No.52 - Wed. 9th April 2008; Bedfordshire Football League                         6.15pm at the Caldecote PF, Harvey Close, Upper Caldcote, Sandy, Beds. (Att: 30; Admn & Prog: N/A)

View matchday images  01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08  Caldecote (0) 1  Meltis Corinthians (3) 3  Great advert for the County League  With the 'silly season' now well under way there were plenty of early evening 'hoppertunties inside this week's Football Traveller fixture pages. The highly esteemed magazine drew my attention to some 'local' matches in the Bedfordshire League, a competition I had hardly dipped my toes into until this season. My recent visits to watch games at Renhold United and Meltis Corinthians both in the Bedfordshire Senior Trophy had been exciting affairs and so with this in mind I set out just before rush hour towards Biggleswade (just off the A1) for the league match between Caldecote and Meltis Corinthians. And a cracking game it turned out to be. Amazingly both sides were already out on the pitch and warming up when I arrived at the club a full fifteen minutes before kick-off. Very impressive. The game itself, played on a superb surface in bright sunshine, was a great advert for the county league with both teams showing loads of commitment and skill which contributed to an exciting match. Visitors Meltis (from Bedford) had the better of the early exchanges and deservedly went into the break 3-0 up and coasting. Their second goal, a spectacular volley, scored from all of forty yards out, was undoubtedly the pick of the bunch.  Immediately after the re-start the referee awarded Corinthians a penalty after a clumsy challenge in the area. This seemed to be the turning point in the game for Caldecote who, after the spot kick was saved, rallied to dominate for most of the second half. The hard work paid off when a goal was scored to reduce the deficit. Game on! Despite further pressure on their goal Corinthians changed tactics and were happy to adopt a more defensive strategy, hanging on to take all three points. The final result was much closer than the scoreline suggested. For the record about thirty spectators, including super hopping 'guru' Brian Buck from just up the road, were in attendance. Although the club does not issue programmes, tea and biscuits were freely available from inside the changing pavilion at half-time. A great gesture and appreciated by the Wray clan! The club plays its matches at the Caldecote Playing Fields which are in the village of Upper Caldecote, a five minute drive from the A1 dual carriageway. A detailed history can be gleaned from the Caldecote Playing Fields Association weblink (shown below). The large recreational space is enclosed by neighbouring fields and as a result is quite open to the elements. Access is off Harvey Lane with a small grassed area next to the entrance used for car parking. There are two football pitches on the site which shares with cricket - on our visit the groundsman was busy preparing the square which is situated in between them. Facilities at this level are most impressive with a changing pavilion behind the nearside goal and the village hall (complete with its large ornate clockface) which runs alongside the first team pitch. Although there is no cover here there are several park benches positioned strategically around the playing field to offer some temporary comfort.  During conversation with Brian, I found out a little bit more about the clubs in this competition. Apparently programmes as rare as rocking horse manure and this may put travellers off attending matches in this league. However you may be interested to know that apart from Renhold United FC, it now appears that Oakley Sports Football Club also issue matchday programmes for all of their first team games.  With the title still undecided there are several clubs still in contention to win the league and at the time of reporting on this game Campton, Oakley Sports and Sandy have all got a chance to gain honours. Caldecote previous winners of the County League are unusually not in the running this year. Despite the availablity of programmes I was encouraged by the standard of football on offer and will definitely make the short trip over from Suffolk to take in another game soon. The joy of Beds-hopping!?                                                                FGIF Rating: 3*                            Caldecote PFA history page

edited on 08/04/08