It had been a long time since I watched a non-league game but yesterday afternoon I ventured out to watch a match between Worthing and Hampton & Richmond. My son has just moved to a house which is located only a 5 minute walk from the ground.

The two clubs play in the National League South and are vying for a play-off place and going into the game were separated by just a point.

I have to say what an enjoyable and afternoon it was. A decent sized crowd turned on a lovely sunny day. On arrival we bought a couple of pints and found a decent spot to watch from.

The game was played in a very competitive but sporting manner. The quality of football was very good with both sides showing good passing and movement, and an impressive level ball control, and there was little sign of diving and injury simulation.

Added to that the atmosphere was friendly and refreshingly there was no shouting abuse at players or officials.

We will certainly return. In fact I was disappointed to find the final home game of the season clashes with the Palace v West Ham match.

Oh yes, Worthing ran out 2-0 winners.

An impressive list.

My formative years as a football fan were spent at Hayes Lane watching Bromley in the Isthmian League, which I believe was one tier down from The old Southern League which was one step away from Division 4, although there was no automatic promotion in those days.

Depending on where I live I’ve always watched a bit of non-league, I grew up in Bromley so I’ve always watched them, i still go occasionally. I also watch my local teams now, Sittingbourne, Faversham Town and Maidstone United, although I don’t go much these days. When I lived in South Norwood I lived over the road from Croydon FC and when I lived in Sidcup I used to watch Welling United and Cray Wanderers

It’s always been a bit more laid back, cheap, local, easy to park or walking distance to the ground, stand where you want, no sodding about with tickets either, although Bromley and Maidstone it’s all a bit more regimental these days needing tickets and big crowds as they’ve rose up the divisions

Edited by monkey (02 Apr 2024 5.31pm)

My default non league team was Whyteleafe due to geography, though I must admit it was more for the beer than the football.My elder brother was more a regular than me, I have a photo somewhere of my brother and Wilf (who attended when possible ) at the ground for an evening kick off.Alan Pardew also had links to Whyteleafe and maybe that's why we played them pre-season.

I was a regular at Church Lane, Whyteleafe when i was much younger, Kember was manager at that time, then Doris took over.

“That’s a joke son, I say, that’s a joke.” “Nice boy, but he’s sharp as a throw pillow.” “He’s so dumb he thinks a Mexican border pays rent” “ “Son… I say, son, some people are so narrow minded they can look through a keyhole with both eyes.”__ Forhorn Leghorn

Didn’t Kidderminster get into the football league for a few years not so long ago?