The weekend began with a Ryman Premier fixture between AFC Wimbledon and East Thurrock United on Friday afternoon. Second from top was playing second from bottom and Havant’s FA Cup hero Alfie Potter gave the Dons the lead after seven minutes.
My half-time prediction to a pal that the superior Dons would run out 4-0 winners was again totally wide of the mark. The Rocks had a substitute red-carded with about ten minutes left, but even without any forwards they managed to score twice in stoppage time to produce a highly unlikely 1-2 scoreline.
The drenching I got on the walk from the ground back to Norbiton Station was the worst since Weymouth three years ago. I was soaked through three layers of clothing and everything in my pockets – including match programme, train tickets and money – was damp and stuck together. And I had to shiver in those wet clothes all the way back to Paddington.
Saturday was even worse weather-wise. I’d chosen to watch Bethnal Green United v Deportivo Galicia in the Middlesex County League’s Premier Division, visiting the former’s ground in Meath Gardens for the first time. It was dry when they kicked off at 2.30, though I counted four little puddles near the middle of the pitch.
There was no cover whatsoever and the crowd of 12 (about 11 more than I was expecting) were soon being lashed by rain, sleet and hail. I was sitting on a park bench behind one goal, hunched up with hands in pockets and pretending this nightmare wasn’t happening. One chap opened an umbrella at the touchline and it was smashed to pieces in seconds.
Believe me, it was hell out there.
It was actually one of the most entertaining games of the season. Bethnal Green, wearing green, won 3-2 and on chances it might have been something like 10-8. The Deportivo ‘keeper, with "PORTUGAL" on his back, performed heroics in the first half as the home side poured forward with the strong wind behind them. There was a lot of pouring going on.
It did brighten up after half-time, but I’d still had my second soaking of the weekend. I wanted to see Reigate Priory’s historic fixture with Royal Engineers on Sunday afternoon, but there was a complete blizzard in Paddington in mid-morning and this time staying indoors seemed to be the more sensible option. Not that I’m usually sensible.
I made up for that by taking in two games on Monday, despite seeing horizontal sleet through the window for most of the 25-stop tube journey to Upminster Bridge. AFC Hornchurch, third in the Ryman Premier, were playing already-relegated Leyton. It finished 9-0 and in the last few seconds, with the crowd shouting "One more! One more!", Hornchurch hit the post.
Then it was the District line back to Mile End and Central line out to Barkingside to watch Redbridge play Wingate & Finchley in the Ryman Division One North. The only goal was scored after 17 minutes by the Redbridge No.9 and it was a cracker. A half-volley from at least 30 yards went like a bullet into the bottom corner.
Nordwest beat Times Athletic 2-0 in last night’s Islington Midweek League Invitation Cup Third Round tie at Market Road. Times’ No.10 chipped in one "goal", but it was chalked off because he kicked the wrong ball. Work that one out.