White plaque and GR Postbox Back from a fantastic family break in Shropshire, I decided that Saturday would be a good day to kick-off the BotP 2020-21 season. However, following last week's DCMS decision to extend the no spectator ban to Step 7 sides, finding a game to watch was going to be a much more difficult proposition. Whilst I am all for keeping everyone safe, I find the new rules rather baffling. As a number of people have pointed out, it is perfectly acceptable for thousands to flock to our beaches but not ok for a handful of supporters to watch their local non-league team. Not only is it confusing for supporters, it is extremely difficult for the clubs to enforce or make sense of. For instance, one team in Worcestershire had two games going ahead on Saturday. In the morning they had an Under-18 girl's match where spectators could come along and watch. In the afternoon, at the same stadium, they had a Step 6 friendly where supporters were not allowed. Presumably the virus has also read the guidelines and understands that it is not allowed to infect people at girl's matches. Whereas, at men's matches (from Step 7 upwards of course) all spectators are fair game. To add to this nonsense, clubs are allowed to open their clubhouses to spectators, with social distancing in place, but nevertheless surely there is far more risk of contagion indoors than outdoors?
Welcome, 2020 style Extending the rule to Step 7 also causes more confusion. Many Step 7 sides play on pitches that are not fenced off and are, in fact, part of public rights of way such as local parks. They cannot enforce a no spectators rule. What about if a local is walking their dog and chooses to watch the game as they walk past?
I suppose I should complain too much because that last 'loophole' provided me with a perfect opportunity to get to a game fairly close to home. Hellenic League Division Two North side Adderbury Park were set to entertain former Banbury District League-mates, Hardwick. Two teams that I had not had the chance to see and a new location for me to check out. All set within a public park in a picturesque Oxfordshire village and a beautiful sunny August afternoon. What more could I wish for for my first outing of the new season?
Adderbury Park play their home games at The Lucy Plackett Playing Field in the centre of the village of Adderbury, 3 miles South of Banbury. The village dates back to at least the 10th century and is mentioned in the Domesday Book under the name Edburgberie. The most famous resident of the village is probably John Craven, he of John Craven's Newsround and Countryfile fame, although I did notice a white plaque commemorating Colin Butler (1939-1997). The plaque is just above a fairly rare (although, oddly this is the second one I have seen in a week) Georgian post-box, which actually gives a clue to the reason for the plaque. Mr Butler was a long-serving postman in the village who not only has the plaque in his memory but also has a road named after him, Colin Butler Green.
Enough local history. How about the football?
I suppose I should complain too much because that last 'loophole' provided me with a perfect opportunity to get to a game fairly close to home. Hellenic League Division Two North side Adderbury Park were set to entertain former Banbury District League-mates, Hardwick. Two teams that I had not had the chance to see and a new location for me to check out. All set within a public park in a picturesque Oxfordshire village and a beautiful sunny August afternoon. What more could I wish for for my first outing of the new season?
Adderbury Park play their home games at The Lucy Plackett Playing Field in the centre of the village of Adderbury, 3 miles South of Banbury. The village dates back to at least the 10th century and is mentioned in the Domesday Book under the name Edburgberie. The most famous resident of the village is probably John Craven, he of John Craven's Newsround and Countryfile fame, although I did notice a white plaque commemorating Colin Butler (1939-1997). The plaque is just above a fairly rare (although, oddly this is the second one I have seen in a week) Georgian post-box, which actually gives a clue to the reason for the plaque. Mr Butler was a long-serving postman in the village who not only has the plaque in his memory but also has a road named after him, Colin Butler Green.
Enough local history. How about the football?
Glorious day for watching football
Today's game was obviously a pre-season friendly. When last season was prematurely ended, both sides were very well placed in their respective leagues. Adderbury Park in their second season back in the Hellenic League structure, were sitting in second place in Division Two North. Hardwick were in even better shape, cruising at the top of the Banbury District Premier League with a nine point lead, although they had played two more games than second-placed Deddington Town. So, who had come through lockdown the stronger?
The Game
Finding some shade under a tree I settled in to watch the game, feeling thankful that I wasn't out there running around in the stifling heat (I always hated playing in hot weather).
It wasn't long before the first goal of the new season arrived and it went to the home side. A Hardwick goal-kick was returned back into their 18-yard area. Goalkeeper, defender and a striker all converged on the loose ball which proceeded to drop perfectly into the path of the Adderbury Park Number 10 who was left with the task of slotting the ball into an unguarded net. 1-0.
The home side failed to take advantage of their early lead and, in fact, it was Hardwick who started to take more control of the game. Just before the 20 minute mark they hit back. A defence-splitting pass found Michael Zinn who calmly stroked the ball past the keeper to make it 1-1.
Halfway through the first-half we had a drinks break which was much needed on such a hot day, although I do hope this doesn't become the standard for every game. The break didn't seem to upset the rhythm of the away team as they continued to push Park back. After 34 minutes their pressing paid off when they won a corner on the left. The ball was fizzed across and met by Zinn at the near post who's glancing header made it 1-2.
HT Adderbury Park 1 Hardwick 2. After a bright start from Adderbury, Hardwick came back well and looked the better side for most of the half. A good game in testing, hot conditions.
The Game
Finding some shade under a tree I settled in to watch the game, feeling thankful that I wasn't out there running around in the stifling heat (I always hated playing in hot weather).
It wasn't long before the first goal of the new season arrived and it went to the home side. A Hardwick goal-kick was returned back into their 18-yard area. Goalkeeper, defender and a striker all converged on the loose ball which proceeded to drop perfectly into the path of the Adderbury Park Number 10 who was left with the task of slotting the ball into an unguarded net. 1-0.
The home side failed to take advantage of their early lead and, in fact, it was Hardwick who started to take more control of the game. Just before the 20 minute mark they hit back. A defence-splitting pass found Michael Zinn who calmly stroked the ball past the keeper to make it 1-1.
Halfway through the first-half we had a drinks break which was much needed on such a hot day, although I do hope this doesn't become the standard for every game. The break didn't seem to upset the rhythm of the away team as they continued to push Park back. After 34 minutes their pressing paid off when they won a corner on the left. The ball was fizzed across and met by Zinn at the near post who's glancing header made it 1-2.
HT Adderbury Park 1 Hardwick 2. After a bright start from Adderbury, Hardwick came back well and looked the better side for most of the half. A good game in testing, hot conditions.
Looking down the line The second half was a much more even affair and seemed to be played at a slightly slower pace than the first period which was not surprising given the heat. The home side looked more dangerous than in the first half but always needed to be alert to the attacking prowess of Hardwick.
Another mid-half drinks break ensued before we were treated to the goal of the game on 73 minutes, an absolute belter from Hardwick Number 9 Jimmy Hunt, arrowing a drive into the top corner from 25 yards out. No chance for the keeper as Hardwick extended their lead. 1-3.
With the game looking as if it would drift into it's conclusion, Adderbury Park managed to salvage a lifeline on 85 minutes when their own Number 9 slid in to pull one back. 2-3. However, despite their late revival, the home side could not find an equaliser before the referee blew for the end of the game.
FT Adderbury Park 2 Hardwick 3. A good run out for both sides and an entertaining game for the neutral observer. Thanks and good luck to both teams in the forthcoming season.
Att: N/A
Ground Number: 233
Entrance: £0.00
Programme: N/A
Another mid-half drinks break ensued before we were treated to the goal of the game on 73 minutes, an absolute belter from Hardwick Number 9 Jimmy Hunt, arrowing a drive into the top corner from 25 yards out. No chance for the keeper as Hardwick extended their lead. 1-3.
With the game looking as if it would drift into it's conclusion, Adderbury Park managed to salvage a lifeline on 85 minutes when their own Number 9 slid in to pull one back. 2-3. However, despite their late revival, the home side could not find an equaliser before the referee blew for the end of the game.
FT Adderbury Park 2 Hardwick 3. A good run out for both sides and an entertaining game for the neutral observer. Thanks and good luck to both teams in the forthcoming season.
Att: N/A
Ground Number: 233
Entrance: £0.00
Programme: N/A
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