Much Drier Return - Shrivenham vs. Tytherington Rocks

Seating at Barrington Park

I had made an attempt to visit Shrivenham for a league game last season, but a full morning of rain lead to their game being postponed and me having to make a mad dash to The County Ground to watch Swindon. The early rounds of The Vase in lovely sunshine seemed a perfect chance to actually get through the gate with minimal chance of a call off. Shrivenham were promoted to The Premier Division of The Hellenic League last season and won their first league game of the season away at Royal Wootton Bassett the previous match day and were now looking to push on. I have been intrigued by Tytherington Rocks ever since I started following non league in the south and I'm really keen to make a visit.

Kick off in rural Oxfordshire

Shrivenham are kicking down the slope in the first half and they hit the woodwork with their first attack. They repeat the trick shortly afterwards, hitting the post from close range. They do eventually get the opening goal as the hosts capitalise on a mistake and the attacker squares the ball for his team mate who scores from close range. They double their lead shortly afterwards when the forward is first to a long ball before he flicks it past the on rushing goalie. Shrivenham are in full flow now and the Tytherington keeper makes the first of many great saves to prevent them scoring on the break. Shrivenham score a couple more before the break to make it four nil at half time.

Shrivenham attacking in the first half

Even kicking up the slope, Shrivenham continue to dominate and they hit the woodwork for a third time before the Tytherington keeper makes another blinding save. Shrivenham get the fifth as the attacker is allowed time in the box to control as well as slotting the ball home. Shrivenham take a more direct approach for the next goal as they scramble the ball home in the aftermath of a long throw in. Sadly straight after this, Shrivenham get a seventh straight afterwards. When Tytherington do make the most of the slope the home keeper makes a great save when the visitors get through the defensive line. Shrivenham add another two goals before the end to make it nine nil.

Shrivenham attacking the clubhouse end

Having done the trip to Shrivenham once before, it was straight forward the second time. You need to take a train to Swindon from Paddington (which has suddenly got extortionately expensive) which takes just over an hour and you can get the 66 bus into the village. If you want ales beforehand then The Prince of Wales is a great shout but if you want the early kick off then you want to be across the road at The Barrington Arms. The clubhouse at the ground had the usual selection of drinks and the food is worth trying out. Special mention has to made for the brilliant match day programme - in summary, more than worth the effort of going back to Shrivenham.

Cricket pitch side of the ground