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TT No.31: Mike Latham - Tuesday 26 Sep 2006, Midland Football |
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You know immediately on entering a ground if you are visiting a club on the up, stagnating or in decline. First impressions count for a lot and at Market Drayton they are very favourable. Market Drayton looks somewhat isolated on a map- but it is only 16 miles from J15 of the M6 (one of the Stoke-on-Trent turn-offs) and is just over the The Greenfields sports complex is impressive. The football club use the adjoining rugby club for the car parking facilities and seven other football pitches surround the neat main ground with some floodlit tennis courts also on the site. There is a small social club where a warm welcome was extended to a stranger. The gateman was also extremely welcoming, immediately realising that he had a groundhopper in his midst. He explained that all groundhoppers are invited into the club for a free steak pie after the game. Unfortunately an offer I had to refuse due to other commitments. Market Drayton have reached the Midland Alliance this season after winning the West Midlands Regional League and are obviously making their mark. They have spent around £30,000, I was told, in ground improvements recently. The pitch is in excellent condition, well grassed and superbly maintained. The club have erected a smart post and rail fence around the playing area and a neat wooden perimeter fence around the ground. There is a small seated stand and another small cover in front of the officials’ room. The rest of the ground is flat standing though much of the far side, about 20 yards either side of the halfway line, is fenced off for use by the respective teams’ personnel. The floodlights are excellent and there is a very good tea bar. With its rural location this is a very pleasant place to watch football and the locals are keen and enthusiastic about their side but obviously knowledgeable football people. Market Drayton run junior teams from the under 6's age groups upwards and also some girls’ teams. The ground is awash with advertising boards and here, clearly, is a club with deep roots in the community. The smart and informative programme also contains plenty of proof of the support of local businesses. The action on the pitch was fast, frenetic and highly competitive though played in a good spirit. The home side’s 2-0 lead was well deserved but they were made to rue several more missed chances as the visitors fought back well in the second half to draw level. But an inspired substitution brought the home winner, one of the subs heading home a corner with his first touch. This was a superb evening’s entertainment in pleasant surroundings and a friendly environment and a visit to Greenfields comes highly recommended. |
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contributed on 27/09/06 |