Groundhopper visit HGA ground

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10

Llanrhaeadr Ym Mochnant 1 CEFN Druids 2

I am penetrating deep into the beautiful mid-Wales countryside to visit Llanrhaeadr Ym Mochnant in the Huws Gray Alliance. I arrive at the Recreation Ground amidst the hills of the Tanat Valley.

I am greeted warmly at the wooden entrance hut where I am charged £5, which includes programme and raffle entry. I ask if the club serves food and am informed that they don’t. “There is a shop in the village about a quarter of a mile away, though”. As I set off to walk, one of the stewards whisks me away in his car and I am soon raiding the local Spar shop for supplies. Now that is what I call service!!

Back at the ground, in contrast to the welcome, it is colder inside the small clubhouse than outside in the biting wind! Curiously, there is an old armchair in the toilet cubicle. I am furnished with the teamsheets by the man-with-the-microphone before he makes his announcements in Welsh and English.

Outside, there is a small stand (50 seats) but most people watch the game from the open standing areas or the clubhouse decking. The goalposts and nets look ancient, completing the rustic feel of the stadium.

Llanrhaeadr are on a steep learning curve at this level but aren’t overwhelmed by their more illustrious visitors, CEFN Druids. Mochnant trail by the odd goal in three at the break but it could have been worse. The referee blows his whistle for half time with Druids’ winger poised to send over a cross to his unmarked teammates in the box!

It is time for a steaming hot drink while reading the programme. It consists of a glossy outer few pages of adverts and Chairman’s Welcome with today’s eight pages of photocopied match info inserted in the middle.

The only exciting thing that happens in the second half is the appearance of a Peregerine Falcon overhead. Disappointingly, there are no more goals.            

A superb little ground for those who like their football in a rural setting. And if my experience is anything to go by, you can expect the best welcome EVER

Article taken with the permission of the Non League Paper and Groundhoppers