Ripon City FC

 A bonus game in the West Yorkshire Premier League as we pulled over on our way home from West Cumbria for another football fix. Upon arrival at the ground I was taken aback by how smart it was, great little stand and clubhouse and a decent pitch, parking is limited but probably holds 40 cars. We sat outside and got a pin badge, J20 and a coke for £5, with the bar staff seeming very happy to see a groundhopper, top class welcoming club. The future of the club lies elsewhere as they plan to move, when that will happen I don't know but I'm sure the new facility will allow the club to push on even further. The game was a local derby vs newly promoted Harlow Hill and at a head count there was over 100 spectators watching.


Most games in this league are fast skillful and played with one objective, to win, however this was different with numerous feisty and crunching challenges going in from both sides, it was noticeable though the Ripon number 3 took a hell of a hammering, probably because he was by far the best player on the pitch. Having watched Harlow Hill last season they were a very skillful side then but now a league up seem to ha e gone route one. In fairness I think they have probably lost some of the better players they had last year. Ripon are a good solid unit and I expect them to finish up near the top again along with Beeston St Anthony's. Unbelievably for this level the game looked to be heading towards a 0-0. The referee, who I thought contained things well for about 50 minutes began to lose hi head slightly and sent the Ripon number 4 off in the second half for a second yellow, yet numerous Harlow Hill challenges had gone unpunished. Despite the disadvantage, Ripon stood strong and contained well whilst maintaining a threat on the break and 6 minutes from time smashed it into the roof of the net after Harlow failed to clear. That was how it finished, with the game not finishing until gone half 8 from a 1830 kick off and the sky being almost dark at full time. A few months of Saturday only fixtures now await these two before midweek fixtures recommence around March time.


Mallorie Park is accessible from the city centre on foot, just a ten minute walk away, catch the 36 bus to Market Square from Leeds or Harrogate to enjoy the city centre beforehand.
















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