Second Sucessive Saturday Goalfest - Shefford Town and Campton vs. St Panteleimon

Decent backdrop at Shefford Sports Club

Back in England this weekend but sadly the weather hadn't really improved. Rain in the week had made me question my choice of game but with a dry morning and a strong wind, my first of Shefford Town and Campton against St Panteleimon in Division One of The Spartan South Midlands League went ahead. Both sides won their respective county leagues last season - Shefford Town and Campton winning the Bedfordshire League while St Panteleimon won the Middlesex equivalent. The two clubs had settled well at their new level with today's visitors sitting in first place with Shefford a couple of places back in fifth. The reverse fixture saw St Panteleimon win five two so I was hoping for more of the same.  

Kick off at a blustery Shefford Sports Club

And I was to get more of the same but even more in favour of St Panteleimon. The first sees the forward played in before he slots past the goalie. They get a second before half time as the attacker cuts inside and he sees his shot go in off the post.

St Panteleimon corner in the first half

St Panteleimon get two quick goals at the start of the second half with two close range finishes and the fifth comes when the visitors are again played in goal and the attacker pokes the ball past the on rushing keeper. St Panteleimon add three more and Shefford get a consolation to see the game finish eight one to the table toppers.

View down the touchline towards the clubhouse

The nearest station to Shefford is Hitchin which is three quarters of an hour from Euston. Then from the town centre you can take the 9B bus into the village centre. Right in the centre is the excellent Brewery Tap which had a choice of ales from the brewery and a couple of guest ales. For the early kick off you have a choice of The Bridge or The Woolpack. The ground is then a ten minute walk out of the town. The clubhouse had the usual selection of drinks as well as the sports channels. The ground is clearly very new and they now have an decent base to progress further should they elect to. If you want provisions for the train ride home then The Beer Shop on Hermitage Road back in Hitchin has a great selection. An awesome return to non league in England.

Dugout side of the ground