Suffolk. (Att: 24; Admn and Prog: N/A) |
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View matchday images 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 Corton (0) 1 Norwich St.Johns (2) 2 Unlucky hosts cort-on the break There is cold and then there is cold. This was definitely a case of the latter. The tiny village of Corton must surely be one of the most exposed places along this beautiful stretch of Suffolk coastline. Watching football in such a remote outpost can be a severe test as the biting winds coming off the North Sea can be unrelenting and penetrate the loins of any Groundhopper. Whilst waiting for the game to start one local, recognising my plight, confirmed that the weather was indeed particularly chilly and pointing towards the sea quipped with a wry smile: 'There won't be many on that there nudist beach today boy...'. He was right - not that I ventured across the road to find out (honest). Corton Football Club play their matches on an expanse of open playing fields off The Street. This road runs parallel to the beach and is literally a stone's throw from the sea front. As you would expect the village is deserted in the winter - all the holidaymakers have long since vacated the Warner's chalets, B & B's and cottages in the area. A narrow driveway leads to the rec where you can park on the grass verges next to the large changing pavilion. There are several pitches on the site: today another game featuring White Lion Celtic and Waveney Wolves was taking place on an adjacent pitch close to the main entrance. Corton play their matches on a very large pitch on the opposite side of the rec. This is bordered on one side by a low hedge with a children's play area behind the goal nearest to the imposing Corton Inn. Two portable dug outs are wheeled pitchside and provide the only cover here. This Anglian Combination League Second Division match was a cracker with both teams demonstrating a high level of skill in the blustery conditions. For the record, third-placed Norwich St.Johns won a closely contested game 2-1 with both of their goals coming from defensive errors in an action packed first-half. The visitors took the lead after just nine minutes through the umarked Farren Deeba following a good run down their left. Midway through the half Corton missed an excellent opportunity to pull one back when Kevin Oldman shot wide with only the 'keeper to beat after being put clean through. St Johns increased their lead when a defensive mix-up led to Craig Ritchie poking the ball home from close range in the 43rd minute. The hosts got the goal they desparately needed eleven minutes into the second period when Kevin Oldman chested the ball onto Adam Beecher who headed home - making amends for his earlier error on the exact spot in the first-half. Corton were then given a lifeline in the 61st minute when David Matthews missed a penalty for the Norwich side. Despite a concerted effort they couldn't find an equaliser and suffered only their second defeat of the season. Paper chasers will not be surprised to learn that the club, like many in the Second Division of the Combination, do not issue programmes. Hot drinks are dispensed from outside the changing pavilion by a cheerful committee member at half-time; my cuppa' was almost cold by the time I had walked back the short distance back to the car - such was the wind chill. Our journey from one side of the county to the other involved a cross-country route leaving the A14 at Bury St.Edmunds and following the A143 by-passing Diss and Bungay before coming off at St.Olaves on the B1073 towards. The last three miles to Corton was along some rather winding roads which crossed over the A12. As you approach the village travel down Corton Long Lane and follow this to the end before turning left into the Street. Alternative to consider would involve using the A11/A47 to Great Yarmouth) or the A12 up to Lowestoft - perhaps a bit further milewise but driving on much quicker roads. Despite the arctic conditions I really enjoyed my trip to Corton FC. A visit here is highly recommended. You will be impressed by the welcome received at this friendly, well-organised club. Although I didn't get a programme the standard of football was much better than I had expected. Oh and don't forget to take your anorak if you decide to go there!! FGIF Rating: 5* |
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edited on 03/01/08 |
