Another South London Six Pointer - Lewisham Borough vs. Crockenhill

Ladywell Arena from the railway bridge

I knew I would be visiting friends at the weekend and as part of that we would be taking in a Football League game and so I was keen to take in a non league in midweek. Luckily, Lewisham Borough were at home to Crockenhill in Division One of The Southern Counties East League. This provided a new non league ground as well as being a short journey home afterwards. If you've never been to Crockenhill's fantastic Wested Meadow ground with it's brilliant stand and well decorated clubhouse, then you really to get a visit in. I visited there for a bank holiday Kent Invicta League match with Orpington. This was another six pointer with bottom placed Lewisham Borough needing points to close the seven point gap to Crockenhill immediately above them in the league.

Kick off at The Ladywell Arena

Lewisham have the perfect start. The attacker is able to power through the Crockenhill defense and he beats the keeper to put Lewisham one up after only a couple of minutes. It doesn't take long for Crockenhill to carve out a chance of an equalizer. The Crockenhill player gets in on goal but he elects to square the ball rather than shooting and the chance goes begging. They get in on goal again, this time the Lewisham keeper makes a good save at his near post. Towards the end of the first half, Lewisham create a couple of half chances. Firstly a cross across the box from a good position is cut out by the Crockenhill defense before the visiting keeper saves an angled shot at his near post.

A first half Crockenhill attack with the clubhouse in the background

Lewisham get themselves in on goal early in the first half but the Crockenhill defender is able to get back and force the forward off the ball. Crockenhill are then reduced to ten men when the midfielder is given his marching after a foul on the half way line. Lewisham look to press home their advantage and they come close when a free kick from the edge of the area is deflected just wide. The hosts however fail to make the most of their numerical advantage as Crockenhill score two late goals.

Lewisham Borough player runs at the Crockenhill defense

It doesn't take long to get to the Ladywell Arena from Central London. Trains depart to Ladywell from London Bridge, taking just ten minutes. Then it is a steady ten minute walk down to the ground. Next door to the station is The Ladywell Tavern which is a very hip pub with a wide range of beers on offer. At the ground you can get a selection of cans and a very friendly welcome from everyone at the club.

Train running past the back of the stand