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Sunday, 17 June 2012

Sittingbourne Win In Surrey - Chipstead vs. Sittingbourne

The stand at High Road
In my second season of watching non league football in and around London, I made the (very hilly) journey to Chipstead for their Ryman South Division match against Sittingbourne. Going in to the game, Chipstead were near the bottom and were dangerously close to the relegation zone. Sittingbourne were comfortably in mid table with an outside chance of reaching the play offs. The reverse fixture at Bourne Park had resulted in a 3-2 victory for Sittingbourne.

Kick at the very open High Road Ground.
I unfortunately have no notes whatsoever about the game. I know it finished 3-1 to the away side and I do remember Sittingbourne being quite dominant throughout. Also as the picture below shows, Sittingbourne scored a penalty at some point in the game.

The penalty hits the back of the net.
When I travelled to the ground, I went to Chipstead station and made the walk I thought didn't look too bad on Google Maps. This was a major mistake as the ground is on top of a huge hill and for large stretches there was no footpath. According to the fantastic Andy of Kent website there is a bus from Coulsdon South station which drops you off quite close to the ground. Trains to Coulsdon South depart from London Bridge every half hour and the journey takes just 30 minutes. Or if you fancy the walk, take a train from Victoria and change at East Croydon to get to Chipstead station. I don't remember seeing pubs on the walk but the clubhouse is very good.

Open sides of the High Road Ground

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