What a great hobby this is! Last week I was rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous as the mighty Tigers pulled off the shock result of the Premiership season (so far) by beating Arsenal 2-1. This week it was the lure of the Northants Combination  Football League with a trip to Roade Football Club for a Premier Division fixture. It was a million miles away from the plush surroundings at the impressive Emirates Stadium. As I pulled into the tiny car park though my heart raced with great excitement once again as the afternoon’s entertainment was eagerly anticipated …

Towards the end of last season I attended a game in this division of the Combination when I went along to watch champions-elect Harpole FC play against Roade on a raw April day. Whilst taking some photos I got chatting with one of the visiting supporters who was leaning against the perimeter fence next to me. Although he was rather puzzled that I was not taking pictures for the local press he was nevertheless intrigued that I had come so far to watch the game and that I enjoyed travelling to different grounds as often as I could. As we parted he encouraged me to take a trip to Roade Football Club one day with the inspirational words: ‘It’s the best set up in the whole of the league, you’ll be really impressed mate!’

And I was! Bearing in mind the club plays at Step 7 in the pyramid, this really is a cracking venue. The site has a lovely enclosed feel about it being bordered on three sides by houses and gardens from the local estate. Access from the main entrance is along a narrow driveway and path in the corner of the ground. Next to the car park is a  modern single storey clubhouse building which, funded by a recent lottery grant, comprises of changing rooms; a cosy lounge/bar with Sky TV and a small kitchen area from where hot drinks and snacks are served at half-time. The well maintained playing area is literally shoe-horned into the available space which is definitely at a premium here. Post and rail fencing runs along both sides and also behind the nearest goal. Plenty of advertising boards placed at regular intervals around the pitch are fastened onto this and give many local firms much needed publicity and revenue. A small standing cover close to the clubhouse on the left offers some protection from the elements and despite its position proved popular with many of the locals. Two dugouts are placed next to the half-way line on the opposite side and a mini warm up pitch is marked out on the grass behind – the goal posts are painted in alternating red and white panels and look more like those seen on a Beijing handball court. The goal at the far end is hard up against a belt of trees and dotch which back on to another field where there are two further pitches running end to end. Players cross a small bridge through a narrow gap in the bushes to gain access.

The game was a thoroughly entertaining affair contested by two clubs separated only by a few miles on opposite sides of the M1 motorway but at oppsite ends of the league table after contrasting starts. The players adapted well to the strong cross winds and squally showers which featured prominently throughout proceedings. The game went according to the form book. Kislingbury (in second league place behind Harborough at the start of play) took control with two late first half strikes by Liam Butler (40) and Stephen Roe (41). Although Stuart Dunse (62) reduced the deficit for league strugglers Roade, Danny Smith (72) added a third for the visitors to seal victory and bag all three points. Having lost many players to local sides Roade, on this performance, may find the going tough this campaign.

The match was attended by a few hardy souls who braved the elements. I made a rough head count which came to about 30. Although the club do not issue programmes (like most, if not all, teams in the league), I wasn’t put off making a visit here. Refreshments are provided by a friendly and efficient band of helpers and a hot cuppa and obligatory Kit-Kat proved popular amongst the punters at half time!