Weston are running a “Pay What You Want” entry on the turnstiles, with a minimum of £2, so I imagine there will be a big crowd in attendance. For those driving, there is a fair-sized car park at the stadium with limited Blue Badge spaces, but please arrive early if you need one. Once full, parking is in the two nearby industrial estates, just a short walk from the ground. Please avoid the housing estate opposite the club – it causes issues for residents. One thing to note, they have now moved to a 100% digital programme, which will be free to all via QR code at the turnstiles.
Last Saturday saw our FA Cup journey come to an end against King’s Lynn. A 1-4 scoreline looks harsh, but anyone at the game will know it was a frustrating stop-start affair – not only with the ten-minute break when the players came off for thunder and lightning, but after every free-kick the game seemed to take an age to get restarted. Ultimately, we came up against a very good full-time side that train four times a week. Hands up, they were better than us on the day. That said, the FA Cup has been hugely important to this club in recent years – financially and in raising our profile – so of course we all wanted another run.
It wasn’t to be this time, but the players gave everything and will continue to do so as we focus on the league. I do also want to touch on some of the online comments afterwards. Supporters are of course entitled to their views, it’s what makes the game so popular, but I ask everyone to pause before posting criticism publicly. Players and management – and their families – read those comments. By all means debate performances, but please think about the impact your words might have. Together in victory, let’s also stick together in defeat.
Looking ahead, there are some important diary dates I hope you will support.
Friday 7th November – Fireworks Night at The Meadow. This has become one of the standout community events in Chesham’s calendar, and I make no apology for saying it again, it really is the best fireworks display in the area. Despite supplier prices going up, we are keeping ticket prices the same for the third year running as a thank you for the fantastic support we receive from the town. Every year the ground is packed with families enjoying a safe, spectacular evening. Please spread the word, it is a huge fundraiser for the club and a great advert for Chesham United at the heart of the community.
Saturday 8th November – Football Quiz Night. Organised by our managers, this will be a fun evening in The Chess Suite where you can test your football knowledge. Always a good social occasion, so do come along. More details of timings & pricing to come.
Friday 5th December – An Event Not Too Be Missed. A brand-new venture for us as we have an exclusive launch event for a project that we are All In with and are really excited to bring to our supporters and the world. Keep the date in the diary, although we will only have 100 tickets available for this event as we transform the Chess Suite into Chesham’s equivalent of a Leicester Square movie premiere.
A quick word too on away travel. We had an enquiry this week about the running of supporters coaches, but unfortunately the demand is simply not there at the moment. However, on most away games, the team coach does have some spare seats available at £20 and that option is always there if people would like it. One of the reasons for the lack of demand is that many of our travelling supporters enjoy the independence of making their own way – travelling by train, bus or car, arriving early, meeting up in pubs and making the day an event in itself. That pre-match gathering and camaraderie is part of what makes our away following so special, and when everyone comes together on the terrace it creates a fantastic atmosphere. It’s something we value, but it does explain why a second coach isn’t viable right now.
On the Women’s side, last weekend the First Team were away at QPR, putting in a strong display but losing 2-0. This Sunday they are back at The Meadow, hosting Cambridge United Women. If you’re not making the trip to Weston tomorrow, why not come along and give them your support? As an added bonus The Kokum will be serving authentic Indian curries and wraps, which I can highly recommend! Our Men’s U18s are also in County Cup action in the next few days as they host Newport Pagnell Town at the Meadow on Monday evening, 7.30pm KO with free entry for season ticket holders and £5 entry for adults.
As always, thank you for your superb support, home and away. It means so much to the players, management and everyone at the club.
Peter Brown
