Match Information
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Everett Rovers 3-4 Chipperfield Corinthians
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When: Tuesday 22nd August 2023
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Kick-off: 7.45pm
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Where: 3G Pitch, Leggatts Playing Fields, Dodd Road, Garston, Hertfordshire WD24 5FS
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Competition: Herts Senior County League Premier Division
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Attendance: 74
Whenever I spot a match which might hold particular interest for peripatetic football fans, I liaise with the home team to make it a designated groundhopper fixture.
Subsequently maximising publicity on Twitter and in the magnificent Football Traveller magazine, I help to plug advance details whilst ensuring enough programmes are printed.
So after I noticed the first ever midweek game at Everett Rovers FC’s newly laid £1 million 3G artificial pitch, I set the promotional wheels in motion. It was only a 50 mile round trip for me to attend.
The North Watford-based outfit were formed in March 1997 being named in honour of local councillor Bill Everett.
They are refreshing newcomers in Saturday football this season joining the Herts Senior County League Premier Division following a background in Sunday League competitions.
Rovers have a thriving youth policy too. More than 200 children duly participate from under-7’s right up to under-18’s.
Overall, 33 affiliated teams are fielded every week embracing hundreds of men, women and youth footballers alongside a pan-disability section. All reinforced by strong links to the Watford FC Community Sports and Education Trust registered charity.
Ground Description
On arrival, I espied a club car park off the North Western Avenue (A41) dual carriageway. Although it was extremely busy due to multiple youth training sessions taking place on the various sized outside pitches stretching across Leggatts Playing Fields.
Some members of Watford Ladies FC were also training. I ended up parking towards the bottom of Dodd Road near blocks of newish-looking flats. Everett Rovers’ smart five year old pavilion was well populated in the pre-match period as everyone relished well-stocked licensed bar offerings.
In addition, it houses the football changing rooms, kitchen and toilets. The building can be hired for private functions affording a maximum capacity of 120 people. Directly behind this lies the 3G arena where installation work began last February before completion five months later.
Result of my @hscfl match in Watford tonight -@everettrovers1 3@ChipCorinthians 4
— Tony Incenzo - football reporter (@TonyIncenzo) August 22, 2023
Attendance 74, programme four pages £3 with admission. Football grounds visited - 2,523@everettrovers @NonLeagueCrowd @HertfordshireFA @NonLgeProgs @NonLeaguePaper @nonleagueshow pic.twitter.com/SpXBmdu6e2
A prestigious official opening pre-season friendly was staged against nearby Northwood FC of the Isthmian League South-Central Division. Facilities-wise, it has a spectator viewing area extending down most of one side and LED floodlights.
A small but innovative area of cover exists for matchday supporters under an elevated canvas sheet running from the external fencing to touchline perimeter barriers. The playing surface is available for matches and training featuring other local clubs, schools, community groups and organisations.
Major backing for the 3G project came through the Football Foundation whereby Everett closely consulted altruistic Hertfordshire County Football Association officials to access required funding.
In addition, Watford Borough Council’s Neighbourhood Grant scheme provided £20,000 and Rovers themselves raised almost £16,000 courtesy of an online JustGiving page generously patronised by 47 individuals.
Programme Details
Initially on sale within the bar area and then at the main 3G entry gate immediately prior to kick-off for £3 including admission.
A four page effort containing the necessary specifics which was much appreciated amongst the assembled groundhoppers. An attractive cover distinctively displayed Everett’s shirt colours of blue and black stripes.
I liked the whimsical column entitled ‘Meet The Gaffers’ because joint managers Steve Kightley and Tim O’Sullivan outlined heartfelt hopes for the 2023/24 campaign.
They even shared a selection of light-hearted anecdotes concerning their past playing and coaching adventures.
The Match
The attendance of 74 was excellent for Step 7 football and fully justified the aforementioned special groundhopper fixture status. Devoted enthusiasts travelled from as far afield as Manchester to watch.
Everett Rovers therefore took £200-plus in programme sales and considerably more refreshment revenue amounting to a very good profit for club coffers.
On the field, it turned out to be a truly exciting seven goal thriller. The scorers for Rovers were Nick Kerley (18 minutes), Ashley Lewis (43 mins) and Lucas Roberts (84 mins).
However it was last season’s third placed side Chipperfield Corinthians who shaded matters via Adrian Abramian (6 mins, penalty), Sam Hutchings 2 (11, 34 mins) and Aidan Lesslie (87 mins, penalty).
All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to such a great community club at Everett Rovers.
*Credit for photos in this article belongs to @TonyIncenzo*
