All Down Hill For Poppies - Hordean vs. Bournmouth

Looking back towards Portsmouth from Five Heads Park

After three weeks without a new ground - one week I was at Dulwich Hamlet with friends and the next I was in Wroclaw who conveniently moved their game very late in the day - it was good to get back hopping. Also with the imminent month long strike by South West Rail staff it would be the last chance to travel to Hampshire for a little while so I settled on Hordean against Bournmouth in The Wessex Premier Division. Before kick off, Horndean were in mid table while Bournmouth were towards the bottom. I'd visited Bournmouth's Victoria Park ground for an FA Cup tie with another Wessex League side AFC Portsmouth quite a few seasons ago and really enjoyed my visit.

Kick off at Five Heads Park

Horndean kick down the slope in the first half and they use it to their advantage creating numerous chances without taking the lead. When they do take the lead it comes from Bournmoth not being able to clear their lines which allows the ball to be smashed in from close range. This springs the visitors into life but they fail to seriously threaten the Horndean goal when they do have possession. They are made to pay as the Horndean man is found in space from a corner before he buries the ball to make it two nil. It seems like I've never been away from hopping days as I miss the third Horndean goal while at the bar. 

Bournmouth trying to equalise in the first half

Bournmouth look to take immediate advantage of the gradient and the Horndean keeper somehow keeps out a close range effort following a cut back. They look out of the game as Horndean are able to break and when the ball is squared across goal the forward taps into an empty net. Bournmouth who are still trying for goals are frustrated by the home keeper who makes another great close range save this time from a header set up by a corner. They do get the goal they deserve with a header at the back post from a free kick.

Horndean on the attack in the first half

The nearest station to Horndean is Cosham and direct trains here depart from Waterloo taking just under two hours or you can go via Fareham which is marginally shorter. Then from the medical centre stops you can take the number 8 bus into Hordean. The only real pub of note is The Ship and Bell which has the usual selection of Fullers ales as well as the sports channels. The ground is then around ten minutes aways. The clubhouse outside the ground also had the usual selection of drinks and the early kick offs. A great return to the usual Saturday fun. 

One last picture of the stands at Horndean