WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14
WELLING UNITED 2 CAMBRIDGE UNITED 2
IT'S a horrible, wet Wednesday night with all the home nations live on the box. The type of evening us groundhoppers wouldn't miss for the world!
And those of us off to Welling instead of Wembley got even more value for money.
This was a celebration of the Wings' first home game in Non-League's top flight for 13 years, and it was a worthy return!
After a straight forward trip to find Park View Road, parking proved to be a bit of a problem. Arriving 40 minutes before kick-off, it took ten minutes to find a space on a side road. It turned out to only be five minutes from the turnstiles and parking was free, so there aren't too many complaints.
It cost £15 to get in, with students getting in for a fiver less while concessions get in for £9.
After picking up a programme, much improved from last season, for £2.50, I moved into the clubhouse. I had a quick flick through the chunky programme, which was full of information. Welling must have one of the smallest budgets in the league, so to produce a programme of that quality is not to be sniffed at.
It was 15 minutes before I was served at the bar, although this wasn't helped by the barman having to change one of the barrels. No known cider on tap, although the one they did have was very tasty, and at £3.50, it's about pub prices. Not London pubs, clearly!
Leaving the bar with ten minutes until the game got underway would be enough time to grab a cheeseburger I hoped. Not to be though, as I missed the first few minutes – and the bun seemed still frozen.
On first viewing, the rustic ground doesn't look too bad. Basic? Yes, but it's your true, traditional Non-League home. Both ends behind the goal were uncovered, but a soaking didn't dampen the atmosphere.
An entertaining first half saw Cambridge take the lead in the 33rd minute as Ryan Donaldson's shot took a deflection, ricocheted off the crossbar striking the stranded keeper and into the net.
The lead didn't last long though, as just four minutes later, an inswinging corner was met by Ross Lafayette who buried his header into the corner. It was the home side that went into the break in the lead after a great control, turn and shot from Lee Clarke left the large away support momentarily silent.
Half-time saw me looking for some shelter and a cup of tea. A cuppa cost a quid, and some chips wouldn't have gone amiss either, but they were nowhere to be found.
Cambridge put the pressure on after the break and were rewarded in the 68th minute after substitute Nathan Arnold struck. The excellent Fraser Franks hit the post for Welling in their closest attempt in the second half, but the draw was a fair result.
The end of the game saw me scamper back in to the dry comfort of the car to reflect on the experience of Park View Road. It was an entertaining evening, and you certainly saw more passion than you do from the current international stars.
Ticket value 3, Programme 4, Food 3, Bar 3, Toilets 4, Atmosphere 4, Match 5, Overall: 4
