Watersiders Fail To Make Waves - Blackfield And Langley vs. Paulton Rovers

Refineries towering over Gang Warily

After being servilely limited for match choices last weekend I was keen to get out a bit further and with Blackfield and Langley at home, it was a relatively easy choice as I'd had my eye on Gang Warily for a while. I'd been to this part of the world previously when I tried to watch Fawley only for the game to be called off around two and then having to make the mad dash to Sholing. Thankfully there was unlikely to be a repeat for The Southern League Division One South clash with Paulton Rovers. In all honesty I know very little about Paulton other than it is sort of close to Bath. Today's match looked like it should be a home win with Blackfield and Langley second only on goal difference while Paulton were towards the bottom, albeit well clear of the relegation spots.  

Kick off at Gang Warily

As the headline suggests, the game wasn't littered with chances but it is still entertaining enough. There is one major chance for either side with Blackfield and Langley's coming when a poor Paulton pass puts them in goal but the defence recovers to block the effort on goal. Paulton's best site of goal comes when a header from a corner hits the bar.

Paulton keeper is first to the ball in the shadow of the community centre / clubhouse

In the second half, the Paulton goalie is put under pressure from a corner but he is able to punch the danger clear. The away side also come close from a set piece as a free kick is well saved by the Blackfield and Langley shot stopper. The second half is stopped for a long period as the Paulton player suffers a nasty knock and has to be helped from the pitch. Thankfully he was ok to take the bus home with his team mates.

Blackfield look for the winner in the second half

So it can take a long old time to get to Gang Warily from London, the first leg being a train to Southampton from Waterloo which takes around an hour and a half. Then from outside the station you take the number nine, past Fawley's ground to Rollestone Crossroads and the ground is just across the road. The two pubs I was interested in are a distance apart from each other and I opted for the waterside option of The Jolly Sailor which was in a pleasant setting and had a selection of ales and beers. It is nearly half an hour away so make sure you give yourself plenty of time. The clubhouse is part of the community centre and had the usual selection of drinks. Special mention has to go to the programme which is the best I've seen in The Southern League for a while.

Side on view of the stand at Blackfield and Langley