Persuaded by the encouragement of The Academy's posts to give an Academy  game a go, His Lordship, on the spur of the moment ( 2.53 pm) abandoned Her Ladyship and his 8 year old great grand-daughter to finish the scaffolding of the rear wall of the piggery on their own, and headed down, TBW-less on this occasion, to HPTSLtd Park to sample Academy/ U23 football.
 What the afternoon lacked in temperature off the pitch, was amply made up for by the emotional temperature on it.  "Spirited" "feisty" "ill-tempered"... take your pick.  Several yellows, a red, two rounds of mass pushing, shoving, squaring up and general handbags.  Add in the seasoning of a minute-long demented rant from a Met Police spectator in an almost empty Stand ( for which some in the community might be sectioned under the Mental Health Act), with the added spice of the hinges on several gates and changing room doors being nearly removed by the door slamming exploits of the red-carded young Chippenham Academician..  and you have an all-round eventful afternoon.   ..... Not to forget, of course the football:-  5 goals and the  virginity of a perfect home record for CTFC being bespoiled by the not particularly arresting ( Yes .. it had to come!) Metropolitan Constabulary Academicians.

His Lordship was delighted to hear reports of the success of the 3  Academy  young men at Dartford in an excellent afternoon for the Seniors.  There were several talented players on show at this game... but only perhaps 2 who had the physical presence at the moment to step up to NLS level.  There were several others who have the attributes to be successul after a bit more time and development, physical and otherwise. The football was attractive at times... especially from CTFC in the spell just after half time that led to a fine goal. Sometimes ambition outran execution in their play, but the intent and determination to play quick ball into the channels was excellent. Particular note must be paid to the CTFC Number 11.  Rarely has his Lordship seen a player buzzz about from start to finish like a young bluebottle  and to such good purpose; setting up CTFC's first goal and scoring an excellent breakaway individual goal on the counter. Worth the admission money His Lordship didn't pay!! Sadly, the CTFC wheels fell off soon afterwards thanks to the fateful penalty/red card - after which  a winning  Met Pol goal came, with a certain inevitability, to further sour an otherwise rather testy atmosphere.  Overall, time very well spent and a chance to look at future prospects. Recommended!!