No.46 - Sat. 18th March 2006; Kent County League Premier Division 2.45pm at Jockey Farm (att: 29; prog: 32pp, one pound) 

Rusthall (0) 0 Bromley Green (1) 2

Green enjoy life down on the Farm

Inspired by the many positive comments received about this club throughout the course of the season, I just had to travel down to Kent and find out what all the fuss was about for myself. I had been primed by ace FGIF correspondent and photographer Paul Roth who had enthused about the place following his visit several months ago. I distinctly remember his comments which included the words '...quite surreal'. And so with this in mind and complete with a map of the local area I arrived in plenty of time at the village of Rusthall, situated some three miles to the West of Tunbridge Wells.

The football club is based in a most rustic setting and is referred to affectionately as Jockey Farm (living in Newmarket, I thought I might escape the equine connection for a few hours!). This is found at the end of Nellington Road which winds down from main street in the village. The entrance is fronted with a large sign and legend which reads: Hay, Straw; Eggs and finally at the bottom 'Rusthall FC'. From here the dusty, bumpy driveway takes you past some farm buildings on your left and to the football club entrance on the right.

Next to the changing rooms is an old-fashioned clubhouse with the large letters RFC fixed onto door. Inside is a small cosy bar area complete with Sky TV. Already several patrons had gathered to watch the lunchtime Premiership game between Aston Villa and West Brom. To the rear are some old team photos and a framed shirt mounted on the walls. What nostalgia! The veranda outside provides some cover for spectators and this proved to be the case as many chose to stand here and shelter from the sub zero temperatures caused by the bitterly cold winds blowing across the pitch. 

The main pitch, which slopes from end to end, is fully railed off. A smaller playing area runs parallel to this on the far side. There are some refurbished stables behind the goal to your left and a couple of mini pitches used by the club's junior sides at the other end; a high boundary net hangs prevents the ball from rolling too far away. Much recent work has been carried out including the laying of hard standing both at the end and along the far side next to the dug outs. The club have also purchased a set of floodlights but these are not yet in place.

For the record Rusthall found the going tough and were convincingly beaten by visitors Bromley Green (from Ashford) in front of nearly thirty spectators. The match was spoiled by the strong cross winds which made control and passing extremely difficult. A goal scored either side of half-time also did the damage. It didn't help when the league's leading goalscorer Matt Hodges struck the opener from thirty yards out after only fifteen minutes. 

A superb 32-page programme complete with glossy colour cover was issued for one pound. This is an absolute gem and contains masses of stats and club news. A monthly club magazine entitled 'The Rustic' covering a round up of the football and social scene, printed in similar format, supplements this. Both were on sale at the bar. There is also a club shop and a range of souvenirs are availale for supporters to purchase customised in the club's colours of green and white. This is quite amazing when you consider where the team find themselves in the pyramid.

Refreshments were also on sale in the clubhouse throughout the afternoon. The hot tea was favourite at half-time not just as a welcome drink but as a useful hand-warmer. A selection of filled sandwiches were also on the menu. If you have time it is worth patronising the Farm Shop. I quickly stopped off here on my way out of the ground and bought a tray of free-range eggs for the princely sum of two [pounds. Needless to stay we all enjoyed fried breakfasts for the next couple of days! 

To reach the club is not that difficult. Approaching from Tonbridge on the A21 follow signs for Tonbridge Wells, continuing on the A26 (by-passing Southborough). Before reaching the town centre turn right and head towards East Grinstead on the A264. Rusthall village is about three miles along this road and signs appear after passing Tunbridge Wells Golf Club on the right. Travel through the village and then turn right into Nellington Road.

Paul was right in his sentiments about the club - it is a hopper's dream and a visit to Jockey Farm comes highly recommended. You will certainly be impressed with what you find there!        

FGIF Rating: 4* 

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