No.13 - Sat 8th October 2011; Eastern Counties League Premier Division; 3.00pm at the Town Ground, Cricketfield Road, off New Cheveley Road, Newmarket, Suffolk, CB8 8BG. 

Matchday images (45) https://picasaweb.google.com/footballgroundsinfocus/NewmarketTownFC03

Newmarket Town (1) 4 Felixstowe & Walton (0) 1

For Edward...

This was without doubt one of the most surreal hopping days we have experienced for quite some time. Even though we had been extremely well organised (for a change) before setting out at midday our best laid plans were finally scuppered when the Wraymobile came to a sorry standstill en route to our chosen game just outside Thetford on the busy north-bound A11 dual carriageway. I was reliably informed that this annoying state of mechanical affairs was caused by a worn-out clutch perhaps a result of metal fatigue (and maybe too much hopping!). There's a law about this sort of thing isn't there? Despite being towed back to racing HQ our day was not completely ruined as we had first imagined whilst waiting stranded on the grass verge.

Although we had not been able to get to our first choice game (a much awaited Norfolk Junior Cup tie at Hopton FC v Ludham), the terrific service from a most personable AA patrol officer Dave meant that our day would not be completely football-free as we had initially feared. After arriving back in Newmarket by mid-afternoon we were still able to get in our footy fix by making an unplanned return visit to Cricketfield Road, a short walk up the Park Lane from our regular local MOT service garage. Bring it on!

Today's game was a real basement battle in every sense of the word with the Jockeys (19th place out of 21 teams) entertaining equally lowly Felixstowe & Walton (18th) in a Eastern Counties League Premier Division encounter. A young home side had only won their first game of the season a few days earlier beating Diss Town 3-1 at Brewers Green Lane on Wednesday evening. Many local supporters wonderered if this was the start of better things to come and whether they could build on this encouraging midweek result with their first home win this afternoon.

The Jockeys took full advantage of the chances that came their way to record only their second win of the season. They opened the scoring when Mark Abbs, making his return to Newmarket after a spell with Kershaw League side Fulbourn, laid the ball off for defender David Grainger (20) to volley in off the post. The Seasiders almost levelled when Allician Blake's (45) shot cannoned back off the home cross-bar in the first minute after the re-start. Five minutes later the hosts' lead was doubled when James Lane (50) headed home unchallenged from Jake Wayne’s left wing cross. Felixstowe pulled one back mid-way through the half after Jordan Matthews’ shot was parried by keeper Andy Youngs into the path of Ben Cranfield (65) who bundled the ball home. Their fight-back was shortlived though when Wayne’s blocked shot was followed up by defender Warren Reddick (75) who fired the ball home from close range. The Jockeys confirmed the win late into the game when influential Mark Abbs(88) placed his measured free kick directly into the top corner of the Felixstowe net. It was a cracking win for the boys from racing HQ.

An impressive and above average crowd of some ninety fans attended the game which was played in mostly dull and overcast conditions. A smart 24 page programme containing club news; notices; reports; match stats and pen pictures of both teams, costing £1, was issued for the game. After many years of using the same basic layout it's nice to see a new cover design on the front for a change!

The club now publishes its own comprehensive website containing plenty of news; information and statistics covering the First Team; Reserves and Youth sides as well as providing directions and a map of how to find the club: a link is shown below.

The Jockeys catering department continues to serve a cracking range of hot and cold food on the menu from the tea bar located adjacent to the clubhouse. The tasty hot chips washed down with a mug of tea are to be thoroughly recommended and must certainly still be the best value on offer amongst all fellow member clubs in the ECL.

Since our last visit to the Sherbourne Stadium almost a year ago the Jockeys have made several improvements to the clubhouse facilities following a complete re-furbishment to fixtures and fittings which boasts a new livery. With the addition of several framed photos and assorted memorabilia on the walls the whole interior looks quite smart now. Visitors also should look out for two new modern perspex dug-outs which have been added to provide more space alongside the far touchline. Oh and don't forget to take a quick peek at the repainted turnstile (not always used) slightly hidden behind the paybox at the entrance end on Cricketfield Road: a real gem!

It's always fun to meet up with some old friends and acquaintances when we pay a visit to to the Town Ground. This afternoon was no exception as we caught up with long-time club servant Elaine Jeakins, now secretary, programme editor and kitchen supervisor amongst other things and John Howe, a former secretary, who still mans the PA system. Like many dedicated volunteers they have worked tirelessy behind the scenes for over twenty-five years between them and deserve much praise for their unstinting hard work and efforts in promoting NTFC.

And finally I cannot sign off without a mention to my dear Dad-In-Law Eddie. He was not only a lovely kind bloke who always had time for everyone but was also an enthusiastic supporter of the Jockeys. During his time with the club Eddie worked for seven years as a well respected secretary, press officer and active committee member regularly reporting on games for the Green Un, Newmarket Journal, Newmarket Weekly News and the Cambridge Evening News newspapers. There was nothing he loved more than following our local football club at home and away often popping around afterwards chez-nous to recount the day's event - great times indeed! How poignant today then that he should be remembered with such great affection by so many fans as we walked around the ground during the game. Even more surreal when I tell you that today the 8th October 2011 would have been his 84th birthday no less.

RIP Eddie

from all of your family, many friends and supporters at NTFC.

FGIF Match Stats

Scorers: (H) N/A and (A) A9 (13)

Attendance: 92; Admission: £6; Programme: £1; Match rating: 4/5; Ground rating: 4/5.

Links

http://www.newmarkettownfc.co.uk/index.html

http://www.ridgeonsleague.co.uk/

edited on 09/10/11