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Set
besides the disued Nottingham Canal, The Shilo is surrounded by splendid
industrial history.
Just yards
to the south west is the wonderful 19th century wrought iron Bennerley
Viaduct, which, at 457 metre long, used to provide an important rail link
between Ilkeston to Awsworth. Just yards to the north west of the pitch is Awsworth
Glasshouse Yard, responsible for manufacturing all of the glass for
Nottingham's Wollaton Hall, and also one of England's first glass making
centre's. Unfortunately, the history of Awsworth Villa is not quite so
remarkable, or should I say, easy to acquire.
What is
known about the Club is that they very nearly won the old Notts Alliance
in 2002, but were denied by now defunct Kingswell on goal difference. This
did however inspire the Club to reach for another level, and in 2004, they
become one of the founder members of the Nottinghamshire Senior League.
The entrance
to The Shilo is marked by a large green sign between a set of houses on a
quite suburban cul-de-sac on the edge of the village. This clearly warns
passes not to even consider partaking in a number of alternative sporting
activities on the pitch including horse riding, pedal cycling,
motorcycling, and, just in case, golf practice. Let it be clear, The Shilo is for
football and football alone.
Set within a
valley, The Shilo is quite an imposing venue for any visitor, with its
expansive views of the Erewash Valley and Peak District's rolling hills
beyond. The pitch is bordered by a series of white wooden stakes on
matchdays, but it basically an open recreational area at all other times
with few constructional features of note. One nice touch on the north side
of the pitch is the Groundsman's marking out of the concrete slab home and
away dugout areas with the letters 'H' & 'A' to avoid any
confusion.
Covering the
entire north, and majority of the areas behind the goals are two huge
metal fences designed to avoid the loss of Villa's precious footballs to
the Ilkeston by-pass beyond. On the south of the ground there is no need
for such man made contraptions, as a curved grass bank hugs the entire
touchline, providing more than adequate encasement for a hoofed centre-half's
clearance. Thoughtfully laid out on the
bank are six wooden benches, which technically must count as seated accommodation
for spectators. On a clear day, these benches offer glorious views of the
Derbyshire hillside towns of Langley Mill to the right & Ilkeston to
the left, not that the football on offer won't be inspiring enough.
To the east
of the ground is the Club's changing rooms, which comprises of a large and
modern brick built building, with the door smartly decked out in the
Club's colours of red & white. Slightly further down the pathway is a
grass roller which, judging by its condition, could well have witnessed
both the grand opening of the Glasshouse and the construction of
Awsworth's magnificent viaduct.
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From M1 - Depart at Jn.26 and take third exit off
sliproad for A610 (Ripley). Continue on dual carriageway for 2 miles, exiting
at IKEA turn off. Take the first exit off the sliproad for A6096 (Ilkeston).
At roundabout after 0.3 miles, turn left onto Gin Close Way into Awsworth.
Take the second right into Station Road. Then take the next right onto
Attowell Road. The Ground is straight ahead after 60 yards, marked out by
a sign between the houses. There is some parking, but street parking is
the more realistic option. 
TrentBarton
No.27 (Larklands Heathcliffe Ave via Ilkeston - Nottm Victoria Centre) is a regular
service which passes close to the ground.
Langley
Mill - 3.2 miles