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Keepers come out on top in stalemate
As expected travellers were out in force to attend this Herts County Senior League Premier Division game played at the Westminster Lodge Athletics Track. Hadley FC have progressed well in several cup competitions so far this season and as a consequence the club has fallen behind in its league fixtures. This alternative venue was being used to help reduce the deficit (about seven games behind many of the the other teams in the division).
On a bitterly cold evening both teams contributed towards playing an excellent match. It was end to end stuff with many chances created. Both 'keepers were on form and each pulled off a string of spectacular saves to keep the ball out of the net. Hadley did manage to score but the goal was disallowed following an offside infringement. Eventually both clubs had to settle for a point which was on balance a fair result.
A neat 20 page programme was issued for 50p. Copies were quickly snapped up by the eagle-eyed 'hoppers who had congregated before play in the changing room foyer. All the relevant match details were presented inside a smart red, black and white glossy colour cover. Sadly no refreshments were on sale.
The facility is the home of St.Albans Athletics Club and naturally the pitch is marked on the infield. The clubhouse/pavilion is situated below pitch level near to the main entrance. I have been to the venue on many previous occasions during the athletics season (with West Suffolk AC) and can honestly say that it is a much nicer place to visit in the summer months, when the the sun is on your back! At the start of the evening several local athletes completed their training sessions around the track (up until kick-off) and a rugby squad used part of the home straight for some drills. A couple of portable dug outs were placed on the grass just inside the track level with the half-way line. Unlike some larger venues there is no cover or seating at Westminster Lodge. Many 'hoppers chose to stand on the top of the steep grassed embankment which runs along the length of the back straight. Click on the UK running track link below to view some photos of the site.
In an effort to catch up on their matches, travellers may be interested to note that the club have pencilled in some more games to be played here. There will definitely be one against Evergreen on Wednesday 15th February. Contact the club for more details about future fixture arrangements.
To reach the club take the A5183 (Watling Street) towards St.Albans, passing Trevelyan House, Head Office for the YHA. Turn right and travel up St.Stephen' Hill. Continue over the mini-roundabout onto Holywell Hill and the entrance to the Athletics Track (sign posted) is about 100 metres along here on the left hand side behind the Sportscentre. There is plenty of public car parking space at the end of the long driveway which is much closer to the arena.
FGIF Rating 3*
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