Damage in the Box!: HAVERHILL ROVERS (Hamlet Croft)

It was off to Suffolk today for a case of "visit whilst you can" as the days are ticking down on Haverhill Rovers' 97 year old ground, in fact there are just 39 days to go, so said the programme, until it disappears underneath (probably) a housing development. With only 4 games left to play at the it was a get of get there ASAP and thanks to the kind offer of a lift, I did just that.

Hamlet Croft it situated close to the the town centre and is a typical step five ground. It has one main covered stand, but this is situated at the top of a bank, overlooking the pitch with standing alongside. The rest of the ground, at pitch level, is two sides hard standing whilst behind the goal is just grass.

Haverhill are down amongst the deadbeats, but are in no danger of relegation whilst opponents Needham desperately need the victory to maintain their charge towards the title, any slip ups could hand the initiative to CRC, who at the start of play are four points behind with a game in hand.

The first half was a pretty even affair, and although you could sense Needham were the better side they didn't really show this. Paul Abbot gave the the home side the lead after 8 minutes when he raced through to slot past 'keeper Danny Gay. Needham, who had ex-Citeh & Swindon player Kevin Horlock in their line up, levelled on the half hour mark when Daniel Thrower tapped home after Danny Phillips initial shot was saved.

Needham started the second half stronger and took the lead on 53 minutes when Craig Parker headed home. The away team started to dominate and it was now a case of by how many goals they would win by. However the game turned on its head in the 70th minute when Danny Gay felled Marc Abbot in the box, conceded a penalty and, as last man, was sent off. Stuart Wardley netted the resultant spot kick past sub keeper (!) Richard Butler to level the game.

Haverhill were now back in the match and, as Needham went gung-ho desperate for the three points, they had three good chances on the break to wrap the game up, the best being what looked a certain goal for the unmarked Martin Wescott but he never looked confident and his tame shot was easily stopped by Butler.

Haverhill were made up with the point but for Needham it puts a bit more pressure on them in the title race especially as CRC won 4-2 and are now just two points behind with a game in hand.

Glad I took time to visit Hamlet Croft and I shall look forward to returning in the future to watch a game at the new modern arena type ground...honestly!