ADDERS AND BEES

I know regular readers will have missed yesterday's blog; I was at an FA Vase game and then a Jazz GiG in Market Harborough, so got distracted. To make up for it I am going to tell you about the Vase tie at Harborough Town FC,  played the their brand new ground and amenities including a club shop, very neat bar, super kitchen, all facilities for many junior boy and girls' teams and Walking Football, which occupies my chum Jerry at least once a week.

Harborough Town, the Bees play in the United Counties League Premier (Step 5)-Midlands-Leicestershire and surrounding counties region. The ground hosts two 4G pitches at Northampton Road, including the main pitch, and links with the local rugby club. The busy bees look after the local community, including the Walking Footballers. It supports 48 teams of all ages; impressive!!

Brooke House, an independent school, is a member of the Independent Schools' FA, and has an affiliation with the town club. This "schools" has emerged as one of the more powerful independent schools in the association matching the likes of  Millfield School, Whitgift and Royal Russell School; schools that have close affiliations with local professional clubs. Finances have been mainly provided by the FA, ensuring that at Northampton Road, a purpose built, re-constructed venue provides good facilities for all ages.
In 2007 Harborough Town Juniors (1975) and Harborough Spencers (once Spencers Utd) and Harporough Minis created one club for all. Brooke House is just another venture bringing excellent football to the local area.


Visitors, Atherstone Town, is in the Midlands League Division One (Step 6), one step lower in the pyramid.(obviously one below the Premier). The "Adders" were founded in 1887. The club had a good amount of success including an FA Amateur Cup Semi-final in 1908, losing to Stockton, who lost in the final.
In 1979 the club folded. Recovering, the club reformed as Atherstone United and worked its way through the Midland Leagues and then folded again in 2004. Town emerged once again, rebranding itself as Atherstone Town Community Football Club. On Saturday the Adders murdered the Bees 6-1; partially explained by the home goalkeeper being sent off for handball early doors! Visiting Sam Belcher stole the headlines with a 4* performance, according to the Non-League Paper.