Damage in the Box!: GOOLE AFC (Victoria Pleasure Grounds)

The Victoria Pleasure Grounds is one that has been on my "to-visit" list for a wee while, so today seemed a good an opportunity as any. After a few scoops at the local 'spoons, we arrived at the ground to a very warm welcome, where the old chap in the club shop kept us chatting about things in general, where we were from and what we we doing etc . He chatted about Goole and their cup exploits against Wrexham in the 70's. His obvious pride in the club shone through.

As for this season, its been a bit of mixed bag for The Vikings as they have struggled for form, but a change a manager mid-season has seen results take a modest upturn. The managers notes in the programme give hope that next season will bring success, as the new players drafted into the squad are now begininng to show signs that things are taking a turn for the better.

Today's game against Willenhall Town seemed a good chance to continue that improvement as Willenhall are on verge of collapse. Virtually relegated, there has been a mass exodus of players (the programme listed 9 players who were no longer at the club) and even more concerning they are about to lose their home, Noose Lane, after being unable to raise funds to purchase the land. Bleak times indeed for The Reds.

The first half turned out to be a bit of a procession for Goole as they put Willenhall to the sword. The Vikings found themselves two goals up inside seven minutes and three up by the fifteenth. Vill Powell (no relation!) gave them the lead after six minutes before, from the kick off, Gavin Allot doubled the lead. Allot soon bagged his second and the only shock was that the score remained at that until the interval. Goole could have, and indeed should have, at least doubled their goal tally but a combination of poor finished and inspired goalkeeping from Matt Jones (who incidently was injured!) kept the score to three.

The second half felt more like a training session than a league match as Goole comfortably controlled the match. Ashley Worsfold added a fourth on 58 minutes but the game just petered out. Matty Whitehouse's goal in the 86th minute was scant consolation for the visitors. The majority of the 144 crowd went home very happy and as for me it was now time to start getting ready for the big Easter groundhop in Cornwall...bring it on!