The subject that inspired me to begin this blog was the problems currently being experienced over at Combe Martin. I read with interest the piece in Thursday's North Devon Journal which added to my fears which I already had following their early season results. Then I saw yesterday's results roll in and my heart sank. A 14-0 defeat at the hands of North Molton.
Personally I've never enjoyed being involved in these matches, and i've been involved at both ends of a drubbing. I recall back in the 2001/02 season when we (Boca) were turned over 9-0 by a rampant Morwenstow side. We went on to be relegated later that season, often struggling to scrape eleven players together on many occasions. Surely only the greediest of number nines hoping to claim the mildly prestigious golden boot award get a kick out of a game reaching double figures? From a purist's perspective, give me an end-to-end, last minute winner 1-0 result any day. Even a match like our recent 4-4 draw, although littered with errors, would have been far more entertaining to play in and watch.
Sport can often be a ruthless past time but, despite being as competitive as the next man I take no pleasure in adding to the woes of a club on the brink.
Personally I don't know the particular circumstances of the situation that Combe Martin find themselves in but it's a sad state of affairs for a club with a long and proud history. Some good people behind the scenes have worked very hard over the years to put the club where it currently stands. How many clubs in the North Devon League can boast their own clubhouse for starters? They have a good pitch, and decent changing facilities. They even have sheltered viewing area. These are things that my club would kill for, almost everything you'd want from an amateur club at this level. Yes, there are many assets to a club like Combe Martin that we gaze upon with envious eyes.
Holland's Park was always a difficult place to get a result. A big defeat there in 2010 was arguably the beginning of the end of our title challenge that season after which many, including myself suggested that the side which deservedly beat us that day could and possibly should have gone on to win the league that season.
Support seems to have dwindled, but I guess that goes hand in hand with success. Another memory of playing Combe Martin was back in the late 90s, in the Rowe Charity Cup playing for Barnstaple Town Reserves. It seemed like the entire village turned out to support their team. One enthusiatic supporter even brought an air horn. It all added to a great atmosphere to play in.
But I digress. My point ultimately is this: with a team obviously struggling for personnel, with the utmost of respect for each and everyone at the club, with the demise of a reserve team and a mass exodus of players over the past twelve months, would it have been more beneficial for the first team to have taken the reserve sides place in a lower division? Given their current plight, it may offer a better opportunity to rebuild the club rather than potentially lose it altogether through losing players and staff, disheartened by recent events? One could argue that there are half a dozen teams in the Senior league who could provide a much sterner test in the Premier Division, all making for a much more competitive campaign, which this season is showing early signs of becoming. And before someone mentions it, don't give me that 'inadequate facilities' nonsense, that's an argument for another day.
But who am I to suggest such things? Combe Martin earned their position in North Devon football's top tier and until such time as they may or may not be able to secure the required number of points to stay in the league, there they will rightly stay. Before I am accused of a condecending and disrespectful view 'from the top' please take note of the fact that I hope Combe Martin go on to complete the season, regroup and return next year as strong as before. The North Devon League would be a lesser place without them that's for sure.
LA: 11.09.11
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