The FCSC consists of a very spacious clubhouse (didn't go inside), two full sized football pitches and a rugby pitch.
The pitch used for this game consisted of one fenced side (plastic tape) with the dug-outs opposite. Nothing behind either goal. All three of the pitches are orientated north - south.
Apparently this was the first ever game of association football ever played at the FCSC, so a little bit of history was witnessed by a "clicker count" crowd of 38.
The game kicked off 17 minutes late (I think the Otley bus was delayed en-route) and the first half was ruined somewhat by strong north-westerly winds and occasional lashing rain.
Boro could not get the ball out of their own half, the wind making long clearances nigh on impossible, Otley took full advantage of the conditions and pressed continuously. Boro's keeper and the defence worked overtime.
Otley's first goal, when it came, was a very strange affair. Everybody presumed an Otley forward to be offside and stopped playing as the ball trickled into the far corner of the net - I think even the lino had his flag raised, but the ref had other ideas and after a brief chat with the lino awarded the goal - bizzare but to be truthful the lead was no less than Otley deserved.
Ironically the wind died down quite a bit for the second half so it was more of an even contest - bad luck for our ressies though!
Otley soon doubled their lead when the Boro keeper ran out from his goal to clear - unfortunately he was beaten to the ball by an Otley man who jigged round the stranded keeper and sent a very good cross over which was headed into the unguarded net.
Boro ressies huffed and puffed throughout the second spell but created very little in the way of chances, the final ball oft going awry. Many of the team will be new to each other and that definitely showed at times.
Boro's second string did get some joy towards the end. A Boro forward was clumsily bundled down in the box and the resulting penalty was dispatched with aplomb by Callum Reid.
That was the end of the chances and shortly thereafter the final whistle was blown.
An enjoyable day though and nice to tick off a new venue. If you ever drop in to watch the reserves make sure you are suitably attired as the ground is very exposed - you can take cover in the clubhouse though if you really need to.
Sorry for not mentioning many players by name - there were several unfamiliar faces and no team-sheet available. I recognised Callum Reid, James Webb and Mike Gravill
A better report on the game (along with team details) here: Boro Reserves first game at new home
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