After experiencing four seasons in one afternoon - sunshine, rain, hail, snow - it was squeaky bum time as to whether this game would go ahead. This was the third time I'd attempted a visit to Crook this season and the previous two had been thwarted by the weather.
Fortunately it was third time lucky tonight as, despite a dusting of snow on the pitch, the game went ahead. For the groundhopper such as myself, there is a sense of urgency to pay a visit to the Millfield as it is under the threat of vanishing underneath of supermarket.
Speaking to someone at the club they said it won't be anytime in the next 12 months but, as the application for planning permission is at an impasse, it may be even longer than that.
The ground is actually called the Sir Tom Cowie Millfield. Sir Tom was a famous North Eastern businessman without whose "help and encouragement" the club would not have continued to survive.
The ground is an absolute gem, a proper old ground. As you can imagine, it has seen the ups and downs of club with a rich history.
Founded in 1889, the club has achieved Northern League success but also national success in winning the FA Amateur cup in 1901, and subsequently four times after that in 1953, 1959, 1962 and 1964.
The club also undertook three separate tours of Barcelona in 1913, 1921 and 1922, beating the Catalan giants twice. One of the players on the 1913 tour, Jack Greenwell, actually remained in Catalonia and played for and coached Barcelona before going onto manage the Spanish national side. A pennant presented to the club in 1922 is still hanging in the clubhouse (pictured right).
The temperature was perilously close to freezing as kick off approached. The 7.30pm start was delayed for a few minutes as the referee did one final lap of the pitch to make sure it was ok.
Tonight's game pitted top against bottom. Horden Colliery Welfare are on a wretched run of form with just one league win in their last 20 games. In the end Crook Town ran out comfortable 4-1 winners thanks to goals from Robbie Bird, Warren Byrne and a brace from Kyle Davis.
In between the goals though Horden did actually play some really good football but were lacking in the final third. If it wasn't for the inspired form of Steven Huberry in the Horden goal it is no exaggeration to say Crook would have scored 10. The visitors did score a late consolation as the homesters took their foot off the gas.
The thermometer in the car was showing -1.5 as I began my journey home but the visit to the Millfield was well worth the trip. Don't leave it too long before you make your journey!!
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