Derby Fails To Reach The Heights - Milton United vs. Wallingford Town

More bank holiday sun at The Heights

As I was initially making the lengthy trip to Stourbridge on Good Friday (see previous post) I wanted a game not too far from London and Milton United in Division One East in The Hellenic League fitted the bill. Today there were hosting Wallingford who I saw a month or so at their fantastic Hithercroft ground and there had been seven goals that afternoon so hopefully this game would produce a similar number of goals. This match was also a local derby with just under ten miles between the two grounds and just three points separated them in the standings.

Another (for now) rural setting for football at The Heights

Wallingford are quick out of the blocks but their early chances go well over the bar.  They come closer as the winger cuts in and he sees his shot claimed by the Milton goalie. Wallingford do eventually take the lead as the ball is headed back across goal from a corner before it is nodded in at the back post.

Milton pushing for the equaliser

Wallingford come close at the start at the second as the Milton keeper has to save with his legs when quick football sees the visitors get through on goal. The second half meanders to a close without much else happening aside from a Milton free kick that the Wallingford keeper does well to punch away.

Wallingford bear down on goal

To get to Milton I first had to take a train to Didcot from Paddington that takes forty minutes and then take the X2 bus for ten minutes to Milton Heights which is a short walk from the ground. If you get off the bus a stop early and walk towards Milton Manor then you can try the fantastic Plum Pudding which had an excellent selection of ales. If you get off at Milton Heights and walk to the edge of Steventon then there is The Cherry Tree which also had a choice of ales. I'd recommend doing one or the other as it is a bit of a slog to walk between them as I found out. The spacious clubhouse offered cans and had the sports channels. Everyone at the club was very friendly and I would visit before the estates on both sides of the ground are completed.

Milton appealing for offside