West Riding County FA, home of Stanley United based in Woodlesford, West Yorkshire. This ground was used by the England National team as a training facility before their 2-0 win over Costa Rica at Elland Road in 2018. But today it hosts a Yorkshire Amateur League game against Leeds Medics & Dentists.
On the train to Woodlesford with the Merry Miller today and… Snow Snow Snow! Lots of it too! The more north we went, the more snow came tumbling down… Will we get a game in today? Let’s find out…
OH YES!! Game on! Thanks to the 3G pitch!
Free entry to this one! Yeehaw! Kick Off! Both teams enjoying spells of possession to start here. 5 minutes in and Stanley have a corner, in it comes, cleared away, a chase for the ball with the Stanley defender and Medics number 9, number 9 has beaten him to the ball and he’s through… cleared by the defence, he should’ve scored but took one touch too many.
17 minutes on the watch and Stanley’s number 9 has the ball on the right, the cross comes in, the medics keeper scrambles and tips it into Stanley’s number 10, hits him in the face, medics clear it and straight off the other defender… The ball is eventually cleared.
21 minutes now and Stanley give the ball away in midfield and medics number 9 receives it and carries forward, he gets into the box and shoots… Save by the keeper!
23 minutes gone and Stanley with the ball in midfield, the all is played to number 11 on the right and he drives into the box and goes for goal!! Side netting!! The game fizzled out with both teams having possession but no real attacks and the score at half time remained goalless.
Second half, 2 minutes in and medics with the ball, the ball is played forward to medics number 2 and he’s in… GOAL!! 1 on 1 with the keeper and he slots it home! First goal of 2021!
1 minute later and how will Stanley respond here? The ball is played to Stanley’s number 9 who’s in… Around the keeper and down he goes!! “No!” Says the referee… Definitely Penalty for me that. Straight from the goal kick and medics are through with number 9 again… Save by the keeper again! Will number 9 score today?
55 minutes gone and a corner for medics, in it comes, the header… OFF THE LINE!!! Medics appeal for the goal but not given, not too sure from where I’m sat. 63 minutes and medics clear the danger to number 9 can he score this time? He shoots inside the box… Saved again by the keeper! Will the medics get punished for these opportunities today?
Stanley starting to grow strong in this game now and pushing for the equaliser. 87 minutes gone and Stanley have a free kick, lofted into the box, the ball falls to number 10 who makes space for the shot… Saved but it’s not cleared yet, it’s set up for number 18!! Saved again! Big chance there for Stanley!
89 minutes now and Stanley come forward again, played to number 11 who’s in a good position here, the shot… Wide… Into stoppage time now and one final charge for Stanley now, the ball in midfield is played to number 11 who’s through… HE’S DONE IT!!! RIGHT AT THE DEATH! 1-1!! Medics made to pay for their missed chances…
FT: Stanley United 1-1 Leeds Medics & Dentists
Ratings
- Atmosphere: 1/10 – Not many in attendance today and no singing from those that were.
- The Ground: 6.5/10 – Fantastic little ground for this level and definitely fit for higher leagues. Another hidden gem I would say!
- Expense: 10/10 – Free game can mean only one thing!
- Overall Experience: 9/10 – Great to meet a fellow Groundhopper on the train who walked to the ground with us and other groundhoppers in the ground! I wish it wasn’t so cold though…
26.5/40
nice blog jake, keep the good run up as long as possible
Will do pal!
Thanks for the nice comments, not the best of days, we usually have a few more watching.👍
Thanks for a great day out pal! 👍