Hallam secured Northern Premier League East Division safety thanks to a 1-0 win over Ashington at Sandygate, the World’s Oldest Football Ground.
A Leon Howarth goal was enough to take the Countrymen to 50 points in their first season at this level.
Hallam Seal All Three Points
Howarth headed home just five minutes into the contest, nodding home brilliantly into the top corner from a smart cross from the right.
It took another 20 minutes for the visitors to trouble Hugo Warhurst in the Hallam goal, hitting the post and being unable to latch onto the rebound.
Shortly after, the Ashington keeper Matty Alexander pulled off what looked, from the opposite end at least, to be an absolutely magnificent save. Howarth’s powerfully hit strike looked destined for the net, but Alexander was brilliantly up to the task.
Ashington would again hit the post with just moments left, but couldn’t find the all-important equaliser, leaving them with work to be in their quest for survival.
The World’s Oldest – Sandygate
One thing that struck me today was the incredible attendance, with 894 inside the famous old ground. Of course, neither Sheffield United nor Wednesday were playing, but nearly 900 fans attended a game at level eight of English football, which is very impressive.
There seemed to be a little tension among the club’s supporters, particularly on social media, surrounding the chairman and the board. Manager Craig Denton has already announced his intention to step away after an incredible spell in charge, so there will definitely be new faces leading the club next season.
From my Restricted View, I hope the club can get back to pulling in the same direction, as they have some really passionate fans and people around the place who clearly love the club.
Sandygate, which has hosted football since 1860, is split between the football and cricket clubs; cricket was first played on the site in 1804. As a result, save for a few spectators, the ground is largely three-sided, and the pitch has an incredible slope to it.
All of this, combined with the old stand, adds character and makes Sandygate what it is. We may have only seen one goal, but the players performed well in blustery conditions, and for a £9 entry fee, it was good value for money.