IRVINE MEADOW XI (Meadow Park)

Nae programme, pal.

The very kind offer of a lift to Scotland was too tempting to refuse because, with most of the competitive action South of the Border now concluded, the only games with things riding on them were North of the Border.

Destination today was Meadow Park, the home of Irvine Meadow XI, and their West Super League Premier Division clash with struggling Largs Thistle. A big day was in prospect as a point or three would see 'Medda' retain the championship flag.

Formed in 1897, Irvine Meadow are one of the oldest Junior clubs still playing. They have won the Scottish Junior cup on 3 occasions and have enjoyed plenty of success in the last few years, winning the League title in 2009 and 2011.

At one stage they were asked to turn senior and join the Scottish League, but they decided to remain a Junior club. On 28 November 2009 Irvine Meadow became the first junior club to defeat a senior club in a competitive fixture when they beat Arbroath 1-0 in the third round of the Scottish Cup.

It was a glorious sunny day in Irvine and the pitch, reputed to be one of the best in Scotland, looked in immaculate condition.

The game though was a tight affair. After they hit the crossbar early on, Frank Gibson gave 'medda' the lead after 15 minutes. However from then on Largs looked quite capable of bagging an equaliser. You would never have guessed it was top v bottom.

A Richie Barr goal in stoppage time finally sealed the victory, and the championship, for the homesters whilst Largs, who probably felt they should have got something out of the game, will have to regroup in the First Division.

The ground was another Scottish gem and well worth the trek North.

 





Champions Again!



 

Saturday 19th May 2012

West Super League Premier Division

Irvine Meadow XI 2-0 Largs Thistle

Attendance: 439 (h/c)

CHESHAM UNITED (Meadow Park)

A cheap train deal, booked months ago, led me once again to the capital. Obviously when I booked it was in the hope that there would be a game that still had something riding on it, and not just an end of season dead rubber.

When I set off on my journey at a ridiculously early 5.15am (that's why it was cheap!) the plan was to take in Harrow Borough v AFC Hornchurch but, having studied the tube maps, and being influenced by the opportunity to partake in a few pints of real ale, I opted in the end for Chesham United v Frome Town.

Thinking about get back to Euston after the game, Chesham, being at the end of the Metropolitan line, would be the more easier journey ie no changes. It was therefore to Meadow Park I headed.

For Chesham this was a vital game in their quest to get into the end of season lottery that are the play offs. At the start of play they occupied the final play off berth (5th place) but there were just 6 points separating 2nd place and 7th place, so it was all up for grabs.

Frome Town on the other hand were comfortably in mid-table and had nothing to play for but pride. As it turned out this was good for the homesters as they comfortably cruised to a two goal victory.

Once James Potton rose, completely unmarked, to head 'the Generals' into a 12th minute lead there was only going to be one winner. They doubled their advantage on the half hour mark when Potton turned provider for Chris Watters to side-foot home.

The second half was pretty much an non-event as Frome never looked like troubling Shane Gore in the Chesham goal and the homesters seemed quite content with what they'd got.

The visitors cause was not helped when Josh Brigham was shown a straight red card for a challenge on Bruce Wilson. It looked a bit harsh from where I was stood, admittedly this was in the clubhouse as, by this time, the heavens had opened.

The result lifted Chesham up to second place, with AFC Totton and Cambridge City losing, but they still need a win at Leamington next Saturday to be certain of securing their place.

Meadow Park is a decent set up, with a large stand and plenty of covered terracing. There is an arena stand behind one of the goals, which I'm not particularly fond of, so in my eyes that is the only blot. However, on a positive note, from this end of the ground you do get fantastic views of the surrounding hills, as the town of Chesham is located in the Chess Valley, so at least you do have something better to focus on!

The final act of the afternoon was to get the tube back to Euston and head to the fantastic Bree Louise for a couple of cheekies. This fabulous establishment is just 2 minutes from the main entrance at Euston and has plenty to keep you going, being handpulls or on gravity.

I opted for Milestone - Maid Marian, Tring - Side Pocket of a Toad, Itchen Valley - Hampshire Rose and Ascot - On the Rails. Very nice they were too, a fine way to end the day.

 

Saturday 21st April 2012

Southern Premier League

Chesham United 2-0 Frome Town

Attendance: 439