Newcastle University FC

 A Thursday evening game in the Brooks Mileson Memorial League Cup 2nd Round vs Kendal was the game, as I travelled to the ground of now defunct team Prudhoe Town. Both uni and Prudhoe YC now call Essity Park home. I decided on travel from Newcastle to Prudhoe on the train, however I wasn't banking on the mile and a half walk being such a climb, it was like everest. So if making the same journey, consider looking for a bus that goes nearer to the ground. I didn't mess about afterwards, the game delayed until 1955,so taxi ordered straight back to the hotel at a cost of £30 but worth the money. I was slightly worried about if the game had been postponed upon arrival, with no sign of any players and only half of the floodlights on, but Kendals late arrival explained this. If you want to catch the train from Newcastle, it's the Carlisle train you are looking for, usually from platform 7. Get off at either Prudhoe or Wylam, both the same distance from the ground but as I say be prepared for the climb.


The game was interesting, Uni, I have seen before at Sunderland RCA and they play some outstanding football, quick pass and move, but they just cannot finish. They should have had 7 or 8 goals at least tonight vs Kendal but it wasn't to be. Kendal, with a big league away game at West Auckland on Saturday had only sent a b team for this one which probably explains why they were on the back foot for so long. The game followed this pattern more or less for the whole 90 minutes, however Kendal had one or two gilt edged chances of their own on a couple or rare counter attacks. Strangely with about 15 minutes left, Kendal brought a new goalkeeper on, possibly banking on penalties deciding the game, however with penalties looming, Uni forced a corner, the delivery in wasn't dealt with and the player at the back post side footed back across goal into the bottom corner, hugely deserved although you had to feel for the Kendal team who had battled so hard. The crowd was a meagre 48, about 10 of which had travelled from Kendal. 


Highlight of the game, first half must have kicked the ball back into play about 5 times, only for another spectator to call over, 'we should sign you up, you've a good left foot.' I took the compliment but little does he know my limitations are that I'd only be able to run for the 5 minutes! Suppose I could be a squad super sub! 


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