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Second-half goal blitz earns visitors a place in the next round.
As the players were taking to the field at the Recreation Ground I couldn't believe that the early rounds of the FA Cup were about to start all over again. In truth it seemed like only five minutes ago since Liverpool had beaten West Ham in that amazing Final back at the Millennium Stadium in May. I didn't suppose either that anyone connected with Frimley Green or VT would be remoetely bothered about such trivia as kick-off approached. An anorak moment no doubt!
The heavy thunder storms (that had caused a 'small' number of fans to run for cover beneath the squat stand on the nearside of the pitch) soon subsided, being replaced by beautiful warm sunshine. In a frantic opening thirty minutes 'Green took the initiative and netted from close range. Was this one foot on the road to the new Wembley (or dare I say it, the Millenium)? But alas the dream was short-lived as the hosts quickly ran out of steam. Weary legs (an indication of little match practise) were desperately found wanting as VT seized their chances on what was a well-grassed surface. In a magical five minute second-half spell the visitors replied with four terrific goals. With sixty minutes on the clock I could hear the Frimley physio remarking to a colleague: 'Well at least we won the first half!' The visitors from the Southampton docklands were literally running riot and it wasn't long before they added a fifth. It might well have been six but for a wayward Beckham-esque penalty miss. The lads from Frimley were proverbially 'done for' as the referee ended the contest just before five o'clock.
The result was not a surprise. The visitors from the Wessex League were much fitter and sharper having played more games than their opponents. A glance at the fixtures revealed that they would meet Hythe Town in the next round to be played on the second of September. I hope that a few more bodies will be in attendance than the feeble turn out for this game. A reasonable 20 page programme complete with glossy cover sold for £1. There was a good range of hot and cold food available from a busy tea bar.
Visitors to Frimley Green Football Club will definitely receive a warm welcome. The ground is situated inside a large recreation area and is fully enclosed by high metal fencing. The pitch which is railed off has a marked slope going from side to side. No doubt this could help the surface to drain more quickly in poor weather. The main facilties including clubhouse, changing rooms and tea bar are all found along one side nearest to the main entrance and new pay booth (well, garden shed). The other side and both ends are open standing. A beacon is clearly visible at the top of a steep hill on the furthest side of the park. This provided an excellent vantage point from which to take some aerial photos of the ground below.
To reach the club I travelled from the M25 and M3 (coming off at Junction 4) by-passing Camberley and Frimley. A long driveway on Frimley Green Road leads from the main entrance to the car park at the end.
FGIF Rating: 4* | 