A fortnight ago the Friday night match at Redbridge afforded very poor viewing conditions, but worse was to come at
Friday 15th October 2021
Essex Senior League
Woodford Town 1 v 1 Stanway Rovers
Michael Scott; Harry Demo, Peter Jago.
Woodford are no doubt delighted to have found a home, but unfortunately the pitch is situated in the middle of an impressive athletics facility, with both track and large long-time area making the view from the spectator accommodation a distant one, without any height to help. The programme I formed readers that both teams would be in yellow shirts, but the visitors' choice of a navy strip, with just a front panel of a lighter blue, exacerbated the situation. I do not know the football equivalent of Thompson's "a ghostly batsman plays to the bowling of a ghost" but the field was certainly full of shades and much flickering to and fro. Mr Scott was mostly indistinguishable from the players; Mr Demo from the enveloping night. Only Mr Jago was clearly visible, nobly trying to be in position despite advancing years.
For the record, the visitors, top of the table, were the stronger side in the first half, taking the lead with a header on 11 minutes. The second half was more even, with Stanway's shooting being way off target. Woodford had a great run through the heart of the home defence on 71 minutes, but shot straight at the keeper. Three minutes later a Stanway shot was clawed back off the line - or was it? At the next stoppage Mr Scott had lengthy words for a visiting boss. A decent shot on 85 minutes earned Woodford a draw they just about deserved. What happened in the remaining minutes remains unknown, JCFC having left to ensure a smooth journey back to Sutton.
Mr Scott appeared, as far as one could tell, to do well in a match with few problems. Sadly, it would be impossible to recognise him, if he was encountered again. One thing is certain though - it would not be at Woodford.