Larkfield & New Hythe Wanderers 2 v 4 Eastbourne Town

Saturday 29th August 2020, Kick-off 15.00
Pre-season Friendly
Larkfield and New Hythe Sports Club, Larkfield
Admission: Free
Programme: None
Attendance: 65 (estimate)

For the last Saturday before the competitive action starts in midweek, I was rather undecided on where to go today in search of a new ground. But this hastily arranged fixture, only finalised on Friday afternoon after both clubs’ original games had been cancelled, sufficiently attracted me, being not too far away to drive, and I decided to double up with a very pleasant 5 mile walk beforehand, starting at nearby East Malling and passing through woodland, orchards and with lovely views of the North Downs en route.

Larkfield Sports Club is located down a short lane through quite a wide expanse of playing fields, with the football ground located just before the lane becomes blocked to cars. For a club that has spent the last 18 seasons in the second tier of the Kent County League and below, the ground is remarkably well appointed, very smart, tidy and easy on the eye, thanks to major refurbishment earlier this year, and ambition to move up the footballing pyramid. At the entrance, visitors were asked to use handgel, and "check-in" via an app for track and trace purposes. The clubhouse is situated next to the entrance and behind one of the goals, with a bar and a flat screen TV inside, and plenty of room to linger on tarmac to the front. The pitch has plastic railing around all four sides, and neat perimeter wooden panel fencing along one length and behind most of the clubhouse end. There is newly laid hard standing behind the goal, and along both lengths, although only up to half way on one side, where smart dug-outs have been installed. There are two black and yellow stands, one with steps to stand on close to the corner flag on one length, and a 50 seater metallic all-seater stand close to the half way line on the other side. Along this length, grass banking offers a good, slightly elevated view, and from this side, the North Downs in the distance make for an attractive background, as do trees closely lining most of the ground. The ground would not be far away from meeting Step 6 ground grading regulations, although there are currently no floodlights in place. An enjoyable visit was augmented by a warm and friendly welcome, and it was good to sense a real community feel to the place.

Last season, Larkfield and New Hythe Wanderers were in the third tier of the Kent County League, and after the season was voided, it initially looked like they would remain at the notional Step 9 of the football pyramid. However, it was announced just over a fortnight ago that they would be promoted into the Division One Central & East for the coming season. Today's visitors would certainly be a tough test for them, playing in the Step 5 Southern Combination League Premier Division, and were in second place when last season was abandoned, and continue to have ambitions to return to Isthmian League football as soon as possible.

On a dull and surprisingly very chilly afternoon for August - with temperatures at just 15C but with a stiff cold breeze making it feel even colder, Larkfield certainly gave a good account of themselves and were competitive throughout, whilst Eastbourne were clinical with the chances that came their way. They opened the scoring on 12 minutes, when a ball forward tempted the keeper out, but it was knocked past him and rolled goalwards, before being tapped over the line. Larkfield were playing well, and had a great chance to equalise on 29 minutes following a well worked move around the box, and after an initial shot was parried, the follow-up shot was struck just high and wide. On 32 minutes, Eastbourne saw a near post header parried by the keeper and the loose ball diverted away for a corner, but from that, the visitors scored again with a glancing header. And on 41 minutes, Eastbourne scored their third, a looping cross from the left was headed home at the far post.

The second half continued in much the same vein, Larkfield still competing well and were just unable to put away a couple of good chances in quick succession on the hour mark, but Eastbourne scored their fourth on 65 minutes following a terrific run from deep, waltzing through Larkfield's midfield and defence before rolling the ball past the keeper. Seven minutes and it should have been 0-5 when a far post header saw the ball placed just wide of a gaping goal. But on 74 minutes, Larkfield scored a consolation goal which they deserved, a free kick close to the corner flag was headed home. And on 82 minutes, they were awarded a penalty for a trip in the area, which was duly converted into the bottom right corner.

Although this was an entertaining game and an enjoyable visit to the ground, it was with a little relief when the final whistle blew and I could make a hasty retreat to my car - rarely can I remember being so cold in August - but 2020 is a crazy year indeed...