My midweek game was a very local affair, a cup tie derby for two sides less than five miles apart. Not to be big headed or anything but I do get asked a lot of times to attend games or clubs, making visits fit is a juggling act but something than can be done with some planning.
Wick and East Preston have had many a battle over the 17 odd years I’ve been living in Sussex, shared many of the same managers and players over that same period and also committee members too.
If you live in the county then you would know that beyond 30 odd league games there are between five to six different cup competitions to also take part in. There isn’t much of a match to report upon, but why and what have I got to share instead?
You’ll have to read on below……..
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The game did kick off and Wick had three very good chances to be in front after 20 minutes. Five minutes later the floodlights on the railway line side both went out causing the game to be abandoned, possibly helpful none of those chances went in and the scoreline was 0-0.
Later that evening in the same Peter Bentley Cup I discovered when arriving home Little Common and AFC Uckfield suffered the same fate, I would say something in the water, but more in the circuit board I think!
It’s not often these days to see a game suffer from this issue. I can remember a game quite a few years ago at Underhill where the game in autumn/winter months kicked off late because they originally couldn’t get the lights to work.
From memory a 3pm kick off became a 3.45pm kick off, Barnet beating Shrewsbury by a single goal. One other occasion comes to mind and I can’t quite remember the two sides in action, but the lights failing at a non-league game and a player being an electrician by trade making the necessary repairs to allow the game to continue.
As frustrating as it is when it does happen it isn’t a simple flick the switch off and then on again. The power pull from the box is extensive, it’s not just your house fuse box tripping.
As I’m not clear on the new LED bulb-led floodlights, I can only go by those still with traditional bulbs. Those need a period of at least 15 minutes before you can get them to fire up again which then begs the question in cold weather of player safety.
Players warming down within a game time situation is dangerous for their muscles and recovery straight after the game and onwards. The pace and demands of the game now, it’s not just that simple to stop for around 25 minutes and then just carry on, the game would likely get abandoned without enough fit players to carry on.
As frustrating as it is for spectators there isn’t a great deal that can be done and then the hope that the re-arranged tie doesn’t clash with anything to stop you attending the replayed fixture.
