Although the CML is at step 7 of the non-league pyramid it is very important. Here is where both clubs and players start out if they are serious about progressing in the game. indeed several former CML clubs are now in the Unibond league and still progressing. Retford United for example were in the CML in the early 2000,s.
For the clubs chosen to host these games have to but alot of work into getting them on because where as they were normally get a crowd of say 20-50 they have to cater for 200-300. The plus side is they can make a huge difference to the clubs bank balance and its a big plus for the players as it could well be the largest attendance that they every play in front of. It means pretty much the same to the clubs as a FA Cup 3rd round tie means to clubs like Lincoln City.
This year we went to some of the CML more isolated clubs so only three match's but for me that was more than enough.
First stop was North of Hull to watch Eastington United v Hutton Cranswick United with a 10.30 ko.
Part one Easington United v Hutton Cranswick United.
The journey from Retford to Easington was easy enough.(apart from a Tesco lorry holding us up) leaving at 7.45 we arrived with time to spare at about 9.45. Thankfully it wasn't raining as they would have put a downer on the day from the off. Driving through Hull brought all the memory's back form the times when Lincoln used to spank Hull regularly. Off all the beatings we gave them my favourite must have been when we inflicted there first defeat at the KC Stadium on them with Bimmo,s penalty kick in front of the Lincoln fans. Hull City are now in the premiership if they can do it?
After showing our tickets at the entrance table. (it was a very reasonable £10 for all three match's and programmes) we collected our programmes from the non-league legend that is Rob Hornby. The whole hop idea came from Rob and he puts hours into planning these events and does a great job.
Another thing i like about the hop is that there are stalls selling programmes and my favourite- pin badges! Last year i must have spent about 20 quid so this time around i limited myself to just the host clubs and if i saw it a pin i have been after for a while- and i found one! The one in question was Nottinghamshires most northerly club Harworth C.I! success to me already! Next on my list is getting a Pittsburgh Steelers pin!!! if only somebody would get me one ;-)
Next on the hit list breakfast! As many people know i can't stand bacon. Not the smell the texture the look the taste nothing. So waiting in the hut for a sausage cob and a bacon sandwich for my fellow hopper and i wasn't my idea of fun but i held on and didn't rolf up. How bad i am? When ever bacon is being cooked in a room i try to get out of there quicker than a greyhound out of the traps. The two cobs cost £4. The bacon got a 8 and i gave the sausage a 7 due to the cob being a tad to big for the sausage. The tea as it was the first cup of the day and served in a proper cup got a 10. Best cuppa of the season so far.
The Ground may be basic but that's no bad thing. The pitch is fenced off all the way round with the changing rooms and tea huts on the left hand side as you enter the ground. The ground staff did a cracking job to get the game on as the pitch had been underwater during the week. Indeed the club did a great job catering for so many people. and gained nothing but praise from the "hoppers" Even the local police popped in to have a look, and warn a chap selling programmes to tone down his bright green shirt!
On to the match and Hutton must have had a late night as they were three down in about twenty minute or so.Maybe it was nerves. Easington controlled the first half and could have added to there total on many occasions.
To there credit the away side rallied in the second half and gave a much better performance. in what was if truth be told a pretty boring second half. That's the problem as a neutral when a team builds a big lead early it kills the match. but it is the players job to win and win well is what Easington did and all credit to them.
The great thing about these hops is as you walk around you hear all different accents from all over the UK and indeed the world. also the range of scarfs and hats being worn is quite interesting and varied and hail from all leagues all over the place. It just goes to show how popular this event has become and long may that continue. I played it safe wearing my Imps Jumper and Steelers cap.
So it finished 3-0 and like a herd of wilder beast at the final whistle we headed to our respective automobiles and were on our way to match number two in the town of Brough and the 2.15 pm kick off between Westwella and Willerby and Paramore Sports
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