Black Hill, G/SP-002 - 582m ASL - SE 078 047 - OS Explorer OL1 - 2 SOTA points           

Ever since the new Macclesfield FC was formed following the sad demise of Macclesfield Town FC, and placed in the regional North West Counties League, I had the idea to combine SOTA activations with away matches.

That series of outings was supposed to start with the football season in early August - but I somewhat unexpectedly found myself at sea by then and until mid November.  The first opportunity to do this came today, with other away matchdays so far clashing with gigs.  Time was limited as kick off was at the unusually early time of 2pm.  A brisk walk back down the Pennine Way saw me back at the car for 1215z, and I was arriving at Prestwich Heys FC around an hour later.

Prestwich is a proper small non league club, like those I would visit when following Macclesfield Town as a teenager. Swapping ends at half-time, watching pitchside with a pie and a pint, and an interesting matchday programme prepared by volunteer enthusiasts.  The only disappointment was the shock 1-0 defeat.  Even more shocking was the standard of officiating. I’m no fan of VAR but it’s absence from 9th tier football cost us a good goal and a stonewall penalty!