Billericay Show Credentials - St Albans City vs. Billericay Town

Main stand with clubhouse behind at Clarence Park

I opted for a revisit of a fantastic ground in a gorgeous town last weekend. St Albans being the town and Clarence Park being the ground. The Conference South side were hosting Billericay Town of The Ryman League (it'll always be The Ryman League to me). Towards the end of last season Billericay were taken over by a millionaire owner and they have invested heavily in the squad and their New Lodge ground is currently undergoing an extensive refurbishment. All this means that they are favorites for The Ryman League title this season. I visited New Lodge for a Ryman League match against Aveley which they won two one. As I mentioned earlier, I had also previously Clarence Park for a Conference South match with Woking who won that day on their way to the play offs.   

Just before kick as the Billericay huddle breaks up

It is the visitors who have the first effort on goal which comes via a lofted through ball and the St Albans keeper makes a low save to keep the scores level. St Albans then get in on goal almost straight afterwards and this time the Billericay keeper makes a great save. The visitors take the lead when the forward chests down a pass and he slots past the goalie to make it one nil. St Albans however manage to turn things around before half time. Firstly after a great passing move finds the man at the back post and he lashes home at the back post. Then a St Albans break out from defense enables the attacker to hammer the ball in off the bar from the angle.

A first half St Albans corner

St Albans are almost the gifted the third when the Billericay player gives the ball away but St Albans fail to take advantage as they shot is lashed wide of the target. They have another great chance as a pull back from the byline finds the player in space and the Billericay keeper makes another great save. Billericay make them pay late in the game. The Billericay forward shows great determination to battle through the St Albans defense before scoring the equalizer. Then a bouncing ball into the St Albans box isn't dealt with and the visitors secure the win from close range.

Another corner at the other end for St Albans

As I said in the first paragraph, St Albans is a stunning place and it is worth going around before a game. It is a really quick to get to from London - just twenty minutes from St Pancras. Previously I'd walked around the cathedral, this time I went up the clock tower which offers an alternative view of the cathedral as well as the Hertfordshire countryside. Pub wise, if you want to watch the early kick off then The White Swan is a good spot. Then right next to the clock tower is The Boot  which had a great selection of bottled beers. Best pub overall was The White Hart which had a wide choice of ales as well as awesome smelling food. The ground is a short walk from town and the clubhouse behind the stand had the usual selection of drinks.

Covered terrace opposite the main stand