TT No.238: Paul Roth - Tuesday 22nd April 2008; Essex Olympian League Premier Div; Galleywood vs. Benfleet Att: 70; Res: 3-1; Programme and Entry: N/A; Weather: Gorgeous!!!

View matchday images  01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 Certain football clubs never seem to come to prominence much and you rarely get to hear a lot about them, despite plying their trade week-in, week-out. For myself, Galleywood FC are a prime example. I've driven past the road sign that points the motorist to the small village, found at Chelmsford's Southern extremity, on the A12, countless times but have never read a jot about them in any Non-League magazine or website. Bearing the above in mind, I was a bit wary as to what I might find here this evening but I shouldn't have been concerned, as this venue is a real delight.   Slades Lane is found at the Northernmost extremity of the village, and this country passage soon has the  ground espied, through the Spring foliage. A long driveway leads into a big car park, which is situated next to the ancient but quaint clubhouse......there aren't too many like this still standing, I assure the reader! Actually, with the aid of a lottery grant, a new grandiose pavilion is to be built in the Summer. The pitch is completely railed and brick dugouts are in situ on the far side, juxtaposed to the pavilion. Chelmsford Hockey Club and a multitude of other sporting facilities lie beyond the smart little ground, which is, with the aid of much hedging, totally separate.   Not much to play for league-wise, but you would never have guessed this, as both teams set about each other as if it were a championship decider. It was really competitive and at times too hard fought, but Galleywood went in at the break 2-1 up.   I ventured into the clubhouse at this juncture and was amazed to see a tea bar offering filled rolls and bar bar offering booze! I was also struck by how many proper supporters the club had tonight as well!   The second forty five minute were equally frenetic, with the men in black and white adding one further goal to win comfortably by the margin of 3-1. The ferocity of play was reflected with six players eventually ending up in the referees notebook.   Galleywood is a pleasant enough place, with a smattering of pubs and a miniscule shopping arcade, but the football lover will be really surprised as to how charming the actual Essex Olympian League club's home stadium is...I know this one was!   FGIF Rating...DRY!

contributed on 23/04/08