Ex-Tooting Hero Dumps Out Imps - Carshalton Athletic vs. Lincoln City

The main terrace at The War Memorial Ground

As I've stated previously, Carshalton's War Memorial Ground is one of my favourite grounds I've visited and the opportunity to revisit presented itself in the form of a FA Trophy replay against Lincoln City. As a Scunthorpe fan, I can't say I have particularly fond memories of seeing Lincoln play. In all the times I've seen them play The Iron, I think I've seen only two Scunthorpe victories and the best I've seen at Sincil Bank is a draw. Probably the most traumatic match I've seen against Lincoln was the 5-3 play off semi final defeat at the end of the 2002/03 season. The first game of this tie had ended 0-0 and Carshalton had beaten opposition from a higher league in the previous round where they battered Bishop's Stortford 5-0. 

Fans watching the action at the WMG.

The opening half hour of the match fails to produce any clear cut chances. Carshalton have a few bursts forward and Lincoln test the keeper from range but there are no clear cut chances. With around ten minutes of the first half to go, Lincoln give away a penalty and Paul Vines buries it. A few minutes later, the Lincoln keeper doesn't deal with a cross and Vines heads home his second. Soon into the second half and Vines completes his hat trick. A long ball forward isn't cleared and Vines fires home his third of the night. Only a good save from The Imps keeper stops it being four. Lincoln add a consolation in the final minute but it is Carshalton's night.

Carshalton attack in the second half.

Midweek Ryman League Action - Carshalton Athletic vs. Bury Town

First half action at War Memorial Sports Ground.

One of my favourite grounds I've visited since moving to London is Carshalton Athletics's War Memorial Ground. Also as it is under half an hour away from my house it is perfect for a midweek game. Bury Town won the Southern League Division 1 Midlands League last season and were promoted in to the Ryman Premier League. They've made a decent start to the season and sat in the play off positions before the game. Carshalton have several games in hand on the teams around them following their cup run.

The terrace that runs the length of the pitch.

The game has a very scrappy start and the flow of the game is broken up by a series of free kicks. Bury have a few in the home side's half but fail to create anything. As the first half progresses, Carshalton's attacking power begins to show. They hit the bar with a shot from just outside the box and again direct from a free kick. Despite their dominance Carshalton fail to score and the teams go in level at half time.

The only seating in the ground.

Carshalton continue their dominance at the start of the second half. Their pacey wingers cause the Bury defenders lots of problems. Bury start to catch Carshalton on the break and hit the outside of the post on one such break. Shortly after Bury hit the post, the home side score the crucial first goal. A break by the winger down the right hand side results in him crossing the ball low into the box and the ball is fired into the net from close range. Carshalton are boosted by this goal and continue to pour forward. Bury continue to try and catch Carshalton on the break but fail to find the net as the home side hold on for the win.

Second half action looking towards the covered standing at one end of the ground.

There are two options with regarding to getting to the ground. The first one is to get the Northern Line down to Morden and get the 157 to just outside the ground. This bus journey takes about 15 minutes. There are lots of pubs around the station. Another option is to get a train to Carshalton from Victoria which takes about half an hour. There is the Railway Tavern a short walk from the station. The clubhouse is a decent size and normally has a couple of guest ales.

Covered standing at the other end of the ground.