Wick Squelch Along To Home Win - Wick And Barnham United vs. AFC Uckfield

It was an almost Spring like day in West Sussex

I hadn't been to a step 5/6 league game since my return from the north and I was keen to correct this on Saturday. Yet again the weather complicated things but I set off to Littlehampton for the Sussex County League Division two match between Wick and Barnham United and AFC Uckfield with the back up of Havant and Waterlooville if things weren't good on the Sussex coast. Luckily I didn't need the back up as the Crabtree Park pitch passed a morning inspection. Wick and Barnham merged in the summer to enable both clubs to play at a county league level. Both teams were in mid table and were only separated on goal difference. I visited The Oaks last season for a Sussex League game against Hassocks. 

Bright Winter sunshine at Crabtree Park

Despite the pitch being passed as playable, it is still very heavy and both teams take time to adapt. In the early stages Wick think they're in but are denied by an offside flag. Uckfield then get themselves in but the Wick goalie is able to claim the ball. Wick win a free kick on the edge of the area and they elect to square the ball but the wall does it's job and blocks the shot. The Uckfield midfielder is then able to ride a couple of challenges but he puts his effort high and wide. Shortly afterwards The Wick forward elects to shoot when it could have been better to pass and the chance goes begging. Uckfield then breach the Wick defence and the goalkeeper makes a great save with his feet. Wick are able to create a great opening but the Uckfield keeper does well to narrow the angle.

The Wick keeper arranges his defence before an Uckfield corner

Wick take the lead early in the second half. Unfortunately I didn't see it as I was ordering a Bovril at the time. Wick now go in search of the second goal and the winger is able to get to the byline and the defender is able to get in a great saving tackle. Wick come even closer shortly afterwards but the Uckfield defence is just about able to scramble the ball away from danger. Uckfield then hit the bar from close range in quick succession from very close range in which is a major let off for the home side. The game is now end to end and only a last ditch tackle prevents Wick a clear scoring chance. Both sides have half chances in the closing stages but the home side hold on for the win. 

Covered standing on the railway side of the ground

Littlehampton seafront is worth a visit before the game although there are currently major flood defence works going on near the beach. Trains to Littlehampton depart from London Victoria and the journey takes around two hours. In the town centre there is The Dolphin and The Crown which both have Sky Sports for the early / late kick offs. Crabtree Park is about a twenty five minute walk from Littlehampton station. The number 700 bus stops close to the ground and departs from the town centre. Close to the bus stop is The Locomotive which is good if there is a wait for the bus. The clubhouse is in the upstairs of the main building and can offer an elevated view of the match action.

An interesting programme was produced for the match and included a brief explanation behind the summers merger of the two sides. There is also interesting take on a quiz which provided entertainment for the return journey.

Another view of the stand