Saturday last 7^th August was a momentous day in the history of CB Hounslow United FC.   It was the day that they returned to their home ground at Green Lane, after more than 2 years of ground sharing, to entertain Redhill FC in the Extra Preliminary Round of the FA Cup.

This was made possible by the hard work of the Green Lane Steering Group, which was set up at the instigation of the London Borough of Hounslow to try to resolve the seemingly irretrievable situation at the ground.    The excellent work of the Group, comprised of representatives of the Council, Middlesex FA (represented by Chairman John Taylor) and Lampton Leisure resulted in the Council retaking control of the ground in May.

Since the return of the facilities to Hounslow Council, the pitch has been completely refurbished to meet FA standards, including floodlighting.    Lampton Leisure must be commended on the excellent condition of the playing surface.  Work is also ongoing on the outside pitches and the pavilion.   The ground is now fully managed and maintained by the council.  

Among those joining in the celebrations were Seema Malhotra, MP for Feltham and Heston, a dedicated champion of grassroots football, Cllr Samia Chaudhary, the Cabinet Member for Leisure Services and Councillors Tom Bruce (who chaired the Steering Group), Khulique Malik, Theo Dennison and Vikram Grewal.   Jim Taylor represented Middlesex FA.

CB Hounslow United’s revamped side, managed by Danny James and Alfie Chapman performed creditably and severely tested a very good Redhill team before eventually losing 3-0.   The visitors’ lively striker, Aidan Brown registered a hattrick.

However, to quote Frank James, the founder/owner of CB and the driving force behind the Green Lane project and now Chairman of Football Activities; “ the match was all about coming home”.