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High noon for Non-League Day derby
Andrew Schooler30 Jan - 22:02
Early kick-off announced for Harwich and Parkeston v Little Oakley in March.
Harwich and Parkeston’s derby clash with local rivals Little Oakley will kick-off at 12 noon on Saturday March 28.
The kick-off time has been changed at the request of the Essex Senior League, who are organising a ‘groundhop’ as part of Non-League Day.
The Shrimpers’ game is the only early kick-off that day with groundhoppers afterwards being encouraged to head to Halstead for their 3pm kick-off against Saffron Walden, before finishing the day at Hullbridge v Benfleet at 7.45pm.
The club regularly sees non-league fans visit from far and wide and it is hoped many more will come along to the 127-year-old Royal Oak ground, which boasts one of the lower divisions’ most revered stands, on March 28. Printed programmes and pin badges will be available.
It is also hoped the earlier kick-off time will also draw out more local fans. For example, the move forward means the game no longer clashes with Colchester United’s home League One game with Walsall.
The reverse fixture in December attracted a crowd of 580, while the last three derbies on the Oak have all seen attendances of at least 550.
Non-League Day aims to promote the importance of affordable volunteer-led community football.
Staged annually, it is deliberately held during an international break, meaning no Premier League or Championship matches take place that day. England, meanwhile, are in action on the Friday night, hosting Uruguay in a friendly.
The kick-off time has been changed at the request of the Essex Senior League, who are organising a ‘groundhop’ as part of Non-League Day.
The Shrimpers’ game is the only early kick-off that day with groundhoppers afterwards being encouraged to head to Halstead for their 3pm kick-off against Saffron Walden, before finishing the day at Hullbridge v Benfleet at 7.45pm.
The club regularly sees non-league fans visit from far and wide and it is hoped many more will come along to the 127-year-old Royal Oak ground, which boasts one of the lower divisions’ most revered stands, on March 28. Printed programmes and pin badges will be available.
It is also hoped the earlier kick-off time will also draw out more local fans. For example, the move forward means the game no longer clashes with Colchester United’s home League One game with Walsall.
The reverse fixture in December attracted a crowd of 580, while the last three derbies on the Oak have all seen attendances of at least 550.
Non-League Day aims to promote the importance of affordable volunteer-led community football.
Staged annually, it is deliberately held during an international break, meaning no Premier League or Championship matches take place that day. England, meanwhile, are in action on the Friday night, hosting Uruguay in a friendly.
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