As is now tradition, there is an organised Easter groundhop and, for the second year in a row, this took in games from the Northern Counties East League.
As I had done three of the four grounds on the Friday, I picked up the hop on the Saturday to visit the two grounds out of the three I needed, though this was after much dithering and debating, more of which later.
The early kick off pitted Landlords v Tenants as Bridlington Town clashed with Scarborough Athletic. This was the first time I'd seen Scarborough since the club was reformed in 2007 after the liquidation of Scarborough FC.
The game was 4th v 1st, so a good game was anticipated and it did not disappoint. I can't think of a better non-league game i've witnessed all season.
The game swung either way and both sides had chances to seal the victory, but in the end had to settle for a draw, which was probably a fair outcome.
Paddy Miller (20) gave Scarborough the lead with a 25 yard drive into the bottom corner, but within seconds Bridlington were level when Chris Batchelor (21) fired home. On 35 minutes Nathan Cook headed home for Bridlington to give them the lead but in stoppage time the scores were level again as Jimmy Beadle headed in from close range after the ball spilled up off 'keeper Aaron Wilberforce.
Just three minutes into the second period Scarborough went in front again as Tony Hackworth squared the ball to give Ryan Blott a simple goal. Bridlington then had a glorious chance to level once again but somehow Scott Phillips scuffed his shot wide with the goal at his mercy. As an ex-Scarborough player you can imagine the stick he got!
They were level soon enough when Josh Greening burst through to steer the ball home. Boro's James Bennet had an effort cleared off the line and Phillips headed against a post when it was easier to score. Bridlington were also reduced to 10 men when skipper Tom Fleming recieved his second yellow card.
The game was held up late on whilst an ambulance was called to take Bridlington's Frank Belt to hospital, having dislocated his shoulder in a challenge, and in the additional time both teams had chances to snatch the points.
A bumper crowd made the day better and I stood amongst the 'Boro fans in the first 45 minutes and the atmosphere was fantastic and the banter superb.
A thoroughly enjoyable first game, having been to Pickering before the dilemma now was where to head for my second game of the day. I dithered, debated, hummed and ahhhed and in the end plumped for some Wearside League action....
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