Monday 27th January 2025 ko 19:30

Army FA Woolwich Cup Quarter-Final

ADJUTANT GENERALS CORPS 2 (Lucas 28 102)

Penhallurick sent off 65 (DOGSO)

ROYAL ARTILLERY 4 (Polius 45 Lewis 100 Hewart 110p French 120)

Att 26 at Ward Barracks 3G, Horne Road, Bulford Camp

Free Entry

Sometimes it’s not so much the where, it’s the what. The Army FA is affiliated to the FA in much the same way as any County FA is, but let’s face it, who wouldn’t want to see a team called the Royal Artillery play? I’m sure you’re well ahead of me with the shooting one-liners!

The Army’s league is the 2-division Massey Trophy which makes the Woolwich Cup its League Cup. The biggest difference between military and civilian football is you do have to think about the security implications.

Some pitches lie beyond security checks, so yes you do need to bring ID, and some will require you to let them know you’re coming beforehand. Normally that is as simple as contacting the home team’s management. And in case you think all of this is too much of a rigmarole for you, go and look up the Aldershot Military Stadium where the Woolwich Cup final is normally played, or Tidworth Oval. Not that either of them require a security check though!

The other thing I’d advise is check, and check again. This fixture was due to to be played at Worthy Down (behind a security check) but got switched to Bulford Camp (without a check), presumably to make use of of the 3G with all the rain we’d had. It made little difference to Robyn and I getting there after work for a 19:30, but then social media suggested a 19:00 kick-off. That implied us needing rush hour roads to be kind; they weren’t, we arrived at 19:15 and were lucky, the game was a 19:30 ko. It does play to be brave doesn’t it?

Some may be aware that Bulford Camp 3G is used for Salisbury FC’s development side, although I’m advised spectators aren’t normally allowed in the cage for Wiltshire League fixtures. As you can see I was allowed inside for this game, but with it being cold, wet and windy perhaps Robyn had the right idea- I parked the car up in just the right place for her to be able to watch the game from the dry!

Despite the weather it was an exciting game to watch between two well-matched sides. I don’t think anyone particularly wanted extra-time, I was cold and wet but at least we were spared penalties and I’d better not say a shoot-out should I? I’ll look out for the semi-finals with interest- any chance of Worthy Down please gents?