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Social have reason to party after thrilling derby win!
Fran and I completed our 'Midlands Double' by heading back up the M5 motorway and then on towards Rugeley. Our destination was the Red Lion ground, home of Brereton Social Football Club who were entertaining Heath Hayes in a Midland Combination Premier League fixture.
The game was an absolute cracker and without doubt the best I have seen so far this season. This local derby had everything. Both teams produced some fast flowing and skilfull football with plenty of shots on goal. The action was real end to end stuff with both 'keepers fully involved throughout. On many occasions the woodwork came to their rescue. The winning goal scored by the home side was a magnificent strike from thirty yards out. It was a shame for the visitors not to get a point as they had made a terrific contribution in a thoroughly entertaining game played on a well grassed pitch. Over seventy vociferous spectators were in attendance on a pleasant, mild evening.
Visitors to the club will receive a very warm welcome. The staff and committee members were only too obliging to answer my questions and provide the team line ups. Since gaining promotion from the First Division of the MCFL a basic photocopied 12-page programme has been introduced. Not too heavy on reading matter, it brought a wry smile from my missus as the important match details on the front cover are printed in error - the date says Saturday 28th, rather than Monday. An Anorak moment, no doubt! Although the team line ups were not listed for the game, the Brereton squad names were featured on page three.
The gound in Armitage Lane has a homely feel about it. The main buildings are found in the corner next to the entrance. The social club has a small reception area were many of the locals congregated to have a drink at the bar and watch Sky TV. The pitch is fully railed with a partly constructed stand positioned along the nar side close to the dugouts. The rest of the ground is open and some new hard standing has been laid around the perimeter. There is a small field beyond the far side where the players warmed up before the game. Much of the place is decorated in the club colours; the goal nets for instance are painted in red and white stripes.
The ground is very easy to find as it is literally on the A5! Travelling from Rugeley follow signs for Lichfield. After a couple of miles you will see the Red Lion pub on the right with Armitage Lane opposite. Turn left down here and the floodlights and welcome sign showing the club crest soon become visible. There is a small car park just inside the main entrance.
A smashing little club and one which travellers will definitely enjoy visiting I am sure!
FGIF Rating: 5* | 