Local folklore refers to the quirky Tattingstone Wonder, a strange folly (architecture constructed primarily for decoration) built in about 1790 for local Squire, Edward White, who then lived in the Hall. Originally a pair of cottages, a third was added together with a mock church tower and facade to give his neighbours "something to wonder at". Today Tattingstone Heath is located close to the main A137 carriageway (linking Essex and Suffolk) whilst a small hamlet, close to the White Horse, is connected to the rest of the parish by Lemmons Hill bridge over the western end of the reservoir. The site is managed by Anglian Water and is known as Alton Water or Alton Reservoir. The expansive stretch of water is now a haven for wildlife and is used by cyclists, walkers, fishermen and watersports enthusiasts. As we crossed the road bridge the views looking out over the expanse of water were truly stunning. If you are close by, you must make a detour to see it: it's that good!

Back to the football. For the hosts victory over bottom club Stradbroke United today would be significant as it would elevate them to top spot in the division. However initially things didn't go quite according to plan and they found themselves a goal down literally straight from the kick-off (which incidentally was ten minutes early!). A penetrating ball from the centre of the field put Bobby Varella through on goal with only the keeper to beat. Before he could shoot the attacker was unceremoniously felled by Michael Coleman just inside the area. The forward recovered to step up and slot the ball home from the penalty spot. A glance at the watch revealed that only thirty seconds of the game had elapsed. Phew, it's a good job we arrived in time! However Tattingstone recovered well and soon levelled matters from a lovely move which saw gentle giant Robbie Stannard (8) leap high to head home, meeting Seb Paternoster cross from the right, from close range. Both sides had enough chances to take the lead and would have done so had it not been for some great goalkeeping - notably Clint Dowsing (14) spread his body well to deny Stradbroke's Blake Field from point blank range and Andy Perkins (45+2) managed to back peddle in time to tip the ball over from Paternoster who, seeing the keeper off his line, struck the ball from just over half-way!!

The second period came to life midway through what was, in parts, a bad tempered half. Amazingly it was Varella (71) who was brought down in the area once again after another clever run towards goal. As before he successfully put the ball into the back of the the net from 12 yards, giving the visitors from Mid Suffolk the lead. Could they hang on to record only their second win of the season? Sadly for them it was not to be, as Tattingstone, with less than ten minutes remaining, fought back to draw level.  Stannard put in Virgilio Leitao (82) and it was his perfectly placed shot that beat the outstretched Perkins. Barely had a minute passed when the influential Stannard became provider once again, setting up nippy Louis Mott (83) who toe-poked the ball past the advancing keeper from close range. Tattingstone finally secured all three points when Mott (90+2) added a fourth in injury time beating two players before driving the ball low and hard under Andy Perkins. The win saw the hosts go top. Mind you as a neutral I did have some sympathy for the boys from Stradbroke who had, for the most part, contributed to a compelling game of football. For the record the match played on a terrific surface, in sunny but cold conditions, attracted just five spectators. 

The lovingly maintained Tattingstone Recreation Ground is found off Green Road and belongs to the local parish church. It is set in an idyllic location being completely enclosed by residential housing, trees and neat hedgerows. The site is also overlooked by the beautiful church of St Mary's which makes for a most striking backdrop. A short driveway leads to an unmade car park behind the top goal. Alongside this are a childrens' playground and a couple of tarmac tennis courts which run very close to the goal line. At the opposite end, where space is tight, a series of large green nets are supported by seven tall metal poles to catch any stray shots from leaving the ground. Unusually and uniquely these are designed with hooks fitted along the top so that they can be pulled out on along a metal 'curtain' rail. Beyond these is a small wooden storage shed which houses the groundsman's equipment.

Pride of place must go to the players' pavilion situated some distance away on the far side of the field. Originally constructed by five local men who used to live in the village using the doors and some of the structural timbers from the boat house that was situated on the lakes, this was in the valley prior to the flooding (as referred to above). I was surprised to learn that the refurbished pavilion which incorporates the changing rooms and a small kitchen is actually a listed building! A couple of benches placed in front were once used by spectators to watch local cricket matches played on a square marked out in front. Sadly the village cricket team disbanded five years ago.

Special mention must also go to Mark Lyth, the enthusiastic and hardworking groundsman, committee member and star 'snapper'. We met Mark a couple of weeks ago when United travelled to Woolverstone for a league fixture. Visitors will be impressed by the terrific pitch here beautifully manicured and painstakingly mown in alternating stripes before matches. Mark, who does a fantastic job to maintain the playing area (one of the best in the league), told us that the surface was completely covered in snow only a few days earlier. It certainly looked in great condition today. Well done Mark!

Although the club, like the majority in the lower divisions of the Suffolk & Ipswich League doesn't issue matchday programmes, don't be put off attending a game here. With the opportunity of visiting neighbouring Alton Water, St Mary's Church and both the Wheatsheaf and White Horse (GBG listed pubs) in the village, travellers to Green Road will certainly find plenty to salivate over. The joys of ticking off grounds in idyllic settings continues...have fun!                                              

FGIF Match Stats

Scorers: (H) R Stannard (8); V Leitao (82); L Mott (83; 90+2) and (A) B Varella (1 and 71, both pens) 

Attendance: 5; Admission and Programme: None; Match rating: 3/5; Ground rating: 4/5.

Club website: http://www.tattfc.co.uk/news.php