Okay, I don't know how many of you lovely people care enough for an apology, but this blog is late. I'm talking near enough two and a half months now. I paid a visit to Champion Hill in the middle of July during pre-season, and I'm now publishing this in the third week of September. Do I have a reason for the delay? Of course. I wasn't in the mood for writing, but tonight I am, which is why you're reading this now. Still with me? Good, on we go.
Truth of the matter is, this blog is a big one. Some might say it's the absolute pinnacle of recent blogging history infact (my mum says I'm a good writer, honest). Brace yourselves. Champion Hill was the 50th ground of my travels in the lifespan of moi, the Stadium Trotter. Please, please, calm the applause. It's a small success in a bigger picture. In honesty though, I can't take myself that seriously. It was awesome to hit 50 grounds which is why I'm still willing to put something together for you to read 10 weeks later!
The day started off as most days do watching Farnborough being taken apart by Slough Town at Cherrywood Road (blog post here, of course), before we jumped in the Rossmobile and headed into central London for our second game of the day, Dulwich Hamlet vs Altona 93. That's right, the Germans were in town. I was genuinely excited. A sweltering hot day, my 50th ground, and a congregation of Germans in the same place, what could be better?
Truth of the matter is, this blog is a big one. Some might say it's the absolute pinnacle of recent blogging history infact (my mum says I'm a good writer, honest). Brace yourselves. Champion Hill was the 50th ground of my travels in the lifespan of moi, the Stadium Trotter. Please, please, calm the applause. It's a small success in a bigger picture. In honesty though, I can't take myself that seriously. It was awesome to hit 50 grounds which is why I'm still willing to put something together for you to read 10 weeks later!
The day started off as most days do watching Farnborough being taken apart by Slough Town at Cherrywood Road (blog post here, of course), before we jumped in the Rossmobile and headed into central London for our second game of the day, Dulwich Hamlet vs Altona 93. That's right, the Germans were in town. I was genuinely excited. A sweltering hot day, my 50th ground, and a congregation of Germans in the same place, what could be better?
Arriving at the ground, there was a clear buzz of anticipation, and that passed to the three of us as we entered through the turnstiles and Champion Hill emerged ahead of us. With a magnificent stand to the right of us as we entered, the natural option was to go and search for some beer, which we duly found, before admiring our surroundings through the clubhouse window. With the travelling Altona contingent mingling with those of a more local descent, and their flags proudly displayed behind the near goal, it was definitely the right place to be.
With beers in hand, we pottered back out of the clubhouse and headed towards the far side of the pitch opposite the main stand for our positions for the upcoming game. Reading through the matchday programme (some of which was in German to my delight), I came to find that the friendly was being played through an affiliation between the two clubs, based on a chance groundhopping meeting by a fan of each club when watching football out in Germany. All about who you know in this world isn't it lads. |
The ground itself is a compact arena, and full of friendly enough people too. Both sets of fans sang their songs at either end of the ground, both of which are terraced behind the goals, and people cheered from the impressive main stand as the Germans roared into an astonishing first half lead. As we enjoyed our pints pitchside, a cracking thing and one that should be rolled across the whole of English football, I bathed in the sunshine and just enjoyed the game. That's how life is meant to be isn't it?
The game itself was played at a typical pre season pace, but the first 45 minutes made it evident that the Germans were a technically superior side. Goal after goal found the net in the first half, and the London side only clawed their way back into following almost entire changes to each side from either bench. That being said, who can complain about being a neutral spectator that finishes 5-3, whilst enjoying some beer with either set of fans singing at each end of the ground. Bliss.
This might be a shorter blog, but there's plenty more to come. This is only my 50th ground after all, how many more thousands are there across the world?Enough for you guys never to get bored. Dulwich was a fun afternoon spent in the company of Ross and Andy, both of whom seem to enjoy the nicer side of life as much as I do, beer and football. Thanks to Dulwich for putting on such a great day, and it has to be said, I did enjoy my burger despite the £6 price tag. Here's to the next 50.
Sheridan
Sheridan