F.A. CUP, 1ST QUALIFYING ROUND, 04/09/2021
THE OVAL, COVENTRY ROAD, BEDWORTH, CV12 8NN
This Saturday I have chosen the FA Cup tie taking place between Bedworth United against Winterton Rangers, a team I have to confess of never hearing of before a few days ago. They hail from a small town, situated between the town of Scunthorpe and the River Humber. They play in the Northern Counties East League, Premier Division.
I have visited The Oval ground of Bedworth once before, about 10 to 11 years ago.
When I set out from Birmingham, the weather forecast is good, mainly sunny at 20 c. I take the train, via Coventry, from where I have to take the replacement bus service, which takes a bit longer than anticipated.
Walking through the town I head to the Miners Welfare Park, whose name evokes memories of the local (now defunct) coal mining industry of the North Warwickshire coal field. The Park itself is a very pleasant area, especially in today's fine weather and I have a meal at the Mayor's Cafe situated in the northern end of the Park.
It's a great recreational area for the town, as it not only contains the 'The Oval' but also the town team's cricket pitch and a swimming pool too.
I walk in to the ground with plenty of time to spare. I buy a cup of tea at the tea bar by the main stand on the eastern side of the ground and I am able to buy a club badge there as well!
I take position at the southern end of the ground by the left side of the goal where it's just a hard standing area and on my left is where the club house is with a covered area at the front and on the next level is a covered area where the club execs and guests can look on to the pitch.
The opposite end of the ground is similar to where I'm standing and on the other side is where the main stand is situated, with the changing rooms underneath.
The teams come out on to the artificial pitch with the home side in their all green strip and Winterton in their change strip of all red.
The game proceeds with 'The Greenbacks' camped in their opponents half and Liam Lockett puts them in the lead taking advantage of a defensive mix-up that occurs after a free kick.
The visitors though ride the storm for the first 15 minutes and gradually start to get a foothold in the game. They even equalise when their No.10, Josh Walker, heads in from a corner after 26 minutes.
For the rest of the half Winterton are the more dangerous side and must feel they have a chance of an upset.
It's obvious when play resumes that Bedworth have other ideas and step up the pace. Their No.7 Eesa Sawyers fires home their 2nd goal and then scores again after 65 minutes when cutting in skilfully from the right.
The Greenbacks have another goal disallowed for offside and soon after Winterton show that they are willing to fight back when their No.9 heads over the bar after a cross from the right.
Their captain then has a shot blocked with 5 minutes to go.
The last word though is had by Bedworth when in the last minute, midfielder Olly Mulders is left with plenty of time and space, shoots in from 30 yards out.
So United are very worthy winners and it's great boost for their morale after their recent poor league form. Winterton Rangers showed plenty of spirit today, especially in the first half and will be looking for a good showing now in their league campaign.
Match Attendance: 212
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