Saturday 7th October 2023 lko 11:00

Southern Counties East League- Division One

ROCHESTER UNITED 1 (Hume 90)

FAVERSHAM STRIKE FORCE 0

Att 279

Entry £7

Programme £2

It’s not often I’m relaxed on a hop event, there’s usually too much riding on that. But as Shirley navigated through narrow suburban streets, cussing at some folks’ selfish parking habits, it all felt normal. We had time, and the day’s clubs were well prepared.

I’d even got an answer to question I’d failed to get answered when I’d visited the Rochester United Sports Ground six years ago. The club has started life under the name of Bly Spartans, but changed to the more geographically accurate Rochester in 2012 when they’d completed their first season in the Kent Invicta League, now the SCEFL’s first division. The former name was a nod back to the founders’ background back home in the north-east, with the “TH” removed to avoid total confusion! Nevertheless, the club’s nickname is still “Spartans!”

I sat in the clubhouse, and enjoyed the fact that there was someone distributing teamsheets. Genuinely all I needed to do was watch the world go by. That proved to be interesting speaking to both club’s officials at half time. Rochester are in that time of life where they’ve carried out the ground improvements to keep themselves in the SCEFL but are eyeing the future. Do they try to invest in 3G pitch to increase community involvement and income? As for Faversham Strike Force, half their battle is telling everyone they’re an independent club, whose sole connection to Faversham Town is that they groundshare there.

As much as I enjoyed both club’s company, it wasn’t a good game to watch. The sides cancelled each other out in a dull slog with Harry Hume’s late, late effort giving the hosts the three points. As poor as the game was it was both an enjoyable morning, and a well hosted hop game. Sometimes it isn’t all about the game itself!