TT No.231: Mike Latham - Thurs 7 April 2011: Craven & District League First Division Cup, Quarter-Final.          Trawden Celtic 1-0 Silsden Whitestar; Att: 40 (h/c); No admission/programme but donations gratefully accepted; FGIF Match Rating: 4* 

Matchday images (9) https://picasaweb.google.com/footballgroundsinfocus/TrawdenCelticFC

Early evening kick-offs in rural locations in early Spring sunshine are things that most groundhoppers dream about in the depths of winter.  After a warm and sunny day in Lancashire I ventured out to East Lancashire in search of football and was rewarded with one of the most picturesque grounds I’ve ever visited.

Trawden is a medium sized village in Trawden Forest Parish of Pendle, situated at the foot of Boulsworth Hill. Sheep and cattle rearing was the main activity of the area though Trawden did have several mills, most now demolished or converted into housing.

Trawden Recreation Ground occupies a large piece of ground high above the village with stunning sweeping views across to Pendle and beyond. If coming from Colne direction take a left in the centre of the village just before the pub signposted Wycoller Country Park and follow the steeply rising road for about half a mile.

The Recreation Ground was a hive of activity with a junior match taking place on another part of the good-sized recreation ground.  There is a changing pavilion and a large car park and the ground is surrounded by sturdy dry stone walls. There were lots of people out walking, running and cycling as they enjoyed the glorious sunshine.

During the summer months cricket is also played here, the Recreation Ground hosts the annual Trawden Show and people come from all around to camp out at the time of the summer solstice.  There’s also an annual garden and scarecrow festival held in the village.

The home officials were very friendly and welcoming and it was great to see members of the club’s junior section there to support the seniors in this important cup-tie.  They assured me that Trawden is a real family club with a great spirit running throughout the club and that when time allows everyone supports each other’s teams.

This was a well contested cup-tie between two sides eager to play good football and get on with the game; it was decided by a sublime piece of skill by the home striker midway through the second half. Fastening onto a through ball he beat two defenders for pace and lobbed the 'keeper from the corner of the penalty area. Silsden had twice hit the woodwork in the first half and they pushed hard for an equaliser but eventually in vain.

After kicking-off at 6-15pm prompt the referee sensibly played two halves of 40 minutes in case extra-time was needed.  As it was, the game finished still in reasonable light at around ten minutes to eight. The Craven & District League has many scenic grounds and an informative website for those, like me, looking to make the most of evenings such as this.  The link can be found here: http://www.cad.leaguemanager.biz/default.asp

contributed on 07/04/11