Hungerford Town

I went to watch Mangotsfield play away to Hungerford Town on 1 September 2012. It was an easy drive down the M4, taking about an hour. To get to the ground, you drive through the centre of Town which is littered with antique shops, then through a housing estate and you are there. Not a massive amount of parking is available, but for a big crowd, parking on the adjacent streets appears easy.

It is a nice ground with small stands on each side, so plenty of cover is available. The pitch has a steady downward slop, and on the day, there was a steady wind blowing up the slope.

Main stand at the ground

Smaller stand at the ground

As I ended up being busy talking to lots of people (!), I did not have a chance to walk all the way around the ground. Consequently, I did not spot a tea, fast food outlet. I presume they have one. On the other hand, they do have a nice sized bar with a decent selection of beers. perhaps the bar doubles as tea outlet?

Anyway, I must say that everyone I met at Hungerford was very friendly. A few of our travelling fans had tipped them off they were arriving early, and so opened the bar specially for them. Top marks all round then!

As for the game, well, Hungerford won 2 – 1. Everyone at the ground agreed that the officials spoilt the game, and I understand a complaint is being lodged. In all the years I have been watching football, I do not think I have all 3 officials have a mare of a game at the same time. Multiple bookings, 3 sending off – including the wrong player and the Mangotsfield manager – along with a player striking another player to the head in front of the ref, and being unpunished. Think that gives you a decent picture of what went on!

Whilst I try not to be biased, the Mangotsfield players never game up and easily deserved a point. It was a day for the captain to do his thing and he did a fantastic job. I really cannot speak highly enough about him.

For me the final disappointment was the crowd. a meagre 90 people and Mangotsfield must have accounted for at least 1/3rd of the gate. Given all the chimney pots surrounding the ground, and the standard of play, where was everyone? Oh yes, pawing their way through the antique shops…..

Bishops Cleve AFC

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.