Hampton & Richmond Borough

Hampton & Richmond Borough FC is a non league football club who were formed in 1921 as Hampton FC. The club are based in Hampton, which is located on the north bank of the River Thames around fifteen miles south west of central London.

After many years of playing in local competitions, ‘The Beavers’ entered the Surrey Senior League in 1959. After winning the championship the club progressed to the Spartan League in 1964. This move proved most successful as Hampton won the title in 1964, 1965, 1966 and 1970, leading to a move to the Athenian League in 1971.

Two years later Hampton were elected to the newly formed second division of the Isthmian League. In 1990 the club suffered its first relegation down to the third tier, but they regained their status a year later.

By 1998-99 Hampton had climbed their way to the Premier Division, before changing to their present title at the end of the season in an attempt to gain greater awareness and sponsorship opportunities with long serving boss Chick Botley at the helm.

In the summer of 2003 former West Ham United and England midfielder Alan Devonshire took over as manager as he oversaw previous unknown successes after being relegated to Division One South.

Following the re-organisation of non league football The Beavers rejoined the Premier Division for the 2004-05 campaign. The team reached the Play Off Final but were defeated by Fisher Athletic. However Boro were not to be denied and were promoted to Conference South as Isthmian League champions in April 2007.

The 2007-08 season almost saw Hampton promoted once more but they bowed out in the play offs. Undeterred they went one better the following campaign. After defeating Chelmsford City in the semi final, they were defeated in the final by Hayes & Yeading United.

After a couple of disappointing seasons, Devonshire left the club to take on the role at Braintree Town in the Conference National. Hampton were relegated back to the Isthmian League at the end of the 2011-12 season.

Hampton & Richmond Borough FC will compete in the Isthmian League Premier Division for the 2013-14 season.

My visits

Hampton & Richmond Borough 0 Walton & Hersham 2 (Tuesday 29^th December 1999) Isthmian League Premier Division (att: approx 300)

Finding myself off work after returning from a Christmas visit to Scarborough, I found myself at a loose end wanting to go to a match somewhere. It was very cold but a trip down to Hampton seemed appealing at the time.

I arrived fairly early and had a couple of beers and a whisky to keep out the chill before feeding at the snack bar. Some gents were complaining in the clubhouse as Fulham fans who’d just visited a ‘brutal’ Sheffield United side under Neil Warnock, which made me laugh.

The Beveree was a really nice venue. The Clubhouse End had a small raised seated Alan Simpson Stand, named after the loyal clubman and joint Steptoe & Son writer. The far side was flat hard standing with a cover towards the near end. There was more of the same behind the far goal. The Popular Side had a seated stand in the centre and a decent sized covered standing area at the near end.

In all honesty I can’t remember too much about the game, apart from the cold. Despite this I found it a worthwhile night out.

Tuesday 6^th September 2006

One regret I had from my visits to so many games, was that I’d never taken any photos as a reminder. With a new digital camera in my possession I’d already set out to put this right on a few occasions.

I chose a pleasant late summers day to visit the western extremes of London. Using my free staff pass I caught the train to Richmond and then a bus down to Hampton. The gates at The Beveree were open and I got chatting to a pleasant club official.

Brentford reserve team were to play a friendly behind closed doors later in the day, so he was preparing the facilities. The pitch looked immaculate. I was welcomed inside to take my photos before I headed off on the bus for a short ride to Metropolitan Police to continue my quest.

Troon

Troon FC is a Scottish Junior or non league football club from the coastal town famous for holding the Open Golf Championship in Ayrshire. The football club were formed in 1946 playing in regional football.

The mid 1990’s saw the beginning of the rise at Troon as they were crowned Ayrshire District League second division champions in 1996-97 as well as winning the Ayrshire District Cup. Other trophies were added and a ladies side added at the club until their league success was repeated in 2000-01.

The West of Scotland Cup was lifted in 2005 before the club entered into a period of consolidation. In 2012-13 Troon ended as runners up in the league and were promoted into the West of Scotland Super League.

Troon FC will compete in the West of Scotland Super League First Division in the 2013-14 season.

My visit

Cumnock Juniors 1 Beith 1 after extra time – Cumnock won 9-8 on penalties. (Sunday 29^th September 2013) SJFA Ayrshire Sectional League Cup Final (att: approximately 1,000)

I had decided to travel to Scotland to try out the new Megabus Gold service, which promised luxury travel and my own space as well as a bunk bed. In reality it gave me space that I imagined to be equivalent to a coffin!

My intention was to visit some new places and Junior clubs in North Ayrshire before going to a game. My Daytripper ticket had cost me £11.20 for the day, but had enabled me to travel my bus, train and subway, which saved me plenty of money throughout the day as I called in at several venues and enjoyed some stunning scenery.

The match I was to see was to be played on neutral turf at Portland Park, the home of Troon Juniors. The rather long titled SJFA Ayrshire Sectional League Cup Final was being played between Beith and Cumnock Juniors. All the Junior clubs in Ayrshire were divided into four groups for round robin games, from where eight quarter finalists qualified for the knock out rounds. A bit of an old Benson & Hedges Cup format for any older cricket fans reading this!

The train passed the ground and I was shocked at how many were already vying for a good view inside. Kick off was scheduled for 2pm and there was still thirty minutes to go. A few empty bottles of Buckfast and growing crowds left me in little doubt that I was getting close to the ground. I was astounded to see a long queue waiting to get inside. Eventually I got to pay my £6 as well as purchasing a pretty basic programme for an extra couple of quid. No announcements were made but the game was put back fifteen minutes. The portable food caravan was selling decent catering at fair prices. I was starving from my exercise so I was delighted that a good sized hot dog, scotch pie and Irn Bru only set me back £4.

Portland Park was a very neat venue, if a little lacking in spectator accommodation. There was just one cover and no seating. Grass banking at the Dundonald Road End gave a decent view. There was hard standing right round the pitch and a clubhouse with changing rooms on the same side as the cover. Trains ran by at a regular interval on the banking above the ground on the far side.

The pitch was like a bowling green. I overheard a couple of fans chatting and saying how well artificial surfaces had come on. It had fooled them, it was so good! The Beith youths stood in cover trying to create an atmosphere. Fans inter mingled, which led to plenty of banter. The grass bank was packed behind the near goal forming part of the 1,000 crowd. I got chatting with a fine older gent with connections to Girvan Juniors. He informed me that the host club were progressing at a rate of knots and were very affluent.

The match was tight, as cup finals should be. Cumnock went in to the game as favourites as they were from the elite Premier Division, from where Beith had been relegated the season before. Defences were on top before a fine header from Cumnock’s Crawford rifled into the net from a corner right on half time.

However, there was more drama to come before the break. Beith went up the other end and had a forward brought down on the edge of the box. The referee, who it must be said was sponsored like all Scottish refs by Specsavers, showed Crawford a red card, much to his horror. The crowd were getting rather vocal. Sensationally the ref chased after the distraught hero and brought him back on. Initially we thought that the official had changed his mind after a chat to the linesman. However, he sent another defender off instead!

It looked like the ten men would hang on in the second half, but their resistance was finally broken when the ref gave a penalty, which I though was the correct decision. The Cumnock fans were going spare and some of their language towards all officials was disgusting. I had been initially surprised to see police at the game. There must have been a dozen inside the ground, but they were probably needed just to keep a lid on things. Cautions were issued to a couple of over exuberant offenders.

The penalty was slotted home and then Cumnock had yet another man sent off. Their fans were not best pleased to say the least. Beith poured forward and had a shot wallop off the crossbar in stoppage time. The nine men hung on and game went straight to penalties.

I had been to Wembley in May 2012 and thought that the Play Off shoot-out between Huddersfield Town and Sheffield United had been of a good standard. Well this matched it.  The keepers didn’t stand a chance, even though both were of excellent quality. It reached 8-8 where upon both keepers were required to take their turn as Beith could nominate two who didn’t have to take kicks because of the dismissals.

Adam Strain, the Beith custodian had his kick saved by Alan Semple. Semple celebrated but then saw the ball spinning back towards his net, only keeping it out with a mad scramble. Semple had a chance to win the cup, but he put his spot kick out of the ground and hurtling down the main street towards the sea front. He atoned by saving the next kick, leaving Cumnock’s Gary McMenamin to stroke home the winner to spark off wild celebrations.

I made a quick getaway just in case things got out of hand, and I was getting rather thirsty! The train took me back past the elusive home of Irvine Victoria and back to Glasgow Central. My taxi driver who took me to my hotel was a fan of Kilbirnie Ladeside who I’d visited earlier in the day. I don’t know who was the most surprised when we exchanged stories?

After a quick shower I was out and about recapping on what a great day out I’d had in several top class Glasgow real ale and whisky emporiums, before calling it a night so I’d be ready for Day 2 of my great adventure.

Matlock Town

Matlock Town FC is a non league football club based in the former spa town of the same name in Derbyshire. The club were formed in 1878, originally as Matlock FC, joining the Midland Alliance in 1892.

The league disbanded just one year later so Matlock joined the Midland League. Following World War Two the club added ‘Town’ to their title. After a spell in the Midland Counties League, ‘The Gladiators’ joined the Midland League once again in 1961.

The move paid dividends as Town were crowned as league champions in 1961-62. They repeated the feat in 1968-69 before becoming members of the Northern Premier League.

The 1974-75 season saw Matlock go on a tremendous FA Trophy run, going on to defeat favourites Scarborough 4-0 in an incredible final. The side was led by former Sheffield Wednesday and England defender Peter Swan, who had previously been banned from the game for his part in match fixing in the early 70’s. The team contained three brothers; Tom, Mick and Nick Fenoughty.

In 1976-77 under the management of Tom Fenoughty, Town reached the third round of the FA Cup after seeing off Telford United and Wigan Athletic, before hammering Mansfield Town 5-2 at Field Mill. The run ended in a 5-1 defeat away to Carlisle United.

In 1983-84 Matlock were runners up in the Northern Premier League, but were relegated twelve years later. In 2003-04 The Gladiators ended in second place in the league and returned to the Premier Division.

Causeway Lane has taken on sponsors names Geoquip Stadium and then Reynolds Stadium in recent seasons.

Matlock Town FC will play in the Northern Premier League Premier Division in the 2013-14 season.

My visit

Matlock Town 6 Scarborough 0 (Monday 7th May 1979) Northern Premier League (att:602)

Scarborough’s spell as a Northern Premier League club was coming to an end, and this penultimate game was played on a Bank Holiday Monday. I had travelled with my Dad and brothers Paul and Nick on the Supporters Club coach.

It was pouring down with rain when we arrived at Causeway Lane, so we didn’t get the benefits of seeing its aesthetic qualities. We got there not long before kick off and scurried straight round to the Main Stand.

This stand stood on the half way line and was seated. There was open terracing at either side. Behind the left hand goal was open flat hard standing, with the cricket ground behind the other end. On the far Causeway Lane Side was a long low cover with a few seats at one end with the rest for standing spectators.

No programmes were available, but a friendly local dug out some back issues for me. I recall being impressed as there was a snack bar at the back of our stand as well as one at the other side.

Boro were absolutely blown away. A young Steve Gosling in goal was no match for the big bustling forwards he headed home. The score was either four or five at the interval.

It was certainly an eye opener as we looked forward to our first season in the Alliance Premier League; now the Football Conference.

Since my Visit

A roof and terrace was erected behind the goal in the 1980's. A new Main Stand replaced the old wooden structure in the 2000's.

The photos on this page have been scanned from a book, with the colour shot coming from Wikipedia, as I didn't take a camera on my visit.

Krabi (Thailand)

Krabi FC were formed in 2009 in the beautiful tourist town of Krabi in the south of Thailand. On formation ‘The Andaman Eagles’ were admitted into the third tier Regional League South Division, with Nattiwat Raksakij named as head coach.

Krabi’s opening season ended in an fifth place finish as home games were played at the town’s Provincial Stadium. In 2011 the club won the league and were promoted to Division One through the play offs.

Two seasons of consolidation followed in Krabi’s new surroundings. Thongsuk Sampahungsith led the side in the 2013 season.

Krabi FC will play in the Thai Division One League in the 2014 season.

My visit

Krabi 1 Nakhon Ratchasima 0 (Saturday 19^th October 2013) Thai Division One League (att: approximately 2,500)

I was in Thailand for a couple of weeks break, which revolved around relaxation, sightseeing, football and a cricket sixes tournament in Bangkok. As I had heard wonderful things about Krabi, I decided to visit and get to a new ground at the same time.

After a few days of fun in Hua Hin I left my pal Steve Walker in Bangkok to fly south. I had spent the previous day taking a ferry to stunning Phi Phi island and then gone to the boring but pretty resort of Ao Nang in the evening. It reminded me of a Spanish resort, with its long road by the waterfront with masses of shops and restaurants. I found Krabi Town far more interesting, if quieter.

After breakfast I planned the day ahead,  deciding to visit Wat Tham Sua (Tiger Temple) as it was near to the stadium for the evening game, so after a fine massaman curry for lunch I set off on my way, with words of warning from the locals about the heat at the summit of the mountain. I made sure I took plenty of drinks.

My friends were not wrong. The caves were impressive as were the stairways up the incredible incline. It really was lung and leg busting stuff. I had several stops on the way up the 1,272 steps, which led to the summit of 600 metres. A gent was in real trouble, so it was good that I had enough liquid to give him a bottle of Gatorade. I was delighted when he arrived ten minutes after me at the top. The views were incredible for thirty miles or so all around. We virtually looked down on the Provincial Stadium.

However, we were about to meet a new challenge as a huge storm headed towards us. I have never seen such torrential rain and I was drenched despite sheltering as well as I could. As there were no signs of abatement I carried on. The steps were like a river. It took some firm negotiation to get a driver to take me to the Big C Supermarket along the dual carriageway for a fair price.

After purchasing a new t shirt and having some food and a hot drink, I felt a little more human. While still drenched, the rain had stopped and it started to get warm again. I had been panicking that the match would be called off for a couple of hours, but I remained upbeat.

After flagging down a sangtheaw I jumped out opposite the stadium. It was a relief to see the advertising boards were out and the floodlights on. I purchased a ticket for 140 Baht (around £2.60) and got a free newspaper, which seemed to be produced for Yamaha League One games.

Initially I took up a seat in the Main Stand to take in the surroundings. The structure had plastic seats for VIP’s in the centre sections, with the wings just steep steps. It was typical of so many in Thailand. A running track surrounded the pitch. One end had no spectator accommodation, while the far end had open terracing for away fans around the curve. The far side was an open stand with a torch at the rear in the centre, no doubt from some regional athletic games, and then two sections either side built on scaffolding. The Krabi Ultras were in the block next to the visiting fans.

The pitch was in a hell of a state, with water standing on large parts. There is no way the game would have gone ahead in any western leagues. However, the referee seemed happy enough, even though it was obvious in the warm ups that mistakes would be made and ball wouldn't run. Young ladies paraded through the stand displaying adverts for the club sponsors; Air Asia.

After the customary playing of the national anthem the game kicked off, with Krabi missing a guilt edged chance in the first minute through the woeful Cameroonian; John Mary. The visiting Swat Cat were cheered on by a decent following for such a huge distance, but were starved of any goalmouth action from their favourites.

Krabi had a tough little midfielder wearing the number 9 shirt Soukaphone Vongchiengkham, who could play, but was prone to over excitement when challenging. It came as no surprise when he went on a run at the heart of the Ratchasima defence, but lost control of the ball in the area and then made a stupid tackle. All hell broke loose, with the army going to break things up and the PA man pleading for calm, leaving the ref with little option but to send off the perpetrator as well as a visiting defender who took offence to his behaviour. Both players were immediately full of remorse and left the pitch like best pals, even going to opposing benches to apologise.

At half time I made my way around to the far side, where the more vocal fans were located. There were several goodies on offer from ice buckets and on griddles, but I resisted. I bought a Krabi team shirt, which cost 430 Baht (£8), before taking my seat next to the enthusiastic locals.

They loved seeing me videoing bits of the game, as they sought my attention by shouting “You” at me. They took great delight when I turned the camera towards them. To be frank it brightened up what was a poor game, although the pitch definitely didn’t help. A vendor walked through the stand selling smoked squid on sticks and bags of candy floss, which was certainly different to pies and bovril!

 

I was pretty certain that the game was going to end scoreless, but Krabi proved me wrong when the Nigerian, Anayo Cosmas Onuora headed home in stoppage time. A couple of minutes later the ref blew for full time. I thought he had a good game, apart from allowing Krabi to wear bright yellow, Swatcat orange, while he and his officials wore lime green leading to confusion at first glance.

Both sets of players went to their supporters to thank them for their support. The visitors lit their flares and all in all it was a great experience. My new friends were jubilant!

To see my clips of the game, go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCoLPP20LUI

After putting on my Krabi shirt I crossed the busy road in the attempt to flag down a bus heading back into town. Within a minute two home fans stopped in their tourist tuk tuk. They told me to pay what I wanted and even stopped after a hundred yards to pull up the covers so I wasn’t too hot. You don’t get that kind of hospitality in many places! They also explained that Krabi were hoping to develop a new stadium at the other sports ground close to the town centre, to chase their ambition of Premier League football.

They had a Liverpool sticker on their window and they kept me up to date with their latest score against Newcastle. I was dropped right outside my hotel and after giving them enough for beers I headed to an open restaurant/bar which was showing live football. I ordered a meal and a beer and was half way through it when several of the home team entered in their club tracksuits, including the lad who’d been sent off. They saw my shirt and gave me a smile and a wave.

My evening continued in a bar showing live football from back home as well as offering Wi-Fi so I could keep up with progress from back home. Scarborough Athletic’s FA Trophy win at Stocksbridge rounded off a cracking day. I headed back to my room to finish my programme notes for the following Tuesday.

My connection with the game continued the following morning. As I was short on clean clothes so once again I donned my Krabi shirt. The staff at the hotel approved. My flight back to Bangkok was delayed because of bad weather, but we were soon on board. I thought the seats next to me were to be unoccupied, when two Thai gents sat down.

The elder of the two nudged his pal and then pointed to my shirt. He spoke reasonable English and asked if I’d been to watch the match. It turned out that he’d been the match official, while the bloke next to him was the referee. One of the linesmen was across the aisle. We had a chat about the standard of the game and how it had improved over the past few seasons. They were impressed to hear I was on my way to Samut Songkhram for a game that evening.

We said our goodbyes at Don Muang Airport. I’d had a great time in Krabi. I was now ready for my next challenge!