Steve B the Groundhopper

7pm 16 May  2025 Northumberland FA, Benevolent Bowl Final at St Peter's Hub, Wallsend AFC Burradon and New Fordley 1 AFC Newbiggin 3 (att 270) St Peter's Hub in Wallsend was only opened a few weeks ago, as a headquarters for the Northumberland Football Association and a venue for at least some of its cup finals. It's built on what were basic playing fields, and is a good facility. I'm sure the immaculate artificial pitch is great to play on, but for spectators it's a slightly underwhelming stage for such matches. There are are couple of small seated stands, although dugouts and other spectators mean the view from them is inevitably restricted. Designated spectator areas run the length of both touchlines, although in places sections of high fencing get in the way. Traffic from the adjacent A1058 Coast Road provides a constant audible backdrop. But, despite all that, this was a well-organised event and the Northern Alliance's top two sides provided a enjoyable gam...

2pm 21 December 2024 Northern Alliance, Premier Division Newcastle East End 2 AFC Burradon and New Fordley 3 (att 28) I'd been undecided where to go for a Saturday afternoon game, but my mind was made up with news that Stobswood Welfare's home fixture had been postponed. That left this game as the only new ground in the Northern Alliance top division, and with the relative safety of an artificial pitch. But when I arrived the referee was concluding a 'pitch' inspection due to concerns about the strength of the wind. Thankfully the match went ahead. The conditions were undoubtedly a significant factor, but I've seen games in much worse weather. And at least it stayed mostly dry. AFC Burradon and New Fordley are unbeaten league leaders. They kept that record intact, but were given a tough test by Newcastle East End. The home side went ahead in the first minute. Burradon and New Fordley hit the crossbar and the post before finally equalising, deservedly, before half ti...