Saturday 2nd December 2023

Wibbandune Sports Club, Kingston-upon-Thames SW20 0AA

Colliers Wood United v. Horley Town

Some matchdays involve a lot of planning. Today is one of those, sub-zero temperatures and industrial action by railway workers combine to challenge the ground-hopping fraternity.

Colliers Wood were first to confirm their game is on, so it's off to New Malden and a crisp, brisk stroll to the Wibbadune.

New Malden houses the largest population of Koreans in Europe. Mainly the Southern shandy-drinking variant who (Wiki informs me) were originally drawn to the area in the 1970s after the South Korean embassy moved nearby, along with Samsung's European headquarters.

A couple of suburban trains from home and we're in New Malden, got to say it's a lovely place. One of those towns you can see yourself living in - should you have chosen the best Korea path salary wise that is.

Middle aged essentials Costa and Spoons both close to the station, so suitably fuelled it's off on a mile and a bit wintery walk.

A 30 minute amble through leafy suburbia and a quick scooch up and over the A3 and you have arrived at the Wibbandune.

Not the biggest clubhouse in the Combined Counties League (estate agents might call it 'compact and bijou'). Unfortunately no call for zero alcohol beverages round these parts - cup o'tea it is then and the bonus of home made rolls in cling film.

Special mention for the match-day programme. Full colour, full of stats, tables and pictures.

Pitch has held up well with the recent combination of rain and -0° temperatures. Set right next to a woodland walk, you could easily just stand outside the fence and watch for nothing if you were that way inclined.

Tidy and well kempt arena -  concrete path around all four sides,  narrow open ends behind each goal , one small covered two step cowshed next to the clubhouse and a 100-seater main stand on the opposite side. If the mood took you there's the option to stay in your car and spectate too.

With the busy A3 only a few yards behind the top goalmouth I wonder how many match balls end their days under a speeding vehicle. (Edit: Thanks to @SurreyWyvern I'm told the trees stop pretty much everything!).

Little to choose between the sides in the first half, The Wood edging it 1-0 at half-time.

Second half and the home goal was under siege for long periods - the Horley equaliser coming midway through the half as the fog rolled in from the dual carriageway.

A point apiece , probably the home side will take that given the second half onslaught from the visitors.

Another very enjoyable day trip and a pleasure to meet the hardy souls that keep The Wood alive.

[Final Score: Wood 1 Horley 1]

EXTRA! EXTRA! READ ALL ABOUT IT.

Why Wibbandune?  An Olde English name of Wimbledon. Also the Battle of Wibbandun in the year 568 between Wessex and Kent.