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Westminster School v Millfield School

2.30pm  8 October 2015

Independent Schools FA Cup, Second Round
Westminster School 1 Millfield School 2 (att 60)

For the groundhopper, there are some venues that hold particularly appeal, often for differing reasons. The attraction of Vincent Square, Westminster School's private sports ground, is without doubt the location. It's in the heart of London, surrounded on all four sides by million pound plus homes, in what must be among most desirable, and pricey, parts of the capital to live.

Chances to see games at Vincent Square are few and far between. Apart from ISFA Cup fixtures, such as this, for the school's under 18 first eleven, you might get the occasional Arthur Dunn Cup match involving the school's old boys side, Old Westminsters (they're due to play here on 31 October), but that's about it.

It was enough to tempt me to get a reasonably-priced train ticket from Manchester to London, aided by the knowledge I had an evening game in north London as well.

Vincent Square is only a short walk from Victoria Station. It's fully enclosed by railings, making it just about possible to watch the action from outside if you can't get in through the locked gates. Fortunately, having contacted the school in advance. I was among three groundhoppers inside for kick off.

The pitch was on the far side of a cricket square from the pavilion, beyond which the Palace of Westminster is visible. Both touchlines were roped off, and a hedge encloses one end.

Millfield, who'd endured a lengthy journey from Somerset for the game, were the better side, but it took until the second half before they edged in front in a tight game. Soon after, a second goal looked to have made the game safe, but a home goal a few minutes from end set up a good finish.

In the end, Westminster, cheered on by their increasingly vocal supporters, couldn't force an equaliser, and so Millfield progress to round three.










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