Cheddar - Bowdens Park

Cheddar FC
Bowdens Park
Draycott Road
Cheddar
Somerset
BS27 3RL

01934 707271
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Ground Number: 628
Saturday 8th October 2016
Cheddar 2-1 Portishead Town
Western League D1




CHEDDAR FC - A BRIEF HISTORY

Cheddar are a very mature club, though they were not a big cheese in non-league football until they joined the Western League in 2012. Prior to that they played in local leagues such as the Somerset and Cheddar Valley Leagues. They've been unbroken members of the Western League Division 1 since 2012/13, with their best ever finish coming last season when they finished a credible 5th

This entitled them to their debut in the FA Cup and they took Bodmin Town to a replay before losing 3-2 at the first hurdle. The FA Vase has been a similar story, with every single game lost prior to this season. Although they won their first-ever game in the competition against Elburton Villa, they lost to Clevedon Town in the 2nd Qualifying Round. Local cups won include the Cheddar Valley Knockout Cup, Cheddar Valley Charity Cup, Somerset Junior Cup and the Somerset Senior League Divisional Cup.



MY VISIT

I awoke on the morning of the game around 7.30am and after getting my things together and getting ready, I left my hotel an hour later. As I was hungry, I headed towards Morrisons who I know do a good breakfast. On the way to the ground, I spotted an interesting cider barn place that looked like it could do something local that I'd not had before to take away. Sadly though, it was not open until midday. I got to the ground at 9.40, saying hello to several hoppers before taking up a spot standing on the halfway line.




The game started at a very quick pace with chances for both sides. Just 5 minutes in Callum Ham gave Cheddar the lead with a fantastic strike, the ball flying into the top right-hand corner from 25 yards. It was 2-0 after 16 minutes as Billy Wand profited from the Portishead keeper not coming for a cross by tapping home from 2 yards. The glovesman protested that he had been fouled, but the referee let the goal stand. Portishead had barely been in the game but they has a bright spell at the start of the second half. They halved the deficit thanks to an own goal by the Cheddar number 8 who was unlucky to deflect a cross into his own net. 


THE GROUND

BOWDENS PARK is set in pleasant countryside and has the look of a ground that has recently made the move to step 6 football. Only 2 sides of the ground are available to stand on which gives it a bit more character. In terms of covered accommodation, the clubhouse has an overhang where around 50 fans can keep dry, plus there is a small metal stand seating around the same amount. The bar offers a decent range including Thatchers Gold and Old Rascal ciders whilst hot food and drinks are available too. Pin badges are also on sale behind the bar for £3.50.