Come on the Vickers!

Saturday 28 November 2015, VCD Athletic 0 Leiston 0 - Ryman League, Premier Division - Oakwood

A lunchtime kick off at Charlton meant we could visit another ground and game in the South London/Kent area. We stopped off at VCD Athletic to see them play another Suffolk side, Leiston. Not a great game, plenty of skill but Leiston could not break down the VCD defence and the home team also seemed happy with a point.

The game may not have been much to write home about but the ground was something to talk about. VCD stands for Vickers, Cray and Dartford Athletic. Vickers was a tank and munitions manufacturer based in Cray and over the last few seasons they have quickly risen up the non-league tables.

But what they have to help them is a fantastic ground, part of the  Vickers Sports Ground (tennis, bowls and cricket also have a home here you drop down into the football ground and what a sight awaits you. Immaculate pitch, (Charlton play some of their U21 games here) neat stand, plenty of grass and more wheelie bins than you would find even at some championship clubs.

Plus a programme with a Spitfire on the cover - what is there not to like about a trip to VCD?

What is it about South London?

Saturday 28 November 2015, Charlton Athletic 0 Ipswich Town 3 - Championship, The Valley

We might like playing in South London, a good win even if the game was on Sky, Murph banging a couple in and a clean sheet but the natives south of the river were restless.

The Belgian owner of Charlton (and many other clubs) has upset the home fans, they are not happy about the way the club is being run but the owner believes it is just 2% of Charlton fans who were not happy. So local supporters groups and fanzine organised a 'We are the 2%' protest. Posters were handed out and it seemed at least 75% of the ground held them up after 2 minutes of the game.

After our great win, not sure the owner is going to be on the Christmas Card list of many Charlton fans.

At least I met a legend!

Saturday 21 November 2015, Ipswich Town 2 Wolverhampton Wanderers 2 - Championship, Portman Road

We may not have won but played well and I met a legend - Ray Crawford

Good for 20!

Monday 16 November 2015, Ipswich town Under 21s 1 Brentford Under 21s 3,  U21 Professional Development League 2 - Ipswich Town Training Ground

At least it stayed dry if a bit windy, first 20 minutes we looked sharp but after that it was most Brentford who had pace, hungry, physical and just a bit too much know how for our young team.

Small town, big dreams

Saturday 14 November 2015, Boreham Wood 0 Chester FC 0 - National League , Meadow Park

A flag at this Hertfordshire club declares, "Small town, big dreams" and you can see from their ground, bar, programme and facilities that this club has big dreams and high hopes but there is no doubt there is still plenty of work to be done with the team but even after that the 'small town' tag may hold them back. Just under 600 at the ground today but over 200 of them from Chester and remember Arsenal, Watford, Spurs and QPR were not playing today - if the town do not get behind the club this may be as high as they ever get.

Burger van in a shed!

Wednesday 11 November 2015, Waltham Forest 0 Greenhouse Sports 1, Essex Senior League - Wadham Lodge

Somehow Waltham Forest never scored in the first half even after numerous corners and most of the play, it was amazing to hear they had not won a home game all season but the second half may have been a better indication of why they are still looking for a home win.

Second half was more even but Greenhouse Sports were more clinical when they got a chance and that is why they got their win.

Back to winning ways

Tuesday 3 November 2015, Ipswich Town 2 Bolton Wanderers 0, Championship - Portman Road

Back on the up!

We all still love the 2012 Olympics

Saturday 7 November 2015, England 2 New Zealand 9, Rugby League International, Olympic Stadium - Queen Elizabeth Park, London

3 years after the fantastic 2012 Olympics, we still can't get over that great event and any chance people get to either return to or visit Queen Elizabeth Park for the first time - people take it. Cycling, hockey, athletics, swimming and now we have had both Rugby Union and League and next year it will be football dragging back the crowds.

I was fortunate to be able to watch the athletics at 2012 games and was keen to see how they changed the stadium and all i can say is I was very impressed, it was just a pity that the match was disappointing and England could not carry on the good work from last week in Hull.

I am sure both League and Union will be back - but what is obvious is that West Ham have got a very good deal, many will think they have been given a financial boost courtesy of the tax payer ( and a Tory back hander?). But at least the away fans will now be able to see their team play West Ham in comfort.