Diary of a newfound groundhopper

Langney Wanderers 1 Pagham 0, Southern Combination Football League Premier Division, Saturday 8 th February 2020 We had just turned onto the A23, bound for Roffey vs Seaford Town, when I thought it would be prudent to check something. Although we hadn’t had much rain this week, there was a nagging feeling at the back of my mind. Something I couldn’t quite put my finger on. My groundhopper sense was tingling. And tingling loudly. You see, I’ve tried to visit Roffey on numerous occasions this season. It’s one of only two grounds in the SCFL Division One that I’m yet to tick off. Each time, though, something has intervened. Usually the weather. In order to make it to the ground in time for the 14:00 kick-off, I’d decided to travel straight there from my Saturday morning coaching commitments. My wife would then take our two sons – both of whom attend the 5Ways Football school where I work – swimming in the nearby Horsham Leisure Centre. It was a sunny, mild, still a...

Merstham 1 Margate 0, Isthmian League Premier Division, Saturday 1 st February 2020 Having been joined by a mini entourage (quite literally) on my visit to Lewes vs East Thurrock United last time out, I was back to ploughing a lone furrow this weekend. Perfect. 90 minutes of relative peace. Or so I thought. We’ll come to that in a bit. With the weather once again threatening non-league fixtures throughout the South-East, I left myself with a couple of match options this weekend. Horley’s visit to Alfold in the SCFL Premier or Merstham v Margate in the Isthmian League Premier Division. When Alfold’s match was switched to Horley ( a ground I’ve already visited this season ) on Friday evening, my decision was made. Barring a late postponement, I’d be heading up the A23/M23 to Merstham in the borough of Reigate. I arrived at Merstham’s Whisky Bible Stadium (possibly my favourite name for any ground I’ve visited thus far – can’t think why?) at 14:30. Having parke...