A clear run via Streatham saw me arrive in just under 40 minutes and with 15 minutes to spare before this local derby kicked off.
I have been past Grand Drive many times and tried to take a game in here during the pre-season but it was cancelled at the last minute, so this one has been near the top of my to do list for some time. Ground number 286 for me and gets me nearer to the magic number of 300 that I have set myself by the end of season...though this is looking rather tight.
I paid my £6.00 entrance fee and £1.00 for the programme and entered the ground a few minutes before the teams arrived on the pitch.
Grand Drive is a strange little ground with only having 1 rickety main stand and the changing rooms being separated and in the corner. There is a small covering to the side of 1 goal at the car park end where there are also a pair of toilets. The opposite end is completely open except for a tiny little "shed" with 3 armchairs inside. Opposite the main stand are the dug outs and an open grass area running the length of that side of the pitch.
The programme told me that the "Vale" are currently unbeaten in 8 games having won 7 and drawn 1. They actually beat Collier's Wood the previous Tuesday by a scoreline of 2-1 away. Looking through the programme the home crowds are pretty low even for the Combined Counties Premier League and having seen the crowd here tonight I wonder if the gate receipts are being added up correctly!
A lively 1st half saw CWU take a 2-0 lead which was no more than they deserved. The Vale huffed and puffed but the CWU defence and keeper were having good games. Vale were trying a bit too hard and they must of been told exactly this at HT, as they came out for the 2nd half in a more composed way and within 10 minutes had pulled a goal back after a scramble from a corner. The rest of the half was pretty much one sided but try as they might Vale could not force the equaliser and after a couple of fine saves by the Collier's Wood keeper they ended up with a 2-1 reserve and are now out of the cup.
An enjoyable game and having seen my first goals for 4 matches I was very happy not to have witnessed another 0-0 draw. I should of visited Grand Drive before but I have chalked it off now and may return again in the future if they ever play Dulwich here.
Now onto ground 287!
Til the next time.
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