14/07/2019 – St Mirren 2-3 Dunfermline – Scottish League Cup Group Stage

So, after a great start to the new 2019/20 season in sunny Glasgow it was time to move on up the road to the town of Paisley to get set for the second game of the trip at St Mirren the following day. It’s a simple place to get to on the train, a quick 10 minute journey on Scots Rail only cost a couple of quid and you get to take in Ibrox as you leave the city which looks to be around an industrial area.

Pulling into Paisley reminds me of a similar town near to where I live in Rotherham in that it’s a big place but always feels like it’s pretty much part of Sheffield and visiting it doesn’t make you feel like you’ve really gone somewhere else although like Rotherham I’m sure the people of Paisley are proud of their town and don’t count themselves as Glaswegian. A fair few Celtic fans got off the train with me as they had been at home in a friendly plus the following day there was the same situation with Rangers fans hopping on the train into the city for a friendly of their own. It must be frustrating for St Mirren to lose some of their towns population to the Old Firm and I’m sure the fans of the club will have a dislike for both. Still, they are not the only side around the Western Lowlands to lose fans to the Celtic and Rangers and you could even branch that out to the rest of Scotland.

Upon coming out of Paisley Gilmour Street train station is a little square with a big Weatherspoons to the right called the Last Post where I enjoyed a nice couple of Tennents for naff all, was around £2.75 or something, incredible pricing! Slightly further on is the high street which was pretty much closed up for my duration, maybe that was because I arrived Saturday evening and left Sunday night although you do wonder if little towns like Paisley struggle with cities that are on its doorstep.

My digs were the other side of the high street and past the University of West Scotland where you hope students put money into the town. The evening was spent on a road called New Street which had a couple of bars called The Gantry and the The Bull, it had a 90’s bar at the bottom of the road that looked like it could be a bit filthy and wasn’t something worth partaking in on your own!

The following day I had to walk the long way around to town because randomly the High Street road was closed off filming Outlander 4! It’s likely they were using Thomas Coats Memoral church which was a massive Gothic building. There are a lot of churches around the centre of Paisley and the town has a huge abbey and town hall with a statue of queen Victoria nearby plus a nice war memorial. I nipped back to the spoons for a full Scottish breakfast, a potato cake instead of hash brown and some haggis was a welcome addition although I was disappointed I didn’t get a proper traditional Scottish square sausage! I was then joined by my mate John who’d travelled up from Leeds at the crack of dawn for a bit of Scottish football. A couple of beers and we decided to get a train to Bishopton so I could dump my bag in Johns motor before the 5 minute train back to Paisley St James train station that sits right next to St Mirren Park.

It’s a shame the club lost their old ground at Love Street which was right next door to the town centre and was always a ground that looked like it had character when I watched games there on the box and seeing it when playing Championship Manager in the 90s! I hear most fans these days still drink in the town centre at bars which devote themselves to the club and either set off early for the ground on foot or jump on the train. Once around the stadium I could totally understand why the fans remained in town pre match as there is nothing around St Mirren Park. At first we weren’t bothered in that we thought we could get our tickets and just grab a beer in the ground however we were soon told by the very friendly and helpful stewards that no alcohol is sold. We asked why thinking it was a rule brought in by the club but we were told that the Scottish FA have brought rule in for all clubs to adhere to. It really doesn’t make any sense in a country where the game is struggling on the attendance front and with a lot of attention by the younger generation on the goings on down south in the riches of the Premier League. This type of rule must mean Scottish clubs are missing out on vital revenue from this, especially in this situation for St Mirren where unless you’re a member of the supporters club there is literally nowhere to drink nearby. Anybody who can obtain a licence and sell booze from nearby would earn a fortune. On a positive note the club did do a good job in writing up a programme that covered all three of their home games in the group stage, saving them a bit of money in printing.

St Mirren had just appointed a new manager after staying in the Scottish top flight by the skin of their teeth by winning a playoff with Dundee United from the league below. Jim Goodwin has come back to the club after his playing career with the Paisley outfit brought over 100 appearances and League Cup success in 2013. Goodwin had done a great job with semi professional Alloa Athletic getting them promoted into the Scottish Championship and then keeping them in the division, a fantastic achievement given the second tier is a professional league. The chance to return to the club close to his heart however was too good to turn down.

A tough managerial debut for Goodwin saw Championship outfit Dunfermline Athletic make the trip across the country for an encounter live on BT Sport. Whilst being a league below The Pars are a club who have in the past held their own in the Scottish top flight so had more than enough to cause St Mirren problems on their day and that’s what it proved to be.

The atmosphere was stoked up by a young set of St Mirren fans who called themselves the North Bank Ultras. Being a Spurs fan I’m not sure on the name! But being serious it’s great to see the younger generation getting together to get behind their local team, I see a couple of them drinking in town so the age varies from young teens to lads who were around 18 years old. There was plenty of European style chanting to the left of us in the West Stand. There wasn’t any malice in them and all their efforts were to get behind their side. Dunfermline looked to have brought a couple of hundred and were pitched up behind the goal in the north stand but had the look of what I see back in England with a group of young lads in hooligan attire and whilst they got behind their team they also did their best to mock the young ultras to my left.

St Mirren were fortunate to keep their top flight status last season and I’m sure Jim Goodwin knew he had a job on his hands taking the St Mirren post however the next 90 minutes would empathise this. The Buddies were patient in possession but never really looked like having any cutting edge in the final third but worryingly looked an accident waiting to happen when having to deal with pace and a high tempo, Dunfermline exploited this to a tee in the first half.

Ryan Dow brought a save out of Buddies keeper Hladky early doors but on 18 minutes he made no mistake after a neat tidy move by Dunfermline across the home sides box. Quick feet in small space by Josh Coley and a nicely threaded ball to Dow who thumped into the corner of the net. Six minutes later and it was 2-0, striker Kevin Nisbet laying on to Andy Ryan to double the Pars lead after a quick counter attack. Both goals were well celebrated, one Pars fan I noticed taking his shirt off to show off his burnt body from the summer sunshine only to stumble and fall down the stairs of the away end, that’s the way it’s done lad!

St Mirren were all at sea and on 40 minutes they conceded an inexcusable third that sparked up the home fans displeasure in how the game was unfolding. Flynn in the middle of the Buddies midfield didn’t fancy a 50/50 with Dunfermline’s Tom Beadling who then passed into the box for Ryan who struck the post. No player in black and white reacted to the rebound allowing Beadling to put the rebound in for three.

Boo’s echoed around the ground on the half time whistle and the players couldn’t have any qualms. 3-0 and we thought game over however the game was to take a surprising twist in the final 45 minutes. Dunfermline were happy for St Mirren to have the ball and sat a lot deeper, it looked like the game would fizzle out with the result a formality however on 62 minutes St Mirren’s Cody Cooke struck an effort from outside the box that looked like it took a slight deflection and diverted into the roof of the net.

Two minutes later St Mirren won a corner. For the second time on this Scottish trip a keeper was to end up in no mans land from a set piece, flapping at the cross leading to a mad scramble and Dan Mullen making it 3-2.

Whilst the Pars had been very impressive first half they had royally blown this game wide open by falling asleep on that set piece and a game they had sown up was now suddenly royally back on. However, whilst Dunfermline were to continue to sit deep St Mirren didn’t look like they had anything about them to punish the Championship outfit. I can only remember a Flynn shot from distance over the bar in the final 20 or so minutes and actually the Pars had the best chance near the end with Coley being on in on goal but thumping straight at Czech keeper Hladky.

A disappointing start for Goowdin at the helm and it didn’t get better in the League Cup. A late 1-0 win against 4^th tier Edinburgh City was followed by two 0-0 draws with East Kilbride and Albion Rovers that condemned the Buddies to an early exit. Dunfermline ended up winning the group and were drawn with a daunting task of a trip to Celtic.

After the game we took in the supporters club bar which post-match is open to anybody however is only open to members before a game. It was well decorated in club memorabilia with some decent items from games against big clubs in the past like Liverpool and Barcelona. I did enjoy the photos showing their results from every round of their 2013 league cup success where they beat big clubs in Aberdeen, Hearts and Celtic to claim silverware and a famous cup success in the clubs history. A great way to end the trip before the drive back south through the beautiful Scottish countryside where John did incredibly well not to crash on more than one occasion as we nervously listened to events unfold at Lords as England incredibly won the cricket World Cup. A nice way to enter back into the country!

13/07/2019 – Partick Thistle 1-0 Airdrieonians – Scottish League Cup Group Stage

So only six weeks after watching my beloved Tottenham play in the biggest game in my lifetime the 2019/20 season is here. Some might say that it’s quite a fall from grace watching the biggest game on the continent to the Scottish League Cup group stages and I can get where they are coming from but I’ve spent plenty of time licking my wounds and wondering what might have been had we managed to bring old big ears back to N17, it was time to try and move on and what better way than a ground hop and to take advantage of the warmer season that the UK has to offer.

I’d been looking around for somewhere to travel to for a bit of summer football however nothing really fell nicely for me in Sweden or Ireland. The early start of the Scottish season certainly came as a warm welcome and nice way to get the campaign underway. I’d previously been to Hearts with Spurs, Celtic to watch England beat the auld enemy and did a weekend football trip to watch Aberdeen and Dundee so going north of the boarder is always an intriguing one.

Scanning Soccerway online the fortune of St Mirren’s game with Dunfermline being moved to Sunday for coverage on BT Sport gave me the chance of a double game weekend with Glasgow neighbours Partick Thistle being at home to Airdrie. A quick scan for decent priced train tickets, some cheap digs in Paisley on the Saturday night and enticing my mate to come up for the Sunday encounter for a car ride home and the trip was sorted.

The Saturday started with a train just after six from Sheffield with a change of train stations at Warrington (Central to Bank Key) and then one final train up to Glasgow. I certainly wasn’t spoilt for views going through the Pennines and then up by the Lake district on a sunny day. I ended up going past six grounds on route in Manchester City, Manchester United, Wigan Athletic, Preston North End, Lancaster City and then Carlisle City. I also got a glimpse of Ibrox later in the day, a ground I’m yet to get to. I didn’t get it all my own way going north, a bloke got on at Wigan and pitched himself opposite me with a Liverpool shirt on and whacked out a Jurgen Klopp biography to read. Fate isn’t letting me forget Madrid in a hurry!

The train was pretty full of music goers with TRNSMT festival taking place in Glasgow on the weekend. You get a nice view of the river Clyde as you come into Glasgow with the Scottish city the other side, very similar to approaching Newcastle. After taking in George Square and the Merchant city I’d had enough of gobby lairy teenagers who’d taken over the city centre for the festival so headed to St Enoch subway station for the journey over to the lively area of Hillhead.

I’d been informed that there were quite a few bars around this area and with the Firhill Stadium only a mile walk I thought it was the perfect opportunity to take advantage of the glorious sunny day with some outdoor drinking. Walking up Byres Road I managed to come across a trendy bar called The Parlour for my first Tennents of the trip that went down nicely whilst having a read of Football Weekends. I had walked by another nice pub called The Curlers Rest right outside the tube station however I gave it swerve purely because it was in the shade!

I then took the mile stroll past the colourful Glasgow Peace Gardens, up a hill in Kelvinside and down towards Firhill Stadium, home of the Jags. Thistle’s ground is a mixture of old and new, the main stand has a very traditional façade with the year of its build (1927) above the main doors into the stadium. To the right of the main stand were old turnstiles from way back in the day with barbed wire on the top of them and the old entrance fees of £3 painted on the brickwork but sadly no longer in use but still a great sight. Walking round the corner the brickwork that fenced off what was the old terracing behind the goal has been spray painted in the club colours of red and yellow along with a Thistle player striking the ball with the club crest on display. Carrying on the walk around the ground brought me to the Jackie Husband stand where I bought ticket and headed into their Alan Rough Lounge for another Tennent’s to cool down. I was surprised and impressed to see manager Gary Caldwell come through pre match saying hello to the fans. Nobody in the room seemed eager to get over and have a word so it made me wonder if it’s a traditional thing at the club although I’d have thought it was like running a gauntlet for whoever is at the helm if your team were on a bad run!

There’s no stairs to deal with going into the Jackie Husband stand, from entering the turnstiles and the stadium you find yourself at the top of a single tiered stand that drops to pitch side with another modern but smaller one tiered stand to your right named after the late legendary Partick manager John Lambie who had managed the club 11 years on two occasions winning the club the Scottish Division Two and One title and leading the club back to the top flight of Scottish football. Opposite is the main stand which is very similar to Leyton Orient’s east stand in its old traditional look with the arched roof held up by pillars going across the stand. A triangular placard displays the club crest on the halfway line. Sadly, to my left where the old impressive terrace once stood is now a grass bank with advertisements.

As the teams came out on the pitch the tannoy man shouted out proudly that Partick were “the only team in Glasgow”. With the dominance of the Old Firm in the city and the country itself the motto made me think this was not only to rev the crowd up but also to stick two fingers up at Celtic and Rangers in that smaller clubs who share cities with monster clubs like these are the definition of a proper football club that care for the community and appreciate each individual supporter that funds it by coming through the turnstiles and getting behind them. Nobody is just a number at clubs like Partick.

The first half was a tight affair with the pace of the game slowed down probably due to the players feeling their way back into competitive football after the summer break plus Glasgow being surprisingly sun drenched meaning difficult conditions due to the heat. Partick had the first real chance as early as three minutes with left back James Penrice stinging the mits of Airdrie keeper David Hutton. The Diamonds backed by 200+ away following didn’t look overawed at playing a team a league above them and looked the likelier to make things happen in the first 45, their best opportunity being a break into the Jags half after winning a trio of 50/50 challenges. From this Ally Roy drove at the depleted and retreating Thistle back line. Gaps opened and a perfect opportunity to thread Dale Carrick on the left appeared which would have lead to the attacking midfielder having a full sight at goal to finish however Roy greedily went alone and blazed over to the frustrations of his team mate.

That opportunity would be one Airdrieonians would regret as Partick came out after half time and dominated the game. Ex Celtic, Rangers, Derby and Cardiff striker Kenny Miller is running down his career with Partick after signing for them in the summer. The old nippy agile legs aren’t what they used to be and the ex-Scottish international was mocked by the home faithful earlier in the first half after getting a half chance all wrong which he had to take quickly with a first touch and shot. “maybe 10 years ago Kenny” was the cry however he rolled back the years 2^nd half and a quick give and go with right back Ryan Williamson got him behind the Airdrie back line but his shot at the angle was beaten away by Hutton however this was the start of Jags dominance.

Hutton tipped over attempts from substitute Cammy Palmer and Joe Cardle however was left red face when on 67 minutes he got caught in two minds coming for a corner leading to hesitation in the visitors 18 yard box leading to Sean Crighton accidentally diverting the ball into his own net. It was a fortuitus way to take the lead but Partick had deserved it and opportunities to end the game came calling.

Thistle pressured Airdrie up the pitch which lead to turning possession over. The active Cardle then threaded Penrice with the goal at his mercy and Hutton exposed however struck high over the top of the goal, a massive opportunity wasted that almost came back to bite the Jags on the arse when Airdrie almost scored with a stroke of luck of their own when a cross from the left was overhit and struck the bar.

Kenny Miller was then unlucky with a snap shot from a low corner that went inches wide of the far post. Airdrieonians had been second best in most areas of the pitch and had wilted a little in the Glasgow sunshine second half but with Partick failing to put them away you always know football has the wonderful habit of throwing a spanner in the works and that almost came in injury time. A free kick was thrown into the Partick box, two headers were won by the visitors, the last at the back of the six yard box that looped across the goal and just past the desperate stretch of an Airdrie foot landing the wrong side of the post.

Partick were let off the hook but deservedly won their season opener. That win stood them in good stead and wins away at Queens Park then back at Firhill to Clyde and a big draw at top flight Hamilton Academicals gave the Jags top spot in their group and qualification for the second round where the Scottish teams who qualified this season for the European competitions await them.

A crowd of 2,241 spilled into the streets and away to enjoy the glorious summers day. I ventured back to Hillhead and to Oran Mor, a church building that is over 150 years old but is now a restaurant/bar and theatre. I took in a few more of the countries popular lager Tenants whilst sun worshiping with the locals, some quite the shade of pink before making my way over to Paisley for game number two of the weekend. Football is back and the visit to Glasgow and Partick Thistle was certainly a great way to get things started.

23/02/2019 – Padiham 1-6 Bootle – North West Counties League Premier Division

So I took my sorry self out of Turf Moor alongside the ecstatic Burnley fans who’d decided to leave early and up to Burnley bus station for the journey up to the small town of Padiham. Whilst the day had started disappointingly for me it could only get better with the visit to a new football club and another 90 minutes to erase the memory of what had just taken place.

I managed to jump straight on a bus on my arrival at the station however it’s delay in leaving due to Burnley fans continuing to appear in their droves added to my current pissed off state! Finally when the small bus was jammed packed full of Clarets fans we were off. Having to share seats with an old lady who was also a Burnley fan added to the frustrations although mainly from her moaning. “It’s a disgrace that woman is letting her toddler sit on that seat instead of giving it up for an old man”, “Danny Rose is a cheat”, “the small clubs always get decisions against them”. I don’t begrudge Burnley the win, they were the better side on the day but you’d think they’d been cheated out of a result the way this woman was going off. After some polite nodding and smiling from me she thankfully got off half way to Padiham and slowly but surely Claret fans exited the bus and Tottenham’s defeat could be put firmly to the back of my mind.

Padiham looked a lovely little town. Some terraced housing that had been well kept from back in the day, likely built during the towns cotton mill days and historic landmarks surround the river Calder like St Leonards Church that’s a pretty big for the size of Padiham. There were a few nice looking pubs around the church that I bet do a decent pint or two although unfortunately I never got the chance to visit one of them.

A quick detour off Church Street up a steep small side street of the quiet town, past another nice looking pub in the Hare and Hounds and then a cobbled path brings you to the towns sporting teams. To the left was Padiham Cricket Club and pavilion and to the right was the entrance to the Arbories Memorial Sports Ground, home of Padiham FC.

Going through the turnstiles takes you right behind one of the goal nets which I’ve not seen when visiting other non league clubs. Given I made it to the ground just after kick off going through a turnstile like that felt like you were thrown right into the action of the game. The ground was a really good setup for step 9 of English football. The pitch was in great condition for this time of the year but does slant slightly between the touchlines. There was plenty of covering either behind the goal where the turnstiles are and to the left touchline if again your looking from the turnstile entrance. Both standing areas were painted in the clubs colours of royal blue with the touchline stand looking quite new. Opposite was the clubhouse and changing rooms with a mini seater stand next to it nicely placed on the half way line with what looked to be a new clear coloured covered standing area further on. Behind the dugouts was a big grass mound which gives spectators a great view of the game from a higher stand point plus looking over the stadium gives you a beautiful view of the top of the town and out into the Upper Calder Valley of West Yorkshire. It really is a lovely stadium to play or watch your football.

The club have also become quite well known through their home game with Widness a couple of years ago which was filmed and spread around the world of social media. Trailing 3-1 two minutes into injury time Padiham somehow managed to draw the game 3-3. Two goals, two shots cleared off the line and the bar hit all within a minute! The footage of this mental minute can be found here:-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUqdT7g8cGA&list=PLHgC2gW1VCTWEMVL2xo3Bx-qTRsDimX4E&index=4&t=0s

The club have spent most of their history at level 9 of English football but did win promotion to step 8 six years ago as they won the North West Counties Premier division however their stay in the Northern Premier Division North only lasted two years. Those successful days must feel a while ago given the clubs current status where going into the game they were two points and three places off the drop zone in 16^th, their visitors however were flourishing. Liverpool based Bootle FC were sat in 2^nd but eight points off city rivals City of Liverpool who topped the table. Nothing short of victory in Lancashire was required if they were hoping to make any sort of ground up and make a title race out of the seasons run in.

After paying in and pitching up just to the left of the goal I asked the gentleman next to me if I’d missed much of the start “Na we’ve just got going, nothings happened, still 0-0”. He’d put the potential cursers if you believe in that sort of thing on Padiham as on five minutes Bootle put the ball over the top of the home sides defence. The ball came over the shoulder of centre back Ben Hoskin who tried to clear with his out stretched leg but his connection on the volley was weak and sliced over exposed keeper Kai Calderbank-Park who did well to back pedal and get a hand on it but could only push the ball in the top corner of the net.

An utter gaff of a goal and the worst possible start for the league strugglers. Obviously the fortunate opener gave Bootle a massive boost and the Merseyside outfit were in a quick hurry to add to it. A ball whipped into the Padiham box was flicked on by Connor Millington for Carl Peers to slot under the keeper and in. 9 minutes, 2-0 Bootle and it was looking likely that this game might be over before it had even got started.

I had previously seen Bootle last season as they were drawn away at my local non league club Hallam FC in the FA Cup so had seen first-hand that they have a good following of fans. There were certainly a good load of Bucks in deepest darkest Lancashire with their flags and cries of “Boooootle…….Boooootle” ringing out as their side dominated the first half with Steve Jones hold up play, James Clark’s ability on the ball and Kieran Halligans marauding runs up the right flank standing out. Padiham were lucky they went into the interval only two down when Calderbank-Park produced a fine finger tip save onto the crossbar from a Ryan Cox placed effort.

I was very pleased with the half time pie peas and gravy plus the clubhouse had Estrella on tap. The club had put out on twitter in the lead up to the game that it was going to be an 80’s sound track throughout the matchday and I thoroughly enjoyed scoffing my grub to a bit of ‘I Ran’ by Flock of Seagulls, top marks to the club officials!

Any hopes of a revival by the home team to make a game of this match were diminished only two minutes into the second half. Peers, who looked Bootle’s best player played a one two with front man Jones, his pass into him initially a deft flick one way of the defender whilst spinning off the defender the other to receive the pass back. His ball into the box was a pinger with Millington left unmarked to head home.

Two old boys next to me had been chatting during the game, I’m not sure how many times they both got down to watch the Storks but one had said that the side was barely recognisable to his last visit. The blues certainly couldn’t be faulted for effort and reduced the errands with about 25 minutes left. Striker Lee Knight did well down the right and his squared ball across the box was put home by the stumbling Jack Kay off the post.

Bootle had for most of the game looked a class above their opponents and the goal simply made the Bucks angry and 4 minutes later they had their 3 goal advantage again. Captain Liam Loughlin in possession bided his time before threading Halligan down the right side of the box who laid the ball into Jones. His first effort was blocked on the line, his 2^nd effort was well saved by Calderbank-Park and then somehow he got a third bite of the cheery and this time made no mistake finding a small gap between the keeper and his right hand post.

Bootle were in the mood and the final twenty minutes felt like a pepping of shots on Calderbank-Park’s goal. Loughlin had an effort well tipped over by the Storks number one, centre back Daniel Murphy shattered the bar with an effort outside the box followed by another double save by Calderbank-Park. Soon enough his resistance was breached, Halligan again on hand to assist sub Lee Hughes to slot into the far corner of the net.

Padiham couldn’t catch a break and in the final minute Halligan’s cross was wickedly deflected into the net for another own goal and the Bootle rout was complete.

I’d found out second half that I’d missed out on winning the raffle and a bottle of gin by two bloody numbers, summed the day up for me with defeat at Burnley earlier however I’d thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Padiham. I was tempted into a final beer after full time to continue to listen to a few more 80’s classics. ‘Love changes everything’ by Climie Fisher bellowed out of the speakers at Arbories Memorial Sports Ground, a favourite of mine. As for changes, I hope there can be some for Padiham’s season and they can bounce back from this hiding and survive the drop.

23/02/2019 – Burnley 2-1 Tottenham Hotspur – Premier League

The day started with a 6:30 alarm. After doing this for 5 days for work it shouldn’t be on your day off from the grinds and pressures of the office that this should continue on a Saturday however due to my sheer stupidity and love for my club and the bastards of live TV scheduling this was the case. I let it snooze for 10 minutes, alarm rings out again, turn it off so to not be royally moaned at by the missus…..sit up, rub the eyes, look out the window, it’s dark “Fucking hell Barnard, what are you doing?” I think as I take myself to shower. It’s a message I tell myself for every game I have to get up at stupid o’clock for but I know deep down I wouldn’t have it any other way. The following of Tottenham Hotspur football club is the drug that will forever continue to suck me in, even during this modern day football era which most of the time infuriates me. The kick off for this game away at Burnley falls into this bracket, a midday start for TV which was an early shift for me and I only had to get over to Turf Moor from South Yorkshire. Most of our travelling faithful would have to make the long journey north largely by car or potentially stop over night Friday given the lack of transport that could get you to Leeds or Manchester and then onto Burnley early on a Saturday morning. It’s ok though as millions of viewers in Asia would have had prime time viewing <sighs>. Sad state of what was the “English” top flight which really is now a league for the world.

I took in a day return to Burnley, an 8:22 fast train to Leeds on my todd gave me just under an hour to grab a sausage and egg McMuffin meal and tea to blow away the cobwebs before meeting my mates who travelled in from Barnsley on the local Northern train. They decided to part take in a few bevys on route to Burnley Manchester road whilst I played the sensible card given I was going on to another game after and it was probably going to be an all dayer on the beers.

It had been a while since I’d seen some of them as a few had decided to fuck Wembley off so had been missing games. They had become sick and tired of the place although given how well the club had been performing there and the quality of our side I did find it strange just to sack it off completely however each to their own. In fairness Spurs decision to allow fans to either take their money back on home games paid for at the new ground or leave the cost per game on their season ticket for next season means supporters can easily make the decision not to bother to pay again for a Wembley ticket and don’t miss out regarding loyalty points or their status as season ticket holders for next season.

The talk turned to an important moment in our league campaign. No home, a ten ton of injuries throughout the season, no new signings plus playing in a half open ground that’s not built to be a clubs home venue and yet Mauricio Pochettino and his squad had performed miracles to have us sat 3rd and as it stood, still in with a shout of competing for the title with Manchester City and Liverpool. To say the club have overachieved is an understatement and it left fans basking in the joy of our recent successes along with a Champions League campaign where from being more or less out in the group stages have rose from the death to qualify and now lead German league leaders Borussia Dortmund 3-0 after a truly “glory gory” night at Wembley. The chat whilst going through the beautiful valleys around Halifax, Hebden Bridge and into Lancashire was of what we could do in the two final competitions we were left fighting for, currently we are living the dream.

A win at Turf Moor could put pressure on league leaders Liverpool who faced the difficult prospect of a trip to Old Trafford to face foes and in form Manchester United the following day. On the same day Manchester City were in the hunt of their first major honour in their quest for the unthinkable quadruple as they faced Chelsea in the League Cup final at Wembley. Victory in Burnley would also give the club a huge cushion to the teams below them and pretty much put us one foot into next seasons Champions League.

Strolling down the hill from Burnley Manchester Road station and taking a right onto Harry Potts Way and towards the ground I noticed one of the local home boozers had changed its name in devotion to manager Shaun Dyche’s successful tenure at the club. The pub named “The Royal Dyche” even had the ginger bearded man himself on the pub sign hanging from the boozer donned in Henry the 8^th attire. Very amusing but a nice touch and just goes to show what the fans think of the man at the helm. I had a quick nosey around Turf Moor and then a stopped off at Burnley cricket club which stands adjacent to the ground for some outside drinking in some surprisingly beautiful February sunshine. It was then a quick five minute walk over to the away end for the game.

The first half was a close hard fought 45 minutes where we’d had our fair share of possession with balls knocked up to Heung Min Son and recently back to the side Harry Kane where we then tried to play off and work openings. Burnley were happy to give up possession but remained solid and rigid without the ball, positioning themselves well, keeping shape and looking whenever possible to get forwards Ashley Barnes and Chris Wood into the action.

Both sides had a chance a piece although not clear cut. 15 minutes into the game Surge Aurier squared for Kane who worked himself space nicely moving across the 18 yard box from right to left. The striker caught his shot well but put the effort wide of the post. It was one of them moments as he lined up the strike with the nice angle he’d made for himself where nine times out of ten he’d hit the corner of the net however understandably the Spurs man looked a little rusty after his injury lay off.

Ashley Barnes almost gave the Clarets the lead just after the half hour when from a cross from the right he hit a sublime side side volley after initially having his back to goal from the right of the box and at an angle. The volley dipped wickedly over the reach of Lloris and thankfully just over the top of the bar skimming the top of the net.

A quick energetic response after the break was required from Spurs and it almost came from Kane. The striker picked the ball up just inside the Burnley half from Harry Winks and drove at Burnley before shifting it and hitting a sweet dipping shot from range that Tom Heaton did well to beat away from his top right hand corner.

The game was anyone’s for the taking and at the time felt like one goal might win it, so it was utter dismay when Burnley edged in front although through controversial circumstances. Jan Vertoghen made a great challenge on a cross from the right which appeared to deflect back off a Burnley player and out of play however the officials wrongly flagged for a corner. The resulting ball into the box was met by Chris Wood who rose highest to place his header postage stamp top corner off the bar to give Lloris no chance.

We had half an hour left to try and turn the game around and made the perfect response 8 minutes after Burnley’s opener although again in fortunate circumstances. A Spurs throw was taken well up the pitch from where it was initially given by Danny Rose. Burnley switched off to the long throw into Kane’s path who got in behind the Clarets defence to steady himself, get the ball under control and slot past Heaton and into the corner of the net to spark wild scenes in the away end.

“Game on, surely we’ll take it to them and dominate now, we’ve got to take the game by the scruff of the neck” were my thoughts however somehow, and criminally we allowed Burnley to take charge and their high balls into wide areas of the final third then short sharp passing ended up being the difference.

Two horrendous fouls from either team in Juan Foyth and Phil Bardsley could have resulted in both sides going down to ten. Burnley then dragged an effort wide and a Wood shot wasn’t held by Lloris and cleared, the warning signs were there for Tottenham and then with 7 minutes left we were punished. Spurs had three opportunities clear their lines but failed during Burnley pressure, sub Berg Gudmundsson picked up possession, worked his way to the left of the Spurs box and placed his pass across the goal for Ashley Barnes, who’d pulled away from his marker to tap into an empty net to leave me slouched down head in hands and one of my mates Chris Hall on the way for the exits.

A true kick in the never regions. A point at a tricky place to play like Turf Moor wouldn’t have been the worst result in the world but to level the game and then be second best for the final twenty minutes was hugely disappointing/frustrating. Spurs then looked desperately for a leveller and pinned Burnley back, but time ticked away without Tom Heaton being tested. On 90 we had the Clarets in their own 18 yard box whilst moving the ball from left and right across the pitch trying to find an opening. This looked to be the do or die moment to keep patient and wait for the right time to produce a chance. The ball fell for Eriksen on the edge of the box and the Dane decided to go for glory but got his strike all wrong blazing over to the cheers of the home fans.

That was enough for me, I made my way down from my seat to the gangways for the rest of stoppage time for the quick getaway. Whistles echoed from the Burnley faithful as again we tried to work an opening with seconds left. Kane did well under pressure to stand a ball up from the right, it was high and lacked any pace for Erik Lamela who could only try to head down at goal but it was meat and drink for Heaton to claim. Heaton fired the ball up the pitch, I looked at Mike Dean who went to put his whistle to his mouth, I didn’t need anymore encouragement to turn away and head for the exits and a wild roar was met as I dragged myself down the steps taking a left turn and out of the away enclosure.

A disappointing defeat and an opportunity missed to make ground on others. Thank god I had another game to get myself over to and put that result to the back of my mind.

19/02/2019 – Stockport County 3-2 Southport – National League North

I’d had a busy hectic and stressful day at work on Tuesday. The day ended with a presentation in front of people, which I never feel comfortable with doing and being a big worrier I stressed myself out in the lead up to it. Once complete I had the usual release of relief, I felt I deserved a treat and was well up for a couple of beers to de-stress so decided to give the Soccerway website a scan in case any local games stood out and there it was, Stockport County at home to Southport in the National League North. A quick look at trains to and from Sheffield and then tickets were bought and I was away.

There’s always good excitement about a last minute trip to a game of football. From work I headed over to the station, got my train tickets from the machine and had an hour to kill so it was a no brainer to knock the froth off a pint of Veltins in the Sheffield Tap. There was the option of a craft beer nicely named ‘The Yeastie Boys’ but bar the catchy slogan I passed and stuck with what I knew. After the day I’d had that pint went down nicely, a quick walk up to Hallam Booze for a can of Bud for the journey and walk back to station and I was on my way over the Pennines to Stockport.

I had taken a gamble of a later train getting me in 20 minutes before kick off being on time but for once East Midlands trains didn’t let me down. As you pull into Stockport station you can see the floodlights of Edgeley Park appear on your left, it’s a view I’ve seen so many times in my 18 years living in the Steel City when travelling to Greater Manchester or Liverpool following Spurs. I’ve always been intrigued by the ground and I’ve forever told myself “I’ll get over there soon” but somehow it’s never materialised but finally I’d seized the day!

Every football fan at some point gets dismayed with the current affairs at their football club whether that be because of a poor squad, shite players, a management team not up to scratch or owners who won’t invest or have run the club into the ground. Whilst you get different issues for different clubs at different levels of the game nobody can really say they have had it as bad as Hatters fans.

I remember the clubs glory days of the 90’s when Dave Jones guided them to the second tier of English football and took County to a whisker of their first ever major cup final, losing a League Cup semi against Middlesbrough. On route they beat West Ham which I enjoyed watching on the box all them years ago. I’ll never forget the Iain Dowie purler of an own goal in front of the travelling army of West Ham fans behind the goal, was literally like he meant to put it in, was a great finish!

The club lasted six years in the what is now the Championship before relegation but it was what took place after where the wheels royally came off. Numerous owners, assets of the club sold and three relegations including one from the football league after a 106 year stay has left the club languishing in the 6th tier of English football. The club are now in their 6th season at this level and with no disrespect to the other sides in the National League North Stockport County as a club, it’s size and fan base have been playing well below themselves and for far too long.

Whilst I’ve taken a long time to make the visit to Edgeley Park I’m glad it’s at a moment when the club are starting to look like they might be back on the up. A win on a drizzly Tuesday evening would put the Hatters level with league leaders Chorley at the top of the National League North and with their title rivals not playing it was a big night to put pressure on the league leaders in the quest for promotion.

A quick run from the train station to Edgeley Park took five minutes and in a rush to get into the ground I went into the wrong turnstile for season ticket holders only. Joining the back of the cash turnstiles queue randomly a fan said “Easier getting into Wembley than here mate”. Obviously after almost spending two seasons watching Tottenham under the arch I have more than enough experience in this area. “Not sure about that mate, I’m there every week with Spurs”, the man was quite taken a back by my response and southern accent. “What the hell are you doing here?!” he joked, “I live in Sheffield and fancied nipping over for the game”, “That makes even less sense” as the Stockport fan laughed at me. Couldn’t really argue with that to be fair!

I decided to sit in the main stand with the newer Cheadle End stand that looks as though it may have been built in the 90’s to the right which towers over the other three stands. The scattering of Southport supporters were housed opposite me in the small ‘Popular Side’ with some uncovered seating to my left that used to be for away fans however due to the smaller attendances these days the seating was covered in sponsor signs. Most of the main stand is reserved by season ticket holders with signs on the seats however I managed to get myself a sat near a fan who I’d heard say to others that he’d come back to pay a visit to family and friends and drop in on his beloved County from Peru where he was a priest and had his own parish. And there was me thinking I’d won the award for most random spectator at Edgeley Park!

Stockport started well probing in the Southport half and had the first real chance of the game on ten minutes. A good give and go down the right between Matthew Warburton and Nyal Bell lead to the former cutting back a cross beautifully into the path of Samuel Walker about eight yards out however the midfield man struck his shot close to Southport keeper Daniel Hanford who saved well at point blank.

Stockport looked a very athletic side in the opening exchanges and looked to play a high tempo game but after dominating the early exchanges were hit with a sucker punch. Adam Thomas clattered a Southport player on the edge of the box giving the Sandgrounders an opportunity from a set piece. Jordan Richards bent a strike around the Stockport wall on keeper Ben Hinchcliffe side. Hinchcliffe got down to the strike but the tame effort when right through him and into the corner of the net.

It was a soft goal to go behind to and a bit of a kick in the balls for Stockport who had started brightly. Samuel Miniham looked a threat down the Stockport right handside, Darren Stephenson was linking up play nicely, but Stockport were struggling to find an opening in the Southport rear guard although the visitors were lucky not to be down to ten after a nasty foul from Andrew Parry on County’s Adam Thomas which looked high and with two feet.

Stockport were dictating and it felt like a big chance would fall their way soon however another lapse in concentration lead to Southport doubling their lead against the run of play. A miss placed Southport pass around the half way line should have been easily dealt with by the Stockport back line but they were static in reacting and Southport striker Jordan McFarlane-Archer anticipated well to get on the ball and race clear into the Stockport half on his own. Lewis Baines did well to make ground to catch McFarlane-Archer but the striker showed real composure to cut back and square for supporting striker Dion Charles who slipped it under Hinchliffe and into the net.

2-0 Southport, I can’t say I was expecting this given the Merseyside outfits mid table obscurity however their second was a great counter attack. Stockport’s big opportunity to make ground on Chorley was going up in smoke. This was a big question of the Hatters promotion and title credentials and it would have been easy to have buckled and fallen away however Stockport continued to play as they had done and didn’t deter from their game plan and continued to ask questions of Southport defensively. They had the ball in the net from a well worked free kick but were denied by an offside flag.

The County faithful could have been forgiven for thinking it was going to be one of them days however the break through came right on half time. Stephenson’s cross from the left was deflected out to the edge of the box for centre back Jordan Keane to run onto and thump home through a sea of bodies and into the bottom left hand corner.

The County fans in the main stand gave the officials some grief on the half time which I was quite surprised with, I didn’t think he’d made many bad calls minus the possibility of the sending off opportunity. I was surprised by the lack of half time music whilst tucking into a decent pie, mash, peas and gravy midweek dinner however I was looking forward to seeing how the second half would unfold after a lively first 45 minutes.

If questions had been raised over Stockport’s ability to get over line when the pressure was on to deliver these were royally answered in the first eight minutes of the second half as the Hatters came out like a steam train. The inventive Stephenson was at it again down the right laying off to Thomas who struck a sweetly hit shot across keeper Daniel Hanford at an acute angle only for his shot to be cleared off the line.

Minutes later Stockport were level. Miniham’s pace down the right got him space to cross for Stephenson who got the other side of the Southport back line to tap home.

Southport looked shell shocked and Stockport were smelling blood and looking relentless, it felt like it was a matter of when County would get in front than if and minutes later Sam Walker bent in a beauty of a free kick from distance, whipping one over the wall and out of the reach of Southport keeper Hanford.

Stockport had turned it around and Edgeley Park was lively. County could have pretty much sealed the points when Adam Thomas produced a beautiful low cross from the right to Stephenson but with the goal gaping failed to connect.

I did start to wonder if Stockport would rue their missed opportunity in this entertaining encounter, especially in the final half hour where the game got a little stretched and both sides started to go a bit more direct. Southport had a few ventures into the Stockport half but lacked the creativity to create any sort of opportunities to setup a grand stand finish. The most interesting thing of note in the final stages was a fan out of nowhere making a sprint for the exit gates with stewards chasing. The lad was so close to getting out and away but the security team did a great job of getting hold of him and forcing him to the floor whilst he shouted expletives. Fuck knows what he’d done!

The attendance of 3,724 was announced over the tannoy, evidence of how big the club is in drawing in a crowd like this on a wet midweek night in February. Most of these will have gone home happy, it’s results like this which show if your side has the character and mentality to win promotion or become champions and club legend Jim Gannon and his side certainly showed they have the balls to go the distance at the top and bring back some much needed success to the club.

I grabbed a quick Dizzy Blonde in the Holiday Inn before the train home (the blonde beer, not an easy local) and see both Champions League games had finished goalless, the decision to get out and watch a live game had won out yet again.

16/02/2019 – Ashton United 0-0 Hereford United – National League North Division

My ground hopping exploits took me from the National League South last week to the North this weekend which I would say is the better of the two divisions in quality. The league is packed with big clubs for level 6 of the English league system who have fallen on hard times for one reason or another in Stockport County, Chester City, York City and Darlington to big non-league sides who are normally used playing in the Conference National and have had times in the football league in Boston United and Kidderminster Harriers. When you throw in other sides renowned for being top non league outfits like Altrincham, Telford United and newly formed FC United of Manchester who get gates of 3,000 you can get the picture that as a club your going to need something about you to cope in this division.

Spurs half hearted attempts to get past Crystal Palace in Round Four of the FA Cup in late January lead to disappointing defeat which left the weekend free to explore somewhere new. The missus brother was hitting the big 40 and a surprise party had been setup in Oldham where the family are based on the Saturday night so this left the greater Manchester area as the location to fixture search. I didn’t want to be venturing too far as the missus and family wouldn’t be too pleased if I came walking in late so seeing that 5 miles down road in Ashton-under-Lyne newly promoted Ashton United were entertaining one of the big clubs of the league in Hereford United which was a right touch.

It was nice to have the opportunity of a lay in on the weekend before the other half kindly offered to drive me over to Ashton on her route to Oldham. After a taking the Woodhead pass from Sheffield and the beautiful sights of the Peaks I was thrown out at a local Asda to grab some dosh and walk over to Hurst Cross, home of Ashton United.

The club have played at Hurst Cross since 1884 making it one of the oldest football grounds in the world. The ground is so close to some of the terraced housing that some tenants would have a great view of the action from their bedroom windows although if they are fans of the beautiful game, I’d hope they’d go and give the club some money in entrance fee every now and then! The ground is my sort of place with some small old skool terracing behind one of the goals with mini railings painted in red for you to lean on. These can also be found on the sides of the stadium both either side of the main box seater stand and in a covered stand opposite the main stand which contains the club’s initials painted into back of it which is a nice touch.

As mentioned previously the National League North consisted of some big ex football league clubs that had fallen on bad times and the visitors to Hurst Park certainly fit into that bracket. Hereford United had been a side I’d been used to growing up with playing predominantly in the fourth tier (now called League Two). My main memory of Hereford was of Spurs drawing them in the 3rd Round of the FA Cup in 1996. In them days I wasn’t allowed to go away but I remember listening worryingly as after Ronnie Rosenthal had given us a first half lead we fell apart. Hereford missed a penalty second half but still managed to equalise and then miss two great chances late on to spare our blushes of a humiliating cup exit at Edgar Street. I remember the replay well as Hereford brought their mascot bull to parade around the pitch at White Hart Lane as they had done in the first game. Thankfully on a better surface and with home advantage we progressed comfortably 5-1 but the memory will always be of being let off the hook in Herefordshire! Also when you think of Hereford United you think of Ronnie Radford and that absolute screamer he hit to knockout Newcastle United which is shown time and again on tv when the FA Cup comes around for another season. As has sadly happened to a number of teams in recent times the club came under financial problems and were wound up in the High Court after a petition had been brought against it by HM Revenue and Customs in 2014. Since then the club have reformed at level 9 of the football system and due to the size of the club and fan base three back to back promotions have taken place to get up to the Conference North.

Ashton United had recently experienced promotion themselves from the Northern Premier league. After a number of setbacks in the playoffs over the last few years the Robins finally went from bridesmaids to the bride in beating Grantham Town in last season’s playoff final. The club joined their town rivals Curzon Ashton in the Conference North and asking a fan about the rivalry there isn’t much love lost. “We always bloody lose them” I was told and I can sympathise with that in remembering back to going over 10 years without beating them lot down the Seven Sisters Road in the mid 90’s to mid 00’s. I don’t think however that he appreciated me asking him about the playoff final penalty shootout defeat a few years back. “I couldn’t put myself through going over to their place for that one”, turned out to be a good swerve in the end for the old boy. Given the size of other clubs in the division Ashton have done well to stay in with a chance of stopping up and were sat third bottom in the last relegation birth six points from safety. Hereford were eight ahead of them in 18^th so both sides knew the importance that three points would bring.

Sadly, it was a sombre affair when I got through the turnstiles. I’d read in the week that the chairman of the supporter’s club Steve North had passed away in the build up to the game. Upon queuing for a pre-match burger I got chatting to a fan who had said Steve was at every game and pointed out to me where he would always be found stood watching the action. What was great to see was how friends, family and the club got together to pay their respects. An area of the Roy Donnelly stand behind the goal became a place for people to lay with flowers. Balloons in the club colours had been tied to the railings of the terrace and were let off to fly over the stadium upon the minutes silence. The club even made their programme matchday cover a picture of Steve which was a really nice touch.

You see how much supporters are treasured by their clubs at this level. I go home and away to watch Tottenham in England and abroad however given the sheer size of the club and modern times where sides like Spurs are more interested in their fanbases in countries around the world to promote their image nobody at the club would be bothered what games I attend. I am simply a number on a database and should I not go there’s always somebody to take my place. The only people who care that I go to Tottenham is myself and my friends (I hope!), the affiliation between me and my club goes one way however this isn’t the case down the leagues. Whilst in an extremely sad situation it’s these type of scenes that show that fans like Steve were and will always be part of the family at clubs like Ashton and his support was and is whole heartily appreciated. You can see he’ll be greatly missed at Hurst Cross.

The first ten minutes were quite cagey but from then onwards Hereford dominated. The Bulls had big Mike Symons up top who was a target man to hit up to and play off and he missed the first real opportunity on 14 minutes from a cross which he took down and stabbed at goal but was smartly put around the post by the legs of keeper George McMahon.

Tom Owen-Evans was pulling the strings in the middle for Hereford, but he’ll have felt he should have done better with a free header from another corner with a lot of the goal gapping he directed over the bar.

United were dominant and putting Ashton under pressure and crosses within seconds from Owen-Evans and full back Kieran Thomas almost flew in but for last ditch saves from McMahon.

Hereford’s delivery from set pieces was decent and another corner led to the Bulls having two bites of the cherry first from a header and then a shot by centre back Josh Growling but the Robins held firm to get bodies in the way and prevent an opener regardless of Hereford’s appeals for a penalty for handball.

Another chance game and went for Hereford when Owen-Evans did well down the right to cut a ball back for young George Lloyd who blazed over.

Ashton had struggled and bar the composure of Matthew Regan at centre back, the long throws of full back Javid Swaby-Neain and the range of passing of Sam Sheridan switching the play they found it difficult to create chances however almost snatched the lead against the run of play right on half time. Winger Kallum Mantack managed to get behind the Hereford back line and laid the ball off for a cross into the box for Liam Martin to loop a shot over keeper Matt Yates only for the ball to be desperately hacked off the line but back to Martin who blazed over on the half volley although it was a difficult opportunity.

Ashton had done well to get into the break level but were again under pressure for most of the second half. Owen-Evans was involved in most attacking forays for Hereford and after being kicked three times on a mazy run he finally won a free kick which he took however Yates was equal to it not being fooled and saving on his side of the goal behind his wall tipping wide.

With twenty minutes left Hereford continued to create chances but try as they might couldn’t find a way through. Elliot Richards put through Owen-Evans however Swaby-Neain did a great job of forcing the midfielder wider than he might have wanted to be when taking the shot on and the pressure from the full back lead to Bulls number eight’s shot going straight at the legs of Yates.

Substitute James Roberts came on for Hereford and gave the Bulls something else in forward areas hitting a pinger from the corner of the box that flew just wide then minutes later being put in on the counter from a cushioned header by Symons. Roberts twisted and turned on the left side of the 18 yard box and put a shot across keeper Yates who yet again got a hand on the effort which then went wide after agonisingly rolling across goal without a man in white ready to tap into an empty net.

Six minutes of added time were announced and Ashton had a bit of a pop at the death. Robins substitute Matthew Chadwick worked space down the right flack and thumped a low cross in from the byline with players storming into the six yard box but the cross was well defended and the clearance led to the referees full time whistle. I’d gone an impressive 71 games without a goalless draw however at least this game was an entertaining one.

Upon leaving Hurst Park and walking down into Ashton town centre for my bus to Oldham I followed a pissed up old man with an Ashton United scarf on who was happily singing songs, waving and saying hello loudly to passers by. He seemed in a great mood but randomly went on to singing “We’re fucking shit” which I didn’t see coming at all! Bit harsh, especially after the Robins hard working scrap for a point however they will need to be better in forward areas to have a chance in beating the drop. Hopefully for the memory of Steve North, they can.

09/02/2019 – Dulwich Hamlet 2-1 Welling United – National League South Division

The build up to the weekend involved hunting down another new club and ground to experience on the Saturday with Spurs at “home” on the Sunday under the arch at Wembley. The option of another away day watching Hallam FC at Glasshoughton Welfare or knocking another notch off the list in the quest to complete the 92 by taking in Bradford City’s home game with Fleetwood were diminished when my lack of preparation for the Spurs game left me looking at filthy prices for trains/coaches to London on the Sunday. A quick look at the fixtures down south drew my eye to Dulwich Hamlet’s home game with Welling United.

Most of the lads I go Spurs with will have a non-league side they try to make time for and get to games. Welling United are one of the boys (Matt Schofield) teams and it had been quite some time this season since he’d been able to get over and watch the Wings. I’d been intrigued at visiting Dulwich Hamlet after what I’d heard and read about them over the years, the club has character and are a team that stand out from others through their liberal stance plus are one of the bigger non-league sides in the capital. A quick whatsapp message to Schofield to see if he was free came a response that he had no plans and offered his spare room Saturday night before the Spurs game Sunday. Suddenly a trip to a new ground was on.

I managed to book a last minute megabus coach from Meadowhall that left early doors so an early alarm, quick train over to the shopping centre and then coach journey and I was in Victoria in the country’s capital. A final suburban train over the Thames to Denmark Hill, South London gave me good time for some pre-match action. It’s then a 10 minute walk up Grove Lane and down Dog Kennel Hill before the floodlights of Champion Hill come into view on the right. The area looks decent, nice and clean which for a place on the door step of the centre of the capital was a bit of a surprise. The housing around was vintage yet well-kept made me think you’d have to be well off to own anything around there.

I met Schofield in the Cherry Tree just past East Dulwich train station for a quick beer which looked like a gastro type pub with plenty of local ales on offer that I took advantage of whilst watching Manchester United comfortably win at Fulham on the box. After one we decided to get in the ground early to beat the crowds and grab a beer in the club house.

Dulwich are a very well supported club. I’d looked at their previous home games and ‘The Rabble’ got over 3,000 against Bath City and over 2,800 against Chelmsford City, they are incredible attendances that wouldn’t look out of place in the football league and even more so given the number of professional clubs scattered around London. The club have recently had a lot of ups and downs. I had been hoping they could show up my old local side from back home Billericay Town last season in pipping them to the Isthmian Premier League title. After running the extravagant big spenders to the wire they came up just short in 2nd on 95 points which would more often than not crown you champions. After almost tasting promotion, missing out painfully via the playoffs usually follows however Dulwich managed to put disappointment aside and mentality kept their heads to edge out Leiston and then beat Hendon in a shootout to make the National League South.

Dulwich did so well to keep on track with their promotion push given the problems behind the scenes which became so extreme the owners ended up chucking the club out of their own home meaning Dulwich had to play their fixtures down the road at Tooting and Mitcham. Thankfully the club have been able to get back home at the end of 2018.

Dulwich are a little different to the average football club with their fans swaying to the left and holding strong liberal beliefs. Walking around the stadium you’ll find posters stating “Left Wingers” with images of club top scorer Edgar Kail and Che Guevara, a communist figure in the Cuban Revolution who is portrayed a hero by generations of leftists worldwide. LGBT scarfs with the Dulwich Hamlet colours and the rainbow flag are on sale in the club shop and posters promoting gay rights in football can be seen in the clubhouse with slogans displayed such as “We don’t care what team you play for”. Even the clubs colours are a combo you don’t see very often, navy blue and pink that were worn by a certain Peter Crouch in the year 2000 when on loan from Tottenham.

Both teams came into the game at opposites ends of the Conference South with Welling in the playoffs and Dulwich just above the drop zone looking over their shoulders so both sides were desperate for points.

Randomly just before kick off and purchasing a bratwurst (Vegan options were available, another example of Dulwich’s attempts to cater for all) me and Matt bumped into a lad we used to both go England with in the past. A Charlton fan at heart he was there to back the Wings so we stood with him and his mates to watch the first half whilst reminiscing on the 2006 World Cup and almost being battened up by the old bill in Zagreb for Croatia away all for just trying to get into the Maksimir Stadion.

The game got off to a steady pace with both back lines getting caught square with defence splitting passes. Dulwich were the first side to get in on goal in the early stages with Dan Thompson put through one on one but with time to think about a finish, slotted wide.

After the early scare Welling started to settle and dictate the game with steady build up in possession. Brendon Kiernan and Gavin McCallum down both flanks were looking dangerous, the former getting beyond the Hamlet back line himself but again like Dulwich’s Thompson earlier Kiernan had time to make a decision with the option to slot, lob or go around the on rushing Preston Edwards. Kiernan’s late call on a finish lead to a last ditch attempt to slot to the keepers left however Edwards had come off his line quickly, reduced the space and managed to get a touch that allowed the ball to trickle the wrong side of the post and wide.

The Brendon Keirnan miss was a real opportunity for Welling who had started to take control however they were caught with a sucker punch as Dulwich took the lead. Nathan Green did well to win the ball in a challenge around 30 yards from goal which fell for team mate Dan Thompson who took a touch and slotted Green who had kept his run going after winning possession for the Rabble. Green made sure we didn’t witness a hat-trick of one on ones wasted by thumping past Wings keeper Daniel Wilks into the bottom left hand corner.

After a quick half time beer and catching up with the scores around the country and six nations action I did catch an amusing away day advertisement to promote club travel to Dulwich’s up and coming trip to league leaders Torquay United. Instead of promoting the Gulls by adding their club crest and maybe a picture of a couple of their key players or an image of Plainmoor the club decided to reference 70’s BBC comedy hit Fawlty Towers which was based in Torquay with lead actor John Cleese providing coach details.

Dulwich had edged in front at the break but appeared to royally get off the hook during the second half. Hamlet keeper Edwards came rushing off his line to beat young Welling substitute Jack Barham to the ball however looked to have claimed it with both hands just outside the box. The Wings following behind the goal saw it and were hounding for a dismissal as did the players however the referee decided instead to book Edwards to the shock of the team in all red who surrounded the ref wanting reasons behind his decision. For me it looked like Edwards had got away with one and his decision to instantly get away from the melee and back onto his goal line sharpish to get ready for the free kick showed he knew he’d had a close escape.

A major decision had gone against Welling and it looked to have affected their performance as Dulwich started to turn the screw and dominate. Green thought he’d doubled Hamlet’s lead with a great strike only to be denied by a worldie of a save from Wilks who dived to his left and somehow pushed Green’s strike over the bar when he looked well beaten.

Welling are top of the league in home form but 5^th bottom when it comes to picking up results on the road and it appeared to be the same old story on their travels. Green, who had been a pain in the Wings backside all game, won possession on the edge of the box and fed substitute Michael Onovwigun down the left of the 18 yard box who squared for fellow sub Decarry Sheriff to shoot through Wilks legs and into the net to double the Rabbles lead.

“That ought to do it” was the comment from Schofield to me as most of the 2,353 crowd were sent into raptures. With only 4 minutes left and Welling all but beaten we decided it might be worth beating the post-match queues in the clubhouse bar for a beer. On walk back to the main stand a shriek from some of the crowd made me turn back pitch side to see Welling sub Bradley Goldburg in on goal from nowhere. Goldburg struck straight at Edwards however got fortunate in that Dulwich keepers save came right back and hit him to then deflect into the net to give Welling a lifeline.

Our mad surge for the bar had took a detour to the top of the stand to watch the 5 minutes added on time however as with most of the game the Wings lacked any sort of cutting edge in the final third and any chances of a grand stand finish dwindled away as Dulwich saw the game out quite easily for three precious points to pull away further from the drop zone.

We enjoyed a couple of post-match beers in the clubs huge club bar which was easy to get served in plus did a good range of beers including Estrella which is one of my favourites. That’s two Welling games that I’ve gone to with Schofield and it’s two defeats without a Wings goal scored, not sure I’ll be invited back any time soon!

26/01/2019 – Pontefract Collieries 4-0 Wisbech Town – Northern Division One East

With a spare Saturday after Spurs FA Cup game being switched to Sunday you’d think it would be easy to locate a new ground to visit however the Northern Rail strikes that have been going on for months now made that a little tricky. At first I was going to get over to Shirebrook Town and get behind my local non league team Hallam FC but the line towards Worksop wasn’t running because of the strikes. After some investigation I managed to find I was able to get to Pontefract via Leeds to witness high flying Pontefract Collieries league game with Cambridgeshire outfit Wisbech Town.

The trains to get there however were more expensive because the option via Wakefield wasn’t available due to the strikes. Whilst I agree with unions downing tools due to Northern Rail trying to bin off train conductors and appears to just be another company attempting to penny pinch obviously the inconvenience and added ticket costs are rather frustrating. Still, it gave me the opportunity for a beer stop in the Weatherspoons at Leeds station which I always enjoy visiting, always atmospheric and a wide range of beers. After a quick pint of Abbot ale I was on route to Pontefract Monkhill.

The walk to the ground takes about 10 minutes and the area is quite nice and suburban around the edge of town. The walk then takes you back towards the train tracks and under a bridge where you see the ground on your left. The G & R Stadium is tucked away nearby some waste land with some new housing estates being built nearby. You have to walk down a little dirt track where the outside walls of the stadium have graffiti with some storage blocks before you get to the turnstile. Whilst the main stand and shelter behind the goal need some TLC and the stadium is a little rough around the edges that shouldn’t put anybody off visiting.

The place certainly has character and the volunteers that work on a match day and the fans are very friendly and easy to talk to, they even have Stones on sale in the clubhouse, a true Sheffield old skool brew you don’t see much anymore. At half time I got chatting to a supporter whilst queuing for food and I asked about the ground. Due to the clubs back to back promotions from level 10 to 8 in the English football league system they have to meet certain ground regulations. Currently they are building some offices onto the clubhouse and another building opposite this where the club sell food and club officials entertain guests and opposition officials looked quite new. With the town being close by Castleford and Wakefield it’s likely football heavily competes with rugby league which is very popular in this part of Yorkshire. I was told the club are doing their best to get the town more involved which must be working given their attendances are now in the 150-200 mark when they were getting under 100 two seasons back.

Both sides tasted the sweet taste of promotion in 17/18. Ponte had won the North East Counties Premier division with an impressive 102 points, 6 clear of Pickering Town. Wisbech Town had come 2nd in the United Counties Premier League to Yaxley and missed out on the title on goal difference by 21 goals. With the re-structure of the non league pyramid at tiers 7 and 8 both clubs were entered into the newly created Northern Division One East. I believe more re-structure is to come but currently this league is spread over far too much of the country for level 8. For most of the league it’s not too much of an inconvenience for any of the clubs in Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire but clubs like Morpeth Town in the North East and Wisbech Town which can be just about classed as the south have been dealt a bum deal. In this case like with most away games Wisbech were having to make a long old journey for a league game, 110 miles to be precise, harsh at this level.

Randomly I have actually seen Wisbech Town in the past and can recall a great memory of my teenage years. As a 12/13 year old back in Essex I was only allowed to go alone to football matches with my friends at my local non league side Billericay Town. During that time the blues always seemed to have a good run in the FA Cup and managed to draw Wisbech in the 4^th Qualifying Round with the winners making the 1^st Round draw with the big professional sides entering the fray. The game at Billerciay ended in a draw so me and a few of my friends were allowed by our parents to travel up with the supporters and team on the bus to Wisbech for the midweek replay. Billericay were well beaten, I cant recall the score but it was something like 2 or 3-0. Before getting on the bus home we decided to take a leak up the back of one of their stands as an ‘up yours’ to getting knocked out thinking we were funny and risk takers, what a bunch of dick heads! Apologies to Wisbech Town!

Both sides came into the game with something to play for. Collieries were having yet another great season, sat in the playoffs and only 6 points off league leaders Morpeth. Wisbech however were three points off the drop in 14^th so both sides were needing a result.

The game came to life straight from kick off, Wisbech thought they had the lead in the first minute, a strike going right through Ponte keeper Ryan Musselwhite however his blushes were spared by an offside flag. Collieries went right up the other end and a ball from the right wasn’t collected properly by Wisbech keeper Daniel Swan and his fumbled catch was tapped home only for a foul to be given, personally I thought the foul was soft so Wisbech were let off the hook.

The pitch was in a bit of a mess, it was very bobbly and largely muddy however Ponte were obviously used to it and how it played and dealt with the conditions well to dominate the first half and blow away their visitors. A rash tackle on the edge of the box gave Ponte the chance to open the scoring however Daniel Swan’s intimidation in holding onto the crossbar a couple of times to make it shake about may well have worked as he guessed right to save Eli Hey’s spot kick.

Ponte’s forward three of Hey, Michael Dunn and Nicholas Guest were causing Wisbech problems getting in around the Town back line and on 21 minutes they edged in front. Dunn teased down the right then held up a cross for Vaughan Redford to head home into the top left hand corner.

Ten minutes later it was game over and 3-0, the second and third goals were preventable defensively. A scramble in the box with Wisbech failing to clear their lines allowed Michael Dunn to double Ponte’s lead. Minutes later Wisbech were cut wide open and Eli Hey made up for his penalty miss by slotting home at Daniel Swans near post.

Right before half time Wisbech were done on the counter attack and a fast free flowing move allowed Radford to get his second thumping home into the bottom right hand corner. Chants of ‘Ooooole ole ole ole….Ponte…..Ponte” rung out by an old boy near me who was so Yorkshire it sounded like Geoffrey Boycott getting overly excited that his team were taking apart their opposition.

There was a bit of a set too in the dugout after a nasty challenge in the middle of the park on a Wisbech player. In the end it lead to a Wisbech coach offering out a member of the Ponte staff for a ruck. It looked like handbags at ten paces although the Wisbech coach looked pretty determined for something to happen. In the end it resulted in the linesman having to split it up and have words of his own. One of the great things about non league football is literally being on top of moments like that, watching them unfold and being able to hear the verbals.

With the game all but lost Wisbech came out for the second half to play for pride and to be competitive. Ponte did take their foot off the gas slightly and this lead to a nothing second half that Collieries were probably still in control of but with minimal opportunities created however they did hit the bar. Most of my second half was spent talking to a lad who I’d randomly heard say was a Spurs fan. I said to him I didn’t expect there to be more than one of us in Pontefract at a non league game although randomly after further discussions he turned out to be a season ticket holder like me and knew most of the other Spurs fans I know from Yorkshire who go, small world.

I fancied a beer before my train back to Leeds so wondered up to the Weatherspoons from the G & R Stadium which is only a 5-10 minute walk and is right by the towns bus station. There appeared to be a couple of other pubs nearby as well so you could do a little bar crawl. I certainly enjoyed the cheap £2.30 pints of Abbot ale by the fire in ‘The Broken Bridge’ out of the cold after a good day out doing a new ground and seeing an emphatic victory for Ponte who continue on the rise.

24/01/2019 – Chelsea 2-1 Tottenham Hotspur (2-2 on Aggregate, Chelsea win 4-2 on penalties – League Cup Semi Final 2nd Leg

This was a biggun, I’d been counting the work days down for this one working up short lunches to get out early for my second visit down to West London in 5 days. Work are very accommodating to my football and allow me the early leave for Spurs games so I don’t have to use half days which I really appreciate. They will however only cut me off at a 15:30 leave and because of leaving my train ticket purchase till late the only cheap option left Doncaster for London five minutes after the next available connecting train I could get from Sheffield. The gamble was taken, I was proper cutting it fine. So a 20 minute train journey shitting myself that it would get in on time came and went without any problems and I was then on the journey to Kings Cross. Another stroke of luck came before hitting London where an accident meant our train took a detour meaning we were only 20 minutes late into the capital than being stranded behind the incident on the tracks further down the line. Should I have known of the heart break that was awaiting me later in the evening I may have hoped to have been a little more unlucky.

After a Piccadilly tube to Earls Court and a quick tube ride on the District I was at Fulham Broadway and heading to Stamford Bridge with the crowds. On making a beeline to the Chelsea Village where the away end is normally based I almost missed the away end entrance which stewards were shouting Spurs fans to take. This time around we’d been pretty much given the whole Shed Upper and Lower. I thought given the delay I’d be touch and go for kick off however I somehow managed time for a beer and a mince meat/mushy peas pie which was decent.

So much had changed since the first leg. We came to Stamford Bridge with a slender 1-0 advantage after weathering a lot of pressure in the second half but defending resolutely and limiting Chelsea to minimal opportunities. Since then we’ve come a cropper in the injury department, Harry Kane was crocked with literally the last challenge of the game against Manchester United, Dele Alli followed him into the treatment room a week later at Fulham. On top of this the absence of Heung Ming Son to International duty meant we were suddenly missing three players who’d scored 39 goals for us this season. The task of getting over the line to make the final had become much more difficult.

Chelsea put on their usual light show as the teams came out which we’re starting to see at other grounds like Wolves and Arsenal, I might sound like an old man but personally I don’t see the need for it. The sheer size and importance of the game should be enough to make an atmosphere as the players entered the field.

The game started exactly how I wanted it to, it was mainly stop start due to fouls scattered around the pitch and we kept the ball well and slowed the game down nicely not allowing Chelsea to get into any rhythm. Yet in true Tottenham Hotspur fashion we go behind in a nothing game and to a goal littered with bad luck. A Chelsea corner is cleared to the on rushing N’Golo Kante who has a pop and his strike somehow goes through the legs of not one, or two but three bloody Spurs players and into the net. It was the first kick in the teeth of the night followed by yet another body blow to the squad with Ben Davies pulling up and hobbling off injured.

The goal knocked the stuffing out of us and Chelsea had their tails up and were on the hunt for more. The lack of outlet up top in the absence of Kane meant we were struggling to make anything happen in forward areas and were giving possession away cheaply, we needed half time to regroup but were punished seven minutes before the break. Caught in possession, Chelsea took advantage of the gaps in our midfield/back line and sliced us open with a good move ending with Azpilicueta squaring for Eden Hazard to stroke home.

Discussions on the concourse at half time with the lads was of a desolate nature. It appeared the lack of attacking threat from key players missing was just too much to turn the game around with Llorente having a touch of a barn door. The feeling amongst us all was that our chance had gone and that it would be best to make a quick exit if/when Chelsea get the next goal. However Spurs came out and put on an incredible display to be proud of.

Pochettino decided to move Eric Dier into a back three and allow substitute Danny Rose and Surge Aurier to push on and the side instantly reaped the benefit to get back into the tie. Harry Winks who was brilliant in the middle drove forward and threaded Danny Rose who surged down the left and produced a purler of a cross. Fernando Llorente had a car crash first half, but crosses into the box are meat and drink for a striker who is immense in the air and the Spaniard directed a beauty into the bottom left hand corner of the net that lead to chaos into the stand of the away end.

As expected in this type of game there isn’t a lot of love lost, abuse was going to and throw from both sets of fans. Our supporters are fantastic at times but personally I think the songs about Marcus Alonso killing a girl are over the mark, there just isn’t any need for it at a football match. Chelsea on the other hand are just as bad if not worse with the amount of anti Semitism abuse we’ve had to take. Their lack of football knowledge also comes to the fore, I do wonder if they think football started when their club were throwing money about in the 90’s. Chanting “you’ve won fu*k all” at a club with 3 Europeantrophies, 2 League titles, 8 FA Cups and 4 League Cups, the last of them only 11 years back is laughable. Our fan base is quite mixed with their dislike for Chelsea but personally I’m not too bothered about them, I find them quite irrelevant in the rival stakes. They come across to me as a modern day club that’s been born off success bred from a win at all costs mentality using their bottomless pit of cash on offer. Its what they have done to the game over here which I don’t like.

The game ended up swaying to and throw, Eden Hazard caused us all sorts of problems all night and he somehow missed the target after being put through on goal. Llorente decided to take on a long range volley when he had acres of time and space to take down Eriksen’s exceptional pass only to air kick, the striker we’ve named ‘El Carthorsio’ would have been in on goal with a bit more awareness around him. Moira was then put in from an exceptional long kick from Gazzaniga in goal but with the angle at goal shortening his half volley blazed into the side netting. As the probabilities of a penalty shoot out started to come into focus Oliver Giroud planted a header wide with the goal gapping from a cross field ball from Emerson. A huge sigh of relief later and referee Martin Atkinson blew up for full time to leave the tie to be won by the lottery of spot kicks.

My record in shootouts watched live over the years with Tottenham and England is absolutely horrendous and with three certain penalty takers not available we we’re still underdogs. The away following bellowed out a rendition of the supporters anthem ‘Can’t Smile Without You’ sung originally by Barry Manilow for one final push. “You know I feel sad when your sad TOTTENHAM, feel glad when your glad…if you only knew…what I’m going through, I just can’t smile…without you” felt very applicable to the current situation. Our chant was soon drowned out by ‘Blue is the Colour’ blared out of the Stamford Bridge sound system and then it was do or die time.

Up stepped Eriksen, Willian, Lamela and Azpilicueta to comfortably slot home, 3^rdfor Spurs was Eric Dier. Its safe to say Dier isn’t a fan of Chelsea Football Club and has been through the wars in past encounters at Stamford Bridge, of all the players that needed to score it was him. After being the hero in Russia for England he became the villain for Spurs blazing over the bar to the delight of the home supporters. Jorginho gave Chelsea the lead, Moira had his penalty saved by Arrizabalaga and it was left to David Luiz to thunder home and break Spurs hearts. My shootout record now reads 1-9, painful to even type!

On the ball hitting the net ‘One Step Beyond’ by Madness was instantly played during the Chelsea players and fans celebrations whilst we tried desperately but failing miserably to get the hell out of the stadium as quickly as possible. Another song ruined by Chelsea following the Liquidator which they play as the players come out of the tunnel. One fan in front of me shattered an exit sign in frustration with a punch upon walking down the gangway right in front of the old bill yet somehow they allowed him to leave without arrest, one result for him on the night.

The walk to Fulham Broadway station is always a sore one when you lose at Chelsea, merging into the home fans as they flood out of the Bridge having to hear the mocking of your club. That’s Chelsea’s 15^th cup final in 16 years, Spurs third semi final defeat in three years, painful stats to maul over during 3 tube rides and a 3 hour car journey home.

06/01/2019 – Sheffield United 0-1 Barnet – FA Cup 3rd Round

After the exploits of witnessing Spurs comfortably make round 4 of the FA Cup Friday, see Irlam make club history by making the 5^th round of the Vase Saturday you’d think Sunday would be a day of rest however the magic of the cup lured me in once again. I had been leaning towards an easy going day in my apartment chilling with a bit of TV, some social media surfing whilst brewing up and eating crap however because of the FA’s new TV contract to show footage of various cup games around the world in every round means games are now spread over the weekend. Whilst I disagree with this notion that reduces the interest of the supporter to pay their money and attend cup games it does in these situations throw up an opportunity of a token game for me.

In this instance my local team to my city centre home is Championship outfit Sheffield United and with their steel city neighbours Sheffield Wednesday being at home to Luton Town in the same round on the Saturday meant the Blades were moved to Sunday. The red and white wizards had pulled out Barnet in the 3^rd round draw, the Bees had suffered relegation from the Football League the previous season after going through 4 managers, the drop was sealed on the final day. Regardless of victory the Bees dropped by the small matter of 4 goals. The North London outfit hadn’t taken to life back in the National League well and sat in lowerly mid table so the cup run was a refreshing change to league life.

Bramall Lane is literally a ten minute walk from my digs and after living in the Steel City for 17 years I’ve visited many a time. I witnessed a lot of games during the Neil Warnock era through my then girlfriends old man’s spare season ticket when the club made the semi finals of the League and FA Cup and felt heartbreak the Championship playoff final to the hands of Wolves in 2003. I’d seen my beloved Spurs come a cropper to the Blades in their last Premier League campaign in 2007 but also experienced the ecstatic high of a nerve racking 2-2 draw to make the League Cup final 3-2 on aggregate in the snow of 2014. With so many friends who have kindly offered me spares over the years the ground holds a lot of memories of my time living in Sheffield so the place holds a soft spot in my heart.

The fact that the Blades were offering tickets for a tenner meant it was a no brainer for a couple of hours live entertainment. The club had tweeted to get to the ground early to beat the queues for tickets, I felt getting to the ground 45 minutes before kick off was more than enough time however found myself queuing right around the outside of the Tony Currie stand. With time ticking away and 15 minutes before kick off I ended up taking a chance of grabbing a steward to ask if there were any other ticket offices around the ground. Hearing my southern accent the response was “There’s an away ticket office on Bramall Lane pal”. Whilst I wasn’t a visiting fan the thought of getting in straight away and sitting with the away day faithful who were likely to be excited over the encounter appealed so I made a beeline (pardon the pun) around the corner. I was however pretty disappointed when I see away fans were being charged £12 when home fans were getting in for a tenner, whilst two quid is naff all I don’t see why the Barnet supporters should have to pay more

I managed to get in just as the players were coming out to the clubs anthem of ‘Annies song’ by John Denver. Normally on a big night at beautiful down town Bramall Lane the Blades version of this 70’s classic is bellowed out however today the clubs Kop stand had been closed due to the lack of interest in the tie with 10,000 turning up and scattering around the Tony Currie and John Street stands. Barnet had brought more fans than I expected and had a good 700-800 in the Bramall Lane upper tier in full voice and ready to back their team.

United had made a few changes probably due to the fact they were in a promotion race to the lucrative goldmine that is the Premier League. They did give three youngsters their debut but the line up still consisted of Championship quality players like Richard Stearman, Paul Coutts, Conor Washington and Leon Clarke and with first team regulars on the bench if required Chris Wilder was not going to underestimate their opponents three tiers below them in the football pyramid.

Being the neutral but wanting to see a close encounter I was obviously hoping Barnet could stay in the tie for as long as possible. For them to have a chance of getting any joy from the game they needed to score the first goal and the team from the fifth tier didn’t disappoint. In the opening exchanges they looked comfortable in the bigger stadium surroundings and were sensible in possession whilst looking to hurt Sheffield United with their two quick forwards Ephron Mason-Clarke and ex Spurs youth prospect Shaq Coulthirst who I was looking forward to seeing in action after his brief Europa League appearances for us in the past.

The Blades were struggling to get going and after a few near misses in forward areas and having a goal chalked off for offside Barnet got their golden opportunity. Mason-Clarke got half a yard on his marker worked his way into the box via a through ball and was taken down giving the ref no option but to point to the spot. Coulthirst took up the honours and stroked home albeit Simon Moore in the net getting a hand to it to send the away following into raptures. After the come down on celebrations I heard two lads to the side of me say “least that means we’ll lose 4-1 than 4-0” however the Bees managed the first half really well and other than a Leon Clarke’s snap shot at the keeper they had been very untroubled.

I’m sure most of the away end was expecting a Blades retaliation however this failed to materialise and one drastic defensive clearance preventing a Bees tap in and a scramble from a corner where Barnet centre back Dan Sweeney couldn’t position himself to tap home were huge chances for the minnows. You felt them opportunities were the ones that needed to be taken to record a famous cup shock for the club and as time moved on it started to dawn on United that cup humiliation was on the horizon. Chris Basham, Mark Duffy and top goal scorer Billy Sharp were brought into the foray in a desperate hope of an equaliser. Sheffield United started to turn the screw in the final 20 minutes and the game became tense. Barnet sat deep and started to give the ball away cheaply and were let off the hook when Keiran Freeman shot wide from a cute angle and Leon Clarkes effort was pushed onto the bar by Mark Cousins.

After the woodwork was hit it felt like Barnet had rode the storm, injury time came and the same fans who had mentioned losing 4-1 earlier had become slightly more optimistic, “we should get at least a replay” was the chat as the rest of the bees faithful whistled for the end. They didn’t have to worry, their heroes on the pitch successfully ran out the added time and the National league outfit had caused one of the shocks of the round. The players came running over to the away end and the celebrations could begin. After living the emotions of the game with them I was made up for Barnet who thoroughly deserved the day in the limelight. In fairness to the Blades faithful, most stayed in the main stand to clap the Barnet side off along with United manager Chris Wilder who shook every players hand. Even Sheffield United club legend Tony Currie came out to shake Barnet’s caretaker manager Darren Currie’s hand, a family link with Darren being his nephew.

I’d witnessed Cambridge United get caught short at National League North Guiseley in round 1 and the cup shock lightening strike had struck again in my attendance. The FA Cup has its problems in modern day football but days like these show it still has some clout and romance about it.