Arlesey Town FC

Arlesey Town 2 Uxbridge 0 - Isthmian League Division One North

Isthmian League

Arlesey is a small industrial town in the district of Mid Bedfordshire in Bedfordshire. It is located about four miles north of Hitchin and four miles south of Biggleswade. Arlesey railway station provides direct train services to London and Peterborough. The Domesday book mentions Arlesey as a market town. St Peters Church, situated in the Church End part of the town, was built in the 11th century by the monks of Waltham Abbey. Major employers in Arlesey used to be the Fairfield Hospital (now re-developed as housing) and the former brickworks (producers of the Arlesey Whites bricks seen in many local buildings). Some of the clay pits use by the brickworks are now lakes including the Blue Lagoon, which hosts fishing and sailing clubs.


I first visited Arlesey back in 1994 for their FA Vase Quarter Final v Boston FC. In those days they were based at Lamb Meadow but in recent years they have relocated to a new stadium at Hitchin Road. Lamb Meadow was also located on Hitchin Road but was nearer to the town.


The new venue is further from the railway station and based on previous experience it might take up to 45 minutes to walk. There appeared though to be plenty of buses passing the ground and, certainly on a Saturday, a bus from nearby Hitchin (more trains too) would seem a good bet.


The new stadium is very good, with a decent sized stand, covered terracing opposite and decent banked terracing behind one goal. The clubhouse looked good with a thriving social scene, with no pubs in sight of the ground, I guess they have a regular trade from the area.


Admission to the game was £6 and children under 11 are admitted free. A result for me as I had 2 with me. Sadly the offer was not extended to Spouses but you can't have everything.


Despite a bright start, Uxbridge fell behind to two first half goals from Arlesey and further misfortune came in the second period when they lost their keeper (broken leg I think). A slight delay ensued before their assistant manager went between the sticks.



The Pieman's earlier visit to Lamb Meadow (February 1994)

Grantham Town FC

Grantham Town 0 Stafford Rangers 2 - Southern League Premier Division

Grantham is a market town within the South Kesteven district of Lincolnshire, England. Located along the course of the River Witham, to the south-southwest of the city of Lincoln. The town is best known as the birthplace and childhood home of former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. The town is situated within short walking distance of an ancient Roman road, and was the scene of Oliver Cromwell's first advantage over Royalists during the English Civil War.

A Good Friday evening match at Goodison Park set the scene for a visit elsewhere the following day. On Merseyside we stayed in the Waterloo district and Ian Scott kindly made the accommodation arrangements. Ian as many of you know was a planner and spotting that this was Easter weekend booked us in to a guest house run by Augustinian sisters ! The nuns were friendly and obliging (a bit like the Spurs defence at Everton - Ed) and contrary to Paul O'Sullivan's advice, the breakfast was sufficient.

Enough of this - what about Grantham ?

Main Stand

We chose this venue as it was close to the A1 and it would be an easy get away. This was proved as I was home at Cheshunt before 7pm. Grantham play at the South Kesteven Sports Stadium (probably 35 minutes walk from the station). It is a relatively new ground (1991) and houses a running track too. It is a very open venue and on our visit was fairly chilly. Lincolnshire being flat and open, this area being no exception. Apart from the main stand, the other covered area is terracing situated on the opposite side of the ground.

Stafford Rangers FC were enjoying a good season and in the end comfortably beat their hosts 2-0.

From above

The clubhouse, at the rear of the main stand, is good with hot food available and a bonus was the real ale option (local Grantham brew Oldershaw's OSB).


Programme: £1.80 (48 pages)

The subsequent visit by Smid - 8 September 2007