Three points for “Millwall of the Wessex League”

We headed west this weekend, having gone up the A34 last Saturday and then east the weekend before. Enough about geography and on to the day, Hamworthy Recreation v Fareham Town.

My Parents live a mere 3 miles from the BJM Stadium (Magna Road) so we stopped off and had a pre-match lunch with Nanna & Grandad before we headed across Longham bridge and down Magna Road.

We drove past the entrance to the new AFCB training ground - Miss recognised the logo immediately and remarked “Daddy Football” - well drilled already ❤️🍒

The car park was full at the Hamworthy Club, to their credit, the club did pre-warn on ‘X’ that this could be a problem…

We parked in the lay by just around the corner from the entrance, on Magna Road.

The clubhouse was a hub of activity, Bournemouth Model Railway show this weekend, some decent trains on show to be fair - Miss was in her element “choo choo!!!!” - Grandad John - she did you proud! 🚂

We walked down the familiar steps and towards the pitch. A ground that has special memories for me - where I made a cameo for the mighty Cherries in a pre-season friendly. AFCB won 3-0 under the management of Kevin Bond at the time, assisted by Rob Newman with a certain Eddie Howe as 1st Team Coach, amazing memories, sharing a changing room with Darren Anderton that evening.

Anyway, back to modern reality (that game was back in 2008!).

Admission was only £7, you got a printed ticket as well as a momento. The club has undergone a lot of changes since I was last there when they played in the Dorset Premier League. A small seated stand on the far side and a small covered stand on the near side. Still a great view from the terrace outside the bar! Where Fareham housed their giant flag!

It was great to see Ryan Andress pre-match, a good friend of our family and a former colleague. Three times in a month having not seen each other for almost 2 years 👍

We also saw Ian Harley, who Daddy was on the committee of the Wessex League with a few years back. It’s always good to see some friendly faces around the ground.

There were lots of stamps but a ramp next to it too - so covered if we still used the pushchair, Miss these days is fascinated by steps though!

Fareham, backed by an excellent away contingent, were vocal throughout and this reflected on the pitch as the Creeksiders came from behind to win the match 3-2 (including the below penalty to level proceedings) - Shame everyone missed the sign to “Keep Off The Pitch” 🤦‍♂️

Facilities at Hamworthy Recreation are excellent with a huge bar, plenty of food and drink offerings and toilets indoors with baby changing facilities! 🥳

On a regular Matchday, there is plenty of parking but because of the show, this wasn’t the case today, but free parking just around the corner made up for it.

Great game, lovely people, excellent facilities for a toddler and a place with amazing memories for Daddy ❤️🍒⚽️

Shame it was freezing cold and raining 🤷‍♂️ Ground 44 for Miss and her 93rd match 👏