TT No.228: Paul Roth - Tues April 8th 2008; KCL Div1 W; Metrogas AFC (founded 1888) vs. Sam Montagu YC; Res: 3-0; Entry & Programme: N/A; Weather: Sunny, dry but fresh.
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With each day's dawn it's important to learn something new before the sun sets at the end of that day.
Metrogas Amateur Football Club's headquarters are to be found atop Forty Foot Way, off Avery Hill Road, a mile North of New Eltham's High street. And what a surprise those headquarters are. For starters, they boast a superb clubhouse along with banqueting facilities, a pristine, manicured pitch that is roped-off on either side and the club has plenty of car parking space. Lots of other junior football clubs have grounds nearby, so there is plenty of choice for the soccer aficionado, roundabouts.
I was early arriving at the club, so chose to have a drink in the Beehive, situated on New Eltham High Street, which I will kindly describe here as an experience that was mildly ghastly. I could only stick the place for an hour; not a minute longer! Neither the Beehive, nor the High Street have much to commend them.
With 'Play-Offs' being introduced to the KCL Div1 sections this season, it means there is something to play for, for the two chasing packs (East & West), of which Metrogas are certainly amongst. A win this evening against their near neighbours and rivals from Kidbrooke will put them right in line for one of those coveted 'Play-off' spots.
The match is a tight affair throughout, with the home side always shading things without ever being quite able to finish off any of their numerous half-chances. But with the light and temperature receding, and after 76 minutes play the breakthrough comes, as the lively home centre forward crashes one of those many half chances home. The goal proves to be the proverbial 'straw', and Sammy Mont's quickly concede two more, which gives the result an uneven look, and feel.
Papa (he only ever once went 'Up North', and detested it) used to often say to me, when listening to the football results on a Saturday afternoon, and on hearing some of the more obscure Northern teams' results read out...."Wonder where the hell that is?" Don't think he was ever really that interested or bothered, mind you.
Horse racing and his beloved Alvis motor car were his passions. Like Pops, I've often wondered myself where Samuel Montagu Youth Club FC are based when I've heard their results read out on Radio Kent, when I've been driving home........now I know!
So what did I learn today before the sun set? Two things, actually........NEVER to visit New Eltham High Street ever ever again, but much more importantly......... "IF YOU SMELL GAS CALL 0800 111 999". This was emblazoned across every van in the club's car park!
FGIF Rating 4*
contributed on 09/04/08