It’s another local trip as I’m heading up the A1 towards Peterborough for my footy fix today. The PFA Senior Cup Quarter-Final tie between Peterborough ICA Sports and Coates Athletic is my first choice game. It starts early and means hopefully that I can get back to Racing HQ before the (forecasted) snow which is due to reach us by early evening. A phone call to first team manager Gino Nespoli at mid day brings great news confirming that the game is definitely on with a 1.30pm kick-off. Perfect. 

The club, based in the Woodston area of Peterborough, is situated some two miles to the west of the city and easily reached off the Oundle Road (A605) from both the A47 and A15 ring roads. The ground itself is located in a new housing development at the end of Candy Street by turning off Sugar Way, aptly named after the British Sugar Corporation company which is close by. Although the factory closed here over twenty years ago in 1991, its central office still exists and departments such as IT, HR, health and safety and communications are all found there. In total over 300 employees still work for British Sugar in Peterborough.

The impressive Riverside Pavilion was partly funded by the prestigious property developer Barratt Homes when the company built the modern housing estate in the area almost three years ago now. The local council worked hard to provide residents with long-awaited sporting and social facilities as part of the regeneration package. It really is a terrific facility and aside from football is used regularly for local conferences, meetings, parties and wedding receptions.

At a cost of £1.3 million the self-contained site not only includes a superb modern-looking community building but also provides a new 3G caged MUGA; a mini training pitch and a full-size adult pitch. Three large flags flying at full-mast give the venue a more grandiose appearance and provide a great focal point for visitors.

The main pitch, marked out alongside the pavilion, is bordered on three of its sides with a low wooden perimeter fence running parallel to the main driveway and directly behind the goal nearest to the entrance; a blue twine rope passing through a series of blue plastic stakes to rope off the entire nearside touchline and several properties from the adjoining road back onto the elevated land behind the touchline opposite to give it an enclosed feel. Two modern rectangular perspex-built dug-outs are placed next to the half-way line along here. Interestingly the striking wooden stanchion poles holding up the goal nets are painted in alternating blue and white panels to match the club colours. Although there is no pitch side cover a couple of benches on the pavilion patio are handily placed, being close enough to watch the action from. 

But pride of place must go to the beautiful Nene Valley Steam Railway whose delightful old steam trains frequently convey passengers along the line which runs closely behind the far end of the ground (after leaving Wansford in the west). Apparently the location was used to film a couple of scenes for the James Bond movies Goldeneye and Octopussy. The east end of the line terminating at Nene Valley station is within a stone’s throw of the action and the lovely sight of thick smoke plume trails and the sound of a guard’s whistle feature regularly throughout my short visit. It certainly adds atmosphere to the surroundings!

The home club has only been in existence since the start of the new season following the merger of two other P&DL teams Eye Sports & Social FC and Peterborough Internazionale FC (a predominantly Italian-based side). The newly formed club have made an encouraging start to the life in the Premier Division and currently sit in fifth place in the table having won ten out of sixteen games. By contrast opponents Coates Athletic have really struggled managing only four victories to leave them just one place above the relegation zone. It was back in August that I saw them suffer a 5-1 defeat at Oakham United and they did little to inspire then.     

The first half of the game is really poor with both sides seemingly being unable to string three passes together which leaves goal scoring opportunities at a premium. I do begin to rue not going to my back up game, a P&DL Premier League fixture between the top two sides at Peterborough Sports Parkway (v Netherton United) which is just up the road.

However all is not lost as the hosts appear to be invigorated after the break and open the scoring when Danny Dance (53) lobs the keeper Daniel Fletcher beautifully from ten yards out. ICA Sports double their lead after Jamie Martin (66) fires home with a spectacular curling shot that beats the outstretched Fletcher at his right hand post. It’s a cracking strike. With no further goals the homesters make it through to the last four where they will meet the winners of either Ramsey Town or Netherton United (Q-F to be played on 22/01).

The match played on a side to side sloping pitch in freezing temperatures (induced by the severe wind chill) is attended by eleven well insulated spectators, three being local hoppers. Sadly the club does not issue programmes and refreshments are not available today. The lack of any hot half-time cuppa is quite a sore point amongst those regulars waiting next to the (usually open) serving hatch. The tea lady shares our concern and comes out of the pavilion to apologize, explaining that the decision not to provide drinks has been taken out of her hands by the local committee. It does little to appease the faithful few who trudge away disappointed!

I had thoroughly enjoyed my trip to the Riverside Pavilion and would definitely recommend a visit here (perhaps in warmer weather) to all travellers. For more information about Peterborough ICA Sports FC and things to do with the Peterborough & District League hoppers can log onto the excellent Full-Time site covering the competition (see link below). In addition a fully downloadable handbook is available and provides an excellent resource for hoppers detailing club details including those essential contact details. The joys of hopping to the environs of Peterborough continue. Have fun wherever you go.