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Unconvincing Ongar hang on to earn the points
Looking at the league table before kick-off, title chasing Ongar Town looked dead certs to thrash Writtle who were languishing close to the bottom. The game was not a classic and I must confess to looking at my wrist watch several times before the full ninety minutes was up!. In fact the hosts, unbeaten so far this season, were lucky to hang on to an early three goal lead. After the interval Writtle found some of their rhythm and started to play the better football. They eventually pulled two back with both strikes coming from close range. Sadly for them time ran out and so did the chance of getting anything from the game.
Ongar Town, promoted from the Mid-Essex League last season, play at the Ongar Sports and Social Club in Love Lane. The site which is close to the High Street caters for a range of sporting activities. The playing fields are situated to the right of the main driveway with a rugby pitch, mini soccer pitch and a cricket square marked nearest to the entrance. The pavilion is situated at the end of the car park and incorporates a bar and a squash courts. Next to this is a brick changing room building. The main football pitch on the far side has a slope which runs from end to end. There are some fllodlit tennis courts behind a tall evergreen hedge which borders the nearest goal. There is a floodlit training area beyond the goal at the opposite end.
Unlike some clubs in this league, Ongar Town do not issue programmes. Although hot drinks were not available, a selection of crisps, peanuts and assorted chocolate bars could be purcased from the bar at half-time. Only a handful of supporters turned up for the game which is shame when you consider that over one hundred parents regularly attend the mini football matches played by their offspring on a Sunday morning!
I reached the club by leaving the M11 at junction 4 and heading for Chelmsford. At the third major roundabout along the A414 turn right along Chipping Ongar High Street. The entrance to the ground on the left is marked and approached along the narrow but memorable Love Lane. Turn right at the fork otherwise you could end up in Ongar town cemetery!
FGIF Rating 2* | 