TT No.127: Keith Aslan - Sat March 16th (KO: 15.01); Telford Juniors v Ketley Bank; Mercian Regional League Prem; Result: 1-1; Admission: free; Programme: £1; Attendance 21 (16 home, 2 away & 3 neutral).


This was my debut in the newly formed Mercian Regional League (an amalgam of the Shropshire and other sundry local leagues) and if this was typical fare further visits beckon. The Juniors play in the very pleasant Telford suburb of Dawley, with the ground 4 minutes south of the High street. Although I didn't do it myself, I would guestimate it is a 45 minute walk from Telford Central Station.

 

The important thing to know about Dawley is that it contains the cheapest cafe in the universe. "Golden Rolls" slap bang in the middle of the High Street will be the focal point for the hungry hopper. Best description I can give is of an upmarket Greggs, but with prices from another era. How long ago was it since you sat down to a large mug of excellent coffee for 49p. The food was equally cheap and for three hoppers, Christmas had come very early. Unsurprisingly the place did a roaring trade, including the home goalkeeper who was buying his pre match meal of giant sausage rolls (clearly the club doesn't have a resident dietician!).

 

Full to bursting, I waddled the short distance to the ground. A pleasant setting, fully enclosed and railed off with a raised grass bank behind the near goal on top of which is the car park and changing room block. Teas and coffees were available at half time for a donation. Adding to the aesthetics of the ground was the line of trees down one side which also provided the only shelter from our old friend Mr. Rain. Didn't stop me getting soaked though, but my argument has always been that if I worried about getting wet then I am probably doing the wrong hobby.

 

A riveting game, played in difficult conditions, with the draw being an honest result. I found it a bit pathetic that before the game Ketley Bank came out onto the pitch and were then called back to the changing rooms so the referee could lead both teams out together. Do they always do this in this league or was he trying to impress the assessor? Whichever the case, it looked daft at this level, and of course, the obligatory pre- match handshakes that look ridiculous at any level. Given all this nonsense the referee must take credit for starting the game almost on time.

 

It goes without saying that everyone connected to the club was very friendly, and the casual visitor will have a thoroughly good day out. As an added bonus, if you eat enough in the "Golden Rolls" you will have saved enough money for your train fare!

 

contributed on 17/03/13