TT No.161: Mike Latham - Friday 3 May 2013- Huddersfield & District Assocn Football League, Groom CF;     AFC Lindley 0-1 Honley (at Lepton Highlanders); Attendance: 140 (h/c); Admission: £2; FGIF match rating: 3*

 

 

Matchday images (16) https://picasaweb.google.com/footballgroundsinfocus/LeptonHighlandersFC

 

High on the hills above Huddersfield on the main road to Wakefield lies the village of Lepton; stone built properties, woods and fields stretching far into the distance, sweeping views across to that omnipresent landmark Emley mast and a splendidly appointed sports club known as Lepton Highlanders.

 

It was here on another bright and breezy evening that the Huddersfield & District League staged the Groom Cup Final between Honley and AFC Lindley.  What a fine occasion it was, but then I have grown to expect this kind of thing from a league that has really grown on me these past couple of seasons.

 

The Groom Cup is open to teams playing outwith the top two divisions in the League and this final pitted Honley, champions of Division 3 against AFC Lindley, who have run away with Division 4, having won all 21 of their league games so far.

 

I had seen Honley recently and knew they were a good footballing side who liked to build up from the back.  They were pushed to the limit though, by a Lindley side that never gave up trying to play neat, constructive football themselves.  The only goal of a really well contested game came after 32 minutes, a neat, low shot by the impressive Honley no11.

 

The game kicked-off at 5-30pm and league officials manned the car park to arrange parking and collect the £2 admission.  What a great way to begin the Bank Holiday weekend this was.  Around one hundred spectators were present by kick-off time with more arriving as the game progressed.  At the same time a junior cricket game was also taking place on the adjoining pitch which was also well attended so the well appointed Lepton club house was a hive of activity.

 

The main football pitch (there is also another pitch the other side of the cricket ground) is neatly enclosed by a white post and rail fence with dug-outs and serves Lepton well in the West Riding County Amateur League. It was a pleasure to attend a really fine sporting occasion that obviously meant a lot to many people.  I watch a lot of football and I reckon the Hudderfield & District Association Football League sets many standards on and off the pitch that other leagues would do well to emulate. 

contributed on 03/05/13