7.45pm 4 November 2025
United Counties League, Division One
Stapleford Town 6 Southwell City 2 (att 77)
Nottingham side Stapleford Town's new Hickings Lane ground was, I think, my only remaining unvisited non-league venue, that stages regular midweek matches, that was within comfortable range for a post-work journey.
Even so, getting there in time for a 7.45 kick off was a challenge, especially on a night of torrential rain that made motorway driving very unpleasant. Such was the rain I probably wouldn't have risked the trip if the game had been on grass.
Stapleford's new ground, which opened this season and is just yards from the pitch they played on previously, has an artificial surface, so a postponement wasn't likely despite the rotten weather.
Like many such venues it's functional rather than interesting. Spectators can access one end and one side, and there's a pair of small stands, one with seats and the other providing a covered standing area.
Stapleford won promotion last season, and are already looking as if a second promotion is within their grasp. They couldn't have wished for a better start against Southwell, taking the lead in the first minute.
They soon scored twice more, Southwell then pulled one back but quickly conceded a fourth, all within the opening 20 minutes.
After that defences tightened, to a degree. The home side got their fifth early in the second half, and made it 6-1 before Southwell scored late on for what will have been scant consolation.
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