Steve B the Groundhopper

1.45pm 28 December 2024 Suffolk and Ipswich League, Senior Division Halesworth Town 4 Debenham LC 1 (att 100) A relaxing couple of post-Christmas nights away on the Suffolk coast put fixtures that would normally by very awkward to get to from home within easier reach. I took the opportunity to visit Halesworth Town, partly because they have a chance of finishing as champions, although even with games in hand it'll be a challenge to overtake leaders Old Newton United, but also because the club has ambitions for promotion to 'step six'. Their ground can't be far of being ready for the step up, especially as these days rules around seats and floodlights are more relaxed, with clubs having a sensible grace period to put everything in place. The pitch is already enclosed and has dugouts, and there's hard standing behind the near goal and along one touchline. A covered standing area has been placed behind the goal nearest the welcoming clubhouse and, on the evidence of th...

4.30pm 17 August 2024 Suffolk and Ipswich League, Senior Division Bacton United 89 3 Debenham LC 2 (att 62) This unusual late afternoon kick off was a sensible move by Bacton as it allowed time for local supporters, as well as those involved with the club, to watch Ipswich Town's opening premier league game at lunchtime. A late finish to my earlier game at Bungay, and some dawdling drivers who seemed to misread 60mph speed limits as 40mph, meant I only arrived at Bacton at exactly 4.30. Fortunately, at that time the players were lining up and yet to kick off. Like the day's other game this featured a newly-promoted side, Bacton, against a team that played in the Eastern Counties League not so long ago. There was little between them in an entertaining game. Debenham went ahead, but Bacton deserved their goal which levelled the score before half time. The home side went in front in the second half, but this time it was the away side's turn to equalise. Bacton weren't fini...