I was initially very sceptical about being placed in the North. Firstly, it meant that I missed out on a lot of ‘home’ games around the London area that would have been at my fingertips. Secondly, I knew that I would be mostly Jason Derulo (ridin’ solo) as probably and understandably, most of my pals won’t fancy the length of these trips, nor the expense of them. Even my old man asked me “if I was alright and did I need to get my f*****g head seen too”. He is aware though that if he doesn’t already know the answer to that after 30 odd years then its probably not me that needs it checking!
On the plus side Northerners are known for being a lot more friendly than their Southern counterparts, anyone willing to bite??? They also have what I would call proper football clubs, who are established. Basically there are fewer two bobs sides in the North compared to the South of the Vanarama in my opinion. Being at the 3-0 win over Blyth also eased the initial nerves on the opening day of the season.
As I mentioned earlier the cost of these trips is a total joke. My first quote on the trains was £85. Do one! I managed to get it down to £55, which is still a rip-off but hey-ho.
I also really must remember to stock up before the next trip from Euston. I always forget that Central London has not got a scooby doo about a decent Cider. No Stowford or Henry Weston’s vintage in sight at the off-licence at the station. Luckily they had Scrumpy so I basically had a right touch there. They love a Koppaberg in these parts, if you have the balls to call that cider. Anyway, the trip only takes just over two hours from Euston to Manchester Piccadilly, must be what I am paying the big bucks for.
A much needed quick vape on arrival in Manchester was followed by a trip on the funky Metro across to Ashton-under-Lyne. This included seeing the best stadium in the City, The Etihad. All very impressive but it had only just begun. Time for a cheeky drink on the way to the stadium? A quick trip into one of the local supermarkets to purchase a bevvie followed. When I asked where the bottle openers were I was informed that the security guard would go and get his personal one for me. What a geezer. Surely only North of Watford gap would this happen?
On arrival at the ground, I was shown exactly where all the bars were located by staff. There was no-segregation which has the benefit of being able to swap over at half-time too. Once again the ground staff were superb in fairness, especially in the bar and also the stewards.
The starting line-up was without the injured Keyon Reffell and Jeno and Greener was getting married. We started off brightly in the first half with Greenslade, Smith and Hall having decent chances.
The hosts had a goal chalked out for a foul on Libs, which I admit looked suspect and they also rattled the crossbar. I always felt like we were in control though, despite what their manager said after. I thought Elliot Richards was superb but there were some top performances throughout. Lewis Hall was named in the team of the week and Harry White looked a machine in the second half.
The introduction of Jamie Bird gave the side a nos injection late on, as it did in this weeks victory over Leamington. His quality of delivery was immense for White, who got ahead of his marker to drill it across the keeper. Queue wild celebrations. A fair bit of player on fan interaction for this. I told my pal I’d have been happy with a point, the celebration would suggest that was bollock!
As you can see here, I am circled, with black snapback, dark blue and green t-shirt, in true Carra and G.Nev fashion. Now keep an eye on me in the video below it. If you watch me from 19 seconds and again in slow motion at 32, I show great opportunism. I have clearly seen this as a goal scoring chance and got a head start on my fellow Bulls fans. What ensued was a run down and then across the terrace, pumping the fist repeatedly. First at the scene with the boys. I can also be seen going back to my spot just after, looking totally gone and exhausted, before checking the snapback was intact and we were good to go again. Could I be the extra striker the club is looking for? There wasn’t much wrong with my acceleration off the mark here. I’ve shown great vision, movement and anticipation. Like a young ‘Chalky’ White.
We saw it out for the three points from there. The trip back on the metro bantering and chatting with fans made it a quick 30 minutes into Piccadilly. My Girlfriend was delighted that I was still ‘relatively with it’, she has seen a lot worse states put it that way. St Ives.
Sadly my next match will be Bradford Park Avenue at home due to work commitments. I want to go to Brackley away after that, where the transport links look pretty poor I have to say. Could be interesting.
On our waaaaaaayyyyy!!
Al Davies
The Gubbage and the Glory! 