I am heading down south to the Cotswolds today as I really don't like the weather forecast for the West Midlands area. Instead I am popping off on the train to Moreton-in-Marsh to see Moreton Rangers play in the Hellenic League, Div 2 West.
Although it has been raining in Worcester this morning, by the time I set out for the train station it has relented. 20 minutes before my train is due to leave, I find out from the club that their pitch has passed 2 inspections this morning! The forecast for Moreton this afternoon is no rain and maybe some sunny intervals. When I do get to Moreton though at 11:50am there is thick cloud and a stiff wind.
Moreton is a pleasant small town of approximately 3,500 inhabitants, with many of the buildings built with the golden cotswold stone. The main road running through the town follows the line of the old Roman road of the Fosse Way, which was originally built to connect Lincoln and Exeter.
I have to time to have a light lunch in a local cafe and visit one of the local art galleries. I also note the location of a nice looking cheese shop (for later investigation) before I head off for the short walk to the football ground situated on the London Road.
I find there are no programmes to be had when I get there and also hear that only 4 opposition players have arrived so far, as they probably think it's a 3:00 pm kick-off rather than 2:00 pm. I have visions of the game being called off, which will be disappointing after my efforts to find a game to visit today.
Moreton Rangers were formed in 1997 after the previous club, Moreton Town, had disbanded in the middle of the 1994-95 season. Indeed, they were the reigning League champions at the time, so heaven knows what happened to derail the club. The club badge above shows a phoenix rising (the new club) out of a white lilly (the old club, who were called 'the lillywhites' due to their all-white strip). The ground has a short drive leading to the main pitch, with a training pitch on your left with a small skate park between that and the back of the main stand. When I walk in I find that the stand is just for standing room only as it is an unfinished structure. The toilets, kitchen and changing rooms are at the back, while there is a small wall under construction at the front of the stand. There is a rail enclosing the pitch, with the dug-outs on the far side and there are floodlights. I'm informed though that they are not operational and it will cost about £10,000 to get them working again.
When the home team saunter on to the pitch they are followed at first by 4 players from today's visitors, Kidlington Reserves, a town situated just north of the city of Oxford. Then in dribs and drabs, the rest of the Kidlington players come on, even the substitutes too and they kick-off just 5 minutes late.
Moreton are in a red and blue strip, while Kidlington are in all green. Moreton are playing with the strong wind in this half and in the 6th minute have an effort cleared off the line.
Although Moreton are having more of the play, Kidlington are posing a threat to the home team. In the 18th minute, a break down the right wing sees a cross headed just wide by their No 10. Then just 2 minutes later, Kidlington's No.11 finds himself in a one on one situation with the home keeper,who rushes out to knock the ball away at his opponents feet (as shown below).
Kidlington experience a major setback soon after when their No.2 is shown a straight red card for what looks like an over the top tackle on Moreton's No.10, who needs treatment for a few minutes.
In the 30th minute, a mistake by Kidlington's No.5 lets in Moreton's No.10, Lee Brooks but he shoots wide. It's a brief respite for the visitors as the same player is put through 4 minutes later to shoot in by the near post.
In their next attack, the same player is put through again but this time looses his footing when he's about to shoot and the ball is cleared but he makes amends straight after when he shoots to beat the keeper for his and Moreton's second goal.
The first half finishes with no further score and with Moreton Rangers well on top. Although Kidlington have only 10 players maybe they can use the wind to their advantage to put pressure on the home team?
The weather conditions are still the same and the low light levels are proving to be very difficult for my photography. There are cups of tea and coffee for sale though which is very welcome.
Kidlington do have an effort cleared off the line after just 4 minutes of the second period after one of their players had got past the Moreton keeper.
The visitors though are struggling to get back in to the match and when Moreton make a couple of substitutes, one of them their No.14 is soon making some great surging runs in to the Kidlington half. After 23 minutes the Kidlington keeper makes a great save with his legs from this player and then Brooks completes his hat trick just 3 minutes later.
The home team are now playing with a great deal of confidence and in their next attack, their No.14 shoots just the wrong side of the right post.
The same player goes down the left after 34 minutes and rolls the ball across the penalty area for the No.4 to side foot in to the right hand corner of the net. Classy goal!
Just a few minutes later and a fifth goal is scored although I miss it, as I had been checking some of my photos. Oh well!
Although Kidlington do go close to scoring in the closing stages, the score stays at 5-0 and Moreton have put on a great display of attacking football to cheer the home crowd.
I later find out that the Kidlington first team have gone through to the next round of the FA Vase after a fine away victory against fellow Hellenic team, Thame United.
So it's been a good new ground to visit today despite the weather . I make my way back to the town centre which is welcoming me back with it's Christmas lights and I go for a cup of coffee followed by a visit to that nice cheese shop before heading back to the train station.
Match attendance: 51 (official figure, although it seemed like 25-30 to me)
Match entrance fee: Free
Match programme: None available
Match entertainment: 7.5/10
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