Raynes Park Come Back Again - Cove vs. RPV

Kick off at the fantastically named Squirrel Lane

A second change of heart in a week brought me to Cove's home game against Raynes Park Vale. I had intended to watch the other Iron (Braintree) but I didn't fancy the hour long train ride. Whenever I'd thought about a Cove football team, the Highland League equivalent always springs to mind for some reason but Cove are a great club in their own right. I'd seen RPV earlier in the season against Colliers Wood, and in that game they'd managed to salvage a point after a poor start and seemed to be a prime example of a Jekyll and Hyde team.

First half action.

Cove score within two minutes. Following an overlapping run, the right winger is able to get a low cross in to the box and the striker is left with an easy finish. This signals how the rest of the first half will run as Cove have most of the chances. They manage to forge two one on one situations but fail to capitalise on either. RPV manage to win a few corners and a few free kicks in the Cove half but fail to create any clear cut chances. The RPV goal keeper makes a few decent saves towards the end of the first half and they were happy to still be in touch at half time.

Cove on the attack with the only covered accommodation in the background.

RPV must have been given a stern talking at half time as they emerge a completely different side. As do Cove who struggle to put anything together. RPV start to put some decent moves together and are eventually rewarded with the equaliser. The centre half is allowed a free header from a corner and there is nothing the Cove keeper can do to keep it out. It is the Cove keeper who would gift the away team their winner. A ball into the box is dropped and the RPV player is left with a tap in. Cove try to push for the equaliser but RPV do a good job in seeing the rest of the game out.

The view down towards the dugout.

The closest station to the ground is Farnborough Main and you can take the train from London Waterloo. The train times vary between 35 and 50 minutes. From the station it is a fifteen minute walk to the ground. I would not recommend doing what I did and following the signs back to the station through the park as this is the long way round! Definitely stick to the roads. Near to the ground is the Thatched Cottage Pub which has real ales and Sky Sports. As does the club house which is spacious and friendly.

Amazing sky in the second half.