No.36 – Tues. 26th December 2006; Combined Counties League Division 1      11.30 at Chobham Recreation Ground, Station Road, Chobham, Surrey (att: 57; prog: 8 pp with £1 admn) 

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Chobham (0) 0  Sheerwater (1) 2

    

Sheerwater edge physical Boxing Day derby    

The game, played on a real glue-pot of a pitch, attracted Chobham's largest home crowd so far this season with just over fifty spectators in attendance. A goal in each half helped to secure the points for a strong Sheerwater side in this rather lacklustre and, at times, bad-tempered Boxing Day league fixture. Sadly it was a poor spectacle marred by some cynical fouls, dissent between the players and, worst of all, abuse shown towards the match officials. How no one was sent off the field was unbelievable to say the least!

The football club is based at the Chobham recreation ground in the village. The entrance in Station Road leads to small car park which is found at the end of a bumpy potholed driveway. A cosy clubhouse decorated in fading blue paint incorporates both the changing rooms and tea bar; it is positioned at an angle to the pitch which is itself surrounded by a perimeter post and rail fence. There are two dug outs next to the half-way line but you won't find any hard standing or cover here. A visit in decent weather would be advisable.

A rather basic eight page programme complete with card cover and incorporating the club crest sold for a £1. The team line ups contained on the centre pages had been written using a stencil - most unusual. A very good range of hot and cold food and drinks is available from the tea bar before and during the game and the service is excellent. A tasty basket of chips went down very well and definitely got the thumbs up from Mrs W!

We travelled to the game by car using the main M25 and M3 motorways. For basic directions: leave the latter at junction 3 taking the A322 and then follow signs for Woking before joining the A319 towards Chobham. Continue along this road for a couple of miles and pick up the A3046 in the village. Turn left down Station Road and the ground soon becomes visible on the right hand side on the corner of a sharp bend.

This wasn't the best match I have seen so far this season but none the less provided that all important tick. It's amazing how a club's fortunes can soon change - the last time I saw Sheerwater play, they were on the end of an 8-0 drubbing at Worcester Park and that wasn't pretty either. Funny old game!      

FGIF Rating: 2* 

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