Chester le Street Town FC

 Friday night football from the northern league was on the menu for this warm August evening. The opposition, FC Hartlepool, I've watched a lot over the past few seasons, despite still not visiting their ground, they are always a strong, solid team with threat up front and this evening proved no different.

As usual I set off in good time, with the roads being extra busy due to the weekend getaway traffic. To find the ground from the south is really easy, follow the A1m and come off at junction 63,then bear left and follow the roundabouts straight on until you get a sign for the club and see the Chester Moor pub. It's only about 3 miles off the motorway and there is plenty of parking, just park opposite the pub for a slightly easier getaway after. At junction 61 is Durham services if you need fuel, although today the were sold out, there is also a McDonald's, Costa and WH Smith. 

The game ebbed and flowed, end to end stuff, with neither team really dominating but both pushing hard for the goal. The ref wasn't the best and several stoppages were longer than they needed to be. Having been previously impressed with FC Hartlepool, this game was no different, coming into it without a win I was confident they would tonight, despite going in goalless at half time. They just seemed to have better shape and discipline than the home side who were more hit and hope.

A mention for the ground, one of the better ones at northern league level that I've visited. After walking through the car park you are greeted with a huge social club, excellent facility, just before the turnstiles, however sadly no merchandise for sale. Through the gate it's the standard £6 and £4, there's ample ground level standing round the turnstile side and behind the goal, whilst along the other side is some good terracing and an excellent stand for the level. There's a small food hut, where I got a ham and cheese toastie and tea for £4, the also sold chips, pizza slices, alcoholic drinks amongst others and crisps, chocolate and such like. The stadium announcer later announced for people to try one of the Michelin star toasties, they were very nice and a welcome change from a pie for football food, but I wouldn't rate them to that extent, although it was quite funny to hear this selling technique. He also gave a mention to Michael Barron, who presume was in the crowd, as if we all knew him, J had to Google him, he played 3 games for Middlesbrough then about 300 for Hartlepool and is now a coach according to Wikipedia, on guessing he is a regular spectator at Moor Park. They get good crowds at Chester le Street and tonight was mo different with 325 in attendance.

Five minutes into the second half FC Hartlepool took the lead in emphatic fashion, after a mix up at the back on the right wing, the ball was cut back for a simple but firm side foot finish by Finn Smith into the unguarded net. That was how the score ended, with the home side becoming increasingly desperate but to no avail. FC Hartlepool saw the game out rather comfortably and I fully expect them to be up there challenging at the end of the season, having lost in the play offs last year.