According to local historians, there has been a settlement at Stanwick (pronounced with a silent 'w') since at least 200BC. Several Iron Age coins have been discovered in and around the village, also known to have had a Roman villa. In the 10th Century, Stanwick was referred to as "Stan Wigga" and in the Domesday Book (circa 1086), Stanwick is referred to as "Stanwige" or "Stanwica".

Only a stone's throw from Rushden, the village, the largest in East Northants, boasts the stunning St Laurence's Church. Built circa 1224 on the site of an earlier church, it dominates the local landscape and its octagonal tower and spire are considered an architectural beauty by residents and visitors. The weathercock is 137 feet above ground, and was given to the church in 1880 by the then landlord of the Duke of Wellington public house. 

The village is also the HQ for the Stanwick International Road Races, an annual event that covers both 2K and 10K races around the local lanes which attacts competitors from home and overseas. A large banner affixed to a building off Spencer Parade, advertises the forthcoming event to be held on Easter Monday. Later in the week the village is holding a street party and other events as part of the forthcoming Royal Wedding celebrations. Apparently 300 tickets have sold like hot cakes (if you pardon the pun) in anticipation of the big day.

The ground is found at the end of Patrick's Lane, a gently sloping, badly pot-holed road leading from Raunds Road, the main thoughfare, which passes through the centre of the village. A narrow entrance next to the well maintained bowls club opens out into a small car park. The adjacent playing field is hemmed in by fences, hedges, a small childrens' playground and some local residential housing. To the right a set of floodlights are arranged in a small rectangle possibly used for training purposes. The main (and only) football pitch which runs widthways from here has a marked slope that runs down steeply from right to left. The small club pavilion which has a club name plate on the outer facing side is situated behind the goal to the left. This building consists of changing rooms for players (home and away) and the match referee with a small adjoining kitchen area where refreshments can be purchased. You cannot miss the series of team photos and a special framed Rushden & Diamonds player's shirt hanging on the wall inside here. As you would expect there are no pitchside facilities here for spectators.

The game, played on a hard pitch, worn in many places, attacted nearly thirty spectators who enjoyed the bright sunny conditions. Although the visitors from Corby had beaten the holiday traffic and arrived in good time for the designated kick-off, the game didn't actually start until 6.40pm but it didn't matter as the light only faded in the last five minutes. It was a thoroughly absorbing, combative contest with many chances created by both teams. For the record Vikings (unsurprisingly dressed in a Morton FC look-a-like blue and white hooped kit) scored the only goal of the game. This came just after the hour mark when the ever dangerous Paul McSheffery (62) converted from the penalty spot after his team mate Ben Farrell had been up-ended in the area. Amazingly neither side could find the net again considering the end to end flow of the game. In fact the woodwork was rattled on no fewer than five seperate occasions during the full ninety minutes, adding further excitement and making it a really great advert for the Combination League. 

For Danesholme-based Vikings this was the club's final game of the season. The result now consolidates their  third placed position in the table, ten points behind Ringstead Rangers and JK Blisworth who are both vying for the title. Stanwick (missing six players tonight) and still with games in hand over their rivals, languish just above the relegation trapdoor, currently occupied by Finedon Volta (already down) and Wootton St George. They should escape the drop if they can manage to field a full strength side on both of their remaining fixtures.

A visit to this lovely village and friendly football club comes highly recommended. We were certainly made to feel very welcome during our short stay at the Stanwick Recreation ground. If you get chance have a chat with committee member Steve, he's a lovely bloke and is only to pleased to help you out with the team line ups and ply you with plenty of tea! Cheers mate! One of the advantages of coming to Stanwick on a Thursday evening is that it coincides with the visit of the local fish and chip mobile van. A liberal portion of fried haddock and chips washed down by a fizzy Fanta was the perfect way to sustain the hungry hoppers from racing HQ before watching their midweek fix. Ah, the joys of watching Thursday night football in beautiful villages...have fun wherever you go!               

FGIF Match Stats

Scorers: (H) N/A and (A) P McSheffery (46)

Attendance: 32; Admission and Programme: N/A; Match rating: 4/5; Ground rating: 4/5.

http://www.northantscombination.co.uk/index.htm