BALL HAYE GREEN

On Wednesday 12th March 2003, I made the short journey to North Staffordshire to watch the Springbank Vending Midland League game between Ball Haye Green and Norton AG.

Ball Haye Green are based in the district of the same name in Leek. The ground is located to the north of the town centre behind the Ball Haye Green WMC on a road called Ball Haye Green opposite The Green Post Off-Licence and General Store.

I was very impressed with the set up. To enter the ground, proceed into the WMC car park and continue with the building on your right. The entrance is at the south-western corner of the ground and there is a car park along that touchline. All facilities are located behind the near goal, including tea bar serving hot refreshments, club house and changing rooms. Alongside the far touchline there is cover from the corner flag to just past half-way.

No programme was produced but the club are regular issuers and I was able to obtain an old one from earlier in the season. Line ups were easily obtained from a very helpful club official at the tea bar.

Norton AG came from behind to win 3-1, before an approximate attendance of 35. Ball Haye Green took the lead on 15 minutes through Lee McNicholls and held their advantage until Bradley Allport scored twice within two minutes at the start of the second half. Steven Davies added a third for Norton on the hour. The visitors then had a penalty saved but comfortably defended their lead.

Chris Bedford