After much prevarication I have finally decided to go to watch the Div 3 top-of-the-table clash between 2nd placed Rostance Edwards against the visiting leaders of Alcester Town, today at Grosvenor Park in Bloxwich, in the Midland Football League.
Originally I had been looking to go to either Kington Town or Highgate United for their respective top table matches but thought I'd give this game a go as I have been meaning to check out Alcester for a while now.
After making my way on the train from Worcester to Walsall, the weather has turned in to a bright sunny day but with a stiff south-westerly wind. I get an egg & chips at the Gardenia Cafe and then I stroll over to the nearby bus station and catch the No.301 bus that takes me in to Bloxwich.
I have been to this ground 3 times before in the past. When I get there, I make a mistake at first by trying to get in to the club house as this was the entrance route last season. The have re-opened the turnstile gate now though and when I get in I have plenty of time to have a cup of tea and a look at the 50p programme (which has some good jokes inside).
Alcester Town and Rostance Edwards are the top 2 teams but they are being chased hard by Austrey Rangers, who are playing at 3rd placed Smithswood Firs this afternoon.
The teams come out in their usual first team colours, Rostance in their all-blue strip and Alcester in their red and black striped shirts.
This ground has a slope going down from the entrance end (north), where a low seated stand can be found. The club house and tea bar are to be found along the western side opposite the dug-outs and there is some high fencing that encloses the southern end of the ground, which is where I go to take photos.
The game is turning out to be an even affair with the visitors threatening after 11 minutes when their No.9 curls in a cross from the left that one of his fellow forwards just fails to connect with in a good position.
In the next 3 minutes, Rostance Edwards (who are kicking up the slope) hit back with 2 free kicks that are awarded to them on the right. The first is well held by the Alcester keeper, who then tips over the next one over the bar after it had been on target to go in to the top right corner.
I can't help noticing that the Rostance Edwards No.5 looks as if he's had a few good lunches recently. Joking aside though he's proving to be the main prompter of some of their attacks.
On 27 minutes, from the half way line and using the following wind to good effect, he arrows in a good ball to one of their forwards on the left who then puts in a good shot across the visitor's goal.
Six minutes later and the home side have taken the lead. I must admit I have missed this due to fiddling around with my camera at the time.
A few minutes later and Rostance Edwards have a lucky escape. Alcester are awarded a free kick to the left of the home goal and from it the ball is flicked on where a desperate defender touches it on to the post and out!
Their reprieve does not last long when in the 43rd minute, the Alcester No.11 runs on to the ball in to the Rostance penalty area and is adjudged to have been pushed in the back by a defender.
The fouled Alcester player takes the penalty himself and slots the ball in to the net for a vital equaliser (as shown below).
Half time sees both teams with still everything to play for and I must admit I can't see how it will go. I do know that it will be another tight contest, as these two teams look evenly matched.
With the home side attacking the southern end where I'm stationed, I see that their No.11 looks to be impeded in only the 2nd minute but nothing is awarded.
In the 21st minute the Alcester No.6 is helped off the pitch after injuring his right knee.
3 minutes later and a good ball sees it go to the Rostance No.11 on the right. He manages to turn past a defender only to see his shot saved. Another home attack sees them go close again when a header comes back off the post, hits the keeper's knee and goes out for a corner.
In the 38th minute, a cross from the left by the home team sees a desperately attempted clearance by an Alcester defender hit his own arm but penalty appeals are dismissed by the referee.
Then in the next Alcester attack, one of their forwards is allowed a free header but it's just not strong enough to trouble the keeper.
An honourable 1-1 draw for both teams which keeps Alcester in top spot and 3 points ahead of Rostance Edwards. I later find out that Austrey Rangers have displaced Smithswood Firs in 3rd spot after thumping them 5-1. They are now 4 points behind Rostance but with 3 games in hand over them and Alcester.
It's been a keenly fought if at times scrappy contest, no doubt not helped by the blustery wind blowing up the pitch which hindered goal kicks going over the half way line, even down the slope.
Match entrance fee: £2
Match programme: 50p
Match attendance: approx 35
Match entertainment: 6.5/10
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