Jen and I had decided to spend a week in Barnoldswick, primarily to see some gigs. The initial plan had been to go for a walk on the way over, perhaps at nearby Malham Cove. A late start and a poor weather forecast prompted a change of plan though and we diverted to Clitheroe for Sunday lunch and then a game in the fourth tier Women’s National League Division One North.
The pub where we had lunch was only a six-minute walk from the Shawbridge ground and so we left the car where it was and walked over. It was a fiver to get in, which I thought a little ambitious for a fourth-tier women’s game, but realistically, you don’t get much for that sort of money these days.
We had a chat with an old couple behind the goal. Well, older than Jen anyway. They told us that Blackburn had been in the Championship last season, but as the Venky’s wouldn’t commit to the mandatory full-time set up, they were subsequently demoted two divisions. This season wasn’t going well, with just a single point all season.
I liked the ground, which is home to eighth-tier Clitheroe’s men’s team. I don’t know if the ground is as old as that club, which dates back to 1877, but it looks to be a decent age. There are different stands on all four sides of the ground and it is penned in by housing of various ages. It seems as if it will once have been on the edge of town, but over the years has been absorbed into ever-extending suburbs.
There was a serious slope on the pitch rising up into one corner. I got the feeling that on some days someone would have to lie down, rugby style, with a finger on top of the ball to prevent it rolling down the hill when taking a corner.
Visitors Durham had the best of the first half, taking the lead early on. A Blackburn equalizer against the run of play was well-received by the home crowd, but Durham restored the lead with a close-range header just before the break.
The gulf between the teams became apparent in the second half as Cestria rattled in another three goals for a comprehensive five-one victory. I’m not sure what the future will hold for Blackburn, but a drop into the fifth tier looks likely.
Trail of the Lion King 