Hoppers day out

Saturday 24 October 2020, Boxted Lodgers 1  Belle Vue Social Club 2 - Essex and Suffolk Border league, Division One, King George Playing Field

The number of hoppers present made double figures and they saw a good game, Belle Vue are top of the league but they made hard work of this game and as it stayed close, tempers frayed in the second half- with a 20 player punch up and not great to see some from the sidelines join in.

The referee only booked one player after the fracas, both teams lucky not to lose players.

But some good football, a cracking opening goal plus a cracking header, pity that was an own goal! 

Left it late

Saturday 17 October 2020, Ampthill Town 2 London Lions 1 - Ampthill Park, Spartan South Midlands League, Division One

Small basic ground, but the visit was made worthwhile by a cracking stand plus the surrounding area- a country park, a cricket ground and across the road the rugby ground plus another football ground.

The game was all action- with plenty of chances at boths ends - London Lions had most of the play in the first half but after 8 minutes the hosts took the lead and for the rest of the half, looked dangerous on the break.

It did not take the Lions long to get back on terms in the second half but they could not go on to win the game as the second half was more of an even contest.

Ampthill came the closes to getting back in front when a free kick hit the bar, however with just 3 minutes left on the clock, Ampthill got the winner. Good game, plenty to entertain.

Goal fest

Saturday  10 October 2020, Shefford Town & Campton 5 Langford 1 - Spartan South Midlands League, Division One, Shefford Sports Club

A basic if modern ground, spacious clubhouse, two small stands - and an excellent playing surface.

Maybe not a ground many hoppers would rush back to visit again, but we should remember that in the end it is the sports, the game that we go to watch and what we had today was a game when one team was totally on song, worked hard, passed the ball well and to top it off scored 5 goals with the final one a peach of chip.

Shefford impressed all over the park today.

Yet another cup game!

 Wednesday 7 October 2020, Walsham-Le-Willows 1 Ipswich Town Under 23s 3 - Suffolk Premier Cup, 2nd Round, Summer Lane

Another cup game and another win! To make it even better, a win with style, opponents also played good football, a good crowd and a world class goal from a young Ipswich centre back!

We might not be able to watch the first team at the moment, but at least the Under 16s and a young Under 23 side are keeping us entertained! 

Landlors v tenants and a cup for the winners!

 Tuesday 6 October 2020, Ipswich Wanderers 1 Coplestonians 0 - Suffolk Senior Cup Final (19/20) - Humber Doucy Lane

Not the greatest game and not one that will be remembered for the football on display, however a great event for both clubs, I am sure they would have preferred to play at Portman Road, but as that could not happen, to play the game at their own home, was a good alternative.

Well organised, a sell out and a close game.

Good to Humber Doucy Lane has lost none of it's charm - the blue and white paint, the corrugated iron fencing and the odd/quant signs. I always try and get to my closest Step 6 ground a couple of times a season, and always made to feel welcome - well done to the Suffolk FA and both clubs.

Suffolk side, lucky to get through

Saturday 3 October 2020, Leighton Town 1 Leiston 2 - Bell Close, FA Cup 2nd Qualifying Round.

Big shock was that we had no rain, a bit on the trip across from Ipswich but then stayed dry for the whole game. Liked the ground, enclosed feel, town centre near by.

Leiston, 2 divisions higher, started the quicker and were soon two up, with the first from the penalty spot. Leighton did pull one back in the 28th Minute.

Second half was very scrappy, Leiston did hit the post when their full back, Hammond joined the attack but other than that shot, the Suffolk side were very poor in the second half and were fortunate to keep their lead and progress to the next round

Too much class

 Thursday 1 October 2020, Sporting 87 Under 18s 1 Ipswich Town Under 16s 8 - Suffolk FA Under 18 Midweek Cup at AFC Sudbury

It was good to see Ipswich enter this competition last season and even though that competition did not finish due to lockdown, good to see we have entered again this year.

It gives us a chance to see who may be the 'stars' of the future at Portman Road, and also shows the benefit of that academy system and the coaching they receive.

Most of the Sporting 87 players were two years old than their Ipswich counterparts, however as the score shows, class overcomes age.

But we must say thank you for sporting 87 for the effort they put in, not only on the pitch but in providing a programme and along with the staff at AFC Sudbury, making sure the game ran smoothly.

Plus with over 600 young players attached to the Bury teams, they are to be congratulated on providing a great service to the young people of Bury St Edmunds.

Players who impressed me in the Ipswich side - take note of these names!  Jack Manly and Nico Valentine - plus the centre forward Finn Corrigan. Finn however seems to have a similar attitude problem that our current Under 18 number 09, Zak Brown has!