As I was heading East this weekend to see the wonderful Beth Orton in concert at the Cambridge Juntion, I had to find a game within radius. A local-ish derby between St Neots and Arlesey (there are 25 miles between each other) in the Southern Premier, fitted the bill perfectly.
I had heard good reports from fellow 'hoppers about St Neots so it was to New Rowley Park I headed. The ground is a modern new stadium that was opened in 2008. As new builds go, I was rather impressed with the set up. Some thought had gone into the design and there was not a pre-fab stand in sight, which is always good news.
St Neots' current ground is actually their 3rd home in the last 25 years. Their original home, Shortsands, was sold off to property developers in 1988, which forced the club to disband after 109 years.
The club was reformed in 1990 and, after playing on parks pitches in a junior league, the club returned to the United Counties League in 1993 at a new ground, Rowley Park. This ground was then also sold off for housing but the developers, as part of the deal, the developers built the New Rowley Park.
The club was reformed in 1990 and, after playing on parks pitches in a junior league, the club returned to the United Counties League in 1993 at a new ground, Rowley Park. This ground was then also sold off for housing but the developers, as part of the deal, the developers built the New Rowley Park.
The game had little riding on it, apart from pride, as St Neots were safely ensconced in mid-table, and the Manager in his programme notes admitted they were already plotting for next season, whilst Arlesey had an outside chance off the play offs, but even that was a real long shot.
The game was rather entertaining though as the visitors came from behind to take all three points.
There was not much between the sides in the opening 45 minutes and The Saints just about shaded the half. They took the lead courtesy of a great free-kick from Lewis Hilliard (pictured left) after 18 minutes and were pretty comfortable after that.
Whatever Arlesey player/manager Zema Abbey said in the dressing room at the break certainly worked as The Blues were a different team in the second half.
They levelled things up when a cross from Shane Blackett was headed home at the back stick by Chris Dillon after 58 minutes.
The winner came from Drew Roberts after 75 minutes when he smacked home a sweet shot from distance which flew into the corner of the net. The visitors had dominated the 2nd half and that fantastic goal deserved to settle any game.
Before I end though, I must mention the pie I had at the ground. It was a Steak and Stilton and it has to be the best pie I've had at a ground this season!! Tuck in my son.....
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| This flag was on display behind the goal at the ground. I can only assume that St Neots has a significant Kurdish Population who are now Saints supporters... |
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