Non-league Football & The Six Nations Rugby

Every Saturday holds expectation for me. I always hope to get out early to see what is flying and in the football season there is always a game to listen to or watch. Saturday, 4th February, offered Hereford FC playing AFC Slimbridge in Gloucestershire. At the same time a football league programme and the first games of the Six Nations with England taking on France at Twickenham.

I had read earlier that Slimbridge had prepared well in advance with extra facilities, including a temporary bar and additional toilets. All of this being necessary because there lowest home Gate as only 46 and their average one below a hundred. The Hereford away support helps the home club with extra revenue. On this day the Gate was 886 and was the best one ever for them.

Hereford United having expired in December 2014 had now reshaped itself into Hereford FC and are leagues away from their intended destination of the Football League. This second season is their next step into another higher league. Non-league football is important for the game and the distance between that and Twickenham or Wembley is enormous, but it is all the lower leagues where much of the interest is created. Watching a game on TV is okay, but being there and feeling part of it is so good. So, back to the game at Slimbridge for they have embraced the occasion and for them it is 'their cup final' on their home ground and what could be better. It could be said that the current success of my home town football team who are 21 points ahead of the second place team have painted my thoughts with high expectations. Okay we gained three more points.

Now to the Six Nations three games over the two days and a feast of rugby to be had. At the same time as watching the mega stars in national arenas my mind drifts back to wet afternoons on playing fields around the corner. Enjoy both is my message.

Okay back to AFC Slimbridge and in the days of bad news there is some good news to report.with the banner head line AFC SLIMBRIDGE THANK BULLS SUPPORT. The secretary Colin Gay thanks Hereford FC supporters. We have had many messages from your supporters praising us for how we organized the event. It is so pleasing when your fans take time to thank us for our efforts and you should be very proud of them.

Isn't that not only nice and good.