Tufnell Park FC were one of the biggest names in amateur football for a while after their formation in 1907, playing at Campdale Road, Holloway . They were runners up of the FA Amateur Cup in 1920 and played in the Athenian and Isthmian Leagues. Members of the clubs reserve side broke away in 1911 to form a new club, Tufnell Spartans FC.
In 1920 Spartans changed their name to Wood Green FC and found a ground in White Hart Lane opposite Perth Road. Ten years later they changed their name to Wood Green Town FC and moved into Coles Park on White Hart Lane.
Meanwhile, another club called Edmonton Borough FC were also playing in the area. In 1945 Tufnell Park lost their home ground and moved out to Cheshunt before moving to Edmonton's Henry Barrass Stadium. Five years later the clubs merged to become Tufnell Park (Edmonton) FC playing in the Isthmian League.
The club had spells in the Spartan and Delphian Leagues before changing their name to Edmonton FC in 1960 and moving into the Athenian League in 1963. Wood Green Town were in gradual decline and they lost their senior status in 1968. They changed their name to Haringey Borough in 1970 playing local league football.
Edmonton merged with Haringey Borough in 1973 to become Edmonton & Haringey FC taking residence at Coles Park and playing in the Athenian League. In 1976 the title of Haringey Borough was adopted.
Progress was gradually made and the club were accepted into the Isthmian League in 1984. Unfortunately four years later the club were unable to field a team and they lost their league place and dropped out of senior football. Borough regrouped and were admitted into the Spartan League the following year. In 1995 and 1996 the club became Tufnell Park FC but changed back to Haringey Borough.
In 1997 Haringey became founder members of the Spartan South Midlands League. Their Coles Park home has also been used as tenants by other clubs in recent years. Experienced manager Tony Loizou was appointed to take charge of the team in 2009.
Haringey Council announced in 2011 that they will be looking to demolish Coles Park in the near future, with the club being relocated to the nearby upgraded White Hart Lane Community Sports Centre.
Haringey Council announced in 2011 that they will be looking to demolish Coles Park in the near future, with the club being relocated to the nearby upgraded White Hart Lane Community Sports Centre.
Coles Park benefited from a new clubhouse as Borough were transferred to the Essex Senior League for the 2013-14 campaign, although the pitch continued to suffer badly in adverse conditions, leading to a fixture congestion that helped deny the side promotion as they missed out on the league title by one point.
Haringey put that right in the 2014-15 campaign as Loizou's charges romped to the Essex Senior League title by eleven clear points. They consolidated in their first season back in the Isthmian League, while Coles Park's pitch problems were finally sorted by the installation of an artificial pitch in the summer of 2016, while a range of ground improvements were also carried out.
The move paid immediate dividends. Chairman Aky Achillea announced that season tickets would be given away for free in an attempt to engage the local community. Gates increased gradually in the 2016-17 season as Loizou's side played attractive football.
Forward Ralston Gabriel was probably the star of the show, while keeper Valery Pajetat soon became a fans favourite. The team reached the play-offs but went out 5-3 away to Maldon & Tiptree in the semi-final.
The enforced departure of neighbours Tottenham Hotspur to Wembley while their new stadium was being built worked perfectly for Haringey, as they picked up new fans and received increase local attention.
The following season saw another fine season which saw a home tie with Leyton Orient in the FA Trophy and another play-off place. This time the Bell End vocal support that had gradually gathered momentum had something to cheer.
Heybridge Swifts were dispatched at Coles Park in the semi-final before a large crowd congregated at the ground to see Canvey Island being defeated 3-1 in the final to seal promotion to the Premier Division of the Isthmian League.
Gabriel moved to St Albans in the summer of 2018 but the side continued to progress while the free season ticket offer continued, as did the increase in attendances. Boro were to get a huge boost from a run in the FA Cup.
They progressed from the preliminary round to see off Poole Town and then be drawn at home to AFC Wimbledon in round one. The match was chosen for live BBC TV coverage and switched to a Friday evening.
An extra raised step for standing was placed behind each goal as an all ticket crowd crammed in. The Wombles progressed thanks to a late goal, but Haringey raised their profile and won a lot of fans far and wide for their performance and their community initiatives.
Gabriel returned for a speall before joining Boreham Wood, before the season ended for Boro in the semi-final stage of the play-offs as they went down to Tonbridge Angels at Coles Park. The team sat around mid table in the 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons that were both aborted owing to the Coronavirus pandemic.
Haringey Borough FC will play in the Isthmian League Premier Division in the 2021-22 season.
My visits
I first ventured to Coles Park before an Enfield v Scarborough game in January 1987 to have a look after calling in at Cheshunt FC. In those days the ground had a shallow wooden Main Stand.
The rest of the ground was made up of flat grass and concrete and was not in very pristine condition. I headed back to White Hart Lane station where I grabbed a programme for the Tottenham Hotspur v Scunthorpe United FA Cup tie before taking the train to reunite with my pals.
Sunday 5th November 2006
I returned to Coles Park several years later whilst having a wander around to look at some other grounds in the area.
The Main Stand had gone to be replaced by a lofty new construction with a seating deck above the changing rooms and clubhouse. When it was first built it must have been very impressive. However, time had not been kind to it and it showed clear signs of vandalism.
The rest of the ground was unaltered. If it was ever necessary there is room for future development. The owners had used their initiative and utilised the area. On my visit, the whole area apart from the pitch was home to a Sunday Market. No doubt the club officials would dream of a similar attendance to support 'The Borough'.
Sunday 5th November 2006
I returned to Coles Park several years later whilst having a wander around to look at some other grounds in the area.
The Main Stand had gone to be replaced by a lofty new construction with a seating deck above the changing rooms and clubhouse. When it was first built it must have been very impressive. However, time had not been kind to it and it showed clear signs of vandalism.
The rest of the ground was unaltered. If it was ever necessary there is room for future development. The owners had used their initiative and utilised the area. On my visit, the whole area apart from the pitch was home to a Sunday Market. No doubt the club officials would dream of a similar attendance to support 'The Borough'.
Haringey Borough 1 Royston Town 4 (Tuesday 20th December 2011) Spartan South Midland League Premier Division (att: 75)
I had wanted to visit a game at Coles Park for some time, especially when I heard the news that its days could be numbered. As I was working early shift pre Christmas and Borough were in the middle of a long unbeaten long run, and tilte contenders Royston Town were due a visit, this gave me an easy excuse to trek across North London.
I travelled by tube, overground and then two more two tubes before coming out at Wood Green station. I saw the W3 bus I required to get to the ground going past, so I set off as fast as my legs would carry me.
I know the mind can play tricks but I swear Alan Wells wouldn't have caught me on the hundred metres dash. I must have looked slightly lost as I looked out for the floodlights as a lady passenger asked if I needed help. Fancy that: someone speaking on London Transport!
I walked over the road and paid my £5 to the friendly chap on the gate. This included a reasonable programme which contained had everything I required inside. It's fine clubs having all their glossy productions, but if it doesn't do the job, there's no point.
The teams were warming up out on the pitch as I went into the basic warm clubhouse and got a cup of tea. The lady only wanted 50p but she didn't have any change. She simply told me to pay her later. That's why I love football at that level. You aren't ripped off for refreshments and you are treated with trust and respect.
Nicely refreshed and warm I made my way upstairs into the stand, which pillars aside offered a marvellous view of the pitch and Canary Wharf glistening in the distance. I was really looking forward to the game and it didn't let me down.
The pitch wasn't in a bad state to say it passed a lunchtime inspection and the amount of games played on it. The ground was also being used by Haringey Ladies and Haringey & Waltham Development FC.
The visiting 'Crows' from Hertfordshire played some nice passing football, while Borough who'd impressed me when I'd seen them earlier in the season at Hanwell Town played more on the break with pace. The home side took the lead and celebrated in style after Chris Benjamin slotted home.
It obviously meant plenty to the team as Town had visited Coles Park earlier in the month and left with a 2-1 victory in the FA Vase. The visitors penned Borough into their own half for the rest of period but couldn't break through. The home keeper had one or two unconvincing moments from crosses.
I returned for another cuppa at half time and paid my dues. The whole building had seen better days, but everything worked. It even had a clean toilet with soft rolls. In a first for me, I sat on the porcelain horse while listening to one of the managers handing out his team talk!
Town went at it after the restart, yet Borough were creating some real clear cut chances. The match was an absolute credit to the league, with plenty of skill and determination on offer across the large playing area.
The visiting boss Paul Attfield made a couple of substitutions with twenty five minutes to go. Royston equalised immediately after the changes as I was down at ground level attempting to compile a video through one of the subs, Rick Young. Their celebrations matched those of the home side, which at a guess was a retort to the exuberance from Borough's team.
Five minutes later Royston took the lead when the other latest sub Kaan Fehmi whalloped a shot into the top corner of the net. Bobby Charlton would have been proud of such an effort. It managed to take the net of the stanchion, which meant a delay for repairs.
A cameraman was positioned behind the goal so a player borrowed his stool and put it back together again with the assistance of a linesman. No sooner were the repairs done than a Borough official came out with a step ladder!
Haringey still went forward in search of an equaliser, but they were there for the taking by now. Fehmi added his second with ten minutes to go when he cut in and beat the keeper at the near post. Matt Standen made it four with a few seconds remaining. Despite it being all Town, Borough never stopped trying to the last.
I got talking to a chap I presumed to be a Crows fan near to the end, but he turned out to be a Barnet season ticket holder, so we had a good chat about all things Scarborough and at Underhill. We both agreed that this evening's match had been a good one, but 4-1 slightly flattered the visitors.
We caught the bus together before I repeated my outward journey, only a lot quicker as all the trains and buses fell my way and there were not as many fellow passengers to fight through. I was back home in Kingsbury by around 10.45.
I got talking to a chap I presumed to be a Crows fan near to the end, but he turned out to be a Barnet season ticket holder, so we had a good chat about all things Scarborough and at Underhill. We both agreed that this evening's match had been a good one, but 4-1 slightly flattered the visitors.
We caught the bus together before I repeated my outward journey, only a lot quicker as all the trains and buses fell my way and there were not as many fellow passengers to fight through. I was back home in Kingsbury by around 10.45.
It had been a most worthwhile and enjoyable evening out.
Haringey
Borough 3 Maldon & Tiptree 1 (Monday 29th August 2016) Isthmian League
Division One North (att: 152)
Haringey had
decided to introduce an offer for the 2016-17 season offering free season
tickets for anyone who applied online. There was no way I was going to pass up
an offer like that, even if I was only likely to get to a couple of matches.
I’d already
been to the Hendon v Dulwich Hamlet match that afternoon and enjoyed a few post
match pints in the Midland Hotel at Hendon. One of my sparring partners, Steve
Speller said he wouldn’t mind heading to White Hart Lane with me.
We took the
Thameslink to St Pancras and then Piccadilly line to Wood Green before catching
the W3, which dropped us off just as the teams were coming out. My season
ticket was waiting on the gate and I bought a programme for another quid.
We needed
food and put our orders in for burgers at the hatch by the new clubhouse.
Unfortunately, while we were waiting for our grub we missed Jamie-Lee
O'Donoghue putting Boro ahead on eight minutes. The burgers were superb by the
way! Properly cooked and lovingly served on a toasted bun.
Taking up
our seats upstairs in the stand it was soon apparent that the club were making
a real attempt to reach out to the local community. Spectators of all ages in
backgrounds were enjoying the entertainment being served up on the immaculate
new 4G surface.
The match
was really high quality stuff, with both teams showing lots of flair and
attacking intent. Steve was certainly impressed. Daniel Aristidou made it 2-0
on twelve minutes with a volley that took a deflection past ‘The Jammers’
keeper Daniel Wilks.
The visitors
responded and got back into the match. Tarryn Allerakhia saw his shot come back
off the inside of the post on twenty minutes. Haringey came close before Maldon
& Tiptree hit the woodwork once again. Tyler Brampton’s shot was followed
up by Michael Salako who’s effort was blocked on the line.
The lively
Ishmail Kamara somehow missed just before the interval for the homesters. We
had a look inside the bar at the break. It’s fair to say that the new building
was a huge improvement on the former shed. The whole ground had been tidied up
with a new pitch and ground perimeter, and new hard standing around the pitch.
The visitors
dominated the opening stages of the second half as Harry Palmer’s goal led a
charmed life. Another effort was cleared off the line before the deficit was
reduced with over twenty minutes to go when Adam Mills scored with a superb
volley from twenty five yards.
Maldon
poured forward in the search of an equaliser. Haringey dug in and rode their
luck. It was fantastic entertainment. With just a few minutes remaining the
home side broke away through Kamara who slid in for Aristidou to finish off and
secure the three points.
We headed
off for the bus wondering just how Maldon had lost. I would imagine their
manager, the former top flight player Kevin Horlock, was wondering the same. We
ended the night in JJ Moons at Kingsbury pretty chuffed that we’d made the
effort to go to the match.
Haringey
Borough 3 Thamesmead Town 2 (Monday 28th November 2016) Isthmian League
Division One North (Att: 83)
As ever I
was making the most use I could of my time off work. I’d already been to the
Under 21 match between Crystal Palace and Charlton Athletic at Selhurst Park
and had a look at Crystal Palace park before heading up to Hampstead Cricket
Club to catch up with the Jarvis family.
I’d talked
Steve Barnes into making the trip and I met him at West Hampstead Overground
station from where we too a train to the packed station that is Highbury &
Islington, a tube to Seven Sisters and then another train to White Hart Lane.
One of
Steve’s reasons for coming along was the opportunity to visit the community
owned Antwerp Arms, in which he’d bought a shareholding in his late Dad’s name.
He was delighted to show me his plaque above the bar. We enjoyed a couple of
pints of very palatable locally brewed Redemption Pale Ale before taking the W3
bus to Coles Park in time for kick off.
We sat in
the stand and although it was a chilly night, the wind had dropped from earlier
to offer some rest bite. Once again the standard of the catering hit the right
note. This time I used my noddle and ordered it before going back to collect so
I missed none of the action.
Borough took
the lead with a crashing shot from Ralston Gabriel on twenty two minutes. They
doubled their lead seven minutes before the break as Adrian Markus brought down
a fine pass on his chest and then volleyed into the top corner of the net. If
such a goal like that had been scored at the other end of White Hart Lane, it
would be played endlessly on TV.
By now the
referee had let far too much go unpunished. I'm all for letting the game flow,
but it was as though there was no pea in the officials' whistle. Some of the
challenges were on the violent side, as both teams quickly realised that it
would take something especially brutal to have their name taken; yet a
relatively soft foul brought the first yellow card for home defender Dewayne
Clarke.
Thamesmead,
who knocked Hendon into second spot in the "who's got the most horrendous
green kit" competition, were reduced to ten before the break, as a
defender received a second yellow for a stupid challenge that merited a
straight red.
The
clubhouse offered copies of previous match programmes in return for requesting
a small donation at the interval. I had a chat with a few Enfield Town
supporters and gave them the heads up that the bar at Silver Jubilee Park would
be selling Portobello Ales from the barrel at their match against Hendon the
following Saturday.
The second
half continued to emulate a Summer Slam contest in between some fine football.
Gabriel made it 3-0 as the Thamesmead players did their pieces with each other
and the hapless ref. Boro's Clarke tried to outdo his opponent Leon Smith in
the competition for the daftest most violent challenge of the night leaving the
man in black no option but to send him to try out the showers.
It was at
this point that the home side got complacent, wasting several chances to put
the game beyond any doubt. Some of the greedy play took some believing. Gabriel
was the main culprit. I advised Haringey through Twitter to get him to enter
Mastermind as there was no danger of him ever passing.
Town
narrowed the deficit when youngster Harvey Brand headed home, much to the joy
of his humorous parents behind us in the stand. Alex Teniola got another one
back, as the home fans began to become concerned and not massively impressed by
the selfishness of some of their players.
Their
defence and keeper somehow managed to keep out a scramble in stoppage time to
secure a win that should really have been far more comfortable. That said, it
was fantastic entertainment for neutrals. Steve certainly enjoyed the match and
the set up; even more so as the poor fella had a season ticket at Leyton
Orient.
We caught a bus down to Turnpike Lane after the game to grab a decent enough pint in the trendy Westbury pub, before the tube took us back to Kingsbury in time for a couple of pints to round off a long but fantastic day in JJ Moons.
Haringey
Borough 2 Maldon & Tiptree 2 (Monday 16th October 2017) Isthmian
League Division One North (att 173)
I’d
considered staying in and watching the live Premier League football before
coming to my senses when Tony Foster texted. He fancied a game and seemed to
prefer the game between Hitchin Town and Redditch United.
I was just
happy to go anywhere in company; and as Tony was driving, I left the choice to
him. Between Stanmore and the A1 we changed our minds several times before my
pal decided on his first visit to White Hart Lane.
We pulled in
to the car park at just gone 7pm and headed to the clubhouse to see the live
draw for the first round of the FA Cup on TV. Haringey had gone out of the
competition a couple of days previously, with their fans seemingly still a
little sad about it.
My mood had
dropped top simmering point after Scarborough Athletic’s home defeat against
Hyde United. The cameras were at Hyde looking for reaction on the draw. I
reflected on the free publicity that my club could have been enjoying.
The draw
would have pitted Scarborough at home to MK Dons; which didn’t help me. It
would have been a possible live TV game. Haringey’s victors, Heybridge Swifts
were drawn away to Exeter City.
Admission
for the evening was £7, with a programme an extra £2. The issue had been
printed before Saturday’s game, but included a loose page with all the up to
date details. I found that a very sensible idea.
There was a
wind blowing diagonally across the pitch towards the seated stand, so we
decided to stand on the open far side. It was encouraging to see another decent
crowd assemble; including plenty of neutrals.
Nobody could
have had any complaints with the action on offer throughout the match. Hendon,
my local team, played a very similar style to Boro. The ball was passed to feet
at pace, with an occasional clever ball being sent down the channels.
The two
sides had met in the previous season’s play-off semi-final; which had ended in
a 5-4 win to the evening’s visitors. It ensured that our match was very
competitive. No doubt one or two memories had been stirred.
The early
exchanges were fast and contained lots of excellent free flowing football from
both sides. Malden went 1-0 up after excellent work from Chris Millar set up Junior
Ogedi-Uzokwe to slot the ball home on thirteen minutes.
Boro were level
five minutes later after the impressive forward Ralston Gabriel collected the
ball on the edge of the box before whipping in a fantastic shot into the far corner
past Dominic Kurasik in the Jammers goal.
Neither side
were afraid to put in stern challenges. Referee Hugh Gilroy had to intervene half
way through the first period as tempers flared. There was plenty of pushing and
shoving with threats and gestures without anything too sinister.
The rest of
the half was pretty even, with chances at both ends. 1-1 was about the correct
score as the teams went off, as we took up one of the best offers around in
London football, thanks to a promotion advertised in the programme.
We simply
filled out a form with our personal details; which was left in the clubhouse,
before taking it to the bar to collect a free season pass. We weren’t suddenly
to become regulars, but we may well return to another Monday night game.
Boro’s
attendances had shot up through this idea. Plenty spent their cash in the bar,
on programmes and on food. It was also nice to see old programmes left out for
fans to take in return for a donation. They were certainly speculating to
accumulate.
Twelve
minutes after the break a low shot from Millar proved too powerful for Valery Pajetet
in the Haringey goal, as Maldon retook the lead. The locals then really began
to find their voices and get behind their side.
Haringey
were given a lifeline with fifteen minutes to go; when the ref awarded a
penalty for hand ball. Gabriel stepped up, but placed his spot kick over the
bar. However, he made amends within a minute as he equalised with a well placed
header.
We were
paying close attention to the Premier League score as Tony’s son, Paul, stood
to win a hefty cash prize if Leicester failed to win in a last man stands
competition. My pals text tone was going off at regular intervals!
Harvey Brown
came close to a winner for Maldon, as his curling shot caught the wind and hit
the crossbar. Haringey also looked to try and force the issue, in what was a
pulsating encounter. A draw was about the right result.
We listened
to the last few minutes of the Leicester v West Brom game on the car radio as
Tony drove back. The full time whistle after the 1-1 draw was quickly met by a
further text. There was one very happy punter in Harrow Weald!
Haringey
Borough 1 Sittingbourne 0 (Monday 13th November 2017) FA Trophy
Second Qualifying Round Replay (att: 177)
Boro’s draw
in Kent the previous Saturday threw up a great opportunity for a rare outing
with my brothers Paul and Nick at a match. Paul was over from Norway; while
Nick was on business in London.
We met for
tea at the Spouters Corner, Wetherspoons outlet in Wood Green to enjoy a bite
to eat and a couple of pints on an increasingly cold evening. The W3 bus
deposited us by the gates as we took up a position on the far side; where we
were joined by Tony Foster.
A decent
support had headed to the capital to cheer on The Brickies. I expected to see a
relatively comfortable home win, but Sittingbourne were to prove to be stiff
opposition. Indeed, they were probably the better side in the first half.
Home keeper
Valery Pajetat saved from Miles Cornwell, before going down injured as he
misjudged a through ball and needed to be carried from the pitch. Fortunately
the Haringey defence thwarted Kane Rowland as he looked to pounce.
Referee Neil
West impressed all four of us, as he refused to receive back chat from players
of either side. The match was quick and of a good standard, as was becoming the
norm at White Hart Lane.
Us brothers
headed to the bar at the break, to enjoy a whisky to warm us through, before we
retook our previous position. The second half offered more of the same. It was
becoming increasingly obvious that one goal would be enough to secure a home
tie against Thame United in the next round.
With twenty
minutes remaining, Boro’s impressive but spikey Ralston Gabriel was slid in and
he made no mistake slotting the ball past goalkeeper Harry Brooks; who could
possibly have positioned himself better.
John Coker
came the closest to a leveller with a deflected effort, but Haringey’s resolute
defence held out to complete a hard fought victory. At full time Paul took a
bus and tube back to his base at Walthamstow, while Tony took Nick and I to
Stanmore for the tube home.
Haringey
Borough 3 Aveley 2 (Monday 8th January 2018) Isthmian League
Division One North (att: 137)
This was
another splendid evening at Coles Park with my wingman Tony. Aveley looked a
transformed outfit from the side we’d seen lose at home to Norwich United a few
weeks previously. Perhaps new manager James Webster, was working his magic?
Boro were in
the middle of an indifferent run and found themselves just outside the play off
zone. It was a changed line up from the fine performances early in the season;
owing to injuries and suspensions.
It was the
visitors who took the lead through Alex Teniola who finished from a low cross
just before the half hour mark. The score remained that way until seven minutes
after the interval when Derek Asamoah slid in to level at the second attempt.
Ten minutes
later Teniola added a fine second, even though he had better placed colleagues.
It looked as though Aveley would hang on, despite Haringey pressing forward. We
were sure that we’d see at least one more goal.
We were
proved correct two minutes from the end of stoppage time. Boro were awarded a
free kick around twenty five yards out. Coby Rowe propelled his curling and
dipping shot with great precision to leave Rhys Madden stranded in the visitors
net.
There was still
more to come. In the third minute of stoppage time the home custodian Austin
Byfield launched a kick out of his hands. I immediately said it was going in.
Madden back peddled and seemed to stop the ball; only for the linesman to flag
that it had crossed the line.
It was great
work for the assistant to follow the ball and be by the line to get the perfect
view. The home team and supporters were wild with delight, while the Aveley
players sank to their knees a few seconds later at full time.
My night wasn’t
done, as I caught a tube and then train to the Ibis Hotel at Luton Airport to
get an early start the following morning for my flight to Valencia.
Haringey
Borough 1 AFC Hornchurch 2 (Monday 15th January 2018) Isthmian
League Division One North (att: 216)
It was
another cold and windy evening at Coles Park as league leaders Hornchurch
provided the oppositions. My brothers were again in town so we rendezvoused at
Spouters Corner for our Wetherspoon’s meal before taking the bus to the game.
It was a
sure sign that there was a decent sized attendance as all the programmes had
been sold. We took up a spot on the far side with regular watcher Tony to watch
a decent encounter unfold.
Hornchurch
went ahead on ten minutes, when Theo Fairweather-Johnson was afforded a free
header from a corner. The hosts were badly missing the suspended Gabriel,
although Michael Ademiluyi stood out with his energy, pace and skill.
The Urchins
defended well and looked organised throughout the game. Boro piled forward and
came agonisingly close on a couple of occasions before the experienced Leon McKenzie
scored with another free header from a set piece.
Haringey
continued to put in every effort and were rewarded when Lawrence Yiga pounced
to head at the near post from an excellent ball into the danger zone. They came
agonisingly close to an equaliser but Hornchurch held on. We’d had another good
night and whisky sales were certainly up after our visit.
Haringey
Borough 3 Canvey Island 1 (Sunday 6th May 2018) Isthmian League
Division One North Play Off Final (att: 809)
My colleague
Mick took me off at work at 1.40pm as I headed away to see the next chapter
what was one of the happiest of football story's. I first went to Coles Park
for a game in 2011 when 75 was considered a bumper attendance in a ground that
was a bit of a mess.
Fast forward
seven years. Coles Park looked at its finest. It is now a very tidy venue with
new clubhouse and excellent 3G pitch. It was tremendous to see the local
community embracing their club. The W3 bus was packed from Wood Green with many
alighting for the match.
It was a
very warm afternoon so I went and bought a bottle of water before paying my
tenner admission. The club had added 50p onto all their catering for the day,
and who could blame them? It was still reasonably priced, with my cheeseburger
and tea costing a fiver.
I headed
over to the far side to our usual spot where I met Tony Foster And Steve Barnes.
Hendon coach Fabio Valenti was also there so I had a good chat about the Dons
play off final against Dulwich Hamlet the following day.
There had
been controversy in the lead up to the play offs as Canvey Island had made use of
a non-league loophole to aid their chances. Clubs are allowed to dual register
players from other clubs as long as they’re not in the same division.
This rule is
to ensure that clubs without reserve teams are not left with players on the
sidelines. They can be sent out to get football but also recalled. The Gulls
acquired the services of Sam Higgins and James White from East Thurrock United.
Higgins was
the National League South top scorer and netted in the semi final and was
alleged to have been paid £1,500 for his two appearances. His side was cheered
on by around a 100 visiting boisterous fans.
Before kick
off a minute’s applause was held in memory of Pete Butcher; a highly respected
journalist and AFC Hornchurch secretary who I’d seen at nearly every Essex
non-league game I’d ever attended.
The first
half was tight with Mark Kirby, Boro’s central defender keeping a close watch
on Higgins. The pace was frenetic with no quarter given. We were of the opinion
that the Islanders more bulky players may wilt in the heat as the game
continued.
Valery
Pajetat in the Haringey net saved from Higgins as Canvey had a slight
ascendancy in play. Referee Steven Hughes used his common sense by allowing a
brief water break after thirty minutes play as temperatures reached the high
twenties.
Haringey
boss Tom Loizou introduced pocket sized attacker Michael Ademiluyi wide on the
right for the restart. Star forward Ralston Gabriel had been well marshalled by
the visiting defence but his general play was still high quality. Kirby was a
commanding figure settling play from the back.
David
Olufemi curled a shot just over for Boro and then Andre McCollin saw his effort
saved by Henry Newcombe. Higgins headed straight at Pajetat at the other end
when well placed as chances started to come for both sides.
Jorge Djassi-Sambu
was next to create for Haringey as he danced round some challenges and then saw
his low powerful cross spilled by Newcombe. Pajetat was replaced by Austin
Byfield after getting injured making a brave save.
The home
support continued their vocal support for their side despite Higgins missing a
good opportunity for the Gulls. Boro’s players were drawing some crude fouls
from the visitors as the heat did indeed start to take affect on their bulky
physiques.
Haringey
were starting to take command and put on the pressure with lots of clever quick
football on the deck. Gabriel had a couple of shots blocked in quick succession
before they took the lead with seventeen minutes remaining.
Kirby was
afforded a free header which went over the line despite the best efforts of
Newcombe, who was furious with the decision as he chased after the linesman who
signalled the goal. It was nothing less than Haringey deserved.
The lead was
doubled on eighty two minutes when Gabriel caused mayhem in the box, leading to
Frankie Merrified slipping and handling the ball on the floor. Referee Hughes
pointed to the spot and Boro’s leading scorer made no mistake as pandemonium
broke out among the home support.
Merrifield
went up to the other end and crossed well for Sykes who headed wide when well
placed in the ninetieth minute. In additional time the same man crossed once
again. This time Steve Sheehan headed in to make it 2-1.
There was
still two minutes remaining, but any nerves for the home side were soon eased.
Chinedu McKenzie and Ademiluyi were both clean through. McKenzie realised he
would have been offside if he touched the ball so he left it to his team mate.
Confusion
reigned as the linesman raised his flag and then put it down as Ademiluyi
slotted home past a startled Newcombe. The officials conferred and correctly
awarded the goal. The Canvey players went berserk, with manager Danny Heale
being sent to the stands.
Haringey
fully deserved their win and promotion. The crowd celebrated wildly as did
chairman Aky Achillea,
who’d done so much to build the club and its fan base through the free season
ticket offer. Hopefully he’d got his money back from the Leyton Orient cup
match and play-off games.
I had really
enjoyed myself, as did my two neutral mates. Best of all it scuppered Canvey's
dual registered caper. Football was the winner. Steve and I were dropped off in
Mill Hill by Tony to go and enjoy the sights and beer in the Midland Hotel.
Haringey
Borough 0 Harlow Town 2 (Monday 1st October 2018) Isthmian Premier
League (att: 250)
It was my
first opportunity to return to White Hart Lane of the 2018-19 season, with Boro
sticking to Monday night football. My usual travelling pal Tony picked me up at
Stanmore as the first signs of the forthcoming winter were in the air.
We’d both
contacted the club to take them up on their free season ticket offer. Sure
enough an envelope was waiting for us on the gate. All we had to do was sign a
form to say that we’d received them.
The match
programme had dropped by a £1 in price from the previous season. Tony said that
he’d emailed them saying that he thought two quid was a bit pricey. We couldn’t
really complain with the free tickets, but the gesture was greatly appreciated.
The interest
in the club had continued, with a very decent attendance turning out. When we first
started going we were virtually alone on the far side. Now there was 30 or 40
fans taking up a position against the fence.
Star striker
Ralston Gabriel had departed to St Albans City and was continuing banging in
the goals. It was going to be interesting to see how Haringey were faring in mid
table in his absence. Harlow came into the game in the relegation places.
Boro were
dominant in the first half. Femi Akinwande used fine footwork saw him create
lots of space and through on goal, but he blazed his shot wide without
troubling Hawks keeper Josh Bexon, after the stopper had earlier made a fine
save from Georgios Aresti.
Nathan
Koranteng fired two efforts wide for Harlow before Akinwande missed another
good chance as he fired over after Michael Ademiluyi had nodded down a cross
into his path from Joel Nouble.
It was nice
to bump into fellow hopper Luke Williams, up from Worthing at half time and
also see a Hendon regular in the bar. The word was certainly getting out. None
of us could believe how the score was 0-0 at the interval.
Ademiluyi
had a shot cleared off the line soon after the restart before Harlow’s defence
tightened up and they got into the game. They were rewarded on seventy two
minutes when Boro keeper Valery Pajetat tripped Jules Haabo. Charlie Edwards
stepped up to score from the spot.
Boro tried
to pile on the pressure with the excellent Joe Staunton pulling the strings, but
they were met by a stubborn defence. They thought they’d equalised with seven
minutes remaining when a glancing header went through a crowd to spark
celebrations from the home side.
The ball
came out and the referee waved play on. The mystery was never completely
explained. Some say the ball hit a stanchion just behind the post and came back
out, where others claimed it hit the post and never crossed the line.
While the
confusion and protests continued Harlow broke away through Koranteng, with
Edwards being unceremoniously fouled when about to shoot on the edge of the box.
Perhaps a guilty conscience saw the man in black just show a yellow card.
The visitors
were to rub salt into the wounds when substitute Jason Raab found himself in
space, went inside and fired a brilliant dipping shot into the top corner
leaving Pajetat stranded and the Boro fraternity scratching their heads as to
how they lost.
We left
agreeing that we’d still not seen a poor game at White Hart Lane.
Haringey
Borough 0 AFC Wimbledon 1 (Friday 9th November 2018) FA Cup Round
One (att: 2,710)
It
had been a delight to follow Haringey’s fortunes over the previous couple of
years, so when the live FA Cup draw set up this tie I was determined to be
there. It was ideal as it would follow my last shift at work before a two week
break in Thailand.
Tony
emailed the club who sent the tickets out by post in return of a cheque. They
kept the prices the same as a league game and continued to receive deserved
credit. The BBC decided to show the game live, which would guarantee both clubs
an additional £50,000.
We
managed to get a spare ticket for my Scarborough supporting mate Ian Anderson
who travelled down by train from Northampton. I had a meal with Ross Sullivan
before meeting Ian in the Doric Arch at Euston station for a couple of pints.
We
crammed onto the packed tube to Wood Green in time for another beer in the
rammed Spouter’s Corner and then headed to catch a ridiculously full W3 bus to
Coles Park. The locals must have wondered what was going on?
Boro
had got their act together with a souvenir stall just outside the turnstiles
knocking out shirts, hats, scarfs and the like. Programmes were in decent supply
as Ian headed for another beer at a makeshift can bar, while I met Tony and
headed to the far side.
We
couldn’t reach our usual vantage spot near the half way line as the area was blocked
off for segregation and the TV equipment. We were nearer the corner flag as the
rain started to fall quite heavily. Boro had put down a temporary step of
terracing behind both goals to assist with viewing.
There
was a terrific atmosphere, mainly created by the home fans, although the
visiting Wombles also played their part. Valery Pajetat in goal for Haringey was to
emerge as a real hero with his stops and his command of his area.
Wimbledon’s
players looked bigger and faster, but Boro’s team matched them for endeavour. Joe
Pigott and Scott Wagstaff both saw shots go wide for the visitors, while the
diminutive Michael O’Donoghue went close at the other end.
Mitch
Pinnock saw his free kick skim the top of the hosts bar. Haringey had shouts
for a penalty when Tom Soares may well have brought down Michael Ademiluyi. I
managed to get around to the only toilet for home fans at the break. Somehow
everything ran smoothly, in part to the good humour of the crowd.
Pigott
headed a good chance wide for the Dons just after the restart before a Pinnock
cross got caught in the wind and landed on top of the Boro bar. Toby Sibbick
had an effort well saved by Pajetat as the home anthem of “Sing if You’re
Haringey” rang out.
Boro
had an excellent spell of their own as they put together a few minutes of
sustained pressure. Joe Staunton thought that he had given the hosts the lead
but his excellent finish was ruled out by the linesman’s flag.
Pajetat
pulled off a couple of good saves from Pinnock and a fierce effort from Soares.
It looked for all money that Haringey were going to get a replay with all the
accolades and financial benefits that it would afford.
Then
in stoppage time Pinnock saw his shot take a wicked deflection off Tosin
Olufemi to dip into the net past a stranded Pajetat. It was a cruel blow. Many
Wimbledon fans accepted that they’d been fortunate on social media after the
game.
Boro
received a well deserved ovation and quite rightly lapped it up. We took a
while to get out and then feel just how bad the weather was walking back to
Tony’s car. Fortunately, the wind and rain had been at our backs.
The texts and
messages from friends who’d seen the game said it all. Everyone was really
impressed with Haringey’s performance and the way that
the club had put themselves forward. I went home to dry out and pack for my
holiday.
Haringey
Borough 1 Leyton Orient 2 (Monday 3rd December 2018) London Senior
Cup Round Two (att: 257)
My
long weekend off work coincided with this clash that also interested Hendon and
O’s fan Steve Barnes. We’d arranged to set out early and enjoy a bit of pub
hopping before the game, but there was work ahead of me before my first pint.
My
Godson Oscar wasn’t very well with a temperature. His Dad Steve Jarvis was struggling
for a babysitter and called me to see if I was free. I had a fantastic if
tiring few hours with the young fella who seemed determined to use up his
energy in my company.
I
was most certainly ready for a pint when I met Steve Barnes at West Hampstead
station. We took the Overground to Crouch Hill after changing at Gospel Oak. My
mate had done some research and I was ever eager to learn on the job.
Brave
Sir Robin was certainly a huge leap forward on the hipster scale of pubs I’m
used to, but the sounds of Radiohead, candles and the Moor So’ Hop Pale Ale hit
the spot before a pint of perfectly kept Truman’s Zephyr down the road in The
Old Dairy also impressed.
That
area of North London had certainly become increasingly trendy, but if it
resulted in decent pubs and good real ale, then who was I to argue? The W7 bus
took us to the Small Beer Public House in Crouch End. Again, Barnsey had come
up trumps.
Not
only was the N1 Pale Ale from Hammerton Brewery spot on, we each received a
free slice of margarita pizza. The pub was putting the offer on every Monday to
Friday between 4 and 6pm. We did comment that we knew some lads who could
severely punish such a deal!
The
W3 service took as past several other tempting establishments as well as
offering some dramatic views over the capital as climbed to Alexandra Palace.
We bailed out at the bottom of the hill by the station and walked for ten
minutes to The Prince.
I’d
been past this place many times on my way to Coles Park when in Tony’s car but
had never been in. The Ilkley Brewery Mary Jane was in fine form in another
really pleasant pub. With kick-off getting close Steve ordered as an Uber as we
arrived fifteen minutes before the start.
It
was an all pay game as it was a cup competition. It cost me a tenner with a cheeseburger
and tea a further £4.50. The standard was as good as ever and the service
friendly. We decided to take a seat upstairs in the stand.
Orient
investor Kent Teague was in attendance and shook Steve’s hand as he walked up
the aisle to sit with manager Justin Edinburgh who was no doubt taking a look
at his side that was predominantly made up of the under 23 squad.
However,
there was some experience in the line up as Matt Harrold, Alex Lawless and
George Elokobi being regulars in the first team squad. Boro rested keeper
Pajetat and a couple of other players.
A
decent crowd rocked up, despite it being an all pay cup game, with at least fifty
supporting the visitors. Their side faced a good test with Charley Barker going
close for the hosts in the early stages. Joel Nouble then had an effort skew wide.
The
O’s had their first effort on goal on twenty minutes when Hector Kyprianou
curled his shot over. Ten minutes later the visitors took the lead when Ruel
Sotiriou’s low shot was fumbled by keeper Austin Byfield as it crawled over the
line.
Byfield
atoned when doing well to tip a Brendon Shabani over his bar. Karl Akinwande went
close for the Haringey just before the interval, when we headed to the warm of
the clubhouse as the temperatures began to fall.
Steve
bumped into some O’s friends and I chatted with Gerard Walker who goes to
Middlesbrough and Yorkshire games but now lives in the local area. Steve filled
out a form and received his free season ticket from an amiable club official as
we chatted about the fortunes of Boro and Hendon.
We
stood in the shelter for the second half as Kyprianou brought a fine save out of
Byfield while Akinwande responded with a shot that deflected off Elokobi. O’s
keeper Arthur Janata was relieved to grab the ball after it had rebounded off
the inside of his post from a Nouble shot.
O’s
defended reasonably well before making it 2-0 with four minutes of normal time
remaining as Sotiriou saw his shot parried by Byfield. James Alabi followed up
to score. Barker set up a grandstand finish when he halved the arrears with two
minutes to go.
Having
checked the bus times, we headed out as stoppage time began. We missed the straight
red card handed out to Boro’s Scott Mitchell as Sotiriou broke clear with Boro
chasing the game. It has to be said that referee Paul Howard had been excellent
all evening.
Our
decision proved prudent as we were back on the tube and at St Pancras in time
to catch the 10.03 service to Hendon from where we enjoyed a pint in the
Midland Hotel before ending the evening in The Moon Under Water in Colindale
with Steve Speller.
It’d
been a great day all round. I knew all about it the following morning when I
returned to day two of babysitting before my night shift. Little Oscar didn’t
seem too concerned with my antics!
He’d enjoyed
the standard of football and social interaction during the restrictions and also
downloaded himself a season ticket. The pair of us used the excellently organised
one-way system to grab a beer from the takeaway only club bar.
The winner
came from a deflected shot from the edge of the box from Dan Rowe three minutes
after the break. Boro huffed and puffed and missed probably their best chance
in stoppage time when a low cross should have been put away by two different
players.
Haringey
went 2-0 up through two penalties slotted away by Roman Michael-Percil, the
first for a debatable handball flagged by the linesman, the second nailed on
for a trip. Boro were dominant in the first period which saw the hands of
United keeper Arthur Janata severely stung by a couple of thunderbolts by Laste
Dombaxe.
Haringey
Borough 2 Brightlingsea Regent 1 (Monday 4th February 2019) Isthmian
League Premier Division (att: 341)
Despite
being on early shift at work I fancied another delve into the world of pubs not
too far from Coles Park on the way to a Boro match. Steve Barnes, a fellow
recipient of the free season ticket thought similar, so we headed across town
by tube and bus.
The Small
Beer Public House was on form again before we headed across the road to The
Queens; a magnificent grand old building that served a steady pint of
Twickenham Grandstand. A short bus ride delivered us by The Great Northern
Railway Tavern.
This was
another superb place. It was good to see traditional pubs being lovingly
brought back to popularity because of real and craft ales. Again, we decided to
let Uber to take the strain and drop us by the gates to the ground.
We bumped
into a couple of Hendon regulars, finding a couple of seats in the stand next
to Chick and some older female visiting fans. The crowds were out in force once
again as Haringey looked to go level with the top spot in the league.
It was the
visitors who went ahead on eight minutes when Billy Jones scored from the edge
of the box, with striking colleague Billy Hunt causing plenty of havoc for the
Haringey defence. Boro had plenty of play but couldn’t force an opening before
half time.
Femi
Akinwande and Mark Kirby missed decent opportunities after the restart, but the
hosts would draw level on seventy one minutes. Kirby was denied by Regent
stopper James Bradbrook but Ralston Gabriel was on hand to smash home to make
it 1-1.
The
Brightlingsea players were visibly tiring as the game continued. It was an
excellent contest in customary White Hart Lane fashion. Boro were doing
everything they could to force a winner, but Regent were putting everything on
the line to hold on.
The points
should surely have headed back to Essex if the visitors had taken a golden
opportunity in the second minute of stoppage time. Jones hit the bar before Harrison
Banner contrived to fire the rebound wide of an open goal.
The ball
went to half way from the goal kick where Gabriel controlled and ran at the
defence, beating three men before passing to substitute Ricky Sappleton who
scored to set off wild celebrations.
Once again,
we’d had a great night of sampling ale in lovely pubs followed by a cracking
game of football at a venue that seldom let anyone down.
Haringey
Borough 1 Tonbridge Angels 2 (Thursday 2nd May 2019) Isthmian League Premier
Division Play-Off Semi-Final (att: 810)
It was a
year since I’d helped out at Silver Jubilee Park as Hendon demolished
Folkestone Invicta at the same stage of the same competition. How things had
changed in the twelve months since across the city.
Boro were
now the side to watch with their fine forward play. I had the day off work and
was determined not to miss out, so I arranged to meet my pal Gerard Walker at
The Westbury for some pre match libations.
The pub was
predominantly full of Haringey fans; something nobody would have dreamed of
just a year or so earlier. This was a great story of a club doing things
properly to engage the local community. It was a pleasure to witness.
We walked
with others to the ground where we parted ways after I grabbed a beer to take
to the far side to meet Tony Foster. The stand was full, with a good following travelling
from Kent to support the Angels.
Haringey
hadn’t quite been the same force after Ralston Gabriel’s return was ended with
a move to Boreham Wood. The goals had dried up a little of late. Tonbridge
fielded ex Hendon skipper Arthur Lee in their line up.
The visitors
started the stronger and looked to have taken the lead on fourteen minutes when
Tom Derry finished after a shot from Adem Ramadan had come back off the post.
However, the linesman flagged for offside.
Ramadan was
not to be denied soon after, when his curling shot following a cleared corner went
in over Boro skipper Michael O'Donoghue who was stood on the line. The visitors
doubled their lead shortly before the interval as Boro old boy, Chinedu
McKenzie, netted.
Haringey got
a foothold not long after the restart when they were awarded a penalty. Kudus
Oyenuga smashed home the spot kick as the hosts started to pile on the pressure
in search of an equaliser.
Excellent
play from Joel Nouble set up Oyenuga who smashed over the bar when offered a
fantastic opportunity. James Folkes made a fine last ditch challenge to deny
Nouble before Craig Stone cleared, as wave after wave of attack stretched the
resolute Tonbridge defence.
Angels
keeper Jon Henly denied Lyle Della-Verde for a
second time in the encounter. Defender Coby Rowe played as a third forward for
the closing spells and saw his shot come back off the crossbar as time was
nearly up.
Jared Small
managed to put off Della-Verde with a challenge as the striker looked set to
fire past Henly. Shortly after the excellent referee Andrew Humphries blew for
full time. The emotions between the two sides and sets of fans could not have
been more contrasting.
Haringey
could reflect on another fantastic season, including a live TV FA Cup
appearance with huge increase in their attendance figures.
Haringey
Borough 0 Leatherhead 1 (Monday 28th September 2020) Isthmian League
Premier Division (Att: 288)
Work
patterns and the early termination of the season owing to COVID meant I hadn’t
seen a game at Coles Park in the 2019-20 season, so it was good to grab the
opportunity to return.
Season
tickets were again available free by downloading online as well as a match
programme via the same method. Tony picked me up at Stanmore with Jim Wilson,
who’d been to the game at Wingate & Finchley a week earlier joining us at
the ground.
We saw a
proper battle expertly refereed by Jonathan Bolland who took his time over any
incidents and kept cards to a minimum despite both sides trying to entice him
into taking action against their opponents.
The game saw
a fully deserved victory for the Tanners who must have been smarting from their
hiding at Bowers & Pitsea two days previously. They defended well in
numbers and looked more dangerous on the break. Boro were lacking a cutting
edge up front.
Leatherhead were
well marshalled by Will Salmon with keeper Zaki Oualah only having to make one
save of note. It had been the usual pleasant social night out at Coles Park.
Haringey
Borough 3 East Thurrock United 1 (Monday 4th October 2020) Isthmian
League Premier Division (att: 266)
What a
difference a week makes. A most impressive Boro performance in which Thurrock
never gave in until the end, led to another decent Monday at Coles Park with
good company and social aspects tossed in for good measure.
After the
break the visitors fought back. Luke Illsley did all the hard work to get a
sight on goal, but his shot was too close to keeper Jonathan Miles who saved
with his feet. The game was end to end and full of smart quick passing
football.
Boro’s third
was a beautiful move finished with a low shot through a defenders’ legs and
into the far corner by Jamie O’Donaghue, whose appearance made a big difference
to his sides’ potency compared to seven days earlier.
Thurrock
were rewarded for their spirit ten minutes from time through a fine solo Kenny
Aileru effort. It was a telling sign of the good company and entertainment on
offer that the half flew by.
I got a lift
there and back with Tony and light traffic meant I was home in Kingsbury for
not long after 10pm. Jim returned for his first win as a season ticket holder
and it was also good to catch up Gerry the steward who always enjoy a beer and
natter with.
The only sad news came the following day when reading the notes of chairman Aki Achillea who'd agreed with manager Loizou to move midweek games in the future from Monday to Tuesday citing fatigue of the players.
Perhaps a manager's excuse for a poor performance against Leatherhead? I was sad as I really enjoy my visits but find myself otherwise occupied on Tuesday's. Tony was of the same opinion and we both hoped that it wouldn't undo much of the hard work of building up crowds over the previous few years.
No comments:
Post a Comment