Pre season friendly games can be a moving target. Cancellations and changes happen for many reasons, particularly in July. Opponents may not be able to raise a side, or pitches may not be ready for play. The internet has made finding your game easier, but is not proof against the sudden downpour. Playing on a still-growing pitch in heavy rain can cause damage lasting all season, so it makes sense to call some games off, as happened to Prescot Cables at Chadderton at the weekend.
However, there is also the chance to visit other local clubs, and watch opposition you would not normally see. With Prescot's not having a midweek game, I went to Marine, who were playing Tranmere Rovers.
Marine have a constricted site, between two streets of terraced houses. The covered standing on the open side is popular with home and away supporters. I have taken pictures from here, and it is as close to the action as you are likely to be anywhere, but I prefer the terraces at the ends. The impressive main stand is at the College Road end, and there is an uncovered terrace giving a good view of the wing and dugouts and a clear view of the goal. At the Crossender Road end, the terracing is 4 or 5 steps high for the full width of the ground, so there is plenty of choice of vantage points.
Not having followed a summer sport this year, I was feeling a bit rusty (remember, point the big round thing on the front in the direction of the action and press the button on the top, point the big round thing …). Still, all good practice for the coming season, and you can see the results here.
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