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Pinxton hang on to win local derby
After watching a couple of Football League games already, I was more than happy to return to non-league action once again. With several competitions commencing their fixtures on Saturday, I settled for the CML Premier Division fixture between Mansfield-based rivals Pinxton and Ollerton Town.
Fran and I set off In eager anticipation at mid-day. However the first part of our journey was not an easy one. Within two minutes of leaving home, we had been diverted from the A14 and were heading back into town. A fatal crash involving three articulated lorries had blocked the A14 and Police had closed the road at the Exning turn off. We managed to crawl back through Newmarket and rejoin the carriageway further west. A fifteen mile tail back had built up for drivers going in the opposite direction. Thankfully this was our only delay and we reached the outskirts of Mansfield a couple of hours later after travelling along the M1 as far as junction 38 and following signs for the village, about two miles away.
Upon arrival at the Wharf Lane ground we were made to feel very welcome. From the programme seller on the gate to the tea lady in the kitchen, it was immediately clear to see that this was a friendly, well-run club. Realising that we had travelled some distance to attend the game we were offered refreshments 'on the house' and invited into the bar afterwards. Popular club website editor and photographer Phil Handley was most helpful in providing us with the necessary team changes and names of goalscorers. His enthusiasm was a joy to behold. In between snapping pictures and making notes for his match report, he explained how the club hopes to return to the top flight again. Despite being relegated last season (for not bringing the facilities up to the required standard in time), plans were in place to raise the necessary funds to purchase floodlights and develop the ground. In fact much work had since been completed including the laying of hard-standing around some of the perimeter.
For the record, the visitors opened the scoring after 35 minutes of play only for Pinxton to level from the penalty spot just before half-time. The hosts took the initiative in the second half and scored twice more. Ollerton lost their discipline and two of their players were red-carded. Pinxton couldn't take advantage of this and remarkably found themselves hanging onto victory after Ollerton pulled one back late on. A basic 20-page computer generated programme, priced £1, contains all the basics and includes some terrific match photos.
Visitors to Pinxton will be afforded some splendid views of the Derbyshire countryside below. Located on the top of a hill, the Wharf Road ground is definitely a ground open to the elements. Although we attended on a warm, sunny afternoon we could still feel the strong cross winds which swirled around the place. The main entrance is through a small gate next to the half-way line. The pitch has a post and breeze-bloc perimeter wall with some advertising boards attached to it at various intervals; high mesh netting is strategically placed to keep the ball inside the arena. A new wooden stand displaying the club logo on the fascia, sits opposite with room for up to one hundred spectators and provides the only cover. The local church and graveyard can be seen beyond here in the distance. A large grassy embankment behind the far goal affords a splendid panoramic view of proceedings. At the opposite end a small row of steps leads spectators down from pitch level along a small path around to the tea bar and changing pavilion situated next to a smart bowling green below. Hot drinks, tasty chips and hot-dogs (made with real sausages) can be purchased at reasonable prices from the kitchen. After match drinks are available from the Pinxton CW club next door.
Travellers may be interested to know that the club are hosting one of the scheduled matches on next year's CML Groundhop Bonanza (it is possibly the last game with a 6.30pm kick-off). If our visit is anything to go by then 'hoppers will certainly be impressed by the hospitality shown by this smashing little club! And finally, don't forget to check out the club website - it is excellent!!
FGIF Rating: 3*
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