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Buxton lucky to progress
According to the programme notes, Ashville FC, members of the West Cheshire League, were quoted before the game as being 175-1 outsiders to lift this season's FA Vase. On the overall balance of play it was the minnows from Wallasey who carved out the most chances and were unlucky not to progress to the fifth round. It was as early as the third minute when a close range effort rebounded off a post to unsettle the hosts. But after squandering several golden opportunities, particularly in the last ten minutes, the men from the Wirral could not find the net. In fact the game seemed to lose its way after a scything challenge and ensuing mass brawl saw Ashville go down to 10 men early in the game. For the record Buxton scored through a Mark Reed effort and then managed to hang on.
A crowd of over 500 attended the game which was played in bright sunshine for most of the ninety minutes. It was only in the closing stages when the temperature plummeted and a biting wind made you feel desperately cold. The club had prepared well for the big day and many committee members were busying themselves before kick-off. The tea bar did a brisk trade in hot food and drinks with the northern delicacy of steak and kidney pie and mushy peas high in demand! A newsy 36 page programme sold for £1 and contained lots of relevant information not only about the FA Vase but also about the visitors.
I was interested to read that the club was formed back in 1949 at house number 25 Ashville Road, Wallasey. From humble beginnings in the local leagues, the side progressed to the Bebington League and Wirral Combination in the early 1950's. With further success, the club joined the West Cheshire League Division Two and by 1962 had moved to their present home, 'Villa Park', winning Division One five seasons later. Apparently the League's knockout competition, the Pyke Cup, is believed to be one of the longest running 'sponsored' football competitions in the country. Mr William Pyke, a local jeweller, presented a magnificent trophy to the League in 1893, a year after its formation (originaly as the Wirral AFL). Today the independent family concern provide match momentos to both teams (and officials) playing in the final, with Mr. Pyke's great grandson making the presentations.
Silverlands is, geographically, possibly one of the highest club grounds to be found anywhere the country. Set on the edge of the Peak district, it is situated between Manchester to the north and Matlock to the south. The ground is bordered by residential housing on three sides with spectacular views of the rugid landscape on the horizon. There is plenty of cover with a spacoius main stand nearest to the entrance, a large standing cover behind one goal (next to the clubhouse) and a long cover along the oppposite side. There is plenty of hardstanding on all sides.
I travelled by car using the A14 and M1 (leaving at junction 29). After driving through Chesterfield the rest of the journey took in some steep climbs along the A619 and A6. On entering Buxton continue up Dale Road (next to Morrisons superstore) and turn right into Darwin Road. Another right turn leads you to Silverlands. There is plenty of local street parking near to the ground.
FGIF Rating 3* | 