Tonight I am off again in search of further ground ticking ‘hoppertunities and have chosen the Central & South Norfolk League fixture at Stoke Ferry Football Club who are entertaining local side Weeting in an exciting Division 3 encounter. With a 6.30pm kick-off this provides plenty of time to make the one hour journey from Racing HQ through some beautiful woodland scenery that belongs to the expansive Thetford Forestry Commission.

The Norfolk village of Stoke Ferry is situated about five miles south east from Downham Market town centre. It lies on the on the River Wissey, often referred to as the River Stoke. History confirms that back in 1775 the place once served as a post town (under the name 'Stoke'); by 1816 this had had been changed to 'Stoke Ferry'. A type of postmark known as an undated circle was issued to the village in 1828 and it had a Penny Post service, coming under the town of Brandon, between 1835 and 1840. It also had its own railway terminus part of the Downham Market and Stoke Ferry Railway, a branch from the main line between Cambridge and King's Lynn. Today there is still a thriving Blacksmith's shop, Thomas B. Bonnett, in the heart of the village that has been trading for over 100 years. As well as Bespoke Ironwork, they also sell hardware, plumbing supplies, timber and steel.

The ground is reached by turning off the main A134 and following a winding route through a residential estate along Buckenham Drive. Facilities here are basic but homely, typical of most of the venues I have visited in this competition. The main entrance is found at the end of a narrow L shaped cul-de-sac where a couple of dilapidated portakabins serve as the modest changing rooms and storage facilities. A small children’s play area with picnic tables is situated alongside the car park. The main (and only) pitch runs lengthways and is hemmed in on both sides by robust wire netting fences that straddle both touchlines. To the left and behind the top goal there are bungalows and local businesses which make up the estate. The imposing, grubby looking pet food processing plant situated beyond some waste ground dominates the landscape over to the right hand side.  

When I arrive at the modest recreation ground the players are already out warming up well before the kick-off. The lovely warm sunny conditions attract a larger than average crowd who have come along to cheer on their team. I had been lucky enough to watch both sides in action earlier in the season during Norfolk Primary Cup matches when the hosts lost at William Burt (1-0 in the Q-F) and visitors Weeting went down 4-0 at home to Prostar Windows in Round 3. Despite this both clubs have enjoyed decent league form and before tonight are looking to earn a promotion place up to Division 2. Hosts Stoke lying in second place (two points behind leaders Litcham) look the best bet to go up having eight games still left to play.   

Tonight’s game, evenly contested throughout, is an absolute cracker with the result in doubt until the final whistle. The goal scoring alternates regularly with both sides drawing level twice. Fighting back from 2-3 down Stoke dressed in their all red Liverpool look-a-like kit take the lead and at 4-3 with ten minutes remaining look to have the game won. A hotly disputed penalty in the dying minutes is converted by Joe Allen (wearing a shirt with the number 80 on the back!) allows Weeting to take a well deserved share in the points. Scoring all four of his side’s goals Stoke’s Mark Smith is awarded my Man of the Match vote.  The enthralling draw makes for a hopper’s dream and is a great advert for the competition.

For the third time in three weeks my chosen mid-week game is played (for 90 minutes) in bright sunny conditions on a well grassed pitch. Taking advantage of the lovely conditions a crowd of just over twenty spectators including several visiting fans enjoys the action. As expected the club doesn’t issue programmes (like all teams in this competition) or provide refreshments for spectators.