Before the weekend's first team match against Brightlingsea Regent, it was the turn of both clubs' supporters to play each other in a supporters friendly. The game finished 5-1 to the Brentwood Town supporters, and a great afternoon was had by all, showcasing everything that is so great about non-league football!
Brentwood Town supporter Paul Fryett participated in the game, and talked us through his experience.
"When it was suggested we play a friendly game against Brightlingsea Regent, I thought why not. But my body said 'Are you sure?' (that's the clean response) as I hadn't played football for nearly 30 years and now being partially sighted, I was thinking I could never play again. So I originally said no and was offered the manager's position with Tony Watkins and Rob Dicker.
As time went on, I slowly started to change my mind as people started to volunteer. It looked like we would struggle for a goalkeeper so I had a rush of blood and said I would go in goal!
As the game got closer and with no more players volunteering, we had a squad of 17 players. So I started the task of getting a team together so as to make sure that everyone played, using a mixture of young guns and let's say the more mature players! The side was being to take shape.
Onto match day:
With myself and Rob (Dicker) sharing goalkeeper duties, Tony (Watkins) then took up the manager duties and as the squad/team was a good mixture and was very flexible with the numbers of players on both sides, the pitch was made bigger and we then played 11 a side.
The game was very competitive and played in a great spirit, and to honest despite the fact that we hadn't played together before we played some good football! it was refereed superbly by Brian Cripps. The game went by too quickly! It felt like old times going back in goal and what made it special for myself was not only playing on Brentwood's new pitch and getting a pair of gloves from Melvin (Minter), it was also that Sheena (my fiancée) played as well. Having never played football before, she really enjoyed it.
During the game we had rolling subs for both sides so everyone got some game time. The game finished 5 -1 to the Blues' supporters.
After the game it was in the clubhouse for a drink or two and some chip rolls and some more bonding with the Brightlingsea boys. All in all it was a very successful day and hopefully won't be the last. And would I do it again? Like most of us that played it's a big yes, although my knees may have something to say about it!"
Paul Fryett, Club 24 member, Brentwood Town F.C
Our thanks go out to the Brightlingsea Regent supporters for participating and for embracing the spirit of non-league football! We would also like to thank Rob Dicker and Darren Conlon Dwyer (Club 24 Vice Chairman and Chairman) for organising the match.
Photo: Nick Gunn Photography
Full gallery here: https://www.nickgunn.com/fansgame
