Match Information
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Wednesfield 2-2 Smethwick Rangers
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When: Bank Holiday Tuesday 27th December 2022
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Kick-off: 3pm
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Where: Cottage Ground, Amos Lane, Wednesfield, Wolverhampton, West Midlands WV11 1ND
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Competition: Midland Football League Division One
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Attendance: 38
The festive period afforded us an extra Bank Holiday this season. Having travelled to AEK-Boco FC near Bristol on Boxing Day, I scrutinised assorted fixture lists to find a another new ground I could target 24 hours later on Tuesday 27th.
Wednesfield FC have been on my radar for many years since the town is heavily signposted above the M6 Motorway junction and I have thereby driven past it literally hundreds of times. On each occasion, I thought to myself: “I must go there one day!”
However, I had been putting off a visit during the current campaign because I noticed Wednesfield had stopped issuing matchday programmes which are essential keepsakes for an ardent groundhopper like me.
But by chance, I discovered a printed programme was planned for this fixture against Smethwick Rangers so I decided to grab the opportunity while it was available.
Therefore I set off on a 250 mile round trip to Wednesfield - a town containing 22,500 inhabitants based three miles from the centre of Wolverhampton. Incidentally, the correct pronunciation locally is “Wencefield”.
Ground Description
I have ventured to a number of newly built grounds lately. These contain tidy facilities including prefab stands that are assembled in factories before being transported by lorry for relocation next to the recipient football pitches.
Consequently all spectator requirements are met in line with modern National League System grading requirements. In total contrast though, Wednesfield’s Cottage Ground is the complete opposite.
An old school venue alluding a certain lived-in charm dating back to when it was originally opened in 1971.
I stood back in admiration after I spotted The Robert ‘Moggsy’ Morris Stand which is a sturdy home-made corrugated iron and brick construction.
This is named in tribute to a former club stalwart and provides covered bench seating in six rows for 300 spectators. More than enough for today’s official attendance of 38.
Indeed, it kept everyone protected from the prevailing elements on a damp and very windy day. There is plenty of on-site parking too with a social club behind the far goal.
Programme Details
On sale from the main entrance at £1.50p for 28 pages offering plenty of good reading material.
The contents included Wednesfield’s club history, player sponsorship details, Midland League table and statistics, away team history, articles about international football legends Pele and Paolo Maldini, a quiz, some random jokes (!) and the manager’s notes.
In addition, the “Message from the Chairman” explained: “It has been a while since we produced a programme due to the cost of printing them.
Local printers are reluctant to do them due to cost as we only need a limited number of copies. So today’s programme will be a special Xmas edition.” I liked the way he signed off by using local vernacular in saying: “WENNY AY WE”.
The Match
A hard fought contest featuring four goals shared by two mid-table teams. Wednesfield’s marksmen were Shadai Mbi and Rhys Horton whereas Smethwick Rangers replied via two strikes from Samuel Kayode.
The home side were roared on by their most committed fan who repeatedly yelled: “Come on Wenny!”
There was a comical incident involving the Smethwick Rangers physio who sprinted 50 yards across the pitch at full pelt to treat an injured player before gasping in theatrical exaggeration: “I can’t breathe!”
Seeing the funny side, a visiting supporter responded: “Do you need a physio, our physio?”
The People
Wednesfield chairman Graham Hyde is a shining example of the devotion shown by Non-League volunteers.
When I phoned him in the morning to check the game was definitely going ahead following previous rainy spells, he allayed my fears by telling me there was no problem as he was busy marking out the painted lines on the pitch.
Then I was delayed en route by 25 minutes due to motorway traffic hold-ups near the RAC building, so I phoned Graham again and he kindly said he would reserve a programme for me in case they sold out.
Once I arrived, I found him manning the entry point and personally lifting a heavy road barrier to allow cars access. Absolutely tremendous dedication to the cause by Graham!
*Credit for all of the photos in this article belongs to @TonyIncenzo*
FIRST PUBLISHED: 5th January 2023
