I went nice and early, and, to my surprise, both teams were getting changed! Unheard of in The Trowbridge League. I wondered if I'd got the k.o. time wrong. Enquiries established that 3.00pm was correct. Steeple Ashton were simply keen to play their first game of the season. Trowbridge Youth are set up as a professional side who get changed then have half hour training on the field. Back in for a team talk, then out to do the biz.
A strong wind howled across St Mary's as Trowbridge kicked off, and the hard lumpy ground presented further difficulties. Considerable skill was required to get any control of the ball at all.
Trowbridge scored after 5 minutes, but then we went for half hour before they popped in a second. Generally, the away side had the edge of an intense encounter. Although Ashton built as many attacks as their opponents, any high ball was cut out by the tallest player of the day in the heart of the defence. Those just in front of him collected most of the loose ball and distributed it wisely, sometimes wide and sometimes down the middle.
The big strong centre forward showed a keen eye for goal, turning and shooting at every opportunity. His Manager was calling for him to pass the ball, but he was only playing for one reason - to put the ball into the net!
Five minutes before half time Trowbridge netted a second and began to relax. The foul count went down.
After the break Trowbridge scored a third before Ashton had digested their oranges, and went into comfort mode.
There were some desperate tackles from the Ashton defence as they became ragged and tired. A free kick after 72 mins was quickly taken and lofted into the net before Ashton were organised.
Another goal ten minutes from time took the last of the attacking from Ashton as they all got behind the ball in a damage limiting action.
Surprisingly enough, there were no bookings, and lots of handshakes all round at the end.