Bishops Cleve play in the Evo-Stik Southern League, Division 1, South & West. I visited the ground on 22 August 2012 to watch them play Mangotsfield United FC – of which I am a Director.
It is a nice flat ground, with small grandstands on either side of the pitch. The place is very open to the elements and there was a variable wind despite it being a really nice sunny evening. It is located to the north of Cheltenham and about 10 miles south of Evesham. It is very close the back-end of the Cheltenham racecourse as well.
Can you spot my shadow
There were not many people at the ground – only 88 which is a shame given so many houses are nearby. It was also sad to see a fundraiser at the bar given their lawnmower had been nicked. How sad is that?
On the football side, this was just the second game of the season for both clubs. Not sure if it was a one-off, but Bishops Cleve have completely changed their style of play. In the past few season you could have guaranteed 30+ offside decisions, This time out it was end to end for pretty much the whole game and therefore really enjoyable.
I got the impression that the club does not have many volunteers and this is a shame. Their football programme is the bare minimum that you can get away with. The bar has a small but decent selection of beverages to choose from. Also the Directors entertainment and food, along with the players food was really good,
As a Director, I find away games always more enjoyable as I don’t have any responsibilities! The game was enjoyable and finished an even 2 – 2 draw. However, Mangotsfield were 2 up and should have perhaps held onto such a decent lead. Both goalkeepers made some cracking saves. The two that Mangotsfield conceded were right at the end of each half which smacks of lack of fitness, and waining concentration levels. Nevertheless, it was the first point of the season, so onwards and upwards!
Hope you like the following photos I took.
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