Cadbury Recreation Ground, home of Cadbury Athletic based in Bournville, Birmingham and play their trade in the Midland Football League Division Two. Nicknamed the “Chocolate men” as they are based just behind Cadbury’s World.
Bank Holiday Monday AGAIN!! And I am not complaining! A few groundhoppers had the idea of meeting up here today for Cadbury Athletic vs Kenilworth Sporting in Cadbury’s last home game of the season. Now is the time to go!
Onto the M1, to the M42, onto the M6 and to the A38 and into the nearby car park at Cadbury’s World. I have visited twice before and personally would love to thank John Cadbury for his inventions… But maybe not for making me a chocoholic!
£5 to get in here! Tasty… Literally! The teams are ready, who has the bigger taste for victory today on Bank Holiday Monday?!
Kick Off! So many familiar faces here today! Laurence, Robin, Joanna, Moonhopper to name a few. 7 minutes in and it’s a corner for Cadbury, in it comes… It’s headed back across from the far post, number 3 brings it down and shoots on the turn… Oooooh! It’s just wide!
12th minute and Kenilworth come forward, it’s played through to number 11 who’s in… And he finds the bottom corner! Great finish! 0-1!
21 minutes now and it’s a free kick on the left for Cadbury in a crossing position, it’s played in, number 6 with the header… OH! It’s just over! The keeper got a finger to it so it will be a corner, in it comes… Number 6 with the header again… It’s off the line is it…? It didn’t cross the line says the Assistant Referee and Kenilworth clear.
32 minutes on the watch and Cadbury come forward, number 8 has it and shoots from around 30 yards out… Just over!
3 minutes later and Cadbury get the ball into the box from the left, it’s headed at goal… Off the line again! Did it cross the line…? No says the Assistant Referee! Cadbury are furious! Play will go on.
It’s great to finally meet the man behind the 100 grounds book here today at one of them! Mike Bayly! And hopefully not for the last time! Here’s to the next 100!
Into added time in the first half and Kenilworth play down the right, it’s crossed in, number 7 with the header… OH! He doesn’t get enough on it and it goes wide! Big chance! The first half ends with the score at 1-0 to Kenilworth.
Second half, 46th minute and Cadbury play down the right, it’s played across low and here’s number 20… He misses the ball completely and Kenilworth get it away… What a waste!
59 minutes gone and Cadbury play down the right, it’s crossed in, number 12 with the free header… He’s missed it! Another big chance there by Cadbury squandered!
65 minutes now and Cadbury play the ball through to number 12 and he’s in behind the Kenilworth defenders, he’s in… And he finishes! Cadbury are level! They’ve found the dairy milk this time! 1-1!
68th minute and Cadbury win the ball in midfield, it’s played through to number 12 who’s in the box on the right, he shoots… OH! It’s just wide! So close for Cadbury there.
3 minutes after and Cadbury play a through ball to number 12 who’s in again on the right, he’s Offside! Good finish though.
89th minute and Cadbury play down the right, it’s crossed in, number 6 with the header… It’s over! The game goes on… Plenty of chances but it’s a draw here today in Bournville.
FT: Cadbury Athletic 1-1 Kenilworth Sporting
Ratings
- Atmosphere: 1/10 – Not any noise sadly.
- The Ground: 9/10 – Beautiful scenery with the coronation house of Edward VII back in 1902! It’s got everything that is needed at a ground but my only criticism and pet hate of mine is the sharing of cricket grounds… Just not my thing but other than that it is a beautiful setting!
- Expense: 10/10 – £5 to get in and £40 for fuel, worth it? YES!
- Overall Experience: 9/10 – Great to see everyone here today as always including Mike Bayly! Delighted to finally tick this ground off more than anything! The game needed just that little bit more for me.
29/40