After last week’s 35 degrees, back home I decided to go to see Dearne and District FC play on a truly Autumnal evening. The rain of all day had cleared as I approached the ground where cars were abandoned on nearby open grass land. Walking to the match, having parked, I was glad of my large coat and the gloves I found in the pockets from last winter’s use. The 8 degrees felt colder from the effects of the breeze.
I watched a home game of Dearne and District last season but that was at their other ground just south of Goldthorpe. That ground is still used by the clubs numerous sides of all ages, abilities and sexes. The men’s senior team have moved their games to The Welfare Community Stadium in Bolton – upon – Dearne where there is a big push to climb up the football pyramid. Not only is the team top of the Central Midlands Alliance Division North but also pressing on with ground improvements to gain grading to move on. With floodlights, perimeter fencing, pitch side fencing for most sides, a hard standing path around the pitch (almost two sides completed), toilets, food and drinks outlets, an innovative stand made out of containers and a programme, amazing work so far.
The pitch was of thick grass that sloped from end to end and was undulating. Most of the 376 spectators were stood on the new concrete with some on the grass banks and behind one goal trains whizzed by to Doncaster and Sheffield.
There has been a major reorganisation for this season at the Central Midlands League where they have merged with the Midland Regional Alliance and changed name to the Central Midlands Alliance. There are now more divisions with 93 teams giving a greater depth and regional coverage, a league to watch in the future.
As I have said in a previous post Dearne and District were only formed in 1982 and are just starting to write their history. Elite are in the same situation creating their history since their set up in 2020 as an under 18s side. Their move into Thr Central Midlands Alliance has been smooth and bodes well for the future.
Dearne and District FC v Elite FC
Central Midlands Alliance Division North. Welfare Community Stadium Friday 13th October 19.45 kick off. 1st v 5th
Dearne and District red and white vertical stripes with blue shoulder flashes and red shorts: Elite all white strip.
The game was straight away off to a fast and furious pace with both teams showing intent. However it was the home team who took the lead after just 7 minutes when the ball was headed down to Curtis Wilkinson on the left of goal who made no mistake in drilling it into the far corner. Within a few minutes they were two nil up when Josh Moore received the ball 12 meters out and turned round to guide it into the top right hand corner.
The intensity of the game continued and Elite players showed some very good skills but the strength of the Dearne team kept them on top and they made it three nil just on half time when Curtis Wilkinson latched on to a beautiful cross from the right to head home unposed.
Straight at the start of the second half with me not totally concentrating, Dearne and District made it four when in the first minute they surged forward in numbers for Bayley Lowe to stab home. It was Baz Lowe who made it 5 on 58 minutes when a weighted pass over the defence allowed him to run past them and lob the goalkeeper who was rushing out to get the ball.
There were no more goals and Elite didn’t give up so it was competitive to the end. Elite are finding their feet at this higher level of football and will surely come up against lesser competition in this seasons campaign. Dearne and District look to be on course for higher things. I look forward to visiting here again to see their progress.
Unfortunately no chips but on a cold night the minced meat pie with gravy and mint sauce along with a hot cup of coffee went down well.
payonthegate 