Saturday saw a trip to Ashby Avenue for the Northern Premier League Division One East clash between Lincoln United and Hebburn Town. It had been an awful long time since I had managed to get to a game due to lots of family commitments and various other things so I was looking forward to this one even with the wintery weather conditions.

Value
I arrived around an hour before kick off so went into the Hartsholme Sports and Social club, that serves both the football club and Hartsholme Cricket Club, for a beer prior to the match. The £3.80 paid for a pint of Madri was, certainly by today's prices, very good value I thought and the further £9 for entry and £4.80 for coffee and cheesy chips meant that I had enjoyed a match, a pint, a bite to eat and a coffee for less than £18 which I feel is very reasonable.

The Set Up
I think what they have at Lincoln United is a really good set up for this level of football. The social club is, as mentioned, good value and was welcoming to way fans and neutrals alike. With the cricket club on site, Ashby Avenue offers sport and the opportunity for a beer all year round. The football ground itself provides ample covered seating and standing areas for fans to enjoy the game from and the canteen has the usual tea, coffee and hot food. Considering the heavy rain we had had in the lead up to the game, the pitch was looking in excellent condition for the class between relegation threatened United and promotion chasing Town.

Volunteers and Fans
It seems so obvious to say when talking about non-league football but the sheer number of volunteers was incredible for both teams. From those on the turnstiles, those in the canteen, those selling raffle tickets to those taking photographs the level of commitment is incredibe and, again very obvious, football at this level wouldn't work without these people. The same can be said for those making the near 300 mile round trip from Hebburn to support and assist their team. Not just the number of fans that made the journey but then those giving their skills, such as photography, to help the club.

The Match
The match was a very entertaining one, I thought at least. With the teams finding themselves at opposit ends of the table, it would have been easy to predict an away win. The first half was relativley even with neither keeper needing to make any saves of note. Lincoln United defender Adelekan looked strong and quick and was guided well by those around him, helping to keep the two Hebburn attackers quiet. Home captain Cotton was picking up space in pockets but his counterpart, Phillips, was breaking up play in front of the defence and looking to get the ball moving for the visitors. Half time saw the teams go in at 0-0 but it was far from a boring goalless game.

The second half came to life when the Hebburn defender Donaghy smashed through the home forward Park, earning himself a yellow card in the process - a yellow that would have more than likely been a red in the football league. It seemed that this tackle was a portion of revenge for some aerial challenges from Park in the first half that the away side were not fans of. Lincoln United started the second half better than their opponents but it was those in blue that took the lead with just less than half an hour left through number 10, Olly Martin. Somewhat of a breakaway goal and the ball was played into Martin on the left of the area, he cut inside before bending a shot in off the far post. It wasn't what The Whites deserved but it didn't take them long to get back into the game when the impressive Cotton worked his way into the box and was tripped. The captain then stepped up and sent the keeper the wrong way for 1-1.

The visitors seemed to lose their composure a little and could have had their forward line sent off for two elbows on the defenders for the home side. They were either side of The Whites taking the lead through Jarvis who nipped in to tap home from a headed knock down before the game was sealed in the 86th by the defender Adelekan who met a corner with a powerful downward header. Hebburn continued to try and play even at 3-1 down and, at times, put together some decent passing moves particularly in the first half. The home side were just about deserved winners in this tight and intriguing game, with the defence looking solid, Cotton looking relaxed and in control and Park doing well up front to win challenges and get the ball up the pitch.

Overall
Overall, it was an enjoyable afternoon at Ashby Avenue with both teams playing their part in a hard fought encounter that provided good value for the £9 entry fee. Hopefully, I will be able to get down to Ashby Avenue again soon.