We booked our recent break in Prague before the English fixtures for 2004/5 were published. So, when we found we'd be out of the country for the Hull City vs Stockport County game, we looked for a replacement. Well, Sparta Prague at home to Marila Pribram, that team that used to be Dukla - now that sounds good, however...... There was something about the Bohemians website that suggested something more interesting was going on across town. Last Sunday saw us turning up for the fixture against Kladno, a game that we thoroughly enjoyed.
The match was entertaining for most of the 90 minutes, with a sensational ending. The style of play from both teams was very open, with the emphasis on quick passing movements and little use of the long ball. Kladno, for most of the game, looked the better, more skillful team and they scored early. However, Bohemians never let the game slip away from them and equalised from a corner. Was there a foul, or was it the dodgy keeper? No-one around us was that bothered either way and half time came with the sides level.Just before half time, we noticed a burning smell coming from below us. However, fears the the ground was on fire were eased when we realised that whatever was on fire had a pork smell about it. This was the half time nosh, and a large barbecued sausage and a pint was.the preferred choice of many. All for something like 40 crowns (about 90 pence). Good grief, it costs two quid plus for a pie at the KC Stadium.
Just a word about the Dolicek Stadium. To be honest, its seen better days but the main stand is comfotable with a choice of wooden bench seats for traditionalists, or individual plastic seating for those with a more modern outlook. Or, you can STAND UP! There's a decent sized terrace behind one goal that you can share with with the more extrovert local fans. Do they sing? Yes they do. Do they cheer? Yes they do. Do they unfurl a giant flag in the shape of a shirt as if from nowhere - YES THEY DO! This is a truly awesome sight and worth the admission money on its own.
As for the rest of the ground, well, there isn't really a rest of the ground, the other sides just being fencing. The side facing the main stand is dominated by blocks of flats, but this is ok because you've got something to watch if there's not much action on the pitch. When the trainer came on, we were able to switch attention to a man on the sixth floor doing some window repairs.
Back to the game. The stalemate continued until the fourth minute of injury time. Late pressure from Bohemians forced a corner. Now, this lad taking the corners hadn't had much luck finding his teammates with his crosses, but this time, a green shirt got there first at the near post. The ball looped upwards, and upwards, then dropped slowly. Elsewhere, lifetimes were passing - here, the ball smacked the far post and in. A second's pause, then mayhem. The flag comes out, everyone's on their feet, the whole place is moving. The whistle goes - Bohemians won the game with the last kick.
Now, I'm not suggesting that every game is going to be like that, but I will say that this is a place which is well worth a visit. Apparently, the attendance was only about 500 but the atmosphere these people create is significantly gteater. This is a genuine team with genuine supporters, and its a quid to get in What more do you want?
PS - for the record, it was Hull City 0 Stockport County 0 ( I might be swapping my Tiger for a Kangaroo....)
