The easiest game in the November schedule turned out to be another poor performance, and handed Ashford Town their first home win of the season. With October an already wasted cause, at least 9 points in November from the 5 scheduled games would have been a bonus, and 3 points from last Saturday would have only required another 6 points from the 4 remaining games.
The Basingstoke game this Saturday will be a tough game against a team who are fighting for promotion out of this dreadful league. Basingstoke who lost their ground to a development opportunist had to make do with sharing Winchester City’s ground some 20 miles away. The Hampshire FA came to the rescue of the club and allowed them to use their county facility which is based in Basingstoke. This homeless club have done incredibly well considering the situation they have been left in to survive!
How many clubs have lost their grounds to Estate Agents and Property Developers over the years? They have infiltrated many clubs up and down the country, either by gaining ownership or working their way through club committees with the promise of sponsorship etc, and finally leaving clubs “up the creek without a paddle.” A prime example is the amalgamation of Leytonstone, Ilford and Walthamstow Avenue (all great clubs with wonderful grounds), and Redbridge Forest (Now Dagenham and Redbridge) forced into the diabolical situation through the numerous “Del Boys” who latched onto these clubs for one reason and purpose only!
At least Basingstoke have given a reprieve as the Developer has been denied planning permission from the council to build on the old Camrose ground, unlike Merton Council! At least the Council are heavily involved with the Basingstoke Football club to provide a future facility for the club. They will remain a Football club in the true sense and good luck to them.
