Saturday 23rd December 2023

Rectory Meadow, Hanworth TW13 6PN

Hanworth Villa v. Chipstead

"What about The Villa, Tone?" ,  a memorable phrase from a Jasper Carrot sketch in the 70s. But it got me thinking - we know there's Premier League Villa , but there are others! Which brings me to today's pre Christmas jolly into South West London to the home of Hanworth Villa of the Isthmian League South Central.

One SWR Train and a racing change at Ascot sees me into Feltham. 40 minutes by foot says Google Maps, but smashed that down to 30. A level walk with a few busy roads to cross and bustling pavements. The sort of walk where you make sure you've got your phone in your front pocket. I saw more Constables today than you would in a Suffolk art gallery.

Fair few landmarks I'm sure that were in Bend it like Beckham, didn't see Parminder of Keira though - shame.

Ground appears alongside the A316 and with the prevailing westerly that is blowing this brisk December afternoon I'm going to bet there's a couple of balls end up on the dual carriageway.

A stand on either touchline each seating a couple of hundred with a small cowshed terrace on the clubhouse side , otherwise it's just a path around the arena, the end backing onto the main road being blocked off currently.

Clubhouse small for the level of the club (Step 4) , opted instead for the fast food outlet and a very nice Bacon Roll with a Bovril for a bargain £4.

Pitch has an undulating grass playing surface with a fair few bumps and bobbles should make for an interesting game.

A first half of frantic nothingness saw the teams go in level at 0-0. Hopes for a more promising second period we're realised with four goals in an eight minute spell. A couple of headers putting Villa 2-0 up , Chips responding with a headed goal of their own before a third Villa strike on 70 minutes.

Point of interest, two Mersons in the HV squad - sons of the Magic Man both with a similar gait to the old man. Unfortunately no sighting of Merse himself.

A decent turnout of 204 on the Saturday before Christmas, not the best game I have ever witnessed but it's football and I bloody love it.

[Final Score: Villa 3 CHiPs 1]