Following my away day with Bashley at Merthyr Town a couple of weekends ago, I had another chance to travel with Bash, this time away at local rivals Wimborne Town. It was to be only my second visit to Cuthbury, my last coming back in February (Bishops Cleeve won that fixture 2-1), and so I was naturally hoping for another home loss this time around.
The day began as it so often does with a journey on the train from New Milton station, before meeting Weymouth fan James (featured in my journey's to both Reading and Plymouth Parkway), and we headed off via bus towards Wimborne Minster, for what turned out to be a reasonably relaxed 45 minutes. I'm not a fan of buses, and so to get there in decent time without incident was more than pleasing.
As aforementioned, my only previous visit to Wimborne Town was at the beginning of the year, so I knew exactly where I was heading from the centre of Wimborne. A quick 15 minute stroll, and we arrived at the ground without any trouble. First port of call, programme. Last time I visited, I managed to forget to pick up a programme, and so was fortunate enough today to get one for both games, and make sure I now have a programme for every competitive game I've been to in which a programme has been issued. Many thanks to Gabriel for the help.
The day began as it so often does with a journey on the train from New Milton station, before meeting Weymouth fan James (featured in my journey's to both Reading and Plymouth Parkway), and we headed off via bus towards Wimborne Minster, for what turned out to be a reasonably relaxed 45 minutes. I'm not a fan of buses, and so to get there in decent time without incident was more than pleasing.
As aforementioned, my only previous visit to Wimborne Town was at the beginning of the year, so I knew exactly where I was heading from the centre of Wimborne. A quick 15 minute stroll, and we arrived at the ground without any trouble. First port of call, programme. Last time I visited, I managed to forget to pick up a programme, and so was fortunate enough today to get one for both games, and make sure I now have a programme for every competitive game I've been to in which a programme has been issued. Many thanks to Gabriel for the help.
Cuthbury is a hidden ground, but don't let that put you off. It's a genuinely welcoming place, hidden down a small country lane as you turn off the main road, and I've thoroughly enjoyed both my visits so far. There's seated terracing running down the near touchline, and sheltered standing behind the far goal. The clubhouse sits just outside of the turnstiles, but there is of course an entrance in the ground to grab your half-time pint. I fully recommend a visit if you're reading this trying to decide where your next 'tick' shall be.
Wimborne Town were reportedly founded in 1878, and have seemingly played in the town for that entire period. Their main honour would have to be the lifting of the FA Vase in 1992, but there was to be no such success for 'The Magpies' on the pitch this afternoon.
Wimborne Town were reportedly founded in 1878, and have seemingly played in the town for that entire period. Their main honour would have to be the lifting of the FA Vase in 1992, but there was to be no such success for 'The Magpies' on the pitch this afternoon.
The first 45 minutes was a reasonably even half, and in truth either side could have been ahead the break. An early goal from Griffin settled the difference at half-time, but (and I'm not being biased), Bash had the better chances and deserved to at least be level, if not ahead. Jack Hoey equalised for the visitors early on after the interval, and, like the first, either side could have secured the victory in what was an open, entertaining game.
For the second time then, I've really enjoyed my visit to Cuthbury. For the second time, they failed to win at home in my presence. Maybe that'll change in the near future, but not when Bashley are in town!
Cheers Wimborne!
Sheridan
Cheers Wimborne!
Sheridan