TT No.46: Keith Aslan - Saturday December 14th 2013; Brimsdown v Aston Clinton; South Midlands Division 2;     Kick-Off: 14.00; Result: 1-3; Admission: Free; Programme: £1.50; Attendance: 12 (7 home, 0 away & 5 neutral) 


Due to my hectic social life I couldn't go very far today, so the world was my Oyster Card and newly formed Brimsdown fitted the bill perfectly. Whilst everywhere describes the ground as Brimsdown's outside pitch it is no such thing and is a proper self contained ground separated from the main stadium by a number of things including a fenced off paved cycleway. Whilst it's never going to be in the running for the scenic ground awards, the big plus here is the extensive changing room block that runs along side the pitch and has a capacious overhang making it the 'go to ground' if it's raining.

 

Just a short 5 minute walk from Brimsdown Station (Zone 5) with a half hourly service from Liverpool Street it's all makes for a very stress free day out. If you are going by car and both teams are at home, don't park in the car park unless you want to make a night of it as the chances are you will be blocked in.


The clubhouse has Sky Sports but the pre-match entertainment was provided by the home officials trying to assemble the small marquees to cover the dugouts (chairs) to comply with our old friend, Mr Ground Grading. It took them 45 minutes to get one up before they gave up with the home one leaving only the Aston Clinton bench covered (for most of the game) which was a total waste as they hadn't got anyone to put in it. I say most of the match as half way through the second half a strong gust of wind and the tent sailed across the pitch temporarily stopping the game and almost decapitating one of the home substitutes. How we all laughed.

 

With these two locked in a battle with Willen FC to see who can finish bottom this was never going to be a classic with all the goals coming in the second half after Aston Clinton had gone down to 10 men. The game was spent in the excellent company of fellow travellers including the Aston Clinton secretary better known as Groundhopping legend Dave McCardle who gave me the low down on some of the more puzzling aspects of the away side. They only had the bare eleven players with the manager having to play. They did however have 15 men for their home reserve game because a lot of their players don't like travelling to away games! They went down to 10 at half time when one of the players, who was on call, was called away. While playing he gave his mobile to Dave and told him not to answer it if it rang (which it did) which would suggest he hasn't quite grasped the meaning of "on call". Also had a chat with the friendly home chairman/founder/programme editor who told me this was basically Kentish Town reserves of two seasons ago. His enthusiasm deserves rich rewards.

 

At the final whistle I had the choice of walking across to watch the second half of Enfield 1893's match or going home. I went home.

 

contributed on 15/12/13