Hollyfields Sports & Conference Centre, Woodacre Road,
Erdington, Birmingham, B24 0JT
13th August, 2022 3:00pm Kick-Off
Due to the current problems with the train strikes, I have decided to keep my travelling fairly local today but with another new ground to watch Edgbaston Spartans play in their first league match at Hollyfields in Erdington.
I watched them once last season in their first full season in the West Midlands League and after struggling initially they had an improved 2nd half of the season and finished in eighth place and I think reached the semi-final of their League Cup competition.
I was wondering this morning, if going to this match is a good idea as it will likely be very hot this afternoon, probably 33 degrees + ? Not my kind of weather at all but I decide to go while taking suitable precautions, like taking plenty of liquids and electrolytes as well as putting on sun lotion.
I surprisingly have no problems travelling by bus to Erdington and have time to have a look around the shopping centre and have a good value meal at a local cafe. I even have a problem free bus ride which takes me close to the ground on the number 25 bus. I usually would have walked to the ground but it's just too hot today.
Soon I am in Woodacre Road and at the gates to this sports ground.
This ground is principally used by Hollyfields FC who run several junior football teams who play in the Central Warwickshire Youth and also the Midland Junior Leagues. I believe that until recently this ground was used for cricket but I don't know which team/teams played here.
I walk through the car park and the club house/conference centre is to my right with the main football pitch directly in front and the other pitch to the left, on which side is also where the changing rooms are located.
I have time to have a refreshing half-pint of cider before venturing back in to the heat outside. I notice that lying in front of the club house is a decking area with tables and chairs, for leisurely viewing of the sporting action.
When the 2 teams come out, Edgbaston Spartans are in a new looking kit, mainly white except for grey shirt sleeves and red socks. I think FC Premier (who have come up from the Birmingham & District League) are in their change strip, which consists of red & white striped shirts with black shorts and socks.
At the start it's the visitors who are generally on top, being awarded 3 corners but not creating any clear cut chances.
Edgbaston though go close after 20 minutes when awarded a free kick on the right and the subsequent shot goes skidding across the goal and just past the right hand post.
Then FC Premier have a header go over the bar from a free kick and then within the space of a minute, Spartans have 2 shots, one going wide of the post and the other in to the side netting.
The home side are looking the more dangerous team and it's no surprise when their unmarked No.9, Ermand Kaloti, strokes the ball in to the net.
They have 2 more chances and should have scored at least one more goal too.
So it's looking more promising today for Edgbaston after their unfortunate defeat last Saturday when conceding a goal in the 7th minute of stoppage time away to the Stourport Swifts Development team.
At one point during the first half I talked briefly to a young guy who was stood close by and he told me that he is joining the Edgbaston team and hopes to play up front for them. He has played Sunday league football up until now.
During the interval I venture up to the far end of the pitch where there is some shade under the tall hedge at the back.
When play resumes, FC Premier score an equaliser early on following a mistake in the Spartans defence and the visitor's No.14 shoots home for an easy goal.
FC Premier are definitely upping their game in this half and after 75 minutes they take the lead through their N0.8 and captain when he neatly side-steps a challenge and drills the ball home.
6 minutes later and Edgbaston should have equalised but instead this time, Kaloti, blazes the ball over the bar from close in.
The home side are rewarded with their late pressure in the 44th minute when that man Kaloti makes amends and shoots home for the equaliser.
So this contest ends in a 2-2 draw and maybe that's the right result in the end as FC Premier improved in the second half.
The set up at this ground is pretty neat, with a good clubhouse and decent pitch, although not so good for spectators in the bad weather, as there is no shelter, although there is a small covered area in between the dug-outs. I'm not sure if spectators are allowed in though as it may be just for the coaching and playing staff?
I realised when looking at a map of this area before I got on the bus, that this ground lies just around the corner from Paget Road Junior School, where many moons ago my late father had gone to in his young school days. I think he always had a bit of a soft spot for Paget Rangers FC too.
On today's showing I think Edgbaston Spartans have improved from last season and will be looking to finish in the top half of the table. Also I'm sure FC Premier will initially be looking for a season of consolidation.
Both teams did really well in very trying conditions today, no doubt helped with drink breaks provided in both halves and hopefully we have seen the last of this extreme heat this year.
Entrance Fee: £5
Match attendance: Approx 10-15
Match Programme: none available
Match entertainment: 7/10
West Midlands Regional League
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