SATURDAY AUGUST 13
BOGNOR REGIS TOWN 1 HORNCHURCH 0
TODAY I intend to tick off one of the few remaining Isthmian League Premier grounds I need to complete the division.
As ever, The Fox comes along for the ride as we head south to Bognor Regis. Bognor play at Nyewood Lane. When I pull up outside, a sign is up already stating the car park is full. I park considerately in a side street and walk up the long access road to the turnstiles. A rather abrupt gateman relieves me of £13 (steep, I feel, though concessions are £11 and £5). A rather more welcoming gentleman sells me a programme for £2 (an excellent issue, by the way). I later find it costs an extra £1 to transfer to the seats.
Just inside the gate can be found a burger van, a club shop and the large clubhouse. A man with a guitar is belting out cover versions just outside the entrance to the club. Families are piling through the gate, no doubt enjoying the sunshine.
The burger and chips from the van are really tasty, with other typical football scran available. I eat mine in the shade of the covered terrace.
It's not as grand as a brand new casino, but I like the stadium. There's a covered terrace in front of the clubhouse behind one goal. One side of the ground has another covered terrace and a covered stand with seats. Along the opposite side (where I stand for the game) is another covered terrace with another turnstile in the corner. Behind the other goal is a covered terrace running the whole width of the pitch.
On the pitch, the thermometer is nudging 35°C so it seems madness to put the players through a full pre-match work out before playing ninety minutes in this heat.
The minute's silence before kick-off is immaculately observed apart from the screech of Herring Gulls, which are circling the ground.
The game is fast and furious interspersed with flashes of decent football. The winning goal is beautifully taken: a sweetly struck loose ball from a half-cleared corner after half-an-hour. The rest isn't exactly what one would call exciting.
The whistle blows and the crowd starts to leave. I notice quite a few sunburnt necks and arms amongst the spectators. I am pleased I stayed under cover throughout. This sun is brutal!
As I head north, homeward bound, I am reminded that I just need to visit Hornchurch and Horsham plus filthy groundsharers Cray and Kingstonian in this division. I know which two I'll be prioritising! I would hate to work out the mileage and cost of getting this far on my Isthmian Quest!
PRE-MATCH INFO: 9, WELCOME: 4, FACILITIES: 8, FOOD: 7, CHARM: 6.5, PROGRAMME: 8, HOME TEAM RESPECT: 4, HOME FANS: 6, MATCH: 5, OVERALL TRIP: 7, OFFICIALS: 8, ATT: 637
