|
Ivanhoe win battle with spirited second half goal attack
Intrigued by the unique placename I decided to do a bit of research on the internet before setting out. The Leicestershire market town of Ashby first appears in the Domesday Book (1086) as 'Ascebi' and apparently derives its name from the Scandinavian 'Askis by' meaning settlement. According to local historians, it was Alan de la Zouch who acquired the local manor by 1160 and added his family name to distinguish it from other so called Midland Ashbys. The 'Ivanhoe' suffix relates to the novel written with the same name by Sir Walter Scott set in the famous Ashby Castle. The football club which used to have links with the neighbouring Ivanhoe College continues to play as Ashby Ivanhoe and has responded well to life in the Senior League since stepping up from local soccer at the start of the season.
The club plays at the impressive Hood Park Leisure Centre in Market Street. The site is vast and caters for a wide range of sports including hockey which is situated on an adjacent all weather facilty. A large children's play area and skate park is found near to the front entrance. The main football pitch is located behind the Centre and this runs lengthways from the main building. It is fully railed off on all sides and there are several advertising boards fixed around the perimeter. One banner doubles as a welcome notice to the club with details of the web adress written underneath. There are two brick built dug outs to the right with a small green metal container used to store equipment next to them. The changing rooms are close to the pitch and there is a small alcove in the corner which provides shelter from the elements and offers a great view of the game from behind the goal.
After leaving Newmarket in beautiful sunshine the weather deteriorated as we reached the Midlands. As a result most of the match was played under constant drizzle. Ivanhoe managed to take all three points after a bit of a struggle to recapture their recent lost form. All the goals came in the second half which saw the hosts surrender an early lead only to come back with a late flourish.
A crowd of about fifty were in attendance (including a few hoppers). A superb full colour computer generated eight page programme was issued for £1. It contained all the important bits and pieces with match details printed on the front cover, free entry to the half-time raffle and full team line ups on the back. You certainly get the impression that this is a really friendly, well run club and reference is made to all the hard working committee members. One nice touch was the provision of refreshments (tea and biscuits) at half-time -dispensed from a tea trolley wheeled around to the patio area next to the changing rooms.
To reach the club Fran and I travelled north using the A14 and M1 coming off at junction 22. By following the A511, by-passing Bardon and Coalville, you reach Ashby town centre. Although entry to Market Street is restricted in Wood Street due to the one-way system, access can be gained further along by turning right into Brook Street; the main entrance is signposted with car parking space at the rear of the Centre. By signing the visitors book inside you can save having to pay car parking fees. A lovely day out and a visit to this progressive football club comes thoroughly recommended.
To find out more about the football club log on to the excellent website using the link provided below.
FGIF Rating: 3* | 