Eastern Counties Classic - Woodbridge Town vs. Diss Town

Sun setting at Notcutts Park

This weekend was the first match day in a little while I was able to chose a game and set off knowing that it was definitely going to be on. The game for this momentous occasion was The Eastern Counties League Division One match between Woodbridge Town and Diss Town. A couple of seasons ago I saw the reverse of this fixture at Brewers Green Lane with Diss winning 3-1 on that occasion. I'd also seen Woodbridge at Brantham Athletic in the same season with Woodbridge also losing on that occasion. Diss were relegated from The Premier Division last season and found themselves towards the bottom of the league table. Woodbridge were in the top half and won away at Dereham Town Reserves last weekend.

Kick off at Notcutts Park

Woodbridge come close to playing themselves in early on but the Diss defender does well to clear the lofted through ball. Diss then take over proceedings. They fashion a couple of half chances, the best being when the tricky winger robs the fullback and the defence has to be alert to clear the danger. They come closer when the forward controls the ball in the penalty area then shoots which produces a decent save from the Woodbridge keeper. Diss take the lead when the forward slides the ball in at the back post following great work on the left wing. Shortly afterwards the visitors double their lead from the penalty spot after the attacker is tripped in the box. Woodbridge are lucky not to be three down when the Diss attacker hits the post with a header from close range. Diss are in complete control but they hand Woodbridge a way back into the game. The Woodbridge winger is able to cross the ball into the box and the Diss defender powers a bullet diving header into his own net to half the deficit.

Seconds before the Diss own goal

Diss have a great chance to restore their two goal lead at the start of the second half but the forward somehow hits the post from six yards out. They come closer when after the original effort is saved by the Woodbridge keeper, the second shot is blocked on the line by the defender. The Woodbridge keeper then loses the ball in the area but his mistake goes unpunished as his defence blocks the effort on goal. Woodbridge create a couple of half chances as they begin to get back into the game but they fail to seriously trouble the goalkeeper. They do get the equaliser as a ball into the area is headed back across goal and the forward slots the ball home. There is then a controversial end to the game. Diss think that they should have a penalty when the attacker is held in the box and while the referee doesn't agree the linesman does and after a lengthy discussion the penalty is given. The penalty is a very poor one is blasted over the bar to the delight of the Woodbridge fans and the game ends in a draw.

The Diss winger takes on the Woodbridge defence

There are no direct trains to Woodbridge from London. You have to take a train from Liverpool Street and change at Ipswich to catch the train to Woodbridge. The journey should take an hour and a half but if the locomotive loses power then the journey will take substantially longer. Woodbridge is a gorgeous market town and it is worth getting there early for a walk along the river or to look at the interesting mixture of buildings in the town. Woodbridge is also home to number of brilliant pubs. On New Street, two minutes apart are The Old Mariner and The Ye Old Bell And Steelyard which are both old timber framed buildings with a fantastic selection of beers. Then a little further on is The Kings Head which is the only pub I've been in which has a menu for dogs and the selection for humans is also decent. Notcutts Park is twenty minute up and down walk from the town centre. The clubhouse had the usual selection of drinks and also had Sky Sports. While I was waiting for my train I visited The Anchor which is perfect if you have a wait for your train.

Side on view of the stand