SATURDAY JANUARY 6
Brentwood Town 3 Potters Bar Town 1
THE weather charts tell me that south is best today and for once they are not telling porkies. I still double check with the secretary of Brentwood Town; they have only managed to play 13 matches so far this season!
The helpful official phones back immediately after the 11.15am pitch inspection to confirm all systems are go. After a clear run down the M1 and M25, I am soon pulling into the large car park of The Arena.
I pay £8.50 to the attentive gateman (price includes a very professionally-produced programme) and am soon in friendly conversation with the secretary. There is much banter taking place in the teabar.
In summary, there is a nice atmosphere about the place. There is a wide range of typical football food on offer, served by extremely efficient ladies. Everyone tucks in heartily while watching Brighton v Newcastle on the flickering telly.
The secretary walks half way around the ground to hand me a colour teamsheet ‘just in case I was interested'. He has me sussed!
The ground has a certain charm to it, despite the roar of traffic from the A12 nearby. The wooden main stand, Portacabin changing rooms and boardroom are all situated down one side of the ground, while across the way is a leisure centre and, for some reason, a TV gantry.
My favourite feature is the leather three-piece suite plonked on the covered terrace behind one goal!
Potters Bar Town are 14 points ahead of their hosts in the Ryman North but have played nine more games.
In an enjoyable game, Brentwood put three past Bar with just one in reply. It might have been a different story had Daniel Ailey not launched his spot kick into space for the visitors.
Such was the waywardness of the kick, it's a good job the A12 was not in line or it would have caused a pile-up for sure.
A pleasant visit on this mild, spring-like afternoon. And if I were a scout, I would be asking a League club to take a closer look at Brentwood's stylish Number 10…
sad.hopper@ntlworld.com
