2pm 22 August 2020
Friendly
Bamford 4 Buxworth 1 (att 39)
My slow start to the resumption of football, after family duties took priority a week ago, continued with a friendly between two sides who will both be in the top division of the Hope Valley League when competitive action begins.
This felt more like a competitive match than a friendly though, albeit played in very good spirits. There were none of the mass substitutions that can spoil pre-season fixtures, no mid-half drinks breaks and, while points weren't at stake, both teams were keen to win.
The home side came out on top, but had to come from behind after a excellent direct free kick gave Buxworth an early lead. It was so early that few spectators were there to see it, as the match got underway nearly 10 minutes ahead of schedule.
At least Bamford's followers were pitchside by the time their team scored twice ahead of the half time to edge in front of a lively match.
There wasn't much between the sides, other than better finishing by the hosts, and it took two late goals to give Bamford a winning margin that was a little flattering.
Bamford is an attractive Peak District village just a south of Ladybower Reservoir. The Recreation Ground, home to Bamford FC, is out of the village on Water Lane. It's a narrow road and parking is at a premium, so you have to pick your sport carefully or risk being blocked in by latecomers.
Typically for the Hope Valley League, scenery trumps facilities for spectators, although there is a small and neglected-looking covered area on the far side of the pitch, not that anyone used it on an afternoon when the rain stayed away.
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