The freezing temperature of a September night in Stroud was countered by the cool performance of Bristol City loanee Tommy Blackwell.
The picturesque little ground was found hidden down below the road, seemingly carved into the hillside surrounded by grass verges and trees. If you weren’t looking for it, you wouldn’t find it, a huge contrast to the large soulless bowls of Europe’s elite.
The long walk to pitch side was split in two by a visit to the club bar, a rare array of warmth on a cold, cold night. The barman spoke of the local history and of the proximity to Stroud Brewery whose beers were proudly displayed and sold by Brimscombe and Thrupp FC. The quality of such beverages rivalled only, perhaps, by the quality of the home side’s performance.
A Budding beer, named after the locally born inventor of the lawnmower, went unfinished, unlike Hallen’s losing run as they ended their winless start to the season with a clinical ninety minutes against a promotion chasing side.
The pilgrimage to side continued, making our way down the narrow stairs to the sloping field doing its best impression of the hilled surroundings. The offer of a free stout was turned down by most in attendance, the one person to take it apparently regretting his decision as we picked up a mostly full on our way out.
Numb fingers could barely get the ‘kick off’ tweet sent as the away side took the lead after just two minutes, a penalty shout was waved away but Hallen found the net from the resulting corner. Thirteen minutes later and it was two, Sid Bojang tapping in a ball squared across the goal.
The home side grew frustrated, a rogue pass onto the pitch by a watching sports journalist was met with the comment of ‘you f****r’ by the number three and a glare from the captain.
A dubious penalty given by a questionable referee (an off day perhaps) made it three, the away dugout seemingly unable to believe their luck, celebrating each goal as if it were a winner. It was anything but the same on the home bench, foul mouths, and death stares all that could be seen or heard.
After the fourth goal, Brimscombe started to pull it back, disgruntled captain Ollie Pitt converting from the spot and Harlie Price adding a second. The atmosphere among the substitutes and staff had changed dramatically, they were suddenly filled with hope as they saw the chance to get something out of a seemingly lost game.
The final goal was as cold as the night, the brilliant Blackwell charging into the box and chipping over the onrushing keeper, five goals to Hallen.
The game was over.
The now pitch black sky was home to a lone star, akin to Hallen who had picked up their first win thanks to a loan star of their own.
Deft faces and lost looks were contrasted by the brimming smiles and cheery nature of the victors as they departed to the warmth.
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