Champions but defeat today

Saturday 11 April 2026, Great Shelford 1 Orwell 1 - Cambridgeshire County League, Great Shelford Recreation Ground

Great Shelford won the league during the week, and with Orwell closer to the bottom a home win was expected, however it was Orwell who took the lead on 5 minutes and continued to look dangerous on the break. Shelford had plenty of the ball but today the final pass was missing. They got back on terms after 24 minutes, direct from a free kick.

Second half was much the same, Shelford having most of the play but Orwell looking dangerous on the break, as the game went on, Great Shelford got more frustrated and in injury time, one of their defenders got a red card.

The Recreation Ground is in the middle of the village, has an enclosed feel due to trees on one side, roped off on both sides and plenty of benches around the pitch, all that gave a good view of the game.  Very modern pavilion, shared with cricket and bowls - serving hot drinks at half time. Like Foxton, during the week, another quality pitch in this league. 

Two games, 12 goals

Tuesday 26 August 2025, Colchester United Under 21s 3 Coventry City Under 21s 2, Professional Development League, Florence Park

1pm - but kicked off closer to 1.20pm

Colchester back at their training ground after a couple of seasons at Maldon. Played on pitch closest to Changing room/office block, surprised no dug outs for teams ( and it rained,) also spectator area very cramped.

Coventry arrived late so game kicked off 15 minutes late with Coventry having little time to warm up, Colchester took advantage of this and were one up after 8 minutes and had numerous other chances but Coventry grew into the game and went in at the break 2-1 up after goals in the 21st and 29th minute. Second half saw Colchester take charge and equalised with the best goal of the game on 52 minutes, an acrobatic effort by Kaion Lisbie ( son of former Col Utd player, Kevin). Colchester then got a winner after 62 minutes, making it 3 wins out of 3 so far this season. Good to meet the author of 'European Football's Greatest Grounds' so second half was spent taking about Moldova, Serbia and Argentina!

Then off to Cambridge

Hardwick 7 Orwell 0, Cambridgeshire County League, The Recreation Ground

6.15pm

Small public recreation ground in a small village north west of Cambridge, seemed to be mainly a modern housing development. Small car park but plenty of on street parking either side of the Rec. The surprise was to find a large club house/community centre with a full bar and in the car park a 'posh' burger van - both doing good business. The pitch was roped off on both sides.

Hardwick were far the better team and took the lead on 20 minutes, with a header from a corner. Orwell had a few chances but Hardwick should have been at least 2 or 3 goals up at the break.

Second half was still mainly Hardwick and the goals started to flow from the 65th minute as Orwell tired and their offside trap failed numerous times - with goals on 65, 66, 68, 77, 88 and 89 minutes.