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Metropolitan Police 3
3
Alves (9'), Taylor (12' pen), sub (67')
1 Kingstonian
1
Bombelenga (46')
Metropolitan Police

Grier's Guide to Metropolitan Police

The match: Metropolitan Police v Kingstonian, pre-season friendly. Tuesday 12 July, 19:45

The club: Formed as a works club for London's police force but they've long abandoned the policy of requiring players to be police or civilian staff. They play in the Southern Premier South, at the same level as Ks, so it will make for a tough start to pre-season.

The town: Representatives of London but playing just outside the capital in a residential area around the borders of Esher, East Molesey and Thames Ditton.

The ground: Imber Court Sports Club, Ember Lane, East Molesey, KT8 0BT. It has a decent main stand and a shallow covered terrace behind one of the goals. Given the closeness to Kingston and how often we've played there over the years, it's hard to imagine there are many regular Ks fans who have never been. 

Ticket prices: £6 adults; £3 over 65s/under 18s; £0 police officers/staff

Directions: A simple journey from most places in the borough. Thames Ditton is the nearest station but it's also walkable from Esher and Hampton Court. The 515 bus from Kingston and Surbiton stops right by the ground, although it doesn't run at night so you'll need to find another way home. The 411 stops about a 15 minute walk away. The ground has its own car park.

Our record there: Generally not good, with our last competitive visit being a 5-3 Surrey Cup exit under Kim Harris as the 2018-19 season unraveled. We've lost three cup finals there in recent years, as well as many league games. 

Recent form: They were deeply unhappy when the non-league restructure of 2018 saw them moved to the Southern League. The switch doesn't seem to have done them much harm though as they've reached the playoffs in both completed seasons so far. They've started their pre-season already, winning 3-2 at Abbey Rangers while giving three different XIs 30 minutes each.

Players to watch: Star striker Jack Mazzone has departed for Horsham but new singings include Tom Read, who scored a remarkable 41 goals for Combined Counties side Balham last season.

Crowd: The Met are not known for having a large or vocal fanbase but given the closeness to Kingston it's usually a ground that we travel to in good numbers.

Drinking: In Thames Ditton The Swan and The Albany by the river, and the George & Dragon in the village, are all pleasant. Coming from Esher, Marney's has a traditional English village feel with a cosy inside and a large garden; while Sextons is more of a sports pub. They all do food, with Sextons serving pizza and the others more typical pub food..

Food: Other than the pubs there's not much else particularly near the ground.

Published Saturday 9th July 2022