TT No.218: Paul Roth - Easter Monday 24th March 2008; Gray Hooper Holt Mid Sussex League           Forest Row vs. East Grinstead Utd; Res: 1-2; Att: 50; Prog & Entry: N/A; Weather: Snow, sleet & bitterly cold.

View matchday images  01 02 03 04 05 06 07  It's 7.15am on Easter Monday morning and the phone's ringing...it's Mark Jackson, the Forest Row FC secretary calling to let me know that the club's derby game versus local rivals East Grinstead Utd is definitely going ahead, despite the heavy snow that's fallen over the region during the past 24 hours. I'd rung Mark the previous evening and he'd assured me the game would definitely be 'on' and he's as good as his word.   The small village of Forest is Row is found just to the south of East Grinstead on the northern edge of the Ashdown Forest, along the A22. The club's impressive headquarters are found at the top of Chapel Lane, next door to the Royal Ashdown Golf Course. The pavilion building, resplendent with outdoor balcony, is just over five years old, and replaced the original structure that burnt down in 1999. Hot drinks and alcohol can be found within it's shelter. The ground is one that doubles as a cricket venue during the warmer months (God, bring them on!), and is surrounded by ancient woodland. On a nicer day than today, this would be an idyllic place to watch any sporting activity.   Forest Row lie second in the Mid Sussex league, whilst EGU are currently bottom, so I'm expecting a few goals in the homesters' favour this morning. Before the game gets under way I'm introduced to the home management team and what a friendly bunch they are too! Tim, thank you so much for your welcome.   All goes according to plan as Row go in one up at half time, although the signs are there for an upset, as EGU have squandered a few gilt-edged chances to score themselves. The second 45 minutes are altogether different though and the visitors quickly equalise amid worsening weather conditions (the referee actually takes the players from the field of play for a few minutes, as the sleet 'whites out' the arena). FR just cannot find their stride and, shock horror, the visitors steal the 3 points with a deserved winner, after a goalmouth melee.   This friendly little club doesn't issue programmes and, as ever, that is going to put many Groundhoppers off visiting, but that's a real shame as this is a scenic venue, where good football is played.   I never got to meet Gary Jackson in person, as he was not in attendance this morning, which was a great shame, as someone who goes to that much effort to inform me whether a match is on or not deserves to have his hand shaken. Thank you very very much my friend!   On my way home I dropped into the GBG listed Brambletye Hotel in the village, for a stiffener, and quickly wished I hadn't....the place isn't quite my cup of tea! This experience notwithstanding did nothing to detract from my overall enjoyment of my brief Sussex adventure.   FGIF Rating....................More Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!

contributed on 30/03/08