To Broad Lane! …on Saturday afternoon. Wivenhoe Town FC were at home in the first round of the FA Vase hosting Frenford. The visitors play one step above the Dragons in the non-league pyramid.
This was all set to be a half decent opportunity to see how far the Dragons have progressed as part of the new set up for the 2026 season.
There wasn’t much to report for the first half hour or so. The main talking point was the incredibly tall ref and a couple of rather short wide players starting for Frenford. Talk about knowing your place, etc.
I walked around the ground doing my usual photo walk. Some silly old racist Essex owd boy mumbled out some absolute nonsense rather close to me. I rose above it and didn’t allow this to ruin my afternoon. In retrospect I really should have called him out - or maybe even lamped him.
The lino was much more fun.
“Don’t take my photo! Please don’t take my photo!”
Which actually means, “Oh please do take my photograph and please do pimp it out all over the modern interweb. Thank you very much.”
I didn’t take his photograph.
It looked bloody hard work out there on what was a rock hard pitch. I wouldn’t have fancied playing a full 90 minutes with my knees. Thankfully if it was to be even at full time then we would go straight to pens.
The first half was rather even. I was surprised how well Wivenhoe fared against a team that were clearly a lot more organised, not to mention no doubt better paid.
I had a few conversations during the second half with some familiar faces. Pokey Pokey Guy started speaking to me as well as poking me rather hard.
It was all friendly stuff but I do object when my body space is invaded and a jabbing finger is then inserted into my shoulder to prove a point every 30 seconds or so.
The main talking point is that the old brick wall around all four sides of the ground looks set to be demolished next week. Apparently FA funding of around £50,000 has been secured after the terrible incident that involved the death of a young player last season. This can’t come soon enough. It will certainly transform the look of Broad Lane.
Back on the actual pitch itself Wivenhoe were superb in the second half. They attacked with pace and actually outclassed their opponents from a league above. Two goals were scored in quick succession. They were well deserved.
I turned to my spectating partner, the non-pointing one, and observed that the final 15 minutes would be bloody hard work to defend.
This wasn’t the case. Wivenhoe were strong in defence as well as continuing to attack. A 2-0 victory was the least they deserved.
Well and truly up for the Cup, Comrades.
