Borrowash Victoria AFC vs Teversal FC in the East Midlands Counties League (Step 6) (8/08/2018)

Borrowash Victoria AFC VS Teversal FC (Ground 23)

: Borrowash Victoria AFC

This was my first competitive fixture of the 2018-2019 season, after watching pre season friendlies at Belper Town FC, Lichfield City FC , Mickleover Sports FC and Tamworth FC, i was looking forward to my visit to Borrowash Victoria, as it is not very far from where i live, and from looking at other blog posts, it seems to be a friendly club with very good facilities for Step 6.

Borrowash Victoria had lost their opening homes fixture against Sherwood Colliery 0-3 who finished 2nd in the Central Midlands League South Division behind Eastwood Community Football Club, and were promoted to the East Midlands Counties League, when Holbrook Sports resigned from the league and dropped down to the same league. Their opponents Teversal FC who celebrate their 100th anniversary of their foundation in October 2018, finished third last season and missed out on promotion by only two points, and won their first match, 6-1 versus West Bridgford who won the league in the 2016-2017 season.

My visit to the Anderson Electrical Arena

First impressions of the ground is that it is quite small when walk down the path past the derelict Asterdale Social Club and Graham Street Prims ground, but when you enter the turnstiles, you are met with a bowl shaped ground with grass banking, a good sized stand to the left, and a terrace/seated stand near the clubhouse to the right of the turnstile, it is an impressive ground for the level, and could easily serve a few levels up the non league pyramid. After gaining entry and me getting a programme, and listening to the gentleman at the turnstiles making valid points about the FA ground requirements at this level, and the fact that clubs are fined if they do not produce a programme which was interesting to listen to, we made our way to the clubhouse and me getting a drink (Dad was driving!!), we took our positions for the start of the first half

The First Half

The first half was an very entertaining affair, with Borrowash Victoria having best of the chances, particularly in the first 20 minutes, when their number 9 (Shay Wiggins) and number 7 (Kane Samuel) had several gilt edged chances, such the Teversal keeper saving from Shay Wiggins when he was one on one, and Kane Samuel hit the outside of the post after a good pass through the Teversal defense from Borrowash’s number 11 (Jordan Sanders).

Teversal had chances of their own, and forced Lewis Soal to make a number of excellent saves. Teversal dominated the rest of the first half, and this culminated in taking the lead on the 42rd minute when a good move started by Danny O’ Donnell and Joel smith ended with Matt Wilkinson lobbing Lewis Soal, it was almost 2-0 a few minutes later, when Matt Wilkinson’s header hit the crossbar and shortly afterwards, the first half ended.

The Second Half

Borrowash started the second half as they did the first, and created two clear cut chances, but they were missed to their cost, as Teversal began to dominate and their experience at this level showed as they looked dangerous on the break, from crosses and in the box as well and the defense prevented Borrowash Victoria from creating as many chances they did in the first half.

Their were warning signs when David Cockeril lobbed Lewis Soal, but it went over the ball, the second goal was inevitable and it came on 72 minutes, when Joel Smith scored from six yards out after a good pull back from Ben Cartwright who was supplied by the running of Matt Wilkinson, after the second goal, Teversal created chances at will, and should have scored at least two more goals, and it ended 0-2 to Teversal.

Final Verdict On The Match

Teversal look like they could challenge for the title this season along with a whole host of teams this season in the East Midlands Counties League. Borrowash Victoria have lost all of their matches, but have played well in certain periods in both games and there is more optimism that they will not be at the wrong end of the table this season.

Prices at Borrowash Victoria AFC

Admission- £5 entry, but they do several deals such as the “Groundhopper Package” which costs £7 and it covers entry, a programme and a pin badge as well, along with a “Big Day Out Package” which covers a entry, a programme and a pint for £5, These deals are excellent value for money and encourages Groundhoppers to visit Borrowash Victoria AFC.

Programme- The programme cost 50p and was full color and was eight pages long, it included information about the history of both teams, the current table, the full squad and a word from the programme editor calling on the people of Borrowash to support the club. The programme was great value for money and the cheapest programme i have brought in my time ground-hopping across the Midlands .

There was a bar and a tea bar, i am not sure about the prices of the tea bar as i did not use it, but the bar served Carling, San Miguel, Strongbow and had bottles of real ale such as Ruddles Country, Abbot Ale.

Bar- Bottle of Ruddles Country-£3.50 and Bottle of Abbot Ale- £3.50

Final Thoughts On My Visit To Borrowash Victoria AFC

Borrowash Victoria AFC is a friendly and welcoming club, and i felt that although we had never been there before, we were made to feel welcome indeed, furthermore for the level and the league they compete in, the ground is excellent and the people of Borrowash should come out and support the team, and the management team, and the committee after the changes that happened in January 2018, and the new signings that have come during pre-season. I wish Borrowash Victoria AFC and Teversal FC all the best of luck for the rest of the 2018/2019 season.