Steve B the Groundhopper

2.15pm 11 January 2025 Mid Lancashire League, Division One Astley 3 Cube 4 (att 30) I'd set myself the challenge of finding a game on a new ground close enough to home to allow me time to get back for Manchester City's FA Cup tie with Salford City at 5.45pm. With the cold weather ruling out any game on grass, and even local 3G pitches falling foul of the frost, I thought I'd have to limit my day's football to a revisit to the Etihad Stadium. But, to my surprise, this game survived. Astley play on a 3G at the West Way Sports Hub, just outside Chorley. Any snow and ice that had been on the pitch had been cleared, and on a very cold afternoon the surface was perfectly playable. The 2.15 kick off, 15 minutes later than advertised, was a little frustrating given my need to be back early, but at least I'd found a game that was on. Bolton-based Cube's players ambled onto the pitch just before kick off, looking like they'd have much preferred an afternoon off. Only ...