Cartworth Moor AFC

Cartworth Moor Cricket Club, home of Cartworth Moor AFC based in Holmfirth, West Yorkshire and play their trade in the Huddersfield and District Association Football League Division Three.

My second visit to the Huddersfield and District Football League with the first one being Berry Brow. I certainly do like the look of some of these grounds! The plan for me today was to watch the top 2 clash between Newsome and Holmbridge but unfortunately that one has been postponed… But instead it’s going to be a visit to another highly recommended ground: Cartworth Moor! Off I go!

The short journey up into the hills of Huddersfield up some steep hills sees me here with about 45 minutes till kick off with the teams warming up. Is this one of the highest pitches in the country? The views are fantastic!

Sat in the little dugout to get out of the wind for the time being and… Goal for Nottingham Forest… Oh Liverpool… Great to meet club president James here today! A little guided tour of my own of the ground and facilities here and they’ve got an old style bathtub from the olden days here! Who’d of thought it!?

The teams are ready! It’s Cartworth Moor vs Brighouse Athletic! May football be the winner today!

Kick Off! 9 minutes in and Brighouse get into the box, it’s played to number 9… The Cartworth defender gets there… OH! And nearly puts it into the bottom corner… Nearly a crazy own goal! It is a corner for Brighouse, in it comes… Headed out by Cartworth, it’s headed back in, the volley… Over!

2 minutes later and Brighouse play it forward over the top to number 11, he controls and flicks it goalwards… Just wide!

15 minutes now and it’s a free kick to Brighouse on the edge of the box to the right, it’s crossed in, the wind takes it past the keeper and number 4 is there… OH NO! He’s missed it from point blank… Absolute Sitter!

20 minutes on the watch now and Brighouse play down the right, it’s crossed in, it’s cleared but only to number 6 who chests it and shoots… And he scores!! Keeper went with his legs but should’ve gone with his hands and it’s past him! 0-1! Brighouse deservedly in front you have to say!

26th minute now and Brighouse’s number 8 picks it up in midfield and he drives into the cartworth box, he gets his shot away… So close! Just wide!

2 minutes later and Brighouse have the ball down the right, they get into the box and it’s played across, number 3 runs in… And smashes it home! Cartworth fast asleep and Brighouse double their lead! 0-2!

29th minute and Brighouse are straight out of the blocks again down the left, the cross, number 9 gets the header… OH! Tipped onto the bar! Number 7 with the rebound… Keeper collects! Brilliant reaction save from the keeper from the header there!

38th minute and Brighouse play forward, Cartworth get there but it’s only cleared to number 9 for Brighouse, he cuts inside onto his left and shoots from just outside the box… Oh fantastic! Top corner with the keeper flat footed! Just like Arjen Robben! 0-3! Brilliant goal! Brighouse continue to press but at half time it remains 3-0 to Brighouse.

Second half, 47th minute and Brighouse play down the left, it’s worked across and it falls to number 7… Who places it into the bottom corner! 0-4! Brilliant composure there!! How many are Brighouse going to score here?

50 minutes now and it’s a throw in on the left for Brighouse, played in, it’s crossed into the middle, where’s that going…? Keeper gets a hand to it… But number 5 is there to bundle it home from point blank! 0-5!

55 minutes now and Cartworth’s number 15 drives down the left, he gets into the box, but number 2 clears for Brighouse… Uh-oh! They’re squaring off… Brighouse play down the right in the meantime and it’s played across low to number 11… Who tucks it away! 0-6! All while the tempers were flaring…

57 minutes here and it’s all turned ugly here… A mass brawl has started off the ball… Cartworth’s frustrations are showing… There’s going to be some Red Cards here for Cartworth with 2 instances of violent conduct there… The side of the game we do not want to see… It has calmed down for now. “I’ve taken a punch and I’m still standing!” Oh no! Another hit there from a Cartworth man… That was NOT the smartest thing to say there from the Brighouse man… Both teams are walking off… It’s over! Match abandoned… Player safety is paramount here and I think the right decision has been made but what a terrible shame… That’s the second Huddersfield League game for me and the second time I haven’t completed the 90 minutes… The Groundhopping Police are going to be having some strong words with me…

FT: Cartworth Moor A-A Brighouse Athletic

Ratings

• Atmosphere: 1/10 – Not many here sadly…
• The Ground: 8.5/10 – Absolutely glorious ground!! Beautiful scenery here at Cartworth!! A little stand like dugout and a plaque with “They played the game they loved” which gives it a bit of character. Not the biggest fan of grounds with pitches on a slope but this really is a beautiful setup!
• Expense: 6.5/10 – £0 but I didn’t see a full 90 minutes sadly, only 2/3 of the game today.
• Overall Experience: 7/10 – I’ve really enjoyed it here today despite the abandonment. Great to meet James here today and a big thank you to him for my own guided tour and he even offered me a beer! A few points knocked off this rating due to no full game but I really enjoyed my visit today!

23/40