Carshalton 1-3 Kingstonian
War Memorial Sports Ground
18/01/14
Att: 390
On the morning of the game I was to see both Binfield and Aldershot called off, so I sought the fixture list in order to get my footballing fix. With the weather ominous, I narrowed my choices to 3, choosing Carshalton simply as it was close to the station. The prior Sunday I'd watched Kingstonian host Dulwich, in an entertaining top of the table clash, so I was quite looking forward to seeing the K's in action again. The journey was simple, change at Clapham and Sutton, then walk about 500 meters to the ground.
Walking up the small approach to the ground I was confused somewhat to see a group of people stood around. I anticipated the worst, especially as it'd taken two pitch inspections for the game to be on. Alas, it was something completely different altogether. As it turned out members of the Carshalton Supporters Club were boycotting/protesting against the (in their eyes) unjust banning of 6 of their members without reason. The person this, and the flyers handed out, were directed at is Owner/Chairmen/Former Manager Paul Dipre, who it appears has been a rather controversial figure in his 5 years at the club doing things such as change their badge and kit colour. It's certainly an interesting saga developing, with an article in the Metro recently.
After taking the leaflet handed to me I entered the ground and paid my £3 admission money. Colston Avenue, as it's affectionately known, has been host to Carshalton since 1906. Today it is one of those venues you automatically associate with the Ryman league. You enter in one corner, upon which straight in front of you is the main side. The predominance of this is the tea hut/club shop/Clubhouse but at the fair side is the only seats the ground houses. This is in the form of a covered stand running a third of the pitch, with a capacity of 240. The far end has a small covered terrace, named "Fred's end". Along the other side is a fair sized terrace, running the length of the pitch, with the near end being a small terrace of 2 steps.
The game was comfortably won by the title challenging visitors, who went ahead in the 22nd minute when Andre McCollin tapped home a loose ball. The remaining 3 goals were to come from the spot, and I thought the ref was spot on for all of them. The hosts equalised first, through Tommy Bradford in the 31st minute. Three minutes later McCollin would get his second, despite the keeper getting very close to the ball. He would seal his hat trick off, and confirm his team all three points, in 84th minute. This time there was no doubt as he cooly dispatched it.
It'd been an enjoyable day, and one that I learnt more about the goings on in the Ryman Leagues. On the past week alone, I'd be willing to bet that the K's will push right till the end for the top spot. Carshalton on the other hand, while having a fair bit of play and a number of chances, lacked the cutting edge and luck. After the game it was announced that their manager had stepped down, suggesting the turbulent times at the South London club are to stay.
Walking up the small approach to the ground I was confused somewhat to see a group of people stood around. I anticipated the worst, especially as it'd taken two pitch inspections for the game to be on. Alas, it was something completely different altogether. As it turned out members of the Carshalton Supporters Club were boycotting/protesting against the (in their eyes) unjust banning of 6 of their members without reason. The person this, and the flyers handed out, were directed at is Owner/Chairmen/Former Manager Paul Dipre, who it appears has been a rather controversial figure in his 5 years at the club doing things such as change their badge and kit colour. It's certainly an interesting saga developing, with an article in the Metro recently.
After taking the leaflet handed to me I entered the ground and paid my £3 admission money. Colston Avenue, as it's affectionately known, has been host to Carshalton since 1906. Today it is one of those venues you automatically associate with the Ryman league. You enter in one corner, upon which straight in front of you is the main side. The predominance of this is the tea hut/club shop/Clubhouse but at the fair side is the only seats the ground houses. This is in the form of a covered stand running a third of the pitch, with a capacity of 240. The far end has a small covered terrace, named "Fred's end". Along the other side is a fair sized terrace, running the length of the pitch, with the near end being a small terrace of 2 steps.
The game was comfortably won by the title challenging visitors, who went ahead in the 22nd minute when Andre McCollin tapped home a loose ball. The remaining 3 goals were to come from the spot, and I thought the ref was spot on for all of them. The hosts equalised first, through Tommy Bradford in the 31st minute. Three minutes later McCollin would get his second, despite the keeper getting very close to the ball. He would seal his hat trick off, and confirm his team all three points, in 84th minute. This time there was no doubt as he cooly dispatched it.
It'd been an enjoyable day, and one that I learnt more about the goings on in the Ryman Leagues. On the past week alone, I'd be willing to bet that the K's will push right till the end for the top spot. Carshalton on the other hand, while having a fair bit of play and a number of chances, lacked the cutting edge and luck. After the game it was announced that their manager had stepped down, suggesting the turbulent times at the South London club are to stay.