NORTHERN STAR SHINE BRIGHT THANKS TO LATE WINNER OVER HARBOROUGH

PETERBOROUGH NORTHERN STAR 1 V HARBOROUGH TOWN O
UNITED COUNTIES LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION @ BRANCH BROS STADIUM
26 SEPTEMBER 2015---3PM  [ATT45 EST]

THE ENTRANCE ON CHESTNUT AVE

A goal two minutes from time from Declan Rogers rescued this dour affair from the dreaded 0-0 result.  It was slightly harsh on the young Harborough side who had battled hard and deserved to take something from the game.
Today's journey from base was very much affected by avoiding the busy trains to Leeds and Birmingham which when we arrived platform side were looking well stocked with rugby union fans off to the world cup games in the two cities.  So for a change we made the trip to the 'deep south', for us anyway, and to Peterborough.  The advantage today was of a straight through journey to Cambridgeshire and with the prospect of a little time in the city and a chance to take a very quick look at the wonderful cathedral which is resplendent in the centre of the shopping area.
An uneventful journey deposited us in Peterborough just after 1230 and more by luck than judgement we came across the local 'spoons' in The Drapers Arms and with a seat secured we sampled a lunch time meal before a mini tour and back through the shopping centre to catch the number 5 to Dogsthorpe. 

DOGSTHORPE SHOPPING CENTRE

Having departed just around the corner from the main drag of shops it was a case of trying to rescue the businesses from their caged prison with major re design works going on and a lot of shops closed, probably with it being Saturday afternoon, the area was relatively quiet. Just a short stride down Chestnut Avenue and we were at the newly named Branch Bros Stadium home of Peterborough Northern Star.  The exterior of the ground has a community centre and appears to advertise some excellently priced breakfasts.  The two turnstiled entrance is to the side of the centre and is a smart and good early impression of what turns out to be a tidy ground and complex.
With programmes purchased and admission gained immediately to the right is the bar which is a large cavernous room with bar and TV of the big variety!


SMART VIEW OF THE DUG OUT SIDE

A quick look at the ground and we enter behind the goal and set off to the left the whole surround is slab hard standing and the boundary railings have now been added to by the much appearing green meshed fencing to add a smart finish.  Taking the first corner we reach a small Atcost stand with blue tip up seats and then the adjoined brick dug outs which again are smart and tidy which appears to be the constant for this ground.  Below the dugouts are another small stand which mirrors the one to the top side.  The far goal is uncovered hard standing as is the side opposite the dug outs until we reach the corner which has a deep covered stand clad but of a scaffolding type.

THE BUSINESS END OF THE GROUND

So we arrive back at the entrance goal and first is a toilet block again smart and clean followed by The Star Snack Bar which is a mobile van in type pulled to the terrace side.  The players entrance as a nice corporate coloured vinyl curtain to separate the players from the spectators.  Behind the goal we have a small covered standing area and the secretaries cabin which has the hoppers required touch of the teams displayed outside it.  To both sides of the pitch are more pitches in mini and full size which gives much green space to this area.  The playing surface is looking good and as previously mentioned the ground looks tidy and smart and is clearly well cared for.

NORTHERN STAR LOOKING SMART IN THEIR BLACK AND
WHITE STRIPES

Northern Star was a team I had looked at visiting a few years ago and having done a little research were formed from the two nearby brock works of Northam and Star.  After playing as Eye in the village of the same name which is adjacent to Dogsthorpe the club moved to its current ground to allow non league step procession and the club took on the name of Peterborough and for its history added the two brickwork names to continue the connection.
This would prove to be the blogs and mine first United Counties League game, previously having covered the league cup final at Yaxley at the end of last season.
So to the game and both sides looked very young in age especially the visitors Harborough Town.
It was a lovely bright day which with winter months coming soon we planned on enjoying with some football.

The first half was a truly forgettable affair with little in the way of chances a defensive mix up ricochet resulted in Harborough's bar being struck and just before half time home keeper Dan George pulled off a good save from Joel Konteh and I'm afraid that summed it up.
The second half didn't get much better there was little free flowing football as both sides struggled to forge any chances.  Just as the game looked certain to go to 0-0, much as it looked like from about ten minutes in, a goal arrived!  With two minutes remaining and following some good possession play on the edge of the visitors box saw the ball fed through to Declan Rogers who fired home with a conviction that had been missing in the previous 87 minutes.


DAN GEORGE IN THE NORTHERN STAR GOAL REACHES HIGH

You had to feel a little sorry for Harborough whose young bunch of players had worked hard to get something from this game but thankfully for the blog at least a long day would produce a goal for memory of the day out.
Leaving the ground at 4.50 and following a quick walk from the bus station in Peterborough it was great to be back on the train in half an hour from leaving Dogsthorpe and back to base at just after 7pm.
Overview, although not the best of games this is a nice little ground and is well appointed for its step 5 status.  Also a quick mention with regards to the programme which is a steady little affair if you like your photos this is the one for you with a superb collection all in colour from a variety of recent games more than complimenting the £1 purchase price.  The ground is in a large housing area and once again its just a shame that local people don't come out to support the club, in bigger numbers, who as with all non league clubs are trying their hardest to provide local football.

A DRINKS BREAK FOR HARBOROUGH TOWN