Saturday 23rd March 2024, Kick-off 14.30
Ardal Southern League South East Division
Larkspur Drive, Chepstow
Admission including Programme: £6.00
Attendance: 70 (estimate)
With a 25% off voucher for National Express tickets, I decided to book a ticket to Bristol for today, knowing there is always a plethora of games to choose from in that region. In the end, I decided to pop just over the border into Wales, for this game in the third tier of the Welsh pyramid.
Having arrived at Bristol Bus Station at midday, I then quickly boarded a bus for about an hour's journey north eastwards to the charming town of Chepstow - although sadly, I did not have time to fully explore the town. The entrance to the ground is along one length, with admission paid at a wooden hut, with a programme included with admission. Pleasingly, the programme is available to download online as well. Facilities are fairly basic, with no floodlights present. A modern metallic all-seater stand straddles the half way line, with hard standing along the rest of this length and behind one end. The other length has only fairly uneven grass to stand on, although it was the best place to watch the action from today, with the sun behind, while the remaining length is out of bounds. A spacious and modern clubhouse is set back in one corner, with a range of seating options and draught beers available. The ground looks out over the distant hills on the English side of the border, with both Severn bridges are also visible. It is a tidy and well kept ground, with a very friendly welcome from all encountered.
This game would be between two clubs with work to do to remain in the division, particularly the visitors. Chepstow came into this game in tenth place, following seven wins and four draws from their 20 league games, seven points above the bottom three in the relegation zone. Treowen Stars were fourth bottom, only out of the relegation zone on goal difference, but have played a game less than both clubs above them.
A bright sunny afternoon gave way to a heavy hailstorm at the players came out to take the field of play, alhough mercifully that only lasted for a couple of minutes, before the fine conditions resumed and remained throughout the game.Chepstow came close to opening the scoring in the third minute, when a long range shot caught the keeper out of position and the ball came back off the top right angle of the woodwork. But for the rest of the half, the visitors slightly edged proceedings, doing most of the attacking and looking the more likely to score. But neither side did and the scoreline remained goalless at the break.
The second half continued in much the same fashion, although Chepstow thought they had taken the lead on 74 minutes, when a cross was headed into the ground and over the line, but the goal was ruled out for offise. But in the 82nd minute, the home side were awarded a penalty for a trip in the box, and Matty Board drove the spot kick down the middle. In added on time, the visitors saw a corner come back off the post, and they were consigned to another defeat, although they remained out of the relegation zone, with Abercarn United losting last night. As for Chepstow, it was not a great performance by them today, but the three points almost certainly ensures their survival for next season.
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