Windiest Game Of The Season - South Park vs. Hayes Gate

Kick off at King George's Fields.

For my latest Combined Counties League match I headed to Reigate for South Park's home match with Hayes Gate. I'd seen Hayes Gate on the opening day of the season when they upset Knaphill and they looked the business on that day. Unfortunately for them, they couldn't continue this form and find themselves in the bottom half of the table. South Park are near the top of league with a lot of games in hand due to their fantastic cup run earlier in the season. South Park have racked up some large home wins and so I was hoping for lots of goals!. 

First half action with the stand in the background.

The first part of the game is played in the middle of the park as neither team can create any chances. South Park have most of the possession while Hayes Gate look to catch them on the break. South Park begin to create some chances and take the lead when the forward beats his man with a brilliant turn and slots it past the keeper. This wakes Hayes Gate up a bit and they force a couple of corners. From one of these corners the goalie doesn't gather it cleanly and the Hayes Gate player is left with an easy tap in. There are no further chances and the first half ends with the two teams level.

The moments before the Hayes Gate equaliser.

The second half is played at a blistering pace and is very end to end. With the gale behind them, South Park begin to shoot from range but they struggle to find their range. Hayes Gate hit the bar when the striker tries to chip the keeper when he may have better driving it. South Park are next to hit the bar when the forward hammers the ball against the bar following a cross from the right. South Park continue to shoot from distance but don't trouble the keeper. There are no further goals and the game ends in a draw which was a fair result.

Second half action with the tea bar and changing rooms to the right.

Reigate is quite like Lewes in that it is has a high street which isn't dominated by chains and is quite scenic. There are lots of pubs in the town centre. I went to the Red Cross on the High Street which was quite friendly and had Sky Sports. The ground is a good half hour walk from the station and is quite hilly. You can either stick to the main roads or if it's light you can cut through the park. The clubhouse is actually outside the ground in the car park. It is a great clubhouse with quite cheap prices and the staff are friendly. It also has Sky Sports. Trains depart from London Bridge and take around forty minutes. Direct trains are hourly but you can change at Redhill and these trains are more regular.

More second half action.