No.38 - Sat. 9th February 2008; Kent County League Division 2 East                          2.45pm at the Otford Recreation Ground, High Street, Otford, Kent. (Att: 30; Prog: 12pp, free) 

 

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Otford United (0) 1  Lanes End (0) 1

Town edge eight goal thriller 

My scribblings are inspired once again by another gem unearthed by Paul Roth. When our enthusiastic Kent based correspondent visited Otford United a few weeks ago, I just had to go down there and check out the football club for myself. Paul's excellent report from early January (see TT No.164) is absolutely spot on and I can thoroughly endorse his recommendation ('it's absolutely fantastic here..'). I encourage you all to visit this lovely little club when you get the 'hoppertunity!

After several weeks of dodgy weather, the day thankfully started with some much needed sunshine and blue skies. A quick glance at the forecast on Sky News revealed that conditions were indeed ideal throughout the south-east which meant a trip to Kent was definitely on the cards. Great stuff.

A routine phone call (to confirm the match details) made just before lunch was however met with a rather cautious response by the club secretary David Dugay. When asked if the game was on I was was told: 'Not really sure...you better phone the club Chairman' He soon explained the reason for this had nothing to do with the weather or the state of the pitch but the fact that he was currently over in Australia! The thought of a large phone bill prompted me to end the conversation rather abruptly! The follow up call to another David, David Hobson proved extremely positive as he had only just returned from the ground and informed us that the match was definitely ON. And with this terrific news we were soon heading towards the Dartford Bridge...

After eventually finding a space in the busy car park up we made our way over to the club pavilion and then introduced ourselves to David. We couldn't believe it! Our arrival was unexpectedly greeted with a plate of fresh cheese and pickle sandwiches, drinks all-round and a couple of match day programmes - all free. What a lovely gesture. Naturally we were totally flattered by such terrific hospitality - bigger clubs take note!

The village of Otford is set in a delightful location. Interestingly the football club was formed over one hundred years ago back in the late 1890's and was a founder member of the Sevenoaks District Football League. The delightful ground is found in open countryside and there are breath-taking views of the hills covering the North Downs. As Paul suggests a visit here is best made in favourable weather so that the intrepid traveller can fully appreciate the beautiful surroundings. A grassy bank behind the goal allows hoppers and spectators to watch the action from an elevated location and adds a bit of perspective especially when taking those all-important matchday photos. The club has a superb clubhouse which, opened in 2006, provides a small area of seating complete with Sky TV next to the bar. Mrs W was impressed with spotless loos! A covered walkway outside the clubhouse enables spectators to watch the game from a sheltered platform close to the lalf-way line. Uniquely for this level the club has floodlights (four pylons, one in each corner) which are used for training and to host local representative matches.

As Paul states Otford United FC are currently issuing programmes (sponsored by 'zOne printed solutions') this season. A magnificent 12 page, full colour, on glossy paper, magazine containing a photo of the ground on the cover, is amazingly given away free of charge. Refreshments are available throughout the afternoon from the kitchen in the clubhouse.
 
The football match itself was a thoroughly entertaining Kent County League Division 2 East encounter with the visitors Lanes End snatching a goal in the dying seconds, levelling the score to make it 1-1. Although United felt hard done by, the team from Dartford battled hard, especially in the second half, to earn a point. On balance of play this was a fair result.
 
To reach the club from the the Queen Elizabeth/Dartford Bridge continue along the M25 and leave at junction 1 joining the A20 and then the A227 following signs for Otford. You can forget designer shops, the village of Otford is very quaint and picturesque - hanging baskets, thatched roofs and a duck pond take pride of place here. Make your way along the High Street for about 100 yards before turning right into the recreation ground car park. On a beautiful day such as this parking was at a premium with most of the spaces taken up by tourists and ramblers who are naturally attracted to the area. Although the playing area is not immediately visible you might catch a glimpse of the floodlights as you approach along a path which leads from the car park down to the ground. 
 
It is no surprise then that a visit to this lovely club comes highly recommended. Go for it! Ahh...the joys of hopping in the Kent County League. Cheers Paul!
                                                           
                               FGIF Rating: 5* Otford United FC Website (incl. map)                                        

edited on 20/02/08