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…..
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