Stourbridge (Tuesday, August 20)

TUESDAY, AUGUST 20

STOURBRIDGE 2 ST NEOTS TOWN 1

YOU can tell the football season has only just started as optimism takes centre stage and cricket is slowly on the way out.

Both signs were visible at the War Memorial Athletic Ground as Stourbridge faced St Neots in the newly named Calor League Premier.

The Glassboys share their ground with Stourbridge Cricket Club (their ‘home’ match yesterday against Chesham had to be played at Redditch due to a clash in the diary) and you get a great view of the scoreboard and sight screen from the main stand.

While the pitches are very much separate, the car parks are not. Parking was very limited and cost £1 but after finally getting into the ground for a fee of £10 – about average at this level – I was greeted by a programme for £2 and the Glassboys Bar.

The programme was a good read and full of fresh content on both clubs as well as matters throughout football (Farnborough anybody?) so it was great value for money.

The bar was welcoming and had plenty of room; the walls decorated with signed shirts. Service was remarkably quick and at £3 for a pint of cider, not too harsh on the wallet either.

Other than the main stand, the south goal has covered terracing with the other goal providing no cover but on a night like this, it’s not an issue.

Stourbridge, who fell at the play-off stage last season, are hoping for another good campaign and showed their clinical touch when taking the lead on 29 minutes through Ben Billingham’s strike.

Half-time called and I headed for the makeshift portacabin selling warm delights. Service again was swift but when news came that no pies, or any pastries at all, were available, many a heart sunk.

I don’t want to be too harsh but no pies at football? Surely that’s almost as bad as playing without a goalkeeper? A ‘large’ chips cost £1.50 and were decent enough despite the portion being on the smaller side.

The visitors came out of the blocks quickly in the second half and equalised through Ryan Sharman’s half-volley from a corner on 52 minutes before their hearts were broken.

With the game coming to an end, Stourbridge struck with almost the last kick (or head) of the match.

Substitute Will Richards giving the home side a somewhat undeserved three points and making sure that optimism around the War Memorial Athletic Ground continues for at least a while longer.

Ticket value 3, Programme 4, Food 2, Bar 4, Toilets 3, Atmosphere 3, Match 4, Overall: 3