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As one of the oldest football clubs in the
County, it is unfortunate that Newark Town's senior side find themselves playing
their football outside of the historic market town's due to a lack of suitable facilities.
Whilst the Sunday sides ply their trade at Devon Park in Newark, the
Saturday side have had to take up residence 5 miles to the north east in the
village of Collingham, in order to maintain their league status.
The Club was formed back in 1868, thoguh the
earliest known report surfaced some 30 years later. This details a wonderful account
of Nottingham Forest,
then F.A.Cup holders, visiting Newark in April 1898:
"Yesterday Newark was favoured with a
visit by the Notts Forest football team, the English Cup holders for 1898.
As soon as it was announced that the Reds were coming great interest was
taken in the visit. At the dinner of the Newark Football Club a few weeks
ago it was announced that if Notts Forest won the cup their manager had
promised that they would bring it to Newark and play an exhibition game
here. This promise was fulfilled yesterday when the cup-holders were
warmly welcomed; and hospitably received by their ardent admirers and
well-wishers at Newark. About 1200 people went to see them play the Newark
team on our home ground. The crowd were in good humour and the game was
enjoyed by all".
I beg to differ. Forest won five-nil.
The Club surprisingly didn't have to wait too long
to gain their revenge. In 1906 they were to cause the biggest shock in
Nottinghamshire footballing history, beating the mighty Forest to regain
the Notts Senior Challenge Cup. This was Newark's third Senior Cup triumph,
having originally won it back in 1895 and 1904. Whilst it was no doubt their
proudest victory of the three, it also proved to be their last. This wasn't however the end of their Cup competition
exploits. In the 1920's and 1930's the club enjoyed some notable successes
in the F.A. Cup. The most significant of which being the first round slaying
in 1930 of Rotherham United, before going down 6-0 at Crystal Palace, then
riding high in the Third Division South. These days, the wonderfully
nicknamed Peaceful Warriors ply their trade in the Central Midlands
League.
Station Road bears many similarities to Kimberley
Town's Stag Ground. Tucked away behind a row of houses besides a
public footpath, it's existence could go undetected were it not for its
six modern tall steel floodlights dominating the skyline. Like Kimberley,
the Ground is also surrounded by a eight foot high metal fence, which cost
�14,000 to install, and was partly funded by the Football
Foundation.
There are two major differences which set it apart
form Kimberley. The first being the bright yellow sign at the foot of the
driveway, welcoming visitors to the Collingham Football & Sports Club.
The second, is the grandeur of its two-tiered clubhouse. Particularly notable for its
colourful red roof, this huge building is set back from the pitch on the
north side of the ground and dwarfs everything around it. The first
floor windows offer a wonderful elevated view of the action in the comfort
of this modern brick built oasis. To the front are a row of benches for
spectators to perch themselves. To its side is the ground's only covered
area for spectators, which it made to look rather dated next to the
Clubhouse. However, covered as it is to its sides, rear and roof with corrugated
sheeting, this does provide adequate cover for those willing to brave the
elements.
The pitch is completely surrounded on three sides by
a white steel pitchside barrier. To the east of the ground there is a
wooden fence, with no permanent barrier. On the south side of the ground
are the dug outs for the two teams. These are traditional roofed affairs
with bench seating for their occupants. The dugouts nestle in between the
white barriers which on this side of the ground are heavily decorated with
advertising hordes.
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From North
& South - Leave the A1 at the junction with the A46 and *follow
signs for A46(Lincoln). At first roundabout, take the 1st exit for A1133 (Collingham).
Continue for 3.2miles. Turn right at traffic lights into Station Rd.
Ground is on LHS. There is little room for parking, so street parking is
required.
TravelWright
No.67 (Newark Bus Station - Harby) & No.68 (Newark Bus Station -
Lincoln) pass the Ground. Lincolnshire Roadcar No.67 (Newark Bus
Station - Collingham) & TravelWright SL7 (Newark Bus Station -
Collingham) terminate a short distance from the Ground.
Collingham
- 0.3 miles. Central Trains service between Nottingham &
Lincoln. Walk north towards Collingham village on Station Road. The Ground
is a short distance on the RHS.