Saturday 22nd August 2009
Chapel Road, Tiptree
Essex Senior League
Admission: £6.00
Programme: £1.00
Attendance : 70
A few times a season, I like to take advantage of the longer, warmer days by finding a game to go to deep in the countryside, to which I can walk several mailes to get to. This game in deepest Essex fitted that bill perfectly, being a warm summer's day. Arriving at Kelvedon, just under an hour's train ride from London Liverpool Street between Chelmsford and Colchester, I set out on the three and a half mile walk across the countryside to Tiptree, which proved to be a pleasant if unspectacular walk.The same could also be said about the village of Tiptree. A further reason for wanting to go to this game today was it wuld be one of the last opportunities to visit the Chapel Road ground, as its sale is imminent and a ground-share arrangement with nearby Maldon Town already agreed for when Tiptree have to vacate their ground some time during the current season.
The ground is reasonably nice, surrounded by trees which always helps and a small old fashioned stand made of brick. The clubhouse is a rather strange building, right up close to the pitch but with no outward facing windows save for a small tea bar. This was the first home game in the Essex Senior League, having transferred from the Eastern Counties, of which they won the First Division by a mile last season, They have started this season very well too, having scored 11 goals in their opening three games. A special mention is due for the excellent programme, you don't mind paying £1.50 when it is packed with information, although the very minor blot is many mentions of the Ridgeons Eastern Counties League - which they no longer play in. Obviously they're using the same programme format as last season.
The first half was an even affair, although poor defending and some direct attacking play meant that the London based Manor Park deservedly went into half-time leading 2-1. Indeed, it could be argued that Tiptree were lucky to only be one goal. However, the second half proved to be a completely different affiar, with the Tiptree manager obviously earning hi money with his half time team talk. They equalised within a minute of the restart and suddenly, from looking likely winners, Eton Manor looked happy with the draw, wasting time and breaking up play at every opportunity.That game plan went out of the window when Tiptree took the lead on 66 minutes, and now Tiptree looked like the only winners of the game as Eton Manor's players seemed to let their heads drop. However, with just over 5 minutes of the game left, Eton Manor eqaulised with a well taken goal to tie the game 3-3. This time, Eton Manor didn't look happy to settle for a point and pushed hard for a winner. However, deep into added on time, a Tiptree forward surged into the box and a defender tackled the forward's ankles, missing the ball, for a clear cut penalty. The Eton Manor players looked absolutely crestfallen, quite understandably, and Tom English, the outstanding ex-Colchester striker, sent the keeper the wrong way to win the game for Tiptree 4-3.
I couldn't have asked for much more from a game which swung both ways throughout, had two penalties, at a pleasant rural ground which, sadly, will soon be consigned to history and turned into yet another housing estate. I then set off the hour and a half walk back to Kelvedon, finding a different footpath route this time, and then caught the train back to Liverpool Street. An enjoyable day out, although not one I would particularly recommend as a "must do". If you, you'll have a pleasant day out at a friendly club and won't feel disappointed.
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