Midweek CCL - Raynes Park Vale vs. Horley Town

The stand at Grand Drive

I'd made the journey to Grand Drive five times before but actually only seen two games to conclusion. Two were postponed shortly before kick off and another was abandoned due to floodlight failure. I always try to catch the derby against Colliers Wood  as well. On Tuesday I fancied a local game and I went for Vale's home game against Horley Town. I was at the New Defence for the reverse fixture last season coincidently. Both teams have had a mixed start to the season, Horley having played one more game due to Vale's match against Croydon being postponed due to the riots.  

Kick off at Grand Drive

The match has a very scrappy start. Neither team really manage to get going. Horley manage to get some passing going but it is RPV who take the lead. Following a quick break down the wing from the flying RPV forward, the ball is crossed in to the box and the ball is forced home. The Horley bench believe their player was fouled on the line but the goal stands. Vale then have a chance to double their lead after the linesman flags for a handball in the area but the keeper makes a good save from the spot. Almost immediately the Horley player flicks the ball on the striker pokes the ball past the keeper. They turn the match around just before half time when the player slots home after being put through.

This effort was cleared off the line by the Raynes Park player.

Raynes Park try to have a go at the Horley defence but the away side look relatively comfortable. They are unlucky not to go further ahead when a cracking effort from just outside the box thunders off the underside of the cross bar and stays out. Horley do go further ahead when the ball is lashed home from just outside the box. The visitors go three ahead when a rebound is knocked home when the keeper cannot hold on to a powerful effort. There are two late goals for either side which I missed as I left early to catch my bus. The final score was 5-2 to Horley Town.

First half action with the dugouts in the background.

I got the 152 bus from Colliers Wood to close to the ground. The closest station is Raynes Park which is ten minute walk from Grand Drive. Trains depart from Waterloo on a regular basis and take just under twenty minutes. There is a Weatherspoons near the station which I've never actually been to. Whenever I've gone to a pub in Raynes Park it's been the Raynes Park Tavern which does cheap food and has sky sports. The clubhouse is very friendly and has always done fantastic sandwiches!

Sky over Grand Drive

A more detailed report is available on the Horley Town website.

Old school floodlight