So, match 15 of the season and my 7th game in 10 days took me to Wadham Lodge, the home of Waltham Forest FC for their Essex Senior League Tie against Sawbridgeworth Town FC. On paper it should be a home banker. Waltham Forest have a 100% record in the league and have been scoring for fun. Sawbridgeworth meanwhile had drawn their first two league games.
Wadham Lodge is an interesting ground. It is home to Wadham Lodge FC as well as Waltham Forest FC. Both clubs play in the 9th tier of English football. Behind both goals are covered terraces that run the length of the pitch. On one side there is a small piece of uncovered terracing running part of the pitch and on the other side is a long covered stand running around 1/2 the length of the pitch. The ground is definitely one of the better grounds in the Essex Senior League and one could easily host football at a higher level. The only thing I did not notice was whether there was a second set of turnstiles anyway into the ground.
Right, enough of my love in with the ground, and onto the game. Unlike the night before, there were a number of ground hoppers present, and league officials as well. A chance to discuss previous nights games. Some had been to Stanway Rovers v Barking in a 2 hours long cup tie. Some had gone to Clapton in a league game and I had of course been to Bowers v Waltham Abbey.
Admission is £7. I have no idea about programmes as they had sold out before I got there. Given the small crowd at the ground, I presume a minimal number of programmes had been printed.
The game kicked off, according to Essex time, ie it was 3 minutes late kicking off. It seems to be an unwritten rule that all Essex games kick off late. The first half was full of lots of commitment and passion, but sadly all to little in the way of real chances. Waltham Forest were probably the better side, but Sawbridgeworth battled hard and prevented any real chances for Waltham Forest.
Half time came and went with still no score. The second half was more of the same. Lots of effort and passion, but little in the way of excitement for the fans. However, for the second time this season I saw one of the Waltham Forest officials sent from the touchline. The referee refused to restart the game until the said official had not only left the dugout but left the ground/ gone to the changing rooms. This I was advised by one of the former league officials was the correct action by the referee and answers my query from the game at Redbridge in FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round.
Again like at Redbridge I did not hear or see what the person did to be sent off, but 2 sendings off in first 3 weeks of the season is not very impressive. Respect Campaign, remember that?
Anyway, with 7 minutes left, Waltham Forest finally scored. They probably just deserved to win.
The game itself was a tight affair with little exciting incidents, but that should not be taken as a lack of effort by either side.
Waltham Forest describe the game here
One thing to comment on was how warm it was last night during the game. The temperature was still above 70 F at the time the game kicked off and never dropped much. It was a tee shirt and shorts weather for the spectators never mind the players. Despite this, there were a couple of flashes of lightening during the second half and a brief shower of rain. None of that did anything to reduce the temperature or humidity
For me, that is it until next week in terms of football. I am off to see my lady this weekend, so football is going to have to take a break.
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