Match Information
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Newent Town 3-2 Clanfield 85
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When: Saturday 18th February 2023
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Kick-off: 3pm
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Where: Wildsmith Meadow, Malswick, Newent, Gloucestershire GL18 1HE
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Competition: Hellenic League Division One
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Attendance: 53 (my headcount)
The Hellenic League is one of my favourite competitions as it covers a vast area having traditionally stretched from the western fringes of London right out towards the Welsh border.
Newent Town have been members since 2017/18, progressing via Division Two West to their current status in Division One at Step 6 of the national Non-League Pyramid.
They previously competed in local Gloucestershire football. Newent itself is a market town encompassing a population of 6,800 residents based 11 miles north-west of Gloucester.
For me, this was a 300 mile round trip. I experienced unexpected delays and diversions after a section of the A40 was closed following an accident but I still arrived at the ground an hour before kick-off.
Ground Description
Wildsmith Meadow is located on an elevated perch off the main B4215 road into Newent about a mile from the town centre. A large billboard displaying matchday details is designed to catch the attention of passing motorists.
I drove up a small slope to discover plenty of space for supporters and players in the car park. Two long-serving club volunteers gave everyone a warm welcome at the wooden entry hut.
Once inside the ground, my first impression was how clean and tidy everything was. There were no weeds anywhere and no litter. In fact, one of the gatemen expressed concerns about a dead bird next to the pitch.
Floodlights were installed in 2018 thanks to a substantial Football Association grant. For spectators, an attractive and sturdy grandstand contains a total of 62 tip-up seats in the club colours of yellow.
This was built four years ago and I understand more seats will be added soon. In addition, there is a covered standing area housing some picnic benches as part of an overhang in front of the cosy clubhouse building behind one goal.
A couple of quaint cottages adjoin the ground. Meanwhile, surrounding farmland gives the whole setting a picturesque rural feel. Newent Town were formed 103 years ago and a photo of their original 1920 team takes pride of place on the clubhouse wall.
Programme Details
It was given away free of charge with admission. I liked this idea which made sure programmes were distributed to everyone attending the fixture.
That readership is extremely beneficial for the club’s advertisers and sponsors at a time when sales of all printed items are declining due to the explosion of online content.
The Match
On a mild and breezy day, this was an entertaining affair where 17th place Newent hosted Clanfield who were sixth.
Literally seconds after the game kicked off, one of the visiting substitutes (who will remain nameless) dramatically leapt out of the dug-out shouting: “I need the toilet!” And he swiftly sprinted off towards the dressing rooms.
He returned a few minute later in a slightly more relaxed state whilst muttering: “Oh, my stomach”. As for the match, Clanfield dominated for long spells racking up a total of 22 efforts on goal plus seven corners.
Newent only had four shots but scored three of them. Clanfield led at half-time courtesy of Declan Shepperd converting on 36 minutes.
This was hotly disputed by home players en masse in light of the fact that Shepperd – who wore a short sleeved shirt - clearly used his upper arm to control the ball before scoring.
However, the referee loudly announced this wasn’t handball because it was “above the shirt line”. His assistant agreed with him. I was totally confused and I wondered to myself what the implications would be for a player in long sleeves.
Anyway, Newent roared back in the second half mustering strikes by Dan Gayner (46 minutes), Saul Thomas (66 mins) and Shay Lyons (80 mins).
Nathan Kimber netted Clanfield’s second in the 71st minute but they ended up regretting all their missed chances.
The best goal overall was scored by Newent striker Saul Thomas who hammered a glorious left footed half volley into the top corner from 20 yards.
Thomas was so pleased with himself that he ran over to local photographer Helen Warwick on the touchline and excitedly asked: “Helen, have you got it?”
Also, there was plenty of what I will call “banter” between the two sets of coaching staff during some heated moments but it was good to see everyone shaking hands in sporting fashion at full-time.
The People
I found Newent Town to be a very friendly club with everyone involved taking great pride in the facilities. Therefore I would thoroughly recommend a visit to all floating football fans.
*Credit for photos in this article belongs to @TonyIncenzo*
FIRST PUBLISHED: 23rd February 2023
