After seven working games – with all of them behind-closed-doors – this was my first proper groundhopping adventure of the new season, as I travelled across the Black Country and Birmingham to Sutton Coldfield.
The pre-season friendly between Sutton Coldfield Town and Halesowen Town was my first visit to Coles Road.
That’s pretty much how it works. If it’s a game of my choice, as opposed to a working one, I take in a new ground.
The facility to book in advance on the club website is a great idea and I know a number of clubs are following that path.
It means – barring a temperature reading the wrong side of the line – that you don’t have to worry about a wasted journey.
Back to today though, I like the set-up at Sutton Coldfield Town, and the main stand, although not open to the public on this occasion, looks impressive.
The final score saw the visitors – who had a good turnout from their vocal supporters – edge the game 2-1.
With competitive fixtures on the horizon, I’m sure both managers will draw positives from the match though.
Pre-season friendlies give the opportunity to view players in action, including trialists, as well as experiment with line-ups and tactics.
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I produced a short video from the visit that you can view below.