Boundary

Lunchtime kick offs for the final games of the National League’s regular season gave me a chance to travel a little further for my Saturday football. Oldham Athletic’s Boundary Park was my destination, reached via train to Rochdale and a bus down to Oldham.

This has been the second season in the National League for Oldham, after their long tenure in the Football League. They narrowly fell short of the play-off spots this season, but look to have stabilised somewhat after several turbulent years of ownership issues and financial crises. The visitors, Wealdstone, had more at stake in that they were at risk of relegation, and needed a win to be certain of their own safety.  Oldham took the lead and went into the break with their 1-0 advantage intact, but two quick goals from Wealdstone at the beginning of the second half turned things around. Oldham equalised again, but it was Wealdstone that went on to find a deserved winner, enabling their fans and players to celebrate on the final whistle.

This view captures the newest stand, opposite the old Main Stand where I was seated. Boundary Park does still feel like a traditional ground, and as the second most elevated ground in English football it benefits from views out to the surrounding hills.

Although I didn't get to look round Oldham, getting no further than the northern fringe of the town, earlier , I stopped off in Rochdale for an hour or so en route. Apart from the vast array of Gracie Fields statuary and plaques, and nods to the Rochdale Pioneers, I was impressed by a fine collection of street art and large murals (extra) and had the bonus of an encounter with the Rochdale Peregrine (the clue being a couple of gentlemen with tripods and large lenses) perched high on the Town Hall. You can find a link to the Peregrine webcam on Rochdale Council’s website - the chicks are due in a couple of weeks.

I was also impressed with the Bee Network buses, which seem to make getting around in Greater Manchester so much easier. I look forward to West Yorkshire following that model.