TT No.73: Keith Aslan - Sat 21st March 2015; HYTHE & DIBDEN v Ringwood; Wessex League Division 1;         Kick-Off: 15.00; Result: 0-0; Admission: £5; Programme: £1; Attendance: 52 (40 home 8 away 4 neutral) 

The Only Way Is Wessex for me today and the recent dry spell meant I was willing to risk a visit to Hythe & Dibden's new ground which has recently looked like a set from Waterworld. Their drainage problems have been well documented and the infamous muddy corner is heavily sanded, with Hythe  going to address their pitch problems in the summer.

I liked the ground although as yet there isn't much there. Fully railed with a concrete path there is no cover at the moment, an Atcost stand is another on the 'to do' list for the close season. It is in a rural setting with a large grass bank (sloping field?) behind the far goal giving an excellent vantage point. I liked the small clubhouse, very homely and less antiseptic than most new ones. Hot and cold drinks are available and also sausage rolls which I would recommend you give a miss to. Sky Sports were showing Bournemouth's latest victory which, as you can imagine, went down very well with the locals. Uniquely the building doubles as a part time post office!

The best way to get to the old ground was via the ferry from Southampton, but the new ground is a 45 minute walk away from the ferry terminal so it would be a bus all the  way to get you to The Oyster Financial Ground (yes really). Also, according to the website, the free  shuttle service from the train station to the docks has a minor alteration. It isn't free anymore, an interesting use of the word "minor". Bus No.9 from outside the station offers a frequent and fast service. Get off at Applemore Tesco, the bus stop is on Claypits Lane, and just carry on walking up the road for about 13 minutes.

Manager Lee Burch gives full value for money in his programme notes, written in a language that is tantalizingly close to, but not quite, English. An example of his prose: "The reaction after Saturday's loss we good and the players that come in and the squad general stepped up to the challenge". Also the programme was advertising for volunteer turnstile operatives, which must be a bit of a synch as Hythe haven't actually got any turnstiles. 'Gateman' would be a less grandiloquent but more accurate job description.

The match was entertaining between two evenly matched teams and what it lacked in skill it made up for in passion. A shame a good day out was spoilt by South West Trains. A signalling apocalypse at Bournemouth meant chaos, and I couldn't help but feel sorry for  Burnley fans, playing  at Southampton, some of whom were unlikely to get home that night. I shall be voting for the political party that's going to renationalize the railways. Oh there aren't any!

contributed on 22/03/15