Liphook United - Liphook Recreation Ground

Liphook United FC

Recreation Ground

London Road B2131

Liphook

Hampshire

GU30 7AN

Official Website

Twitter

Ground Number: 1336
Monday 26th August 2024

Liphook United 4-2 Hook
Hampshire Premier League

LIPHOOK UNITED FC - A BRIEF HISTORY

The club was established as Liphook FC in 1903, but little is known about their early years. They had a brief spell in the Hampshire League between  1969 and 1976 but rejoined in 1985. It was a quick progression through the leagues with them being crowned champions of Division 3 in their first season and then runners-up in Division 2 in 1987. Despite a safe spot in Division 1 in 1988, they resigned from the league at the end of the season. In 199 they merged with a local youth side to become Liphook United. For the 2008/09 they joined the Surrey Elite Intermediate League and finished as runners-up to Eversley on goal difference. Following this, they joined the Hampshire Premier League, winning the title in 2011, 2012 & 2024.  The village of Liphook is in East Hampshire and has a population of 8,500. The village grew as a coaching stop between London and Portsmouth during the 17th and 18th centuries. It served as a base during the First World War and the Second World War for Canadian troops stationed in Southern England.

MY VISIT

This game was decided upon a few weeks before when I looked at the options available to me. The Hampshire League and the Midland League provided the bulk of the options. I was hampered by having to work Bank Holidays but at least a 1 PM finish would allow me to go to a game after work. In the end, I opted to go for the nearest option, though I decided to save Whitehill and Bordon for another time as they played on a school 3G. That said, if the weather was up to its usual Bank Holiday tricks, then it may come in useful. It was just a shame that I couldn't see a morning game, the pick of which was the local derby between Windsor & Eton and Windsor FC.

Since my last new blog, I've been on a number of revisits. Tuesday saw a pleasant stroll up to my local club Holmer Green as they lost 2-1 to Westside in an entertaining game. It was the usual tiring week at work but at least my mid-September break was edging closer and closer. Friday saw a revisit to Meridian VP v Lewisham Borough in the FA Vase. It was ironic that I stopped in Lewisham to tick their Wetherspoons which was nothing special but it did the job. We met a couple of hoppers from Southport at the game which was an entertaining 2-2 draw before Meridian won 5-3 on penalties. It was good company and the clubs did well out of a Friday night game with the vast majority of the 80 crowd being hoppers.

On Saturday, it was back to Adams Park for the 945th time. The usual routine of The Rose & Crown was followed, and it was a generally good day. Wycombe took a while to get going, but some wise substitutions turned the game in our favour. In the end, we beat Rotherham United 2-0, and it was an enjoyable day. I was also supposed to have a game on Sunday, but I'll expand on that in tomorrow's blog.

 

The day of the game came and it was another working Bank Holiday. It doesn't bother me as much as when I first had to start working though I was disappointed to miss out on a double. The store was lovely and empty for the first two and a half hours and even after that, didn't have the toxicity of a usual Sunday or Bank Holiday, it was just slightly busier than a normal day. I was kept busy and so 12pm came quickly. Knowing that there was no food near Liphook, I got a McDonald's before I left. McSpicy and Medium fries was a great deal on the app for £1.99. After getting changed, I got away at 12.20. Even with me driving frugally, I was there well before 2. I parked at the other side of the Recreation Ground and walked across to the main part. There were two bits of news. Firstly another farcical postponement with the match officials failing to turn up for the Fleet Town v Alton game, there was talk though of none being allocated, not a good look. Sadly it was bad news about a man with far more class, Sven-Goran Eriksson sadly passed away. During his time as England manager, there were many great moments, not least a 5-1 win in Munich against Germany. I had plenty of time to reflect and relax in the pleasant pre-match surroundings.

 

Liphook United sat proudly at the top of the league, carrying on from where they left off last season. They'd beaten Paulsgrove 5-2 in their latest game and had also defeated Andover Town, Whitehill & Bordon, Hedge End Rangers and Harvest. The only loss came with a 2-1 defeat at Moneyfields Reserves. Hook were in 8th place. They'd won 3-1 at Stockbridge in their latest game and had also won 4-2 at Liss Athletic. They'd drawn 2-2 at Meon Milton but had lost 2-0 at Coldon Common and 4-3 at Paulsgrove. It was a fairly even opening but Liphook United took the lead with their first serious attack on 7 minutes, poking home from a corner. Hook were generally decent though, defending well and although Liphook had the lions share of the chances, they were well in the game. It was 2-0 on 31 minutes, the Hook keeper coming for the ball but not getting it, the ball sailing past him into the net. Hook headed against the bar soon after but the two goal cushion changed the dynamic of the game. On 49 minutes, it was 3-0, an excellent long-range effort from wide on the right. Hook were getting frustrated and it turned into a minor fracas. Their #6 was sent off or was told to be substituted but it was really a minor incident. Hook probably deserved a goal and on 74 minutes Colson poked home a loose ball on the turn. On 84 minutes, it was game on, McNab pulling another goal back from the edge of the area with a low, accurate shot. The game was wrapped up in the last minute, a penalty was scored to see the hosts lead 4-2. 

THE GROUND

LIPHOOK RECREATION GROUND is a lovely place to watch a game in pleasant and peaceful surroundings. The pitch is fully railed and although there is no cover, there are a number of benches. Some of these are located on the bank on one side where the clubhouse and bar are located. There is also some club signage here. The club are friendly and helpful on Twitter and the small town of Liphook is close by. Parking is a bit tight but if you are sensible, it should be fine.