7.45pm 21 February 2025
Herefordshire League, Premier Division
AFC Kempsey 3 New Dales Vale 2 (att 135)
AFC Kempsey have made a mid-season move from a home ground in the village to an artificial pitch at the University of Worcester's St John's Campus.
It's not an interesting venue, just a typical 3G with a spectator area running the length of one side. However, it does allow the club to play home games on Friday nights, which is useful from my groundhopping perspective.
It also gave me an opportunity to return to a city where I lived for several years. The walk to the ground from my hotel even took me past the office were I used to work. These days it's part of the university.
Such was the heavy rain ahead of kick off the game probably wouldn't have survived had the surface been grass. Another reason to be thankful for artificial pitches.
The conditions eased by the time the match got underway. AFC Kempsey had a good start, attacking from the off and taking a fifth minute lead. Twenty minutes later they were 2-0 up.
Fellow Worcester club New Dales Vale, needing a win to keep pace with league leaders Alcester Town, pulled a goal back just before half time. Shortly after the break they scored again for 2-2.
Kempsey recovered, and regained the lead with an hour gone. This time they held onto their advantage, despite coming under plenty of pressure from the visitors.
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