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Stratton impress in Diss derby
Long Stratton earned a memorable victory in this local derby to go top of the table. Mind you the club is getting used to success. Having gained promotion for the last three seasons the team has climbed from Division Four to Division One of the Anglian Combination. The turning point in the match came just after half-time when an unstoppable shot from 35 yards whistled into the back of the net!
The place has been looking forward to Senior Football for weeks and many of the local shops had publicised the game with advertising posters and banners. The local chip shop (this season's shirt sponsors) had even designed a smart display stand which greeted players and spectators as they arrived at the ground. The Chip Inn was certainly getting its money's worth!
The club is based in Manor Road inside the local recreation ground. The large open grassland area is bordered by houses and a neighbouring school; there are several play areas and a skate park on site. A smart changing pavilion stands just inside the narrow entrance to the ground. Although there is no cover pitchside the balcony would provide ideal cover in the event of bad weather and still be close enough to afford a decent view of the action. The pitch which had been rolled prior to kick-off was fully roped off. A reminder that the venue is set in a public park came after only five minutes of play when the referee stopped the game for some litter removal. One of the committee members was summoned over to the centre of the pitch to pick up the offending items which were apparently deposited by a Jack Russell Terrier!!
The club do not issue programmes at present but the Chairman said that this might be something which could be introduced once they had settled in to the new season. There were no refreshments.
Daughter Steph and I travelled from Newmarket taking the A14 to Bury St.Edmunds before continuing along the A143 towards Diss. We then joined the A140 and headed north towards Norwich. After about five miles you come into Long Stratton. Turn left into the wonderfully named Flowerpot Lane and then right down Manor Road. The entrance and narrow car park can be found on the left hand side just before the local primary school.
FGIF Rating: 4* | 