Saturday 2 November 2013, Saffron Walden Town FC 2 Debenham Leisure FC 2, Thurlow Nunn League Division 1 - Catons Lane
This week we saw Cornard possibly having to stop playing and I heard also that Woodbridge Town may be without a home next season, worrying times for non league clubs - but there is a way back and a visit to West Essex yesterday highlighted that. Saffron Walden had to take a break from Senior football but are now back in the Thurlow Nunn, playing well a youthful team and best of all and to give hope to others- playing in front of some of the largest crowds in Division One.
I took in the game yesterday v Debenham, both teams played decent football which was hard on a slippery, sloped and not the greatest playing surface in the area.
Walden took the lead and no surprise as it came from a corner - where they dominated and Debenham played nice football but seemed to struggle in the final third.
The second half then came as a surprise, as Debenham got in front, a nice team goal followed by a stunning individual effort. Walden got back on terms - no surprise as it came from a corner! Walden then dominated for the last 15 minutes with their substitutes giving them fresh impetus, but Debenham held on for a point.
Walden have a fine balance with ex QPR man Stuart Wardley at the back a few more experienced players and a number of promising youngsters in the squad.
But where a town like Woodbridge need to take hope is the crowds Walden get and also the money spent in the bar and on food, a town like Woodbridge should be able to do the same but the problem in Suffolk is that Woodbridge may be losing their ground.
But if you get a chance visit Catons Lane, some great non-league stands and some good football.
