Stanley FC

 Easter Saturday saw me take in a West Yorkshire Supreme League game at Fleet Lane, headquarters of the West Riding F. A. and also home ground of Stanley FC. The opposition were Bradford United.


The ground and facilities are absolutely top notch for this level of football, however there was no food or cup of tea on offer, the hut went from having a back soon card in the window to being shuttered off minutes later soon after our arrival. Luckily we had eaten at the excellent Farndales chip shop just up the road pre match but a coffee or tea in the ground would still have been good. 


I didn't know what to expect from the game with the teams in 9th and 10th positions respectively but Bradford United really were a joy to watch, excellent passing and movement and players not afraid to run with the ball in a forward direction, especially the number 2. The opening goal came from a run from the number 2 who crossed to the far post and a simple but still well taken finish for the forward. Their second came just before half time, I have to say it looked to me as if it had gone for a goal kick then looked over the goal line before they made sure and the goal was given. Unusually at this level the teams went in at the break and had most of the full 15 minutes, usually its just a quick turnaround.


Stanley came out second half a with bit more fire in their belly's but were still second best and lacking any real quality. They did however pull a goal back through a direct free kick which nestled smoothly in the bottom corner. Bradford went through the half just keeping Stanley at bay as if they knew they had the game won and were just doing enough to see it out, 5 minutes from the end though they broke, the keeper saved the initial shot but they put the rebound away for 3-1 and a well deserved victory.


At a head count the attendance was 27, a ground I would definitely recommend visiting to any ground hopper.


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