First Half Strikes Lead To Soggy Stalemate - Risborough Rangers vs. Broadfields United

Standard hopper shot of Windsor's

After the arduous, but ultimately rewarding match day last weekend, I fancied something a bit more straightforward - although the weather did it's best to repeat the trick. Windsor's, the home of Risborough Rangers has appeared on many other ground hopping blogs and it certainly lived up to expectations. They were playing Broadfields United in Division One of The South Midlands League. Broadfields play at Harfeild United's ground which I visited for an end of season South Midlands Cup Final a couple of years ago on the day Liverpool infamously capitulated away at Crystal Palace. Risborough won their last home 10-1 against bottom of the table Hillingdon Borough and I was hoping for a similar number of goals.

Kick off in torrential rain

Risborough have the first chance when they drill a great cross across goal but there is no one there to apply the final touch. Despite kicking up the slope, it is the visitors who take the lead with a neat finish. The forward gets behind the defence out wide before dinking the ball over the onrushing keeper and into the net. Risborough soon have a great chance to level as the forward beats the keeper to a lofted ball forward but his header goes just wide. Risborough are now building up a head of steam and they have a succession of half chances with the final one going into the arms of the keeper. They come closer with a header from a corner which is needed to cleared off the line. They do however equalize just before half time when after a poor Broadfields corner, they are able to break with the ball and the forward is played in on and goal and he slots past the on rushing keeper.

Risborough looking for the equalizer

Risborough go looking for the second goal at the start of the second half and again when they drill the ball across goal there is no one there to take advantage. Broadfields are also looking to get back into the lead. A corner into the six yard box causes panic before the Risborough defence are able to hack the ball away. Another great Risborough ball into the box requires the Broadfields defender to bravely head away the ball and save a certain goal. The continuous rain begins to have an effect on the pitch towards the end of the game as both sides start to tire. The final chance of the game comes when the Broadfields attacker powers through before forcing the keeper into a great save at his near post. 

Risborough push forward in the second half

So to get to Princes Risborough you have to catch a train from Marylebone which takes just under an hour. The ground is then a short walk away - you can see it from the Banbury bound platform - but the final stage is unpaved and unlit which makes it tricky on dark, damp evenings. If you walk the opposite direction to the ground then you come to the town centre. The pubs were fine without being spectacular. The best being The Bell which had a good selection of beers as well as BT Sports. If you have a wait for your train, then The Bird In Hand is your best bet. The clubhouse was extremely welcoming and had a selection of cans. I didn't try any of the food - getting into shape for Christmas party season - but it did smell great. As you can see from the pictures, Windor's is a cracking and absolutely worth a visit. 

Far side of the ground - you can just make out the station after the trees