Wind Assisted Draw - Grantham Town vs. Frickley Athletic

Pitchside view at The South Kesteven Stadium

I was in Sheffield for New Years Eve and had planned to break up the return journey by taking in Long Eaton vs Basford United in The Midlands League but sadly the top of the table clash was postponed due to snow. A quick glance on Twitter showed that there were no pitch issues at Grantham Town for their home clash against Frickley Athletic in The Northern Premier League and it was fairly easy journey so I set off for Lincolnshire. I had visited Grantham last season to see United Counties League side Harrowby United host Eynesbury Rovers in another top of the table clash. The two side needed points for different reasons - Grantham were just outside of the play offs while Frickley were sat just outside of the relegation zone. Grantham had won the reverse fixture 4-2 at Westfield Lane back in August.

Kick off at The South Kesteven Stadium

The wind is extremely strong at kick off and when the keeper was practising goal kicks in to the wind, the ball didn't go past the half way line. This is further highlighted when the Frickley defence struggle with a free kick in to the area but they regain their composure to clear the danger. The Grantham forward is then almost played in but the ball is just too heavy. Frickey's first chance comes following a break and the Grantham keeper is forced in to a good low save and the rebound is then wasted. The visitors come close again as the forward gets in to the area by the touchline but he pokes wide from close range. Grantham use the strong wind to their advantage with a corner and the Frickley defender has to head the ball over his own bar. The last effort of note in the first half is a dipping Grantham shot from just outside the area which just goes over the bar.

Frickley attack in the first half

In the opening stages of the second half, Grantham manage to get a couple of crosses in to the area but neither seriously trouble the Frickley defence. Then the Frickley forward finds the ball at his feet following a free kick in to the area and unfortunately the ball gets stuck under his feet. Frickley take the lead as the left winger twists and turns by the touchline and he delivers a fantastic cross which is headed home from close range. Grantham almost equalise straight away but the shot is blocked by the Frickley defender. They do get an equaliser when the Frickley keeper makes a great save from an effort inside the area but the ball is not fully cleared and the Grantham forward is able to smash the ball in to the top corner. Grantham have a lucky escape when a free kick from out wide is allowed to bounce in the area and the keeper is alert to make a good save. In injury time Frickley almost win it but the forward can not get enough on a chance from a corner. Grantham then break and the Frickley keeper has to make another great save to win his side a point.

Another view of the main stand

Trains to Grantham depart on a regular basis from Kings Cross and the journey takes around an hour. Tickets on the day can be quite expensive so it is advisable to book tickets in advance if possible. The ground is then a good half hour walk away with hills in both directions. I had hair of the dog and watched the start of the Stoke City vs Manchester United game in The Black Dog which did the job. Grantham it self is a very scenic place and is worth an explore before a game. The clubhouse is fairly neat and had an ale from the local Brewster's Brewery. Unfortunately there was a mix up with the printers and there were no programmes available.

View from the main stand