As the title suggests, this was focused on three grounds in Norfolk. Like last time it was a very early start as a car full of hoppers headed along the A14....
Plantation Park
NORWICH UNITED 3-0 Thetford Town
Attendance: 214
Our car arrived at Plantation Park, in the village of Blofield, on the outskirts of Norwich, just in time to snaffle a few of the remaining programmes. Breakfast was provided courtesy of the snack bar who were doing a roaring trade in Bacon Rolls, which were sublime.
Plenty of the great and good of the 'hopping' fraternity were present and once again it was a chance to catch up and chew the fat and have the rise taken out of me for my sartorial faux pas.
The game kick off fifteen minutes late due to Thetford forgetting their kit, a schoolboy error. The game was a comfortable win for 'The Planters' thanks to goals from Gavin Lemmon (10) Paul Cook (20) and Scott Woodgate (82). They also had the luxury of missing a penalty when Jamie George saw both his initial kick and follow up effort both saved.
Emerald Park
GORLESTON 3-1 Brantham Athletic
Attendance: 210
I was in two minds as to whether to head to Emerald Park or not, as I had the offer of a lift to Lowestoft. I am so glad I made the effort as the ground is superb for this level of football, with cover on all four sides.
The ground has only been in use since 1982 (when coincidentally Brantham were the first opponents) when the club moved from their old Recreation Ground. There are rumours that the club could be on the move again, however one of our travelling party spoke to a club official who told him that the club have sorted a new long term lease on Emerald Park. Good news for the club and hoppers alike.
The ground has only been in use since 1982 (when coincidentally Brantham were the first opponents) when the club moved from their old Recreation Ground. There are rumours that the club could be on the move again, however one of our travelling party spoke to a club official who told him that the club have sorted a new long term lease on Emerald Park. Good news for the club and hoppers alike.
Christy Finch gave The Greens the lead after 17 minutes when he converted from penalty spot, after a dubious award for handball (it wasn't). Finch bagged his second on 59 minutes before Chris Sandford made the points safe after 70 minutes. Brantham grabbed a consolation in stoppage time when Ed Nobbs' deflected shot found the net.
Wellesley Road Recreation Ground
GREAT YARMOUTH TOWN 0-1 Swaffham Town
Attendance: 163
The final game of the day saw us head to the seaside town of Great Yarmouth, or to be more precise Wellesley Road Recreation Ground (named after the Iron Duke himself).
Great Yarmouth's ground is famous for it's iconic Main Stand and to see it with my own eyes was well worth the trip in itself.
Opened in June 1892, the grandstand is believed to be the world's oldest football stand still in regular use. The only disappointment is that the stand is set well away from the action as the pitch is surrounded by an athletics track, but that does not detract from the beauty of this fine piece of architecture.
More issues with the quantity of programmes available and the club took names and adressess for those that missed out, but it still didn't stop one person going completely hatstand.
The club laid on some real ale in the clubhouse (Lacons 'Encore' ale) which helped make a turgid game a lot more bearable, Swaffham sealing the victory courtesy of a Matty Castellan header just before half time.
Few more beers in Great Yarmouth post game and more reflections on three cracking 'ticks' a very long way from home. A big thank you to all the clubs involved. Hopefully the ECL will see fit to carry on with these hops next season - http://thurlownunnleague.co.uk/norfolk-hop-on-saturday/ - Suffolk next if you'd be so kind!!!
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