FA VASE 1ST ROUND, 23/10/2021
ASTERDALE SPORTS GROUND, BORROWASH ROAD, SPONDON,
DERBY, DE21 7PH
Well today, it's FA Vase time again and I have decided to visit a new ground in a city I have never been to before. The city in question is Derby and the ground is that of the team called Graham Street Prims. An unusual name but 'Prims' is just an abbreviation of 'Primitive Methodists' and that was the name when the Graham Street club was first formed in 1904. They sound like they were a hard bunch of God fearing men!
I take the train from Birmingham New Street with no problems and get to Derby in about 40 minutes. I have enough time to visit the Art Gallery & Museum, the Cathedral (see below) and a quick wander around the very large 'Derbion' indoor shopping complex.
After having a light meal at a cafe near the Cathedral I make my way to the Bus Station and take the Indigo Number 4 bus (bound for Nottingham) to Spondon and get off near Borrowash Road where 'The Prims' ground is located.Unfortunately I walk past the entrance to the ground, as I can only see a derelict building and there is no visible sign indicating the club. I realise my mistake when I soon consult Google Maps on my phone. I go to the left after going up the drive to the derelict building, as the ground is soon visible.
I pay to get in at the entrance but I'm disappointed when the guy tells me that there are no programmes available. I do find out that club badges are for sale and I purchase one in the club house.
The Fred Harding Ground is a bit basic but definitely good enough for this level. It has floodlights, with hard standing all around and a small stand is near the entrance with seating for about 100 spectators, to the side of the goal at the western end of the pitch. There is fencing all around, except for 2 gaps either side of the goal at the eastern end, so that any stray balls can be retrieved (very important feature). On the southern side of the pitch is a sheltered area with a long bench for more seating. The team dugouts are located on the opposite side.
The teams come out in their usual colours. Graham Street in red and white striped shirts, with black shorts and socks. The visitors are in their all blue kit apart from the white frontage on the shirts.
I have predicted a 4-1 victory for Lichfield today as I know they are in good form and in 2nd position in the Midland Football League, Premier Division, while their hosts are next to bottom in Div One of the United Counties League, which is also a step below that of Lichfield. Only their very near neighbours, Borrowash United, sit below them in the league table.
From the off, it's Lichfield having most of the play and they take an early 5th minute lead. It starts with left back, Joe Haines going down the left and crossing the ball for Lichfield's captain Patterson but the home keeper gets to the ball first but he only manages to see the ball loop in to the air for the waiting Jack Edwards to control it well and turn to shoot in to the right hand corner. Seen below being congratulated by a team mate.
Luke Childs, scores a second when he receives the ball from a corner on the right makes a run across the to the goal, scuffs a shot and a Prims defender makes a hash of clearing the ball and the ball goes past him and the startled keeper and in to the goal. A bit of a fluky goal.
The hosts are battling to get in to the game but find it hard going as the superior passing game of Lichfield means that they don't see that much of the ball and the visitors defence is coping well with any attacks.
Lichfield bag another goal in the 40th minute when their midfield lynch-pin and captain, Patterson, is pulled back by The Prims No.4 Garton while running toward goal in the box and their No.10, Lomas, strokes the resulting penalty home.
So at the break, City are in control and three goals to the good and Graham Street need to up their game to get a look in.
It's a cloudy and cool day and I decide I will need to wear my gloves for the 1st time this season, to keep my shutter finger warm.
In the second half it's still Lichfield dominating the play and their No.9 Dixon sees his shot blocked by the keeper, Musgrove, when he gets through on goal.
After 70 minutes Luke Childs sees his shot well saved by Musgrove and 3 minutes later he saves well from another Lichfield effort. It's only a brief respite however as from a right hand corner, the ball drops invitingly for Dixon to slot home goal number 4.
Graham Street Prims keep battling to the end and their substitute, No.14 Wilks sees his header go close. I think he probably should have played from the start as he does trouble the visitors defence with his speed and physical presence, (shown below, holding up the ball).
Lichfield have enough time to see them go close to scoring a fifth goal when substitute Pegg has a shot crash against the cross bar and Childs has another shot saved with a minute to go.
It's been a tough game for the home team but they stuck to their task well despite being outplayed for much of the time and I hope they can fare better in their league before the end of the season.
On the other hand Lichfield City continue to the next round in November for a home encounter with fellow Midland Leaguer's Highgate United and they still have an eye on the Premier Division title.
I certainly have enjoyed my first visit to Derby and I can recommend a visit to this friendly club. Just make sure you don't miss the entrance to the ground!
Match attendance: 60 (approx)
Entrance fee: £5
Match programme: none available
Entertainment value: 7/10
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