Westmorland League side Keswick have recently completed the building of their new clubhouse and changing rooms on the western edge of the town's Fitz Park in an area known as Hospital Field. It is an impressive facility in a glorious setting, surrounded by some of England's highest mountains.
The new pitch right in front of the clubhouse should be ready to use in the next few months, and in the meantime matches are being staged on the pitch next door in Fitz Park, which as the next picture shows is only a short distance away.
On a beautiful late summer's afternoon plenty of people are enjoying their Sunday in the park, with a cricket match also taking place next door.
The new pitch right in front of the clubhouse should be ready to use in the next few months, and in the meantime matches are being staged on the pitch next door in Fitz Park, which as the next picture shows is only a short distance away.
On a beautiful late summer's afternoon plenty of people are enjoying their Sunday in the park, with a cricket match also taking place next door.
The cricket pavilion stands just beyond the far end of the football pitch.
Today's game is the semi-final of the Westmorland FA Invitation Trophy, which is traditionally staged on a Sunday afternoon, and is open to the winners of the four senior Westmorland competitions from the previous campaign, with the trophy also used to select which club will represent Westmorland in the Northern Counties competition.
Keswick qualify as holders of the Benevolent Trophy and have had a day off from Westmorland League competition on the Saturday, but their opponents Kendal County, who are the holders of this cup, have moved up to West Lancashire League this season and have had to play the previous day.
It always seems set to be a close game. Jamie Little runs on to Steven Rigg's through ball to give Keswick an 18th minute lead with a neat chip over the keeper, whilst Gary Baker plays a long ball across to the far post on 62 minutes for substitute Steve Cross to equalise with a low volley.
1-1 remains the score after ninety minutes, but it is no hardship to spend an extra half hour in such idyllic surroundings.
Extra time again sees goals exchanged, Steven Rigg restoring Keswick's lead after 103 minutes as he runs from deep to head home Richard Bell's long ball. With just three minutes remaining Kendal County are rewarded for sending both central defenders forward for a Steve Cross corner, Michael Packham heading back for Matthew Swallow to equalise.
Cricket boundary and football touchline are in close proximity in the next picture.
A penalty shoot-out is needed to settle the outcome, and both teams are successful with the first four kicks. Kendal County's stand in keeper Kevin Pickering can be seen celebrating below after he saves from Richard Bell, before he then steps up to convert for the visitors to send them through to the final.
