Originally I had planned to visit AFC Bridgnorth's game v Wolverhampton Casuals today but due to some dodgy looking forecasts for the weather in that area, I have chickened out of that idea and instead am going to Rugby Town's ground, in Warwickshire instead.
They are playing Belper Town who hail from Derbyshire, situated 8 miles north of Derby in fact.
I arrive in Rugby rail station at about 1pm, giving me a bit of time to have a look around the town centre and have some lunch.
It's certainly a hot sunny day,much better than the cold blustery weather I endured on my last visit here 5 years ago. After having a cheese burger from a chip shop on the walk in to the town centre, I have a quick look at the outside of the famous 'Rugby School' and take this photo of the statue of the founder of the game of Rugby, William Webb Ellis.
Also nearby on the other side of the road is a treat for real ale fans, 'The Rugby Tap' a combined micro brewery and pub. I then have to make the 25 minute walk to the football ground in Butlin Road.
Rugby Town have been moved from the Southern League, Central Division to the Northern Premier League, Division 1 South. Their opponents today had been relegated from the Premier Division.
I'm pleased that there are badges for sale today as I have steadily building up my collection over the last 2 years, even though this one is a bit on the expensive side at £4.
Butlin Road is a good ground for this level of football,with a capacity for 6,000 spectators. The main stand (which includes the changing rooms) is on the entrance side of the stadium and can hold 500 spectators. I am standing on the terrace of the 'Allotment End' which is all under cover. On my left there are 2 small covered standing areas, either side of a small seated stand (for 240 spectators) , while on the far side of the ground is another covered standing area, giving overall,cover for 2,800 spectators. The pitch looks to be a good playing surface and beyond the far side of the ground are located some astroturf training pitches with floodlights. A very neat set up all round.
Rugby are playing in their usual strip of light blue shirts and and dark blue shorts while Belper are in yellow shirts and black shorts and are attacking towards the Allotment End in this half.
Belper have started the match brightest but can't make any worthwhile chances, although their No.7 Wilson has a good effort with a free kick. Their No.11, Stevenson, has to go off after 30 minutes after an awkward fall to be replaced by recent signing, Ben Fairclough.
Both defences are on top and it isn't until near the end of this half that Rugby have their best chance so far, when danger man and No.9 Kolodynski, is put through by strike partner Liversedge only to put his effort over the bar.
Although the football itself has not been that great, the Belper Town fans at my end of the ground have been entertaining me with their singing. Although only numbering between 15-20, they are quite vociferous.
I see from my programme that Rugby suffered a 1-6 away defeat at Loughborough Dynamo last Saturday but beat Gresley at home during the week, while Belper have had a win and a draw so far.
In the second half, Rugby Town continue to have the best chances with Liversedge having a shot tipped over the bar by Belper keeper, Haystead and after 60 minutes, Kolodynski is again supplied by Liversedge but his first time shot goes the wrong side of the far post.
Belper Town's No.9, Garnett has a shot saved by Dutton and this match has 0-0 written all over it.
I have a chat with a guy who looks to be an official of some kind and he turns out to be a representative of the Northern Premier League who is there to welcome Rugby to their League. He tells me that he used to be involved with Chasetown FC.
Soon after I decide to leave (with just injury time to go) as I have a fairly lengthy walk to the train station. Not a great game to watch but it's been good weather (although not ideal for playing football) and a good ground to visit.
Match entrance fee: £8
Match programme: £2
Match attendance: 212
Match entertainment value: 5/10
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