3pm 27 July 2013
Pre-Season Friendly
Scarborough Athletic 3 Scarborough & District League XI 2 (att 548)
I had hoped for competitive football this weekend, but my only chance of that on a new ground would have been another trek to the north of Scotland, so I settled instead for a day at the seaside and a game a ground that normally stages rugby union.
Although a pre-season game, today's match was a big deal for Scarborough Athletic. The club was formed following the demise of Scarborough FC, and while their predecessor's former Seamer Road stadium lies derelict Athletic have to play home games some 15 miles away in Bridlington.
So today was a rare chance to play back in their home town, even if Scarborough's rugby club actually play a few miles outside the town in Scalby.
The modern Silver Royd ground is a very impressive facility. The main pitch has a large seated stand on the far side, and a two storey clubhouse, with an elevated viewing balcony, opposite. Athletic must look upon it with envy, as they continue their efforts for ground of their own.
The match began clumsily. Scarborough's Mayor, apparently a former district league player, ceremonially kicked the game off, and then he and his entourage failed to exit the pitch before they became entangled in the action. Hopefully the Mayor's presence is a sign that the Council are keen to help provide a new football ground for the town.
On the pitch the afternoon began brightly for Athletic, who were soon a goal up. After a dominant start I expected them to win with ease, but the lead was still just 1-0 at half time, and the District League equalised after the break.
The sides then traded goals before a penalty, controversially awarded for a trip that didn't look like a trip to me, gave Athletic a winner.
Pre-Season Friendly
Scarborough Athletic 3 Scarborough & District League XI 2 (att 548)
I had hoped for competitive football this weekend, but my only chance of that on a new ground would have been another trek to the north of Scotland, so I settled instead for a day at the seaside and a game a ground that normally stages rugby union.
Although a pre-season game, today's match was a big deal for Scarborough Athletic. The club was formed following the demise of Scarborough FC, and while their predecessor's former Seamer Road stadium lies derelict Athletic have to play home games some 15 miles away in Bridlington.
So today was a rare chance to play back in their home town, even if Scarborough's rugby club actually play a few miles outside the town in Scalby.
The modern Silver Royd ground is a very impressive facility. The main pitch has a large seated stand on the far side, and a two storey clubhouse, with an elevated viewing balcony, opposite. Athletic must look upon it with envy, as they continue their efforts for ground of their own.
The match began clumsily. Scarborough's Mayor, apparently a former district league player, ceremonially kicked the game off, and then he and his entourage failed to exit the pitch before they became entangled in the action. Hopefully the Mayor's presence is a sign that the Council are keen to help provide a new football ground for the town.
On the pitch the afternoon began brightly for Athletic, who were soon a goal up. After a dominant start I expected them to win with ease, but the lead was still just 1-0 at half time, and the District League equalised after the break.
The sides then traded goals before a penalty, controversially awarded for a trip that didn't look like a trip to me, gave Athletic a winner.
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