Steve B the Groundhopper

6.40pm 19 April  2024 Manchester League, Premier Division Walshaw Sports Club 1 Govan and University of Manchester 2 (att 45) The second time I've seen Walshaw play a home game at Bury's Elton High School, but whereas last time, in August 2022, it was on a 3G pitch , this match was on grass. I'm not sure if the move is a permanent one or due to unavailability of the artificial surface, but for me the chance to visit a 'new' ground close to home on a Friday evening was welcome. The pitch is next to the car park, in front of the school buildings, and is fully enclosed, although there was no rope or rail to separate spectators from the playing area. A grass bank along one side provides a decent view. It was a feisty game between well-matched sides. Govan had the better of the first half and deserved their half time lead. But after the break Walshaw were more in the ascendency, and were good value for their equaliser, even if it came thanks to a soft-looking penalty. A ...

1.30pm 9 March  2024 Manchester League, Premier Division Govan and University of Manchester 0 Royton Town 1 (att 17) I can be tricky keeping track of which grounds I've been to and when and where I might need to return for a new pitch. I thought I'd visited Govan's base until I read a fellow hopper's report of a match there before Christmas. Govan, who played as Govan Athletic before joining forces with the students, play on an artificial pitch at the university's Armitage sports centre. Having seen a university game there in 2017  I assumed it'd be the same pitch, but it turns out it's not. Govan and University of Manchester play their Manchester League games on 'pitch A', which is close to the entrance and at the opposite end of the complex from where I saw my previous match. It's not a bad venue for a 3G. There's a spectator area the full length of one side, with nothing in the way to restrict the view. If you're prepared to watch thro...