11am 5 April 2021
Mid Sussex League, Premier Division, Bottom Section
Cuckfield Rangers 2 AFC Uckfield Town reserves 0 (att 26)
In my last post I predicted it might be well into 2021 before my next match, and sadly I was correct. My plans on Saturday went awry so my groundhopping hiatus was extended by an extra couple of days, making me determined to see game on Easter Monday.
Officially though, according to FA rules, spectators are not currently permitted at grassroots football and all matches are behind closed doors. But few grassroots teams have doors to close, and recreation in public parks is allowed, so all I had to do was find a park to walk in where there'd also be a football match.
With a thin bank holiday fixture list that was easier said than done, especially as I decided to steer clear of any clubs explicitly stating that spectators should not attend. Sussex might be a long way to go for a morning stroll in a park, but after 14 weeks without a game I was prepared to go the extra mile (well, 254 miles to be precise).
Whitemans Green Playing Fields is a pleasant place, and was popular with dog walkers and others, many of whom focused their attention on pitch number two, where Cuckfield were hosting Uckfield in a soundalike derby. Cuckfield's reserve side were also at home, on pitch one, so the park was busy, although maintaining safe social distancing was no problem.
The Mid Sussex League has got around the problem of a truncated season by splitting its stop division in two, based on points gained when the latest lockdown began. This fixture was in the bottom section, and AFC Uckfield Town reserves are still without a league win after conceding a goal in each half.
It wasn't the greatest game, although to be fair on the players it was their second game of the Easter weekend after months without playing or training. It was entertaining though, especially in the second half. It was just nice to be able to take a walk in a park where a football match was taking place.
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