End Of An Era - APM Contrast vs. Sutton Athletic

View from the trees at Cobdown Sports Club

I planned to see one last game on Bank Holiday Monday depending on how I felt upon returning from Hamburg over the weekend and luckily I didn't too horrific. There were a few play off games going on but I didn't fancy the crowds and really wanted a new ground. There were a few games happening in The Kent Invicita League - where I started my league campaign - including APM Contrast hosting Sutton Athletic. This was APM Contrast's final game under this name before they change their name next season to K Sports. Also according to the informative programme they are also moving to a new ground but I don't know if it's at completely new site or another pitch in the complex. Until recently Sutton Athletic had a shout for promotion but Bearsted and Sheppy United sealed the top two spots. The two sides were next to each other in the form table and so it looked like an entertaining end to the season. 

Kick off in front of the awesome stand at Cobdown Sports Club

Sutton Athletic have a lot of possession to begin with and they believe they should have a penalty early on but the referee wasn't impressed with the energetic fall. APM Contrast's first decent attack ends with a good cross into the box which is headed away under significant pressure. APM Contrast take the lead when the forward finds space on the right hand side and he catches the keeper out with an angled shot into the opposite top corner. APM Contrast are having a lot more attacking play and the Sutton Athletic keeper has to be alert to claim a corner which is taken by the strong wind. Sutton Athletic then have a great chance to equalise but the header from a teasing cross is straight at the goal keeper. APM Contrast have the final chance of the half as the ball is poked just wide from a dangerous free kick.

Sutton Athletic player controls under pressure

The Sutton Athletic keeper almost gifts APM Contrast a second goal when he a drops cross in the box but the error goes unpunished. APM Contrast come close again as a corner is headed off the line. Sutton have a glorious chance to equalise when a throw is headed down in the box but the attacker can't fully connect with his shot after turning the defender and the keeper saves comfortably. Sutton Athletic are nearly played in on goal and the APM Contrast defence are saved by the bounce of the ball. APM Contrast then have a couple chances to seal the game. Firstly the forward lashes the ball wide after controlling a cross field pass. Shortly afterwards no one takes advantage of a ball played right across the six yard line following a good run by the winger. They aren't made to regret these missed chances as they seal their last three points as APM Contrast.

Throw in down the roped side of the ground

The closest station to Cobdown Sports Club is Aylesford. There are no direct trains and you need to catch the supposedly high speed service to Strood from St Pancras and change there for a train to Aylesford with the journey taking just under an hour. The train station is located in between the village itself and the ground. The picturesque village is located on The River Medway. At opposite ends of The High Street are The Chequers Inn and The Bush which both had a good selection of beers as well as the sports channels. There is also the picturesque priory in the village to visit. The ground is then a good half hour from the village. The clubhouse had the usual selection of drinks and also had the sports channels. If you fancy grabbing something to eat for the train home I fully recommend Papa's Barn Chippy which is just round the corner from the ground.

Side on view of the stand