There will be a change in focus for Alvechurch Matchays next season (more information on that to come) so in preperation I thought I’d share some of my numbers and the standout games and grounds I’ve been to. I don’t record charity or exhibition matches in my totals, but all friendlies and competitive matches are included. I also don’t count any grounds visited without watching a game.
To date: 17/03/2025
Total grounds: 78
Total matches: 412
Most visited: Lye Meadow, obviously – 186 matches
Most watched: Alvechurch FC (again, obviously) – 337
Best ground:
It has to be the Estadio Monumental U in Lima, Peru. It’s both the biggest and most visually striking of all the grounds I’ve visited.
Capacity: 60,000 (since expanded to 80,093)
Visited: 05 Sep. 2009
Match: Peru 1-0 Uruguay FIFA World Cup Qualifying
Favourite ground:
This is based on different criteria to the ‘best’ ground. Naturally I want to say Lye Meadow but I’m excluding it from consideration; the same goes for Amex as Brighton are my ‘second team.’ So with that in mind, I will say… the Jakemans Community Stadium, home of Boston United.
Capacity: 5,061
Visited: 07 Dec. 2024
Match: Boston United 1-0 Alvechurch Isuzu FA Trophy Third Round
Despite the result it was a great ground to visit. The staff were all friendly and welcoming, the fans very complimentary after the game, and the food was arguably the best I’ve had a football match. Certainly the best value.
Best match:
No contest.
Cheltenham Town 1-2 Alvechurch
05 Nov. 2022 FA Cup First Round Proper
Danny Waldron’s double saw 7th tier Alvechurch win away at 3rd tier Cheltenham Town. The 96 places between the two sides equalled the record at the time for the largest upset in FA Cup history.
Biggest “I was there when…” moments:
In no particular order, except for #1
1. Obviously the match mentioned above. I don’t expect anything to ever top that.
2. Jude Bellingham scoring a 30-35 yard volley at Lye Meadow. Yes, really.
3. Dylan Allen-Hadley scoring the (joint) 30th quickest goal in football history, netting after just 6.2 seconds (video below). It may also be the fastest goal ever scored by the team not taking the kick-off.
4. The Dave Jones ‘chip & volley’ freekick for Wolves against Stoke in 2010.
alvechurch matchdays 
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