Wasps Regain Sting - Chalfont Wasps vs. Old Woodstock Town

Tree enclosed view at Crossleys

It what is becoming a recurring theme this season, this weekend I ticked off a ground that I've had my eye on for a long time. The ground in question this weekend was Crossleys which is the home of Chalfont Wasps who were hosting Old Woodstock Town in The Hellenic League Division East. I have also enjoyed visiting grounds in this division (Rayners Lane, Henley Town and Holyport) and Crossleys would continue the trend. Both teams had identical league records so far this season having won one and lost one so far this season although today's hosts had the better goal difference. Chalfont had also been at home the previous weekend and were two nil before they were reduced to ten men and eventually lost 2-3. 

Kick off at Crossleys

Early on in the game, the Chalfont centre back gives the ball away on the edge of the area but luckily for him the mistake isn't punished. Old Woodstock then play a chipped ball over the top and the Chalfont keeper has to make sure he is first to the ball, which he is comfortably. It is then the Old Woodstock defence's turn to give the ball away but they recover enough to block the shot on goal. The defence has to be alert to block another dangerous ball in the area after the winger is able to get beyond the full back. The best chance of the half comes when the Old Woodstock attacker gets to byline and his pull back finds the striker only for his shot to be blocked right on the line. They have another great chance shortly afterwards as a cross to the back post finds the man in lots of space but his diving header misses the target. Chalfont have a brilliant chance of their own right at the end of the half. A good cross finds the unmakred striker but he slips and can't get enough power or direction on the shot.

The Chalfont cross into the area is blocked by The Old Woodstock defence

The first chance of the second half is a Chalfont free kick which goes well over the bar. Old Woodstock's first chance comes as a result of a quick break but this chance is also skied. The Chalfont forward is allowed to turn in the penalty area and this forces the Old Woodstock keeper into a great low save. The hosts come close again but this time a deflection off a defender sends the ball wide of the post. Old Woodstock then get in on goal following another deflection and the Chalfont keeper makes a great save to keep the scores level. The hosts then take the lead mid way through the half which is also when I elected to take a toilet break which is another theme of the season so far. Chalfont have a chance to seal the points but this time the shot on goal is deflected on to the post. Old Woodstock's best chance of an equaliser comes when they are able to get to the byline following a break from a Chalfont corner but the ball in is cut out by the home defence. There is a scramble in the area in the dying seconds where Chalfont can add a second and after the first shot is blocked, the Chalfont attacker balloons the ball over from a yard or so out.  

The only seating at Crossleys

Chalfont Wasps play in the picturesque village of Chalfont St Giles which is as close to the rural ideal as you can probably get. The nearest station to Chalfont St Giles is Gerrards Cross and trains here depart from Marylebone and the quick trains take just over twenty minutes. From Gerrards Cross you can catch the 730 bus to the top of The High Street and this section of the journey takes quarter of an hour. A very short walk from the village green is The Fox and Hounds which had a great selection of ciders which was perfect in the sunny weather. On The High Street itself is Feathers which has Sky and BT Sports for the early kick off. Crossleys is then a steady ten minute walk from the village centre. The clubhouse is shared with the cricket club and in summer you can watch the cricket with a drink while you wait for the game to start. The clubhouse had the usual selection of drinks as well as the sports channels. Programmes are sold from behind the bar and at £2 for a decent programme and entry, Chalfont Wasps are great value for money.

Another view of the cover at Crossleys