The Marra Falcons Stadium, home of Armthorpe Welfare based in Doncaster, South Yorkshire and play at Step 6 of the non league system in the Northern Counties East League Division One. The Pre-Season games are stacking up and England are in a EUROS FINAL!!!! To take my nerves away from the big day, tonight’s destination is Armthorpe for their match against Sutton Rovers.
Train to Doncaster and then the bus to Armthorpe which gets me to the ground with 10 minutes to spare before kick off!! £5 to get in to this one! Ok then!
Kick Off! Great to be joined by Chris again tonight!! 7 minutes in and Armthorpe come forward, the ball is played to number 10, he takes a touch forward, he gets to 20 yards out and lets fly… Straight at the keeper. It’s great to meet other groundhoppers here tonight! I should make a song or chant about that one day… “Oh I do love hearing the stories…” I’ll think of one someday!
21 minutes gone now and Armthorpe come forward down the left, the ball is crossed in, it comes for number 2 who chests it and goes for the volley… Wide! 27 minutes now and Armthorpe come down the left again, big cross, the Sutton defender isn’t going to get there and number 2 takes it around him in the box and he shoots… It’s straight at the keeper.
It has been a flat first half I have to say but an even one at that, the stories of Chris and Bill have kept me very occupied though!! 40th minute and Sutton have a throw-in on the left wing, in it comes, this is a great passing move by Sutton here, they work it to number 7 on the edge of the box and he shoots first time… Wide… Would have been a great goal that! 1 minute later and a long ball played forward by Armthorpe sees number 7 chase it, keeper is committed but number 7 will get there for Armthorpe, he goes for the lob… But he’s put it wide.
Right on half time and Sutton have a corner, played to number 14 at the near post, Armthorpe are fast asleep… He’s got plenty of space and he shoots… Side netting… Referee blows for half time with the score at 0-0… 47 games without one better not end tonight!
Second half, 49 minutes on the clock and Armthorpe come forward, number 10 drives forward, he plays a 1-2 with number 13 and he’s beaten the offside trap, he’s in!! And he finishes!! 1-0!! 48 games now!! 53rd minute and Armthorpe come down the left wing again, pulled back to number 7 in the box, he goes for the far corner… But he’s put it wide.
63 minutes now and Armthorpe come forward from midfield, the ball is played to number 17, he charges at goal, he gets into the box and he shoots… Straight at the keeper again! 67 minutes on the clock and Sutton come forward now, number 10 carries it to the edge of the box, he shoots… Good save by the keeper but it’s only parried to number 3 who’s beaten the offside trap here!! He’s put it over… Couldn’t sort his feet out in time and misses a good chance there…
70 minutes now and Sutton come again, ball is played to number 10, he gets into the box and goes for the far corner… And finds it!! It’s 1-1!! Good finish! Has this game got a winner in it? Fairly even for now but who dares win?
83rd minute and Armthorpe play forward, the ball is played to number 4 in the box, he’s got space and he shoots… He’s got it!! Armthorpe have it!! 2-1!! Good hit there! Armthorpe continuing to come forward and find a third with Sutton showing little response. The game remains 2-1!
FT: Armthorpe Welfare 2-1 Sutton Rovers
Ratings
- Atmosphere: 1/10 – Very quiet in the ground tonight sadly.
- The Ground: 7.5/10 – It’s a nice little ground! I love the quotes at the front of the ground!! it gives the ground a great personality! A lovely little bar and stand as well!!
- Expense: 8/10 – I’m happy with £5 entry but the game was a bit flat at times
- Overall Experience: 7/10 – A good day out all in all! Great to see Chris again and fantastic to meet Bill who had some great stories! A potential Podcast guest in the future perhaps? Hopefully more groundhops with him in the future too!
23.5/40