Having read the Central Midlands Alliance League’s Web Site about their team of the month (December), Kirton Brickworks FC, and that they played on a pitch next to a brick works, the delivery trucks and a stack of bricks, it was a must to visit.
I drove along the edge of Sherwood Forest through trees where some of the landscape was moulded by the detritus of past coal mining to Ollerton. Here I turned North towards the village of Kirton and the brick works now owned by Forterra the major UK brick company.
Driving through the gates of the company I could see the football pitch on my right but no activity. Checking the clubs X, formerly Twitter account the match had been switched to nearby Walesby Village Sports Club. Evidently Kirton had recently played their first game on their works pitch since September and it could not be made ready for this match.
A quick five minutes away, I found the venue in time.
A small sports club with changing rooms, toilets, good parking, a bar, meeting room and football pitches. The pitch sloped from end to end with great grass cover, a bit undulating but drained well considering our recent weather. It was a mild 12 degrees with a blue sky and white clouds but with ominous grey clouds coming from behind. It was great to watch a match with no icy wind and cold feet and hands. The locals had used the picnic tables for an impromptu seating area.
It was difficult to find much about the history of the two teams, Kirton were founded in 1965 and Long Bennington in 1920. They are both established members of the Central Midlands Alliance.
Kirton Brickworks 0 Long Bennington FC 2
Saturday 2nd February 2024 Kick off 14.00
1st v 9th Central Midland Alliance Division 1 East
Walesby Village Sports Club, Forest Ln, Walesby, Newark NG22 9PF
Kirton, Red shirts with Black shorts; Bennington, Dull gold shirts and shorts, (with the grey socks it looked like the whole kit had been put in the wrong wash and had come out ruined).
With Bennington kicking up hill it surprised me to see them dominate the start and they went ahead after 14 minutes when their number 4 was put through on the right, where he tapped in unopposed. Kirton tried to rally but were kept at bay only able to show any threat through individuals efforts.
The same pattern emerged in the second half and after the Kirton goalkeeper made two outstanding saves to keep them in the game Bennington scored from the resulting corner. The corner kick was perfectly delivered to Bennington’s number 5 , who unmarked, nodded it into the middle of the net.
It was all over from there, Kirton remain top of the League but others with games in hand now have the opportunity to pass them if they win those games.
No chips here as expected but after fathoming out the coffee machine, wasting my first pound, the coffee was hot and strong, tasting better than it looked.
An enjoyable game and it still leaves me with a trip back to Kirton to see them play in their unusual ground.
There were two players I need to mention, Long Bennington’s number 6 who just controlled the back line and seemed to always be there for a crucial interception, he should be playing at a higher level. Kirton’s number 4 also needs a mention in a game where he and their goalkeeper stood out in a lack lustre team effort, for his continual effort and skill.
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