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Students show greater self-discipline to beat unruly hosts
St.Osyth were their own worst enemies in this bad-tempered Border League clash at Mill Street on Saturday. A total lack of discipline handed their opponents all three points. Despite conceding an early goal against the run of play, it was the students who showed the superior control and determination to fight back and win the game with two excellent second half strikes. The hosts huffed and puffed in the later stages as they tried to match their young counterparts for skill and fitness. As the game wore on, so did their their patence and a series of late tackles caused by frustration made it easy for the referee to brandish several yellow and eventually two red cards. This inflamed the situation even more and they were very lucky not to receive futher punishment. It has been a while since I have witnessed such a public lack of respect towards an official, certainly at this level. All credit to the well marshalled University boys who stuck to the task in hand and did not retaliate amid such provocation. Needless to say I was pleased with the result!
The village of St.Osyth lies about five miles to the west of Clacton-on-Sea. The club play at Cowley Park in Mill Street. It is set close to the picturesque St.Osyth Creek and harbour. The beautiful medieval Priory which stands in 383 acres of land since building began in 1118 provides an atmospheric back drop behind the goal nearest to the main road. The football ground shares the site with cricket. The clubhouse which accomodates the changing rooms and a smart bar with Sky TV is positioned alongside the half-way line. The building has a small veranda and provides cover for a dozen or so spectators. There are some tennis courts and a childrens' play area at the back. The club do not issue programmes. However a range of salad filled rolls and hot drinks can be purchase at half-time from a tea bar inside the pavilion.
My car journey took about ninety minutes and involved using the A14 (to Ipswich), A12 towards Colchester, A130 towards Clacton before using single lane roads by-passing the cinque ports town of Brightlingsea on the B1027. Upon reaching the village turn right into The Bury which continues into Mill Street. The club can be seen on the left hand side. Though there is no designated car park travellers can use the neighbouring Priory grounds or the lay-bys on the opposite side of the road. Be warned though - traffic wardens are in operation so check for parking restrictions and fading double yellow lines.
FGIF Rating 3*. | 