3pm 19 October 2013
Leicestershire Senior League, Division One
Croxton Kerrial Dons 3 Barlestone St Giles 5 (att 11)
This game nearly didn't take place, but thankfully it did as it produced an incident-packed and very enjoyable 90 minutes, albeit in unusual circumstances.
The appointed referee failed to arrive, I think his car had broken down en route. After some delay it was agreed that a home official would take charge. Wearing a bright yellow training bib he finally got the game underway at about 3.20pm.
I feared we night be in for a bit of a farce, but he handled the game fairly, and instead the early comedy was provided by Barlestone's keeper, who was twice beaten from very long range in the opening few minutes.
The visitors were unbeaten going into this game, but perhaps they delayed start unsettled them,. CK Dons first goal was scored by their keeper, whose clearance from deep inside his own half bounced over Barlestone's keeper into the net.
The home side's second was a lofted clearance from the half way line. This time the visitors' keeper tripped as he stepped backwards, and was helpless on the ground as ball sailed over him and in.
Barlestone had pulled one back by the end of a scrappy first half. They were much better after the break though, and it was no surprise when they equalised. It was a surprise that they didn't go on from that to make the game safe, but instead they lost their way and allowed Dons to go 3-2 up.
That was the spur Barlestone needed though. An own goal levelled the scores again, and this time the visitors made no mistake as they scored twice more to win the game.
Croxton Kerrial's own pitch doesn't meet the criteria for the Leicestershire Senior League, something to do with showers for the referee apparently, so for their first season in the league they're playing in the nearby village of Skillington, which is actually in Lincolnshire. Apparently they plan to return to Croxton Kerrial next season.
The pitch at Skillington Village Hall has a good surface, and is roped off with a pair of neat dugouts, as well as a redundant older third dugout, which I guess could now be described as a very small stand for spectators.
I look forward to visiting Croxton Kerrial again when they're back in their own village, although I can't help thinking they could have chosen a better name than modelling themselves on the MK Dons!
Leicestershire Senior League, Division One
Croxton Kerrial Dons 3 Barlestone St Giles 5 (att 11)
This game nearly didn't take place, but thankfully it did as it produced an incident-packed and very enjoyable 90 minutes, albeit in unusual circumstances.
The appointed referee failed to arrive, I think his car had broken down en route. After some delay it was agreed that a home official would take charge. Wearing a bright yellow training bib he finally got the game underway at about 3.20pm.
I feared we night be in for a bit of a farce, but he handled the game fairly, and instead the early comedy was provided by Barlestone's keeper, who was twice beaten from very long range in the opening few minutes.
The visitors were unbeaten going into this game, but perhaps they delayed start unsettled them,. CK Dons first goal was scored by their keeper, whose clearance from deep inside his own half bounced over Barlestone's keeper into the net.
The home side's second was a lofted clearance from the half way line. This time the visitors' keeper tripped as he stepped backwards, and was helpless on the ground as ball sailed over him and in.
Barlestone had pulled one back by the end of a scrappy first half. They were much better after the break though, and it was no surprise when they equalised. It was a surprise that they didn't go on from that to make the game safe, but instead they lost their way and allowed Dons to go 3-2 up.
That was the spur Barlestone needed though. An own goal levelled the scores again, and this time the visitors made no mistake as they scored twice more to win the game.
Croxton Kerrial's own pitch doesn't meet the criteria for the Leicestershire Senior League, something to do with showers for the referee apparently, so for their first season in the league they're playing in the nearby village of Skillington, which is actually in Lincolnshire. Apparently they plan to return to Croxton Kerrial next season.
The pitch at Skillington Village Hall has a good surface, and is roped off with a pair of neat dugouts, as well as a redundant older third dugout, which I guess could now be described as a very small stand for spectators.
I look forward to visiting Croxton Kerrial again when they're back in their own village, although I can't help thinking they could have chosen a better name than modelling themselves on the MK Dons!
Steve,
ReplyDeleteIf you do not want to wait for the CK Dons 1st team to move back to Croxton Kerrial, then Croxton AFC and the CK Dons Reserves (both of the Grantham League) are using the venue on Knipton Road this season.