Corinthian Get Ahead - Rochester United vs. Corinthian

Not much wind at Rede Court Road

My parents were down for their annual Easter visit and so I needed an interesting town where there was a game on. I'd always been impressed with the look Rochester when I've traveled through to places like Faversham and Whitsable and with the gorgeous weather, this weekend seemed to be the perfect time to visit. Rochester United play in The Southern Counties East League Premier and their opponents today were Corinthian. Corinthian's Gay Dawn Farm is one of my favorite grounds I've visited in the South East and also provided the second highest number goals I've seen in a game - 10 - they sadly lost 9-1 to Maidstone in The FA Cup. The reverse fixture back in September was an entertaining three all draw and we were hoping for the same.

Kick off at Rede Court Road

Corinthian are played in out wide fairly on but the attack eventually comes to nothing. They are able to get the ball out to the man out wide again and this time the cross in just manages to elude the men in the box. Corinthian are well on top at this point and the next time they get in on goal, the attacker's touch is a bit heavy which forces the man wide before his cross is headed away. Rochester almost take the lead against the run of play but the Corinthian keeper is able to save the shot on goal. The Corinthian man is then able to get beyond the goalie who is relived when the attacker can't fully connect with his header. Both sides have great chances just before the break. Firstly a Rochester header from a great cross goes just wide before Corinthian get in on goal and the Rochester keeper does well to smoother the chance. 

The Rochester defense stands firm in the second half

The second half has a very end of season feel to it with a lot of huff and puff without a lot of end product. The key moment of the game comes from a Corinthian corner where the attacker is left all alone at the back post and his powerful header goes in off the bar. The other moment of note comes when the Corinthian attacker appears to be chopped down in the box and when the referee gives nothing, a heated debate occurs on the pitch which results in a booking for the Rochester player. In the dying moments, Rochester have a chance of their own from a corner which is headed over the bar.

Rochester look for a way through in the first half

The closest station to Rede Court Road is actually Strood, but it is worth staying on and exploring Rochester beforehand. Trains to Strood and Rochester can be caught from either Victoria or St Pancras with the quick trains taking forty minutes. From close to Strood Station you can take a bus which takes you close to the ground. If you do elect to explore Rochester, the castle and cathedral are worth checking out. At the very far end of the high street there are four pubs close together which provide a great choice of ales. We first checked out The Flippin' Frog which was homely and had four ales available. Then just up the road is The Northern Seaman which had even more ales on offer. If you want somewhere to watch the football then The Jolly Knight next to the castle does the job. The clubhouse had the usual selection of drinks and the food smelt fantastic as was the welcome provided.

Corinthian get a ball into the box with the clubhouse in the background