No.17 - Sat. 8th October 2005; Spartan South Mids League Div 2  12.00pm at Icknield Way (att: 22; prog: No*) 

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Tring Corinthians (0) 2 Totternhoe (0) 1

Corries streets ahead in local derby

Corries have played at their Icknield Way ground for over twenty years now. In order to meet current SSML ground grading requirements the club have had to develop their changing facilities at the start of this season since promotion from the local Aylesbury Vale Football League. This has also meant playing some early matches at Miswell Lane (ex- Tring Ath) until the necessary work was completed in mid-September. 

The site is set in open countryside with fields stretching out around it as far as the eye can see. The ground itself is rather unique as it is very tight for space and is only just larger than the pitch itself. With a row of saplings planted close to the right hand touchline spectators actually climb over a style and stand behind the fence in the adjacent field to watch the game! There is only just enough room for the subs and management to sit behind the opposite touchline on a row of plastic chairs. The dugouts are still waiting to be built on a row of slaps set down on the ground (in a space where the hedge has been cut away). Behind the nearest goal and changing rooms is a small barn (some type of farm building) which has a comfortable bar, TV and toilet block inside it. Refreshments including hot drinks and snacks were available before the game and at half-time.

The SSML Second Division game against local rivals Totternhoe turned out to be a real cracker with much end to end play throughout. The Corries looked a stronger side and despite going a goal down early in the second half pulled back with two excellent strikes to deservedly take all three points in front of a modest crowd of 22 (including a couple of travellers)! Although a programme wasn't produced for this game (the editor was on holiday), I obtained a recent photocopied effort from a previous game; I was told this is a regular issue for all home games.

To reach the club we approached from Dunstable using the B489 to Ivinghoe and then took the B488 towards Tring. The ground is on the right hand side along Icknield Way and opposite a cul-de-sac named Lakeside; the entrance is obscured by bushes and trees. A small car park inside the ground was very congested and only had room for up to twenty or so vehicles. A really friendly club and I can thoroughly recommend a visit.

*Note- Programmes are normally issued for ALL home games 

FGIF Rating 4* 

 

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