No.34 - Sat. 12th January 2008; Leicestershire Senior League Division 1                          2.00pm at Stoneycroft Park, New Street, Earl Shilton, Leics. (Att: 15; Prog and Admn: N/A) 

 

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Earl Shilton Albion (2) 4 Huncote S & S (0) 1

Now that's more than lucky...

As my daughter Jo needed a lift back to Loughborough on Saturday the plan was to get in a game somewhere  en route before dropping her off at the Uni later in the afternoon. With all the heavy rainfall during the last few days my chances of watching a game would be more down to luck than choice. Looking at the Leicestershire Senior League fixture list threw up several mouthwatering 'hoppertunities and so, with phone in hand, I called a few clubs to find out which ones had survived the recent wet weather.

Amazingly the replies to my first two calls proved positive. I couldn't quite believe it but the matches I had picked in the Leicestershire Senior League (Earl Shilton Albion and Ravenstone) had both been given the go-ahead. Now that's what I call lucky. Looking at the map a journey to Earl Shilton seemed slightly nearer than a trip to Coalville. And so within the hour a fully laden Wraymobile was heading along the A14 on its way up to  Stoneycroft Park for the Division One game between the Albion and Huncote Sports and Social with a 2pm start.  

With only ten minutes to spare we entered the village and, at break neck speed, passed in front of the ground. But things didn't look good. As we glanced over the perimeter fence the place was absolutely deserted - there were no players or spectators anywhere in sight. My stomach churned fearing the worst. Had the match been called off at the last minute? Surely not? The sun was now shining brightly (for the first time this week) and the nets and flags were all in place. I needed a bit more convincing than this before giving up all hope (being the awkward and persistent person that I am). And so ashen-faced I clambered out of the car I made my way  towards the club pavilion to find out what was going on. At that moment and to our total surprise a man dressed in a black referee's kit came out of the adjacent changing room door and blew his whistle. What!Seconds later both teams followed and made their way onto the pitch. Was I dreaming? This was really all quite surreal. The feeling of despair had quickly turned to one of sheer elation and the colour returned to my face! The game was definitely ON! How lucky is that?!!

After this emotional roller-coaster I didn't really know what to expect next! Settling down to watch the action I noticed that the elevated pitch itself looked in really good condition seemingly unaffected by the rain - a local confirmed that this was due to the end to end slope which allowed the surface to drain well (hoppers take note!). A smashing game of football was played out in front of a handful of spectators with ESA looking in control throughout. Huncote rallied a little after the break bringing the score back to 2-1 before being demolished by some great counter attacking play. The scoreline could easily have been 9-5 though given the chances that were wasted in front of goal. Nevertheless it all made for a highly entertaining spectacle! The result means that Albion maintain their push for promotion along with rivals Asfordby Amateurs, Lutterworth and Ashby Ivanhoe.

The ground is a real gem. Space is at a premium here with all sides tightly hemmed in by neighbouring roads and houses, particularly many new builds. The entrance to Stoneycroft Park can be hard to find - a narrow opening off New Street provides access between a row of old terraced house and opens out to a small car park. There is no guessing the clubs colours as everything here is decked out painstakingly in green and white including the changing pavilion (with the club name painted along the fascia); the perimeter fence; the goal nets and even an old metal gate opening onto the pitch. A nice touch. A small cover beside the half-way line is arranged with Heath-Robinson in mind - a simple sheet of corrugated metal is supported on the wall below with gaps built in between the brickwork so that spectators can view the action. Great stuff. A narrow concrete path runs along the far side to provide some hard standing - closeby are a couple of dug outs for coaches and subs.  Interestingly there are also two very tall thin square floodlight pylons on site with one on each side of the ground (similar to those found at LSL club Bardon Hill Sports FC). These are used for training only.

The club, like a few in this Division of the LSL, sadly do not issue programmes. However refreshments are provided inside the purpose built Stoneycroft Social Club where enthusiastic and friendly staff dispense a range of hot and cold drinks and snacks. There is also a TV inside the bar lounge.

A visit to this lovely little club comes highly recommended, particularly if the weather is poor. You certainly won't be disappointed at what you will find - a truly atmospheric old ground full of interesting features. To reach the club involves leaving the M1 at Lutterworth (junction 20) before taking the A426 (to Leicester) and following a cross-country route to Earl Shilton along the B581 from Dunton Bassett.

Within the hour we had dropped Jo off safely at her hall of residence in the student village. I must admit that given the circumstances it had been quite an eventful day but one that in hindsight was well worth it. Hmm. You need a bit of luck now and again don't you? The joys of hopping!    

                                                                FGIF Rating: 5*                                          

edited on 17/01/08