No.31 - Sat.31st December 2005; Midland Combination Football League Div 1 11.30pm at Price Avenue (att: 21; prog: No) 

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Mile Oak Rovers (0) 1 Handsworth United (0) 3

United show greater resolve

After the bitter disappointment of missing a couple of games on Boxing Day (when the Wraymobile sadly chugged to a halt on the A1 near Grantham and had to be towed back home by the AA Relay vehicle. The apparent cause relating to gear box problems!), I was eager to return to hopping duties as soon as possible. So when a Midlands 'double' presented itself on New Year's Eve, it was too good to miss. The courtesy hire car was soon on its way around the M42 and on its way to Tamworth for the noon kick-off at Mile Oak. Despite the recent spell of snowy weather the pitch looked in good condition and didn't need a referee's inspection beforehand.

The visitors from Birmingham played the better football and always looked more dangerous in attack. It was no surprise when they took a two goal lead midway through the second half. Even when Rovers managed to pull one back (from a free kick which bounced inside the area and trickled beyond the 'keeper), United soon restored their advantage through a low angled strike.

The site itself is quite atmospheric and slopes from one end to the other. The pitch is surrounded by an old perimeter post and rail fence. It must be the only ground to boast a line of ten mature Oak trees growing down one side! A small stand bearing the club name is positioned between the trees; there are three steps of shallow terracing inside. To the left is an old pavilion which doubles as a changing area and clubhouse/bar. Hot food and drinks were dispensed from a small room in here at half-time and was well patronised by the handful of spectators who were in attendance.

The club is based only a couple of miles to the west of Tamworth and is a few minutes drive from the new A5 dual carriageway. At the Fazeley junction follow signs for the A453 to Sutton Coldfield (on the Bonehill to Sutton Road) and then turn immediately left again down Lichfield Street (the old A5). Take the third road on the right which is Price Avenue. The narrow entrance to the ground is about 100 yards down here on the right hand side and this opens out into a large car park behind the nearside goal.              

FGIF Rating 3* 

 

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