Citzens Lose First Game Of Season - Welwyn Garden City vs. Codicote

Floodlit first half action

After not seeing a Spartan South Midlands game for years, I made it two in two nights on Wednesday. After travelling through it so many times on the train, I finally made it to Welwyn Garden City for their home match with Codicote in Division One. Welwyn were yet to lose this season and had won all but one of their games before Wednesday. Codicote themselves were having a decent season and were close to the top of the division. This was the first time I had seen either side in action.

Kick off at Herns Way

Both sides take a little while to adapt to a heavy pitch and in the opening stages the only chances of note are a couple of free kicks which ultimately come to nothing. The first clear sight of goal comes when the ball is pulled back to a Welwyn player in a good position but he puts the ball well over the bar. The Codicote keeper then comes out of his goal to cut out a through ball and he clears the ball to safety. Codicote soon have another free kick and this one, like the one in the opening stages, comes to nothing. Welwyn then come a bit closer with a dipping shot which goes just over the bar. The home side manage to get to the byline again and this time the shot following the pull back is on target but is lacking sufficient power. Another Codicote free kick is blocked by a Welwyn defender and the first half ends goalless.

The Codicote keeper claims a ball in to the box

Both sides have opportunities to get the ball in to the box at the start of the second half but neither delivery causes the defences any problems. The first real shot in anger is by a Codicote player and the shot goes over the bar. Welwyn then hit the woodwork when an effort is deflected on to the post after a good move. Welwyn think they have taken the lead when they score from a corner but the goal is ruled out for a foul in the area. Welwyn are on the up and the Codicote keeper has to make a good low save when the Welwyn played is put in on goal. Then comes the sucker punch. The Codicote player is played in and his first effort is save and the player knocks the rebound in from close range. Codicote add a second in the closing stages to inflict a first league defeat of the season on Welwyn.

Dugout side of the ground

Trains to Welwyn Garden City depart from Kings Cross on a regular basis and the journey takes around half an hour. The ground is then a good half hour walk from the station. There are a couple close of pubs close to the station. The first one I visited was Doctor's Tonic which was quite good. I ate at The Two Willows and the food was good and there was a decent selection of beers. The clubhouse is just outside the ground and is pretty much a pub and had Sky Sports.

Second great Spartan South Midlands programme in as many nights

Another view of the stand