250 Up - AFC Sudbury vs. Chatham Town

Sudbury on the break at The King's Meadow Stadium

For my 250th ever ground I made my first ever trip to Suffolk for the Ryman Division One North game between AFC Sudbury and Chatham Town. This was also my third Ryman League game in four weeks. I'd visited Chatham's Maidstone Road ground a couple of years for a game against Walton Casuals when Chatham were in the southern division. Both sides were just below in mid table and there were just two points separating the two sides at the start of play. Sudbury were looking to gain revenge for a 2-0 defeat at Maidstone Road in early December.

Kick off in front of The Shed stand

The game has a very quiet start with both sides to work each other out. Sudbury have the ball in the net midway through the half but it is ruled out for outside. The visitors then have a great from a free header but the ball is put over the bar. Chatham then have another half chance but the ball goes wide. Just before half time, Sudbury take the lead from the penalty spot after the linesman notices a foul.

Sudbury push forward in the second half.

Chatham get back on level terms a few minutes in to the first half. A ball over the top is well controled and the ball is put past the keeper. This springs Sudbury in to life and the Chatham keeper makes a great save from close range. He then rides his luck as another effort is deflected just over the bar. Then a Chatham defender makes a brilliant last ditch tackle to keep his side level. Chatham then have a chance on the break but the Sudbury keeper makes a good save. Sudbury then have a great chance to regain the lead but they miss from close range. There is an unfortunate incident towards the end of the game where the Chatham player raises his arm in to the Sudbury defender who makes the most of it. The referee after consulting his linesman makes the sensible decision to book both players. 

Another view of The Shed

Sudbury is a fantastic town to visit and it is worth arriving early to have an explore before the game. There are no direct trains between London and Sudbury. You have to take a train to Marks Tay from Liverpool Street, which takes about fifty minutes. From there you catch a train on the Gainsborough Line which leaves every and takes twenty minutes. It also takes you over the Chappel Viaduct which gives you a great view of the countryside. In Sudbury there is the The Brewery Tap which has a wide selection of ales and even a bar billiards table. A short walk from the ground is The Kings Head which has Sky Sports. The walk to the ground takes just over half an hour. The clubhouse at the ground looks like it has been recently redone and you can watch the game from here if you prefer.

Yet another good effort from a Ryman League club. The programme is colour through out and is quite glossy with plenty of good articles to read. There is a section introducing the home players and management which is always useful for someone who is attending for the first time.

Stand and clubhouse at The King's Meadow Stadium