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West Bergholt v Lawford Lads

2.30pm  15 February 2020

Essex and Suffolk Border League, Premier Division
West Bergholt 2 Lawford Lads 0 (att 40)

Storm Dennis meant the east of England was a good place to be, so it was fortunate that we were enjoying a long weekend away in Suffolk.

Even then I’d expected to be watching football on an artificial surface, with Stanway Pegasus the most likely destination, but with the worst of the weather not expected to arrive until later almost all the local games on grass survived.

It may have been on, but the strong winds and heavy showers made playing and watching the match at West Bergholt’s Lorkin Daniel Field something of an effort.

The home side had the wind behind them in the first half, and made good use of it for a 2-0 lead by half time. I expected Lawford to put them under more pressure in the second period, but even playing into wind West Bergholt were much the better side.

That they didn’t add more goals was mostly down to Lawford’s keeper, who had a very busy afternoon and pulled off a number of good saves. On a day when conditions made football a challenge, it was West Bergholt's determined approach that rightly earned them three points.

The ground consists of a single pitch, behind tennis courts and a village hall. Essentially it’s a public recreation ground, but some club signs, a bar and a serving hatch for welcome hot drinks and snacks turn it into a football venue.

Just one side was roped off, with a pair of temporary dugouts for coaches and substitutes. There's also a circular shelter – like a mini bandstand – that provides cover for a few spectators. A programme, handed out free before kick off, was an unexpected bonus.










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