When Pen-y-fford won promotion to
the Premier Division of the Wrexham Area league back in 2010, they had to leave
their rather basic ground in the village to meet ground grading requirements
for the top division. This resulted in a move out of Pen-y-ffordd to a rather
unusual venue within the Hanson Cement works complex in nearby Padeswood.
As you enter the works, you go past
the security barriers and the clubhouse is the first building on your left. I
was told that this clubhouse was originally used by Buckley Cricket Club until
they had to relocate when most of their cricket square was taken back by the
cement works. Walking past the clubhouse, up a slight incline, brings you to
the football pitch, which is fairly typical for this league in that it is fully
railed off, but has no spectator amenities whatsoever.
The match I saw was the last of
the season for Pen-y-ffordd, whereas visitors Ruthin Town still had four league
games to squeeze in as well as a North Wales cup semi final with Buckley. It
turned out to be one of the best games I have seen all season, with both teams
on all out attack from the start. Loads of missed chances from both sides
looked like resulting in 1-1 draw, until Ruthin scored with the last header of
the game, deep in injury time, to clinch a 2-1 win.I can’t finish without giving a word of praise
to the home officials. They couldn’t have been more welcoming and kept a small
tea bar running throughout the afternoon. Thanks guys, you made my afternoon. |