Diversionary tactics

Sam Smith's Park

Now as we know this blog is about following Bath City, however, the strap line is "All the fun of non-league" and with that in mind let me introduce you to the world of Newcastle Benfield!

Having decided to visit an friend in Newcastle it came to Saturday, with him working and City playing too far away in Fleetwood I was at a loss of what to do, however, a quick google search for "non league fixtures north east" gave me the option of watching Newcastle Benfield FC in the FA Vase (for info see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FA_Vase  or http://www.thefa.com/TheFACup/FACompetitions/TheFAVase.aspx ) It then turned out that Newcastle Benfields Sam Smith's Park was at the end of my friends road! Result, so I retired to bed save in the knowledge that I now had plans for my Saturday.

Newcastle Benfield play in the second oldest football league in the world (after the Football League) the Northern League, they play in blue and white hoops and were formed relatively recently in 1988 (never before did I expect to see a team younger than me! AFC Wimbledon don't count as I consider them a continuation of the original, ditto Newport County etc) and are nicknamed the Lions.

Newcastle Benfield were at home to Hebburn Town FC who play a league below them in the Northern League Second Division. I left my mates house, strolled down to the end of his road, turned right, took the first left and arrived, definitely the easiest journey to a game I've ever done. The Sam Smith's ground is a classic very low non league ground, sod all in the way of stands etc., and a clubhouse tagged on the side, I entered for a very reasonable £6 (including programme) and strolled around the ground before getting a brew, settling into a seat and watched the teams warm up.

First impressions were that the players looked like the traditional non league player, lots of big strapping lads, but all carrying that extra weight that marks a man who knows his way around a pub or two! Given this was the North East they all had fantastic Geordie accents, and I soon found myself surrounded by old lads with their flat caps and pipes chatting away while occasionally shouting a hello to a player they knew.

An excited crowd of 55 or so arrived anticipating the exciting first round proper of the Vase, both teams lined up in orthodox 4-4-2's which was not surprising given the level of play. Hebburn had an absolute beast at centre back, standing easily 6'4" with thighs like tree trunks, my knee twinged, but for once I praised the injury and was glad I wasn't going to have to come up against him!

The game was one of long balls to forwards desperately trying to win flick ons to their wide players or onrushing midfielders. Very little football was played and it was the ultimate example of "What we cannot do by sleight we eke out by strength" (with thanks to Richard the Lionheart for the quote) with lots of muscular play but very little passing. On 38 minutes a corner was awarded to the Lions the ball was crossed over, the shockingly short Hebburn keeper couldn't reach the cross and the ball was headed in.

Half time came with the score 1-0. I went for refreshments and had the brilliant bargin meal of a brew and a chip butty for 80 pence! Eighty, 8 0, unbelievable! A gorgeous butty it was to, lovely firm bap and crisp chips, couldn't believe my luck and definitely an unexpected bonus, the food only being surpassed by the fine food on offer at Kidderminster.

Hebburn managed to work themselves back into the game after the kick off to the second half, and within 15 mniutes had drawn themselves level with another headed goal.

At this point I realised just how much the players were swearing at the linesman, referee, each other, now I can swear with the best of them, so when I am shocked by the frequency you know it must be bad, eventually the ref had enough of it and booked a Hebburn player, however, I think he should have clamped down on it earlier, as did the old bloke next to me.

It looked like the game was destined for a draw and a replay, however, with minutes remaining, Benfield broke down the right, managed to win a free kick, from the resulting freekick the ball was headed in. 2-1 to Newcastle Benfield and that was the way the game ended.

As I walked away I once again considered how wonderful the non league is in this country, and how more people should try to catch a game as often as they can.

P.s. City lost 4-1 away at Fleetwood, I wasn't there, know no-one who was, and am trying to ignore it.