Damage in the Box!: KNARESBOROUGH TOWN (Manse Lane)

Today was a trip to North Yorkshire and the delightful spa town of Knaresborough, a town which is mentioned in the Domesday Book, and which grew out of trade to service it's castle which dates from around 1100.

Knaresborough Castle

There are some cracking alehouses in the town centre and as, like last week, the train was taking the strain, it allowed me to wander around and seek out some of the best.

Blind Jack was my pick of the bunch, especially with it's in house brews, today's being a gorgeous 'American Style Milk Stout' at a mere 7%!!!

Knaresborough's football team, having come up from the West Yorkshire League, are enjoying their debut season in the Northern Counties East League. They have got off to a decent start, being placed comfortably inside the top ten, and a win today would lift them into the top six.

They were taking on third placed Louth Town, who are managed by ex-Chester City legend Daryl Clare. Indeed it was Clare who gave the visitors the lead after 17 minutes, converting a penalty after a trip in the area (pictured left).

Ben Clayton drew the home side level after 25 minutes when Louth 'keeper spilled a routine shot and Clayton was on hand to poke the rebound home. Knaresborough went into the break in front when a cross from the left was flicked on and into the back of the net by Ashley Atkinson.

Elliott Broughton equalised for Louth after 68 minutes with a 25 yard pile driver. The game was end-to-end and it could have swung either way but it was Boro who grabbed the winner with 9 minutes remaining.

A corner was swung into in the penalty area and Dave Thomas acrobatically turned and volleyed the ball home. A fine goal deserving to win any game.

Manse Lane is a basic railed off pitch, with hard-standing and an 'atcost' seated stand on the halfway line, no doubt to meet ground grading criteria.

Entrance was a bargain £3, the Clubhouse excellent, the people were friendly and the pie, peas & gravy were superb! What more could you ask for? All in all, a top day out.