Sometimes, in this wonderful hobby of mine you stumble across a ground which can only be described as an 'absolute gem' Borough Park, the home of Workington FC is one such ground. The place where a certain Bill Shankly started his management career (before moving on to a more down-market club) and a Football League team until as recently as 1976, the ground does indeed look like a relic from a bygone age and you get the sense of nostalgia as soon as you walk through the turnstiles. Walking through the crowd there was even a supporter, of a certain age, whirling a rattle above his head.
The main purpose of my visit today, for what is effectively a dead rubber of a game, is to complete my visits to all members of the Conference North and, ground wise, i'd certainly saved the best until last. The match itself was, as expected, pretty average end-of-season stuff, with both teams looking like they would be rather anywhere else but here, especially when the heavens opened 10 minutes before kick off leaving the pitch rather sodden.
The main purpose of my visit today, for what is effectively a dead rubber of a game, is to complete my visits to all members of the Conference North and, ground wise, i'd certainly saved the best until last. The match itself was, as expected, pretty average end-of-season stuff, with both teams looking like they would be rather anywhere else but here, especially when the heavens opened 10 minutes before kick off leaving the pitch rather sodden.
Stalybridge won the game 2-0, but, to my embarrassment I happened to miss both of the goals. The first goal, a header scored after 30 minutes by Terry Barwick, I was reading a text someone had sent me and the second goal was scored 30 seconds from the start of the second half, by Steve Torpey, whilst I was still in the clubhouse having my half time brew. C'est la vie, I suppose!
Celtic also missed a penalty inside the first 10 minutes, Adam collin saving well from Lee Ellington. Celtic also had the better of what chances were created and Workington in truth barely troubled Paul Phillips in the Stalybridge goal. The game may have been a tepid affair but to see Borough Park made the long trip north well worth it.
Saturday 25th April 2009
Conference North
Workington 0-2 Stalybridge Celtic
Attendance: 389
Celtic also missed a penalty inside the first 10 minutes, Adam collin saving well from Lee Ellington. Celtic also had the better of what chances were created and Workington in truth barely troubled Paul Phillips in the Stalybridge goal. The game may have been a tepid affair but to see Borough Park made the long trip north well worth it.
Saturday 25th April 2009
Conference North
Workington 0-2 Stalybridge Celtic
Attendance: 389