SCEFL Groundhop

It was a busy, busy weekend. Lots of ups and a few downs. #life The Saturday was the SCEFL Groundhop and I caught up with this at Fisher in the Southern Counties East Football League Premier Division. It’s amazing that I have never seen a game there. Something always seems to get in the way and although it was not an evening game with the iconic views, it was a prefect opportunity to visit this Step 5 /Level 9 team which is famous for its views, its incredible youth set up and (cough!) some “interesting” ex owners and fans! The ground is easily reached on a direct bus from Peckham or Waterloo but I walked from the DLR at Canada Water. On the way there was an unedifying street fight between a dozen hoodies, mainly on hacked Lime bikes. As I walked ahead purposefully I saw police cars and ambulances racing to the scene.

It was much more orderly inside and a huge crowd of 400+ were entertained to an enjoyable game where the home team never really came to terms with a very front-foot Faversham side. The atmosphere reminded me a bit of Clapton CFC although with no structured singing. There was plenty of vocal support but the away team prevailed and confirmed why they are tipped for the title. Tashi-Jay Kwayie was a particular thorn in the side and his aggressive challenges were frequently successful and set Faversham up for another attack. I have found out since he is a professional model too. Maybe I should not tell Roy Keane or Red Card Roy McDonough!

I had the pleasure of meeting Brian Spurrell, the author of a a number of books about football and he has kindly offered to send me an overview in the next few days. His “History of Erith and Belvedere F.C.” particularly caught my eye. More soon!

So, a good day out and I will definitely be back to Fisher. Cheap coffee, great atmosphere, good transport options, a great printed programme and a friendly crowd …. what more can a man want?

On the terraces I also met Terry Hall (no relation) of Terry’s badges. We had texted and emailed previously but never met. So that was a pleasure. If your club needs badges or you are yourself a badge collector please ping him and I am sure he will be delighted to help out.

Sunday was busy too and it was one of Barry Davey’s West London Programme Fairs It was a hugely successful event. The best ever? Maybe! In attendance were David Pleat who was talking football, shaking hands, reminiscing and promoting his new book. I have to say he looked very well at (There’s hope for me yet!) Barry tells me that if you want a copy of “Just One More Goal” to get in touch. As always my friends Lee Hermitage and Les Easterbrook were there. Lee gets an extra tick as he helped me from making a very dubious but expensive purchase. Free coffee next time, amigo. Les was selling badges like they were going out of fashion, as the saying goes, but it seems they are very much IN fashion. Lee owns North West Middlesex Programmes & Memorabilia and found me a mint Gillingham programme from the 60s to replace a very tatty one. Have a look and if you abuse Arsenal in your email, I am sure he will love you for ever! Barry, Lee, Les …. top guys!

David and Phil at the Fair

A novelty was the presence of David Pleat who looked very sprightly and enjoyed talking all things football as he signed copies of his autobiography. Next to David was Phil Duffy who wrote the comprehensive “They Played for David Pleat at Luton Town.” I was quickly in conversation with Phil who again has promised to send me an overview of the book and what he has been up to since the book was published. I am looking forward to sharing that with you all on here.

Whilst all this was going on Gillingham were getting a lesson at Crewe and FC Deportivo Galicia came very close to creating a huge upset at Yateley. In sunny Leicestershire our intrepid Darren was again in action. Enjoy his latest offering and his gourmet guide to Burgers in Barwell.

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