No.57 - Tues. 22nd April 2008; Essex & Suffolk Border League Division 1                   6.30pm at The Bell, Panfield, Braintree, Essex. (Att: 15; Admn & Prog: NA)

View matchday images  01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08  Great Bradfords (0) 2  Holland FC (3) 3 Pubs and clubs...  Pubs and football grounds! Surely two of Britain's greatest ever institutions known to man? For any fan who wants to combine their two favourite passions for real ale and football, this might be the ultimate experience  if they want to achieve their true nirvana. This thought crossed my mind as I pulled into the tiny car park at Great Bradfords Football Club for the early evening Essex and Suffolk Border League match. Unbelievably the ground is situated right next door to the local village watering hole - the picturesque Bell Inn. So close are they to each other that spectators standing next to the changing pavilion are nearer to the main bar and lounge than the centre circle! In fact during a break in play some intrepid 'hoppers would have enough time to nip around the back for a swift half and return before a ball has even been kicked. Now there's a thought...hic! The Division One match against Hollands FC had originally been played back in January when an unexpected  thunderstorm caused the game to be abandoned at half-time after the pitch became waterlogged. With Great Bradfords leading 3-0 on that day they were understandably keen to continue were they left off and win the game tonight. However it was not to be as the visitors from Holland-on-Sea (dressed co-incidentally in white and orange) took the initiative to reach the interval leading by the same scoreline! Surreal. Despite a late rally in the second half the hosts couldn't find an equaliser to take something from the game. Breathless stuff. The match was attended by only a handful of spectators including 'hopping supremo Rob Davison who enjoyed the game from his very own picnic bench placed pitchside. Although the club didn't provide refreshments drinks and snacks were in plentiful supply next door!! The club is based in the tiny village of Panfield which is on the outskirts of Braintree (off the B1053). The roped off pitch (behind the pub) has an enclosed feel being bordered by large hedges and bracken on all sides. A superb modern wooden pavilion complete with changing facilities is stuated between the narrow entrance and the pitch. This has a covered balcony and offers spectators a good vantage point from where to watch the game when the weather is poor. The remains of two vandalised dug outs can be seen behind the far touchline.  We approached from the M11 via Saffron Walden using B-roads. This was slow going as the route was very narrow and winding in places. Agricultural vehicles are not always appreciated by the anxious traveller trying to get to a match. At one point we waited for a good five minutes whilst queuing behind a huge yellow combine harvester with giant tyres as it gave way to some pony trekkers setting out from a local riding club. However if you do have more time on your hands then the beautiful village of Finchingfield (voted best in the county) with its duck pond, thatched cottages and well manicured gardens is worth visiting. You will simply love it. The joys of hopping in rural Essex! And finally. Returning to the opening paragraph I should also mention that this was in fact the third club I have visited this season where the football ground is situated behind a pub. Both Renhold United (Bedfordshire Football League) and Kirkham & Wesham (now AFC Fylde, of the North West Counties League) also play on grounds which share the same distinction!                                                                         FGIF Rating: 4*

edited on 13/05/08