2pm 3 November 2012
Middlesex County League, Premier Division
Sporting Hackney 1 Sloane 0 (att 6)
I'm not a fan of large multi-pitch sports grounds, but if there's one such location that's an iconic grassroots football venue then it's Hackney Marshes.
This was my first visit, but apparently it's had a makeover in recent years, and I was surprised to find a decent cafe and bar on the first floor of the modern building which also houses the many changing rooms needed for what are, at present, 50 football pitches (plus some for rugby).
Next season there'll be even more pitches, when the East Marshes are returned to use after serving as a coach drop off point during the London 2012 Olympics.
Today's game was on the "show pitch" which runs lengthways immediately in front of the striking pavilion. The pitch was taped off, and a pair of dugouts were erected on the pavilion side.
At right angles behind one goal was another taped off pitch, staging a West Essex FC home game also in the Middlesex League. West Essex won 4-1, and from what I saw out of the corner of my eye it was probably a better game than the one I chose.
Sporting Hackney just about deserved their narrow win, achieved thanks to a penalty awarded for a trip in the 44th minute.
Despite the lack of crowds, Middlesex League rules dictate that clubs should produce programmes. Often clubs produce no more than one or two, which are all but impossible to obtain for any but the most determined spectators, but Sporting Hackney's were available free from a box left on the pavilion reception desk. I suspect I was the only person watching the game who picked one up.
Middlesex County League, Premier Division
Sporting Hackney 1 Sloane 0 (att 6)
I'm not a fan of large multi-pitch sports grounds, but if there's one such location that's an iconic grassroots football venue then it's Hackney Marshes.
This was my first visit, but apparently it's had a makeover in recent years, and I was surprised to find a decent cafe and bar on the first floor of the modern building which also houses the many changing rooms needed for what are, at present, 50 football pitches (plus some for rugby).
Next season there'll be even more pitches, when the East Marshes are returned to use after serving as a coach drop off point during the London 2012 Olympics.
Today's game was on the "show pitch" which runs lengthways immediately in front of the striking pavilion. The pitch was taped off, and a pair of dugouts were erected on the pavilion side.
At right angles behind one goal was another taped off pitch, staging a West Essex FC home game also in the Middlesex League. West Essex won 4-1, and from what I saw out of the corner of my eye it was probably a better game than the one I chose.
Sporting Hackney just about deserved their narrow win, achieved thanks to a penalty awarded for a trip in the 44th minute.
Despite the lack of crowds, Middlesex League rules dictate that clubs should produce programmes. Often clubs produce no more than one or two, which are all but impossible to obtain for any but the most determined spectators, but Sporting Hackney's were available free from a box left on the pavilion reception desk. I suspect I was the only person watching the game who picked one up.
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