After the dry sunny days it seemed that Autumn had arrived early in late August. It was only 15 degrees and the rain didn’t stop as I drove south on the A 38, but at least the thunder and lighting of the previous night was gone. I was on my way to Lichfield, a city I had been to many times before but never to Litchfield City FC.
The city has a beautiful Cathedral that was started in the early 1300’s which is the only medieval cathedral in the UK with three spires. It has a vibrant interesting centre but the ground was on the north east outskirts of town, slowly being swallowed up by a large housing development.
I drove into the large car park but even 35 minutes before kick off it was full. The way out though was blocked by a large amount of water so some chaos ensued. Once out I found a parking space on a nearby road. Walking in you notice the ground is tree lined and a railway line must be nearby noticeable with the noise of trains rushing past.
Immediately through the gate you notice the all weather pitch that was sprinkled with a lot of black crumb. A club house with bar and cafe, including some alfresco covered outside seating, and changing rooms, toilets and admin offices make up one end of the ground, with flat standing in front of them. The other end has flat standing and a small covered area immediately behind the goal with some grass banking behind. The main side has a small covered seated area with the rest covered standing,with the far side having the team dugouts and flat standing.
A good contingent of away fans had made the trip but overall the crowd was disappointing. When the teams took to the field the rain had stopped but the grey skies threatened and kept the temperature down to 15 degrees.
The game I had gone to see was an FA Trophy first qualifying round tie between Lichfield City FC and Matlock Town. Matlock were previous winners of this cup but that was now over 50 years ago.
Lichfield are a relatively new team having been formed in 1970 and played in the West Midlands League. They changed their name to Lichfield City FC in 1994 but in 1995 having worked their way up to the top Division decided to switch to Sunday football. After securing the lease of their current bome in 2007 they reverted back to Saturdays the year after.
They steadily climbed to the Premier Division of the Midland League and they won it in 2025 to enable them to progress to the Northern Premier League West.
Lichfield City FC 0 Matlock Town 5
F.A . Trophy 1st qualifying round. Saturday 29th August 2026. 15.00 pm kick off.
Brownsfield Road (off Eastern Avenue), Lichfield, Staffordshire, WS13 6AY.
City or Spiremen v The Gladiators
Northern Premier League West, 22nd (no wins in 4 to start the season) v Northern Premier League East, 4th (3 wins in five games).
Lichfield all royal blue, goalkeeper in all light blue.
Matlock in all pink, goalkeeper in all light yellow.
Matlock started the game the brightest but it was Lichfield who hit the post and forced the away goalkeeper to make three saves. As the game moved on it continued at pace with Matlock now having more of the play. The home keeper tipped a shot over the bar after one of the gladiators fast counter attacks.
Despite Lichfield matching possession Matlock looked most likely to score, and they did, with 46 minutes gone. Another fast break and cross in from the left was defended but the ball landed for Brandon Bradley to smash home. One nil to Matlock didn’t reflect the game, all square would have been fairer.
Within 4 minutes of the restart Matlock’s quick movement of the ball told when a ball from right, along ground to centre of goal, allowed Manasse Mampala to slide in and place the ball high up into net. Only 4 minutes more and it was 3 nil when the away teams quick break gave Jedd Abbey the chance to lace the ball into an open right side of the goal. This was after a beautifully delayed pass from the left.
Lichfield did not fold and tried to get back into the game but on 75 minutes Matlock made it four with Zak Gordon tapping in after receiving a pinpoint pass that resulted from another break.
Before the end Matlock made it five through Jed Abbey again after some more tricky wing play, this time from the left.
A resounding win for the away team who look very comfortable on the ball and in quick transition to create goal scoring chances. They await a new manager to keep this talented group together.
Lichfield suffer another loss but must surely have better luck and a win soon.
No chips so I had a small pie which was tasty with moist hot pastry but had more gravy than meat.
No programme but a QR code on the gate, disapointing.
payonthegate 