Fold Cash In - Storrington vs. Alfold

View from the trees at The Recreation Ground

I'd been stuck on four grounds left to visit in The Southern Combination League (Alfold, Broadbridge Heath, Loxwood and Storrington) since seeing a game at Sidlesham early this season and in looking for a game with something riding on it, I finally reduced that number to three with a visit to Storrington in Division Two. Today they were hosting Alfold who only needed a point to clinch the title ahead of Steyning with both sides having already secured promotion. This was Alfold's first season at this level and I had seen on Twitter and numerous forums that they had been working hard on getting their ground to the required level. Storrington were looking a bottom half finish but were well clear of danger.

Kick off, note the seats underneath the clubhouse

Alfold have a lot of the ball, not really letting Storrington out their half but they fail to really trouble the home keeper. The best chance of the half comes when Alfold put together a great move that ends with the Storrington keeper saving with his feet.

Alfold looking for the goal to seal the title

Alfold get the goal they're looking for when a diagonal ball finds the man at the back post who hammers the ball back across the goal into the far corner. Late on the sides exchange goals to ensure that Alfold get the points required claim the title.

Alfold attacking in the second half

The closest station to Storrington is Pulborough which is an hour and a bit from Victoria. Then from outside the station you can take the 100 bus into Storrington. Buses in both directions seem to use the same stop so make sure you get the bus to Burgess Hill to get to Storrington. The village is a pretty place on the edge of The Downs and I sadly didn't have time to visit the museum. In the village centre, The Moon had a couple of local ales while The Anchor had BT Sports for an early kick off in The National League. The ground is then a five minute walk away and the elevated clubhouse offers good views of the pitch if the weather dictates. The clubhouse was friendly and had a selection of bottles and cans. The 17:35 bus is the last one of the day to Pulborough so make sure you make it!

Corner view of The Recreation Ground