Written by Max
Ground #14
Asterdale Bowl – Borrowash Victoria FC
Saturday 22nd May 2021 – Don Amott Shield Final
Borrowash Vics (Step 6) 2-2 Barrow Town (Step 6)
Barrow Win 6-5 on penalties
Attendance: 60
Entry: £5
Borrowash Victoria were founded in 1911 and have spent almost all of their history hovering around their current step 6 level. In the previous 2 seasons they have struggled finishing in the bottom half of the table and will be hoping for an improved performance next season in their new league following the league restructure.
Today’s game was part of finals day of the ‘Dom Amott Spring Cup’ and our £5 entry included this lunchtime kick off followed by the main event between Mickelover FC and Belper Town at 3:45.
We were joined at todays game by my sister Alice and her boyfriend Nicola with today being their first ever football game!!
The match started with the home side on the front foot, putting together some nice moves but the final ball was lacking. On the 15 minute mark they took the lead through a nice finish into the bottom corner. The game then evened out with Barrow settling into the game and creating a few chances of their own including forcing a good save from the Borrowash stopper. Half time came and it was still 1-0 to the hosts.
The second half began and again both teams seemed evenly matched. Around 15 minutes in Barrow equalised with another good finish. Borrowash almost instantly replied but a great chance was skied. A few more chances came and went including a great save from the Barrow keeper and we began to wonder if it wouldn’t be their day. The pressure continued to be put on and it finally paid off as the hosts took the lead as the striker took the ball round the keeper and passed into the empty net.
The extasy from the home fans was short lived though as just 2 minutes later the away side immediately got back on level terms! They then started to take control themselves and have a few chances of their own. A great save from the Borrowash stopper in the final minute kept a piledriver from 20 yards out and the game went to penalties!
The pressure of the shoot out could be felt by all with 1 put wide by each side early on. In the end though it would be the away side that would win the trophy with the final penalty being saved well down to the keepers left! Congratulations to Barrow Town!
Now to rate the Asterdale Bowl, or as it’s now known, The Anderson Electrical Arena.
Location: 3/10
The ground is located in Spondon, just down the road from Borrowash itself. It’s actually quite difficult to find with the ground being behind some old gates with an abandoned building behind them. The only sign on these gates says ‘Caution guard dogs on site’ and it was just a lucky guess that we drove in to see if that was in fact the ground! Also if you put the ground into google maps it takes you to a nearby children’s nursery and the gate to the ground is actually round the corner on another road!
Once you’ve found the complex, you’ll see it is also home to Borrowash’s divisional rivals Graham Street Prim’s ground and Spondon Bowls club. When the 2 football sides play each other the game is aptly known as ‘El Carparkio’ due to the 2 grounds sharing a car park!!
Kit: 5/10
The Vics play in red and white stripes. The kit is nice enough but in todays game both sides were actually playing in exactly the same kit just different colours, showing that it isn’t exactly unique! The yellow sponsor also didn’t stand out on the kit as it blended into the lines of the shirt.
Facilities: 7/10
Once inside the ground, behind one goal is ‘Ando’s Sports Bar’. A small but really nicely decorated bar selling your typical beers and soft drinks. I really liked the red bar which looked freshly painted.
Look: 9/10
We have been to quite a few grounds at step 6 since starting this blog and me and Emma both agreed that this was by far the nicest set up so far! The whole ground, just like the bar, looked to have been freshly painted with the rails around the pitch beautifully done in the club colours of red and white. The ground was also full of what looked like brand new signage including the sign for the bar. It looks like a lot of work has been put into the ground in recent times and compared to a lot of grounds at this level it looked in fantastic shape, as good as new!
Stands wise the ground was also fantastic for the level. A big stand with plenty of rows of seating as well as a great covered terrace behind one goal providing two great vantage points to view the game from. The only negative we could think of was the fact the stands and barriers were all around 10 yards from the pitch and could have been closer to the action.
Food and Drink: 8/10
At half time all 4 of us decided to have a pie. 3 of us going for steak with Emma having cheese and onion. This was the first time since starting this blog that we had pies and what a way to start! The pastry was nice and crispy and the filling piping hot. Much better than a football league pukka pie!
We all had Strongbow cider from the sports bar, sadly no Dark fruits available so no bonus point today!!!
TOTAL SCORE 32/50
We really enjoyed our trip across to Derby for this cup final at a great ground. We really would recommend anyone visit if they are in the area. The game itself was the most entertaining game we have seen for a while and a penalty shoot out is always a bonus! I also enjoyed trying to teach my sister the offside rule during the second half!
If you want to see where this places Borrowash on our Leaderboard, as well as seeing the other grounds we have visited so far, Click here: LEAGUE TABLE
Emma’s Ground Guide 