***I'm having a problem uploading photos at mo.
Chorley 5-2 Darlington, National League North, Victory Park, att. c.700
There I was, comparing Northern Premier League games with local(ish) FA Cup replays when I spotted Darlo were at Chorley. Well, who wouldn’t rather go to a game with Darlo fan SuperKev, rather than tick off a new ground? Sometimes, it’s just nice to have company at a game, and as I told him pre-match, it was win-win for me. Darlo win, I’m happy, Darlo lose, and I can enjoy watching Kev suffer. Tonite is very much the latter.
We went last season, a Satdy game, and partook in the train and drinks pre and post match. I really enjoyed it. Sadly, we’ve no time to enjoy town frivolities this time (though we did drive past the bus station, with its immortal tagline ‘Chorley, the best of Lancashire all in one place.’ One need never visit the rest of the county.) We were already cutting it fine to visit a local hostelry, but the traffic was a nightmare, as motorway merged into motorway around Manchester.
We park up in an estate by the ground and walk through the park behind the main stand. What were the away turnstiles last season aren’t open. Maybe Darlo’s idiots don’t travel, midweek? Anyway, there’s no segregation and we walk around and gain entrance with everybody else. £3 cheaper in advance too. The blurb makes reference to buying it a day before, but Kev got mine in at 5pm, so one to be aware of (like at Marine, where we bought our tickets online at the turnstile, to save 2 quid!)
The social club is VAST, with half a dozen on more large tellies hanging off the wall. Do we stay in and watch Champs Lge, or savour the 6th tier? 6th tier wins, and we discover an outdoor bar with loads of picnic tables too. Even better, they’ve nailed up scarves of all colours and creeds on the fence around the bar, making it look like a giant outdoor stall at one of them Big Stadia. Kev’s not too happy about seeing a Spennymoor Town one though, and, even worse, it’s adjacent to a Darlo scarf. The Pride of County Durham, together!
We eschew the home end, a sizeable terrace which begins a few yards behind the perimeter fence, and lean on the barrier by the side of the pitch. The ground looks empty. There’s Villa on the telly, Bolton at home down the road and the Autumn cold is coming in. I wish I’d brought my hat.
Still, not penned into one end, I get to admire the couple of bizarre stands on this side. One looks like a glorified garden shed/’shoffice’ with half a dozen of them seats I only ever see in Premiership dugouts stood on a raised patio. This must be the exec section, though there’s no takers tonite, till 4 young Darlo fans make it their home, second half, to bait home fans about the size of their support. At least one act of defiance from Darlo. The team are losing four-nil.
Another small stand is perched precariously off the banking and reminds me of Bojack Horseman’s residence in Hollywood. (THERE’S a niche comparison!) Poles carrying the weight of the building above, in this case, seating of maybe 30. Must be incredible views. We should’ve gone up and joined the two fans sitting up there. We did enjoy some interaction though, as the mature lady on the front row dropped her walking stick and Kev and I did our good deed for the day, fishing it up from behind the perimeter fence. Any excuse to miss some of the match.
Ah, the match. Not much of a match. As in, these teams weren’t very well matched. 3 nil at half-time (and a missed penalty) turned into 4 10 mins into the 2nd half. Would Darlo match their 8-0 rout of a few years back here? Thankfully not. Subs on, game changed and Darlo pulled 2 back on 74 and 79. At this rate, we might see a draw. But it was to no avail. A poor backpass sealed the 5th, before a late sending off for sub Routledge, who’d pioneered the comeback. Booked for ‘helping’ a grounded Chorley player to his feet, it was a talking-to at best, but the ref carded him and after a several seconds appeared to realise he’d already booked him, so brought out the red. A lively half an hour for the sub, who’d also scored both Quakers’ goals.
The Damage:
£17 ent*
£9 2 pints of Wainwright Gold. Very average.
= £26
*Kev treated me.
Thursday, 10 September 2026
Monday, 7 September 2026
BFC 1-5 Stevenage, Satdy 5th September 2026
***I can't add photos for some reason. Bear with me while I try to understand technology.
‘He was born 50.’
Rumours of our resurrection have been greatly exaggerated. Satdy was simply embarrassing. Catastrophic. Disgusting. Unacceptable. And all the other hyperbole for an absolute sh*tshow. It’s bad enough being beaten by a non-lge team, but to concede 5 is something else. And to see my team, our team, simply GIVE UP in the second half was beyond the pale.
The way we’ve played this season, I could see us taking a beating off someone. You can’t play a back 2 (at times) and not expect the opposition to find holes. But this wasn’t the case Satdy. Stevenage didn’t sit back and hit us on the break. That second period was spent mostly in our half of the pitch, as we had forwards who couldn’t hold onto it, midfielders who couldn’t pass it and defenders who…Christ, the defenders. Trades Description Act and all that.
Yet it started so well. Half an hour in, we were leading one nil and seemed destined for more. ‘Will today be one of them stress-free 2, 3, 4 goals to nil?’, I mused. Diane doubted it. McGeehan had put us a goal up from the spot after Kelly’s shot was saved by a Stevenage defender masquerading as their goalkeeper. So far, so good. If we ignore Kirk missing an open goal from 4 yards. I’m sorry, but whether the cross took a deflection or not, he’s got a clear view of the ball, all the way to his swipe of it. You know what they say about a goal ‘doing wonders for a striker’s confidence’? Well, since that goal at Orient, he’s missed 2 open goals. He only scores when he’s concussed, and I bet there’d be a queue at Oakwell if he offers to let fans smack him in the face. Bloody useless, he is.
Stevenage (I’d use their nickname, but does anybody know it? Can they still be ‘The Boro’ if they’d dropped the only thing that’s interesting about them, their previous name of ‘Stevenage Borough’? Is this pure sour grapes? (No. I always think this.)) Am I waffling? Am I trying to take my mind OFF the game, rather than ON it? You betcha. They make a tactical sub on 23 – never too early in my book, if it’s all going wrong – and gradually they haul themselves in. Still, it’s a surprise when they score, but it’s up there with Stan and Ollie carrying some new glazing across a busy street.
A Stevo (that’ll do) smacks it against the bar and the ball goes up into the stratosphere. Ravenhill tracks it…then he doesn’t. Blinded by the sun, presumably. Another player who must be blinded by the sun (presumably he’s got eyes in the back of his head, cos he wasn’t looking at it) is McGeehan, who stands and gawps at it while the centre forward steps forward to divert in his own rebound off the back of his head. Now go and watch this on replay. You’ll notice this big, strapping forward not marked THROUGHOUT THIS MOVE. When the ball doesn’t go in first time, he checks back and he’s free throughout. Now, it’s true, the centre halves are marking players, but when the ball comes back in, right in the centre of the 6 yard box, HE’S ON HIS OWN. It’s someone’s fault, that’s all I’m saying.
Still, it’s half-time, we go again. We’re obviously the better team. It takes 7 minutes for The Boro to go ahead. Now, I have to cheat here and watch it again on t’gogglebox, cos I simply can’t remember how many mistakes there are before their player bundles it in on the back post. A free kick is pumped towards our box. We lose that header. Gale wins the next header, but flicks it on as if he’s playing for them. (Maybe he is?) Kay’s now got no choice but to flick it on again and all their bloke has to do is turn and get it on target, with Bland dangling a leg as it passes him by. Possibly as funny as their opener. Harold Lloyd to the previous Laurel and Hardy.
‘Plenty of time for us to score 2’ I say. If you substitute ‘us’ for ‘them’ and ‘2’ for ‘3’ I’d say I was bang on. 5 minutes later it’s 1-3. Have we left our half since the last goal? A left wing corner is flicked straight in. Simples. Contrast this with our corners on that side. Cleary kicks it short to someone, who passes it back to Cleary, who now tries to take the defender on to try and get a cross in. Madness. (Also, on one of our corners, our centre halves DON’T EVEN GO UP FOR IT. This is taking ‘new tictacs’ to a whole new level. Who doesn’t put their tallest players in the box for a corner? Who doesn’t put the ball in on a corner? (Barcelona, if you must know, in peak tiki-taka years. But you know what? They were the best team in the world. They had players like Messi. In fact, they had Messi. Et-f***ing-cetera. WE ARE NOT BARCELONA. JUST GET THE BALL F***ING IN.))
Stendel decides now is the time for the cavalry. Or it’s the time to put up the white flag. He’s taking off star man Cleary for Alker, and Former Captain Marvel Connell for Bland. I cheer Connell’s name...then get a chuckle for announcing ‘only joking!’ It’s come to this. Oh, and we’d already made 2 subs at HT, Richards coming on for re-debutant Larkeche (does he get 2 different alumni numbers for being here twice?) and the ineffectual Kirk replaced by his doppelganger, Farrell.*
*by doppelganger, I mean they’re both as useless as each other. But they try. And are trying. Very.
Anyway, the changes work. We hold Stevenage at bay for 6 minutes this time. This is possibly my favourite of their goals, cos I felt I could savour it in real time. It felt like their player had the ball for 5 minutes while Kelly and McGeehan refused to tackle him, and by the time they realise there might be some danger (they may have seen the white line of the penalty area) their bod has unleashed a daisy-cutter into the far corner. One bloody four and I think this is the main cue for the stands to empty. I don’t mind this. Makes me feel more part of an exclusive masochistic club.
Anyway, they give us a breather and the Aussie bloke comes on for the last 15. I hope he said thanks to Daniel, cos, by now, what’s the point? It’s clear no Barnsley player wants the ball. Nobody moves when we do have it and it starts feeling like every ball is a Connell chip forward to no-mans land, even when it isn’t Connell. It’s appalling stuff and I can’t get enough of it.
And the cherry on the icing on the cake, the coup de gras, the piece de resistance, the...last play of note rightfully goes to Stevenage. We are into injury time, 93rd minute, and ANOTHER COMEDY GOAL. A harmless (ho ho) ball in comes from the left and Kay somehow gets under it, and it goes over his head, leaving their bloke no choice but to sweep it in. Embarrassing.
Onwards and upwards!
*** No-one. I don’t care that we played well for half an hour. That second half was an embarrassment.
** No-one. If anyone tells me anybody played better than ‘No-one’ I WILL SCREAM.
* No-one. Hopefully this is the one for the season. Goalkeeper, Defence. Midfield. Up top. Absolute garbage.
Official MOTM: McGeehan (a captain’s performance!)
Londontykes’ MOTM: 1. Kelly 2. Kay 3. McGeehan
Despatches:
Nevermind the match, you should see the NEW IMPROVED HICKSY!!!! Back from death’s door, he’s a new man. Looks great, sounds even better, and without going into detail (ask him yourself) how utterly, utterly awesome that a second medical opinion has provided him with drugs that actually HELP rather than HINDER his performance. Good to have you back, pal.
Which leads me to those ‘MIA’ (Missing in Action). How dare Farnham go off on holiday and enjoy himself while we watch this rot. How very dare Lord Selwood go to Manchester Psychefest and potentially see The Beta Band and Angine de Poitrine (especially as I planned on going, but left it too late to get a ticket). But spare a thought for Nice Guy Chris, who couldn’t make it cos Dougal the cat (not named after fly by nite Reds Aussie midfielder…I think) needed the emergency vet. Anyway, Hicksy knows a good health practitioner. Dougal...get well soon, mate.
I can’t be bothered to obliterate each player via the medium of text, but I will mention that Ravenhill looked nervous and nearly gifted them a third, before they actually did. That battering could’ve been even worse. It’s up there (down there) with the worst second half performance I have ever seen from the ‘Super’ Reds. Even a Hourihane-inspired second half didn’t give us THIS last season. (Tho granted, EVERY second half was bad last season.)
ps, it was my new replica shirt’s debut. Lucky shirt or what!?
pps, if you’re at a loose end in town pre-match, get to the town hall and check out the town’s museum ‘Experience’ including a decent section on the Reds.
ppps, since the players have gone on holiday, so am I, so I’ll be missing the next 3 games. I look forward to in-depth coverage and positive critiques of all the players I don’t rate.
Drink du jour: Beartown Inception at Spiral.
Away: 129 (9,446). ‘We want 6. We want 6.’ Embarrassing. (Us, not them.)
The Damage:
18.22 ent
£8 petrol
= £26.22
(Season ticket £419...so 419 divided by how many league games I see and I’ve missed none so far. So £419/23)
‘He was born 50.’
Rumours of our resurrection have been greatly exaggerated. Satdy was simply embarrassing. Catastrophic. Disgusting. Unacceptable. And all the other hyperbole for an absolute sh*tshow. It’s bad enough being beaten by a non-lge team, but to concede 5 is something else. And to see my team, our team, simply GIVE UP in the second half was beyond the pale.
The way we’ve played this season, I could see us taking a beating off someone. You can’t play a back 2 (at times) and not expect the opposition to find holes. But this wasn’t the case Satdy. Stevenage didn’t sit back and hit us on the break. That second period was spent mostly in our half of the pitch, as we had forwards who couldn’t hold onto it, midfielders who couldn’t pass it and defenders who…Christ, the defenders. Trades Description Act and all that.
Yet it started so well. Half an hour in, we were leading one nil and seemed destined for more. ‘Will today be one of them stress-free 2, 3, 4 goals to nil?’, I mused. Diane doubted it. McGeehan had put us a goal up from the spot after Kelly’s shot was saved by a Stevenage defender masquerading as their goalkeeper. So far, so good. If we ignore Kirk missing an open goal from 4 yards. I’m sorry, but whether the cross took a deflection or not, he’s got a clear view of the ball, all the way to his swipe of it. You know what they say about a goal ‘doing wonders for a striker’s confidence’? Well, since that goal at Orient, he’s missed 2 open goals. He only scores when he’s concussed, and I bet there’d be a queue at Oakwell if he offers to let fans smack him in the face. Bloody useless, he is.
Stevenage (I’d use their nickname, but does anybody know it? Can they still be ‘The Boro’ if they’d dropped the only thing that’s interesting about them, their previous name of ‘Stevenage Borough’? Is this pure sour grapes? (No. I always think this.)) Am I waffling? Am I trying to take my mind OFF the game, rather than ON it? You betcha. They make a tactical sub on 23 – never too early in my book, if it’s all going wrong – and gradually they haul themselves in. Still, it’s a surprise when they score, but it’s up there with Stan and Ollie carrying some new glazing across a busy street.
A Stevo (that’ll do) smacks it against the bar and the ball goes up into the stratosphere. Ravenhill tracks it…then he doesn’t. Blinded by the sun, presumably. Another player who must be blinded by the sun (presumably he’s got eyes in the back of his head, cos he wasn’t looking at it) is McGeehan, who stands and gawps at it while the centre forward steps forward to divert in his own rebound off the back of his head. Now go and watch this on replay. You’ll notice this big, strapping forward not marked THROUGHOUT THIS MOVE. When the ball doesn’t go in first time, he checks back and he’s free throughout. Now, it’s true, the centre halves are marking players, but when the ball comes back in, right in the centre of the 6 yard box, HE’S ON HIS OWN. It’s someone’s fault, that’s all I’m saying.
Still, it’s half-time, we go again. We’re obviously the better team. It takes 7 minutes for The Boro to go ahead. Now, I have to cheat here and watch it again on t’gogglebox, cos I simply can’t remember how many mistakes there are before their player bundles it in on the back post. A free kick is pumped towards our box. We lose that header. Gale wins the next header, but flicks it on as if he’s playing for them. (Maybe he is?) Kay’s now got no choice but to flick it on again and all their bloke has to do is turn and get it on target, with Bland dangling a leg as it passes him by. Possibly as funny as their opener. Harold Lloyd to the previous Laurel and Hardy.
‘Plenty of time for us to score 2’ I say. If you substitute ‘us’ for ‘them’ and ‘2’ for ‘3’ I’d say I was bang on. 5 minutes later it’s 1-3. Have we left our half since the last goal? A left wing corner is flicked straight in. Simples. Contrast this with our corners on that side. Cleary kicks it short to someone, who passes it back to Cleary, who now tries to take the defender on to try and get a cross in. Madness. (Also, on one of our corners, our centre halves DON’T EVEN GO UP FOR IT. This is taking ‘new tictacs’ to a whole new level. Who doesn’t put their tallest players in the box for a corner? Who doesn’t put the ball in on a corner? (Barcelona, if you must know, in peak tiki-taka years. But you know what? They were the best team in the world. They had players like Messi. In fact, they had Messi. Et-f***ing-cetera. WE ARE NOT BARCELONA. JUST GET THE BALL F***ING IN.))
Stendel decides now is the time for the cavalry. Or it’s the time to put up the white flag. He’s taking off star man Cleary for Alker, and Former Captain Marvel Connell for Bland. I cheer Connell’s name...then get a chuckle for announcing ‘only joking!’ It’s come to this. Oh, and we’d already made 2 subs at HT, Richards coming on for re-debutant Larkeche (does he get 2 different alumni numbers for being here twice?) and the ineffectual Kirk replaced by his doppelganger, Farrell.*
*by doppelganger, I mean they’re both as useless as each other. But they try. And are trying. Very.
Anyway, the changes work. We hold Stevenage at bay for 6 minutes this time. This is possibly my favourite of their goals, cos I felt I could savour it in real time. It felt like their player had the ball for 5 minutes while Kelly and McGeehan refused to tackle him, and by the time they realise there might be some danger (they may have seen the white line of the penalty area) their bod has unleashed a daisy-cutter into the far corner. One bloody four and I think this is the main cue for the stands to empty. I don’t mind this. Makes me feel more part of an exclusive masochistic club.
Anyway, they give us a breather and the Aussie bloke comes on for the last 15. I hope he said thanks to Daniel, cos, by now, what’s the point? It’s clear no Barnsley player wants the ball. Nobody moves when we do have it and it starts feeling like every ball is a Connell chip forward to no-mans land, even when it isn’t Connell. It’s appalling stuff and I can’t get enough of it.
And the cherry on the icing on the cake, the coup de gras, the piece de resistance, the...last play of note rightfully goes to Stevenage. We are into injury time, 93rd minute, and ANOTHER COMEDY GOAL. A harmless (ho ho) ball in comes from the left and Kay somehow gets under it, and it goes over his head, leaving their bloke no choice but to sweep it in. Embarrassing.
Onwards and upwards!
*** No-one. I don’t care that we played well for half an hour. That second half was an embarrassment.
** No-one. If anyone tells me anybody played better than ‘No-one’ I WILL SCREAM.
* No-one. Hopefully this is the one for the season. Goalkeeper, Defence. Midfield. Up top. Absolute garbage.
Official MOTM: McGeehan (a captain’s performance!)
Londontykes’ MOTM: 1. Kelly 2. Kay 3. McGeehan
Despatches:
Nevermind the match, you should see the NEW IMPROVED HICKSY!!!! Back from death’s door, he’s a new man. Looks great, sounds even better, and without going into detail (ask him yourself) how utterly, utterly awesome that a second medical opinion has provided him with drugs that actually HELP rather than HINDER his performance. Good to have you back, pal.
Which leads me to those ‘MIA’ (Missing in Action). How dare Farnham go off on holiday and enjoy himself while we watch this rot. How very dare Lord Selwood go to Manchester Psychefest and potentially see The Beta Band and Angine de Poitrine (especially as I planned on going, but left it too late to get a ticket). But spare a thought for Nice Guy Chris, who couldn’t make it cos Dougal the cat (not named after fly by nite Reds Aussie midfielder…I think) needed the emergency vet. Anyway, Hicksy knows a good health practitioner. Dougal...get well soon, mate.
I can’t be bothered to obliterate each player via the medium of text, but I will mention that Ravenhill looked nervous and nearly gifted them a third, before they actually did. That battering could’ve been even worse. It’s up there (down there) with the worst second half performance I have ever seen from the ‘Super’ Reds. Even a Hourihane-inspired second half didn’t give us THIS last season. (Tho granted, EVERY second half was bad last season.)
ps, it was my new replica shirt’s debut. Lucky shirt or what!?
pps, if you’re at a loose end in town pre-match, get to the town hall and check out the town’s museum ‘Experience’ including a decent section on the Reds.
ppps, since the players have gone on holiday, so am I, so I’ll be missing the next 3 games. I look forward to in-depth coverage and positive critiques of all the players I don’t rate.
Drink du jour: Beartown Inception at Spiral.
Away: 129 (9,446). ‘We want 6. We want 6.’ Embarrassing. (Us, not them.)
The Damage:
18.22 ent
£8 petrol
= £26.22
(Season ticket £419...so 419 divided by how many league games I see and I’ve missed none so far. So £419/23)
Thursday, 3 September 2026
BFC 2-1 Blackpool, Wednesday 2nd September 2026
***there's a problem uploading photos...and it's not just my haplessness.
‘Get her a Slack-o-gram.’
When was the last time fans stuck around and serenaded the players off the pitch? That 4-2 against Washday? I dunno. Maybe it happens all the time and it’s just that I’m out the door as soon as the full-time whistle blows, but it was great to see so many fans stay behind last nite, as the Ponty sang ‘Barnsley’s going up again under Daniel Stendel.’ (It looks less catchy in writing.) The feelgood factor has returned! Will it stick around this time?
Another entertaining, attacking performance full of risks at the back...and another victory. Like last season, the bet appears to be BTTS (Both Teams To Score), the question being who’ll outscore who. I thank Nice Guy Chris for this stat (tho who knows where he got it from):
Most touches in the opposition box in the EFL this season:
Reds 165
Bristol Rovers 150
QPR 127
Cardiff 125
Stockport 124
That is INCREDIBLE. 15 touches ahead of 2nd, nearly 40 ahead of 3rd. Of course, one might say ‘goals scored’ is the crucial stat (if not ‘points won’) while who can say whether Cleary dilly-dallying is 100 of those touches? But still. The opposition can’t score if it’s in their box, surely? We are a pleasure to watch right now. As we were last season, when we were on the front foot. The difference is in our back 5:
Last season: Murphy/Crapman, O’Keeffe, Roberts, Shepherd, MdG
This season: Ravenhill, Kay, Gale, O’Riordan, Noslin.
I am tempted to say every single one of the current back 5 is an improvement on last season. Well done whoever signs these players. Early days, and maybe I’m still in my honeymoon period of not having to watch Shepherd and/or Roberts. (In years to come, I hope to look back fondly on quite how awful they were.)
We started slowly, Blackpool edging the opening 25 (the Tangerines hitting the post with a long range sighter), but thereafter, we looked comfortably the better side. But we still couldn’t score against a defence that included Josh Earl. (Add him to that list of hapless Reds’ defenders last season.) Even worse, when we were presented with the unmissable, it was Earl who blocked Kirk’s scuff on the line. Did I say unmissable? Kay plays in Kelly into the box, Kelly cuts back and puts it on a plate for Kirk, who can pick his spot. The pendulum has swung back in favour of ‘he’s useless’. He’s also soon to lose his place to this new Ivorian we’ve signed, surely.
That said, Blackpool had an opportunity early 2nd half which had 3 (count em!) unmissable opportunities in the same move, as the curse of the Ponty End box extended to their boots too. Maybe it was the new lights (see later)? O’Riordan (twice) and Bland cleared off the line from their unconvincing efforts, but how they didn’t score, I’ll never know.
It was end to end stuff, with Cleary seeing a good deal of ball and Kelly making runs, but it’s from a deadball we score. Noslin puts it in, it’s half-cleared and Kelly hits a bobbler from the edge of the box which is turned in by McGeehan. Johnny on the spot. It’s no fluke either, as he stretches out a stud to direct it in. I wonder to my neighbour whether we’ve gone ahead too early.
We have. Less than 3 minutes later, they’ve equalised. And if they’ve run out of creative options, there’s always the ‘letting a Red kick it to them.’ There’s a touch of misfortune as Bland’s attempt at a tackle rolls straight to their bloke, who squares it for the easy finish. Like Satdy, Ravenhill will never keep a clean sheet while we give them simple chances.
But we’re not deflated. Driven on by sub Richards, we’re looking dangerous. Richards himself has a scuffed effort (we seem to be specialising in ‘the scuff’ at mo...Kelly and McGeehan being masters too) deflected off the post by a defender and in the ensuing chaos Cleary sends a rebound across goal from 4 yards out.
It continues to be an open game and Blackpool blaze one over when the ref waves play-on after Kay chops their winger. Still, it’s nice to know some people know the rules and a Tangerine player helpfully reminds the ref about said foul until eventually, he pulls out the yellow card. Right decision, but still. (In the ref’s favour, he’s not slow in booking Blackpool players’ cynical fouls, 4 in all.)
By now, Connell is on for Bland. I didn’t see that coming. But I did call the next one, on-loan (Welcome back…Ziyad?) Larkeche on for a tired Noslin, Kay switching to right back. And did I mention Farrell coming on at half-time for Kirk? No I didn’t. Might as well be the same player. Tries hard to no effect.
And we go on to win it in controversial circumstances in the 87th minute. A Cleary cross is flicked on by Kelly for Richards to loop a perfect header over the keeper and into the far corner of the net. Seems fine to me (my instinct to look at the linesman suggested no infraction) but some of Blackpool’s players are going mad and convince the ref to consult his assistant. A photograph appears to show Kelly flicked it on with his hand, though you’d be hard-pressed to spot it in real time, and fortunately, the men in black don’t. Hopefully the Farnhams and Jonesys of this world will remember this when they’re totting up the Great Refereeing Conspiracy Theory against the Super Reds. (Or b) they weren’t there, so it didn’t happen.)
This could be a rollercoaster season. Hang on!
Onwards and upwards!
*** Richards. On at half-time for Alker, for me, he’s the difference between being on top 1st half and not scoring, and an even 2nd half, where we bagged 2.
** Kelly. Looked more like himself today, several runs at the defence gaining us yardage.
* McGeehan. Molly’s new favourite player. A steady head and always seems to know when to hold his ground and when to ghost forward to score.
Official MOTM: Kay
Londontykes’ MOTM: 1. McGeehan 2. Kelly 3. Richards
Despatches:
R.I.P. our floodlights. Well, rumours of their demise are perhaps greatly exaggerated at the moment, but it can’t be long. New bulbs in the roof make the floodlights surplus to requirements. If they’re packed off to Ken Booth’s scrapyard (ok, pedants, they’ve gone bust. And Ken died last year anyway) then I’ll be gravely disappointed. They’re part of the fabric of Oakwell. This town talks a good game with regards to its heritage, but I firmly expect they’ll go the same way of the early 20th century toilets of Peel Square. A landmark (can 4 floodlights be ‘a landmark’?) scrubbed from history.
Instead, we’ve got some (more) blinding lights off the roofs. Apparently, from the Ponty, the East Stand side looked dark. I know from my seat virtually on the halfway line, several times the brightness caught my eyes (and not in a good way). These could be teething issues, until they position them correctly, but it sounds worse in the lower decks, as the ball enters the orbit and you’re blinded by the light. Still, about time us heathens saw the light. But, please, don’t knock the floodlights down. (I believe at least one is used for communications, but let’s not leave just one up, either.)
I was also told the reason why we played Wednesday instead of Tuesday this week was cos of the transfer deadline. That makes sense. Had to make sure O’Keeffe left the building. How apt that his last ‘contribution’ was to give Leyton Orient a consolation last Satdy. Farewell, Corey. You leave with my best wishes (honestly). He could have been a contender, or, at the very least, a footballer. But he’ll never be a defender.
More crucially, we kept hold of all of our assets. I’d usually say ‘both of our assets’ (Cleary, Kelly) but I’d throw in Ravenhill, Kay and Bland (careful). The latter, especially, looks a lot better without having to kick the ball 6 yards square to Connell every time he gets it. Will Stendel resist temptation to bring the former captain back in? And how much did we turn down for Connell in the transfer window? (A club statement claimed we turned down overtures.)
Drink du jour: Beartown Inception at Spiral.
Away: c.600 (9,416).
The Damage:
£18.22 ent (Season ticket. £419/23 matches.)
£8 petrol
£55 home shirt (away shirts sold out)
= £81.22
‘Get her a Slack-o-gram.’
When was the last time fans stuck around and serenaded the players off the pitch? That 4-2 against Washday? I dunno. Maybe it happens all the time and it’s just that I’m out the door as soon as the full-time whistle blows, but it was great to see so many fans stay behind last nite, as the Ponty sang ‘Barnsley’s going up again under Daniel Stendel.’ (It looks less catchy in writing.) The feelgood factor has returned! Will it stick around this time?
Another entertaining, attacking performance full of risks at the back...and another victory. Like last season, the bet appears to be BTTS (Both Teams To Score), the question being who’ll outscore who. I thank Nice Guy Chris for this stat (tho who knows where he got it from):
Most touches in the opposition box in the EFL this season:
Reds 165
Bristol Rovers 150
QPR 127
Cardiff 125
Stockport 124
That is INCREDIBLE. 15 touches ahead of 2nd, nearly 40 ahead of 3rd. Of course, one might say ‘goals scored’ is the crucial stat (if not ‘points won’) while who can say whether Cleary dilly-dallying is 100 of those touches? But still. The opposition can’t score if it’s in their box, surely? We are a pleasure to watch right now. As we were last season, when we were on the front foot. The difference is in our back 5:
Last season: Murphy/Crapman, O’Keeffe, Roberts, Shepherd, MdG
This season: Ravenhill, Kay, Gale, O’Riordan, Noslin.
I am tempted to say every single one of the current back 5 is an improvement on last season. Well done whoever signs these players. Early days, and maybe I’m still in my honeymoon period of not having to watch Shepherd and/or Roberts. (In years to come, I hope to look back fondly on quite how awful they were.)
We started slowly, Blackpool edging the opening 25 (the Tangerines hitting the post with a long range sighter), but thereafter, we looked comfortably the better side. But we still couldn’t score against a defence that included Josh Earl. (Add him to that list of hapless Reds’ defenders last season.) Even worse, when we were presented with the unmissable, it was Earl who blocked Kirk’s scuff on the line. Did I say unmissable? Kay plays in Kelly into the box, Kelly cuts back and puts it on a plate for Kirk, who can pick his spot. The pendulum has swung back in favour of ‘he’s useless’. He’s also soon to lose his place to this new Ivorian we’ve signed, surely.
That said, Blackpool had an opportunity early 2nd half which had 3 (count em!) unmissable opportunities in the same move, as the curse of the Ponty End box extended to their boots too. Maybe it was the new lights (see later)? O’Riordan (twice) and Bland cleared off the line from their unconvincing efforts, but how they didn’t score, I’ll never know.
It was end to end stuff, with Cleary seeing a good deal of ball and Kelly making runs, but it’s from a deadball we score. Noslin puts it in, it’s half-cleared and Kelly hits a bobbler from the edge of the box which is turned in by McGeehan. Johnny on the spot. It’s no fluke either, as he stretches out a stud to direct it in. I wonder to my neighbour whether we’ve gone ahead too early.
We have. Less than 3 minutes later, they’ve equalised. And if they’ve run out of creative options, there’s always the ‘letting a Red kick it to them.’ There’s a touch of misfortune as Bland’s attempt at a tackle rolls straight to their bloke, who squares it for the easy finish. Like Satdy, Ravenhill will never keep a clean sheet while we give them simple chances.
But we’re not deflated. Driven on by sub Richards, we’re looking dangerous. Richards himself has a scuffed effort (we seem to be specialising in ‘the scuff’ at mo...Kelly and McGeehan being masters too) deflected off the post by a defender and in the ensuing chaos Cleary sends a rebound across goal from 4 yards out.
It continues to be an open game and Blackpool blaze one over when the ref waves play-on after Kay chops their winger. Still, it’s nice to know some people know the rules and a Tangerine player helpfully reminds the ref about said foul until eventually, he pulls out the yellow card. Right decision, but still. (In the ref’s favour, he’s not slow in booking Blackpool players’ cynical fouls, 4 in all.)
By now, Connell is on for Bland. I didn’t see that coming. But I did call the next one, on-loan (Welcome back…Ziyad?) Larkeche on for a tired Noslin, Kay switching to right back. And did I mention Farrell coming on at half-time for Kirk? No I didn’t. Might as well be the same player. Tries hard to no effect.
And we go on to win it in controversial circumstances in the 87th minute. A Cleary cross is flicked on by Kelly for Richards to loop a perfect header over the keeper and into the far corner of the net. Seems fine to me (my instinct to look at the linesman suggested no infraction) but some of Blackpool’s players are going mad and convince the ref to consult his assistant. A photograph appears to show Kelly flicked it on with his hand, though you’d be hard-pressed to spot it in real time, and fortunately, the men in black don’t. Hopefully the Farnhams and Jonesys of this world will remember this when they’re totting up the Great Refereeing Conspiracy Theory against the Super Reds. (Or b) they weren’t there, so it didn’t happen.)
This could be a rollercoaster season. Hang on!
Onwards and upwards!
*** Richards. On at half-time for Alker, for me, he’s the difference between being on top 1st half and not scoring, and an even 2nd half, where we bagged 2.
** Kelly. Looked more like himself today, several runs at the defence gaining us yardage.
* McGeehan. Molly’s new favourite player. A steady head and always seems to know when to hold his ground and when to ghost forward to score.
Official MOTM: Kay
Londontykes’ MOTM: 1. McGeehan 2. Kelly 3. Richards
Despatches:
R.I.P. our floodlights. Well, rumours of their demise are perhaps greatly exaggerated at the moment, but it can’t be long. New bulbs in the roof make the floodlights surplus to requirements. If they’re packed off to Ken Booth’s scrapyard (ok, pedants, they’ve gone bust. And Ken died last year anyway) then I’ll be gravely disappointed. They’re part of the fabric of Oakwell. This town talks a good game with regards to its heritage, but I firmly expect they’ll go the same way of the early 20th century toilets of Peel Square. A landmark (can 4 floodlights be ‘a landmark’?) scrubbed from history.
Instead, we’ve got some (more) blinding lights off the roofs. Apparently, from the Ponty, the East Stand side looked dark. I know from my seat virtually on the halfway line, several times the brightness caught my eyes (and not in a good way). These could be teething issues, until they position them correctly, but it sounds worse in the lower decks, as the ball enters the orbit and you’re blinded by the light. Still, about time us heathens saw the light. But, please, don’t knock the floodlights down. (I believe at least one is used for communications, but let’s not leave just one up, either.)
I was also told the reason why we played Wednesday instead of Tuesday this week was cos of the transfer deadline. That makes sense. Had to make sure O’Keeffe left the building. How apt that his last ‘contribution’ was to give Leyton Orient a consolation last Satdy. Farewell, Corey. You leave with my best wishes (honestly). He could have been a contender, or, at the very least, a footballer. But he’ll never be a defender.
More crucially, we kept hold of all of our assets. I’d usually say ‘both of our assets’ (Cleary, Kelly) but I’d throw in Ravenhill, Kay and Bland (careful). The latter, especially, looks a lot better without having to kick the ball 6 yards square to Connell every time he gets it. Will Stendel resist temptation to bring the former captain back in? And how much did we turn down for Connell in the transfer window? (A club statement claimed we turned down overtures.)
Drink du jour: Beartown Inception at Spiral.
Away: c.600 (9,416).
The Damage:
£18.22 ent (Season ticket. £419/23 matches.)
£8 petrol
£55 home shirt (away shirts sold out)
= £81.22
Tuesday, 1 September 2026
Curzon Ashton 2-0 Ashton United, Monday 31st August 2026
*** currently unable to add photos. If i knew why, I'd do it!
Curzon Ashton 2-0 Ashton United, Northern Premier League Premier Division, Tameside Stadium, att. 705
I’ve received a text from one of my neighbours, John. It’s the Ashton derby on Bank Holiday Monday. Do I fancy it? John’s not even a football fan, but he’s keen to support our new neighbour, Aidan, who’s only the goalkeeper of Curzon Ashton! We’d talked previously of going to see him/them, but I was away when they played at one of our local teams Emley. My only problem is I’m missing out on my 2nd team Darlington playing at Radcliffe, but whatthehell. I’m in. We also rope in Dan, who’s the meat in John and I’s house sandwich.
I offer to drive, but I feel I’m impinging on John’s alpha status and I happily accede to his offer to be the chauffeur. It’s not often I ride in a BMW. It’s about 25 minutes to Ashton, but then probably another 25 minutes getting to the bit of Ashton where Curzon play, notwithstanding a road closure. I have a horrible feeling the car park will be full by the time we pull up, but I’ve never seen so many spaces in it. I guess the sports facility that’s usually teeming is strangely under-utilised today, because the attendance at the match is nearly double what I’m used to here. There’s actually a queue at the turnstile. John is unfortunately blind-sided by a 14 quid entry. ‘I thought it’d be about a fiver.’
We go in the home end. I’ve never seen the Tameside Stadium segregated before, but the large roofed terrace opposite the main stand has been given over to Ashton United today. We decide we’ll stand behind this near goal, in order to give Aidan our ‘support’. But what’s this? There was a roof here last time, albeit one cobbled together with scaffolding. Where’s it gone? And the huge scoreboard on the corner. That’s disappeared too. Cost-cutting with relegation? Let’s hope it doesn’t rain. (It does. At one point, it chucks it down.)
We haven’t told Aidan we’re coming, but I think he hears me when United get a corner and I announce ‘this keeper’s susceptible!’. I’m not sure he gets barracked with ‘susceptible’ much. Or it could be that my accent stands out and he recognises it. Either way, he deals with any cross or throughball to perfection, while his only challenge 1st half is to control a bouncing backpass. United are strangely not up to much.
With hindsight, the game is decided as early as the 3rd minute when Brad Holmes shoots home. He doubles the lead just after the half hour mark and it really is easy for the home side. Ashton’s followers take solace in chanting ‘we’ve got more fans than you’, which, although probably true in general, isn’t quite the case today amongst the 705 in attendance.
Half-time comes and the lads are hungry, so they go under the main stand to scout some scran, while I queue up at the social club for more beer. This is as close to ‘proper football’ as we get today, as it takes both parties till the second half has begun to be served. I can’t help but think there’s inefficiencies in the drinks’ service. Why doesn’t one staff member just stand there pouring pints while the other serves? Or even (radical thought) get a 3rd member of staff in there? This is a derby, you’d think they’d be warned. In the food queue, burgers and pies run out by the time John and Dan reach the front and they take what’s left: chips covered in curry sauce. Still, it’s something.
We plan to go to the far end this time, another open terrace, but it’s not immediately clear how we get there. Probably why there’s only about half a dozen at this end. I tell the lads to ‘follow me’ as I guide us up the stand, along the back, and down again. Yes, there’s a way through. This time, there’s no mistaking us and in a break of play Aidan comes over, says hi and thanks us for coming. Thank YOU.
At least this half, he’s forced to make a save, as he races out to block a close range effort. Otherwise, the main ‘action’ is a United player crashing into the perimeter fence and (we think) breaking his wrist. It doesn’t look good, and play is held up for 5 minutes. Still, it’s not often I chat with a player during a game.
Otherwise, the half is fairly devoid of action. Curzon look happy to see it out, while United look incapable of making a game of it. Before kick-off, Ashton were slightly ahead, having made a better start to the season, but this win sees Curzon overtake them. The home side have ambitions of challenging for promotion and after a statement 3-1 win at league leaders Cleethorpes on the previous Friday, are looking good. Onwards and upwards! Good luck Aidan!
The Damage:
£14 ent
£16.30 2 pints of Staropramen and a Worthingtons
= £30.30
Curzon Ashton 2-0 Ashton United, Northern Premier League Premier Division, Tameside Stadium, att. 705
I’ve received a text from one of my neighbours, John. It’s the Ashton derby on Bank Holiday Monday. Do I fancy it? John’s not even a football fan, but he’s keen to support our new neighbour, Aidan, who’s only the goalkeeper of Curzon Ashton! We’d talked previously of going to see him/them, but I was away when they played at one of our local teams Emley. My only problem is I’m missing out on my 2nd team Darlington playing at Radcliffe, but whatthehell. I’m in. We also rope in Dan, who’s the meat in John and I’s house sandwich.
I offer to drive, but I feel I’m impinging on John’s alpha status and I happily accede to his offer to be the chauffeur. It’s not often I ride in a BMW. It’s about 25 minutes to Ashton, but then probably another 25 minutes getting to the bit of Ashton where Curzon play, notwithstanding a road closure. I have a horrible feeling the car park will be full by the time we pull up, but I’ve never seen so many spaces in it. I guess the sports facility that’s usually teeming is strangely under-utilised today, because the attendance at the match is nearly double what I’m used to here. There’s actually a queue at the turnstile. John is unfortunately blind-sided by a 14 quid entry. ‘I thought it’d be about a fiver.’
We go in the home end. I’ve never seen the Tameside Stadium segregated before, but the large roofed terrace opposite the main stand has been given over to Ashton United today. We decide we’ll stand behind this near goal, in order to give Aidan our ‘support’. But what’s this? There was a roof here last time, albeit one cobbled together with scaffolding. Where’s it gone? And the huge scoreboard on the corner. That’s disappeared too. Cost-cutting with relegation? Let’s hope it doesn’t rain. (It does. At one point, it chucks it down.)
We haven’t told Aidan we’re coming, but I think he hears me when United get a corner and I announce ‘this keeper’s susceptible!’. I’m not sure he gets barracked with ‘susceptible’ much. Or it could be that my accent stands out and he recognises it. Either way, he deals with any cross or throughball to perfection, while his only challenge 1st half is to control a bouncing backpass. United are strangely not up to much.
With hindsight, the game is decided as early as the 3rd minute when Brad Holmes shoots home. He doubles the lead just after the half hour mark and it really is easy for the home side. Ashton’s followers take solace in chanting ‘we’ve got more fans than you’, which, although probably true in general, isn’t quite the case today amongst the 705 in attendance.
Half-time comes and the lads are hungry, so they go under the main stand to scout some scran, while I queue up at the social club for more beer. This is as close to ‘proper football’ as we get today, as it takes both parties till the second half has begun to be served. I can’t help but think there’s inefficiencies in the drinks’ service. Why doesn’t one staff member just stand there pouring pints while the other serves? Or even (radical thought) get a 3rd member of staff in there? This is a derby, you’d think they’d be warned. In the food queue, burgers and pies run out by the time John and Dan reach the front and they take what’s left: chips covered in curry sauce. Still, it’s something.
We plan to go to the far end this time, another open terrace, but it’s not immediately clear how we get there. Probably why there’s only about half a dozen at this end. I tell the lads to ‘follow me’ as I guide us up the stand, along the back, and down again. Yes, there’s a way through. This time, there’s no mistaking us and in a break of play Aidan comes over, says hi and thanks us for coming. Thank YOU.
At least this half, he’s forced to make a save, as he races out to block a close range effort. Otherwise, the main ‘action’ is a United player crashing into the perimeter fence and (we think) breaking his wrist. It doesn’t look good, and play is held up for 5 minutes. Still, it’s not often I chat with a player during a game.
Otherwise, the half is fairly devoid of action. Curzon look happy to see it out, while United look incapable of making a game of it. Before kick-off, Ashton were slightly ahead, having made a better start to the season, but this win sees Curzon overtake them. The home side have ambitions of challenging for promotion and after a statement 3-1 win at league leaders Cleethorpes on the previous Friday, are looking good. Onwards and upwards! Good luck Aidan!
The Damage:
£14 ent
£16.30 2 pints of Staropramen and a Worthingtons
= £30.30
Sunday, 30 August 2026
Leyton Orient 1-3 BFC, Saturday 29th August 2026
***having probs uploading photos
‘Do you make a carafe snake?’
It’s amazing what can happen when Luca Connell isn’t anchoring our midfield (‘anchoring’ as in ‘holding it back’? Making sure it goes nowhere?). 2 wins in 2 games, 6 goals scored. Numerous attacks. Camped in their half. Yeah, yeah, there’s a limited statistical spread to come to conclusions, but why spoil my fun? Satdy was tip-top. We bossed it from start to finish. Orient were reliant on the odd counter attack and giving the ball to Corey O’Keeffe (more later).
New signing O’Riordan (from Blackburn) slotted in nicely at centre half beside Gale but left me wondering whyever Blackpool would sign Josh Earl. Doesn’t their scouting system extend to East Lancashire? This bloke looks great. (Early days, etc). So Kay’s position this week was left back, with Noslin on the opposite flank. Otherwise, same as it’s been, which can only help understanding.
Early entertainment came from the ref, who thought Gale was injured so waved on the physio despite Gale telling him he didn’t need him. So the ref made Gale go off for a minute, as per these new rules. That is INSANE. Why can’t the ref just change his mind? If he gives a penalty, then realises he was wrong, he can reverse his decision. This makes no sense to me. ‘Yer clueless ref’ I shout…’already’ adds A. Reed, perhaps thinking I hadn’t finished my sentence.
Still, those there may forget that the Orient fans had already given him a round of ‘you’re not fit to referee’ and while his decisions continued to be...errr...inconsistent, he did manage to give us a penalty…before a blatant elbow to the head of one of our ethnically diverse players (I forget which) didn’t even bring a free kick. (I guess if he gave the free kick, he’d have to send their bloke off). All in all, standard 3rd division refereeing.
Still, we escaped an early scare, as Ravenhill gave the ball straight to them, 30 yards out, and he DIDN’T just lob it back over the keeper’s head. Within minutes we are ahead, as Kay plays a sublime ball down the left* for Cleary to run onto before crossing low for Kirk to slide into an empty net. Honestly, even Kirk looked like a footballer today, putting in a shift, scoring, and challenging for every ball. Doesn’t make my top 3 though. And we really should have nailed Orient to the cross that half. I don’t know how many times Cleary had the chance to destroy their right back, but he has to know when to part with the ball and when to shoot.
*after taking their player on. Lose it and they’re 2 on 1. Welcome to Stendelball! High risk football bringing high rewards...or losses.
Half-time, and Stendel sends on Richards for Alker. Now, Richards didn’t impress on debut (Wigan?) but between him and Noslin, they make mincemeat of the Orient left. When was the last time you saw one of our players kick a ball past an opponent and then go round him the other way? Well, you’d still be waiting, cos Richards has his ankle clipped as he does this. Penalty. (I’ve since watched it a dozen times and I couldn’t tell you if the contact is actually inside the box, but the player certainly lands in it.) McGeehan sends the keeper the wrong way in convincing fashion. This is more like it!
0-2 is still not a fair reflection, however, but the Super Reds aren’t finished yet. Richards and Nozzer (is Nozzer’s favourite player Tyrese ‘Nozzer’ Noslin, I wonder?) combine again and the ball drops loose to Cleary, who takes a touch and rockets it in from just inside the box. This is more like it, part II. The obligatory fire drill starts in the home end and we’re left to play the last 15 at a canter.
Farrell and O’Keeffe come on for Kirk and Cleary. I kid you not, I was thinking earlier, the only chance Orient have is if we send Shepherd on (which would have been difficult, as he wasn’t even on the bench) but surely the next best is Corey O’Keeffe. What did I say the other nite? ‘He could be an asset as long as he has no defensive responsibility.’ He isn’t and did, a header towards Ravenhill latched upon by their centre forward to bury. Momentum switched in the snap of fingers. (And I don’t know why I’m coming to the defence of a defender who can’t defend, but maybe this goal doesn’t happen if Ravenhill isn’t so far back. But I’m not paid to defend, O’Keeffe is.) A clean sheet ruined. (Like at Rovrum last season when we sent Shepherd on to concede a penalty.)
Onwards and upwards!
*** Noslin. Excellent again. Looks a threat, but also passes a ball to his teammates.
** Richards. BFC need to be proscribed as a terrorist organisation the way this bloke came on and frightened them to death. Set up 2 goals, and a great partnership with Nozzer.
* O’Riordan. Commanding. How have Blackburn let him go?
Londontykes’ MOTM: 1. Noslin 2. Cleary 3. O’Riordan
Despatches:
In a change to previous visits, it was the turn of the post-match to go wrong. It was bad enough that we were making our way to a back street boozer near neither Leyton nor Kings X (Reedy and I getting a train back)…but then a jumper on the line near Leyton downs the tube. Central Line out, that was 25 mins walk (and the rest) to Stratford, before 5 minutes’ walk from Liverpool Street becomes 15. I calculate we spent longer walking to our pint (singular) than the time we spent drinking said pint.
Pre-match was spent under the arches at Leyton Midland Station at Gravity Well. I’m sold on this place. Excellent range of beers and I can get away with drinking strong ale in two-thirds measures. My kind of drinking.
It was also great to see Waddinho come in from the cold (East Anglia, somewhere). We complimented each other on the nice food we’ve both obviously eaten since we last saw each other. It was nice to meet junior too…so junior he’s just completed his GCSEs!
The players? They were excellent, though looking thru the list, I can’t remember Alkerpops making a contribution. Perhaps that’s why he was hauled at HT? And Bland played well, though his highlight was running 20 yards to join in a row. It’s not a game of football if he doesn’t get booked. It’s in his contract. And in one game, we’ve jumped from 21st to 9th. By my reckoning, we’ll be top of the table in a fortnight. Nice also to hear the latest chance, summat about Stendel taking us up ‘again’. It’s the ‘again’ I like. (Brought to youse from the same yoof who brought us Hourihane taking us to the promised land, but still.)
Oh, and while not strictly matchday, I’ll share this from the previous day down in Camberwell, Sarf Landan. Starving, and craving a bacon sandwich, I walked into a café on the way to my house. The Gods were truly looking down on me. There, before my very eyes, was a beautiful tray of bacon, sizzling away, ready to put between two slices of Mother’s Pride. ‘Can I have a bacon sandwich, please?’ ‘No. I know it says we’re a café outside, but this is actually a New York-style deli.’ Eh? So I look at the board, 7 items I don’t even know what they are…’what’s the….?’ ‘Oh, we’re not serving yet, but you’ll be able to see what we’ve got when I put the menus out.’ I stagger out in shellshock. Thank goodness The Pelican (a student gaff over the road from my old house) could manage to do me a salmon and cream cheese bagel without the cream cheese! What is happening in this world!? If I was a hospitality business, I’d be trying to attract customers, not dissuading them from ever going to my business again.
Drink du jour: The Casimir Effect NEIPA at Gravity Well.
Away: 636 (8,642).
The Damage:
£30 ent
£60.10 train
= £90.10
‘Do you make a carafe snake?’
It’s amazing what can happen when Luca Connell isn’t anchoring our midfield (‘anchoring’ as in ‘holding it back’? Making sure it goes nowhere?). 2 wins in 2 games, 6 goals scored. Numerous attacks. Camped in their half. Yeah, yeah, there’s a limited statistical spread to come to conclusions, but why spoil my fun? Satdy was tip-top. We bossed it from start to finish. Orient were reliant on the odd counter attack and giving the ball to Corey O’Keeffe (more later).
New signing O’Riordan (from Blackburn) slotted in nicely at centre half beside Gale but left me wondering whyever Blackpool would sign Josh Earl. Doesn’t their scouting system extend to East Lancashire? This bloke looks great. (Early days, etc). So Kay’s position this week was left back, with Noslin on the opposite flank. Otherwise, same as it’s been, which can only help understanding.
Early entertainment came from the ref, who thought Gale was injured so waved on the physio despite Gale telling him he didn’t need him. So the ref made Gale go off for a minute, as per these new rules. That is INSANE. Why can’t the ref just change his mind? If he gives a penalty, then realises he was wrong, he can reverse his decision. This makes no sense to me. ‘Yer clueless ref’ I shout…’already’ adds A. Reed, perhaps thinking I hadn’t finished my sentence.
Still, those there may forget that the Orient fans had already given him a round of ‘you’re not fit to referee’ and while his decisions continued to be...errr...inconsistent, he did manage to give us a penalty…before a blatant elbow to the head of one of our ethnically diverse players (I forget which) didn’t even bring a free kick. (I guess if he gave the free kick, he’d have to send their bloke off). All in all, standard 3rd division refereeing.
Still, we escaped an early scare, as Ravenhill gave the ball straight to them, 30 yards out, and he DIDN’T just lob it back over the keeper’s head. Within minutes we are ahead, as Kay plays a sublime ball down the left* for Cleary to run onto before crossing low for Kirk to slide into an empty net. Honestly, even Kirk looked like a footballer today, putting in a shift, scoring, and challenging for every ball. Doesn’t make my top 3 though. And we really should have nailed Orient to the cross that half. I don’t know how many times Cleary had the chance to destroy their right back, but he has to know when to part with the ball and when to shoot.
*after taking their player on. Lose it and they’re 2 on 1. Welcome to Stendelball! High risk football bringing high rewards...or losses.
Half-time, and Stendel sends on Richards for Alker. Now, Richards didn’t impress on debut (Wigan?) but between him and Noslin, they make mincemeat of the Orient left. When was the last time you saw one of our players kick a ball past an opponent and then go round him the other way? Well, you’d still be waiting, cos Richards has his ankle clipped as he does this. Penalty. (I’ve since watched it a dozen times and I couldn’t tell you if the contact is actually inside the box, but the player certainly lands in it.) McGeehan sends the keeper the wrong way in convincing fashion. This is more like it!
0-2 is still not a fair reflection, however, but the Super Reds aren’t finished yet. Richards and Nozzer (is Nozzer’s favourite player Tyrese ‘Nozzer’ Noslin, I wonder?) combine again and the ball drops loose to Cleary, who takes a touch and rockets it in from just inside the box. This is more like it, part II. The obligatory fire drill starts in the home end and we’re left to play the last 15 at a canter.
Farrell and O’Keeffe come on for Kirk and Cleary. I kid you not, I was thinking earlier, the only chance Orient have is if we send Shepherd on (which would have been difficult, as he wasn’t even on the bench) but surely the next best is Corey O’Keeffe. What did I say the other nite? ‘He could be an asset as long as he has no defensive responsibility.’ He isn’t and did, a header towards Ravenhill latched upon by their centre forward to bury. Momentum switched in the snap of fingers. (And I don’t know why I’m coming to the defence of a defender who can’t defend, but maybe this goal doesn’t happen if Ravenhill isn’t so far back. But I’m not paid to defend, O’Keeffe is.) A clean sheet ruined. (Like at Rovrum last season when we sent Shepherd on to concede a penalty.)
Onwards and upwards!
*** Noslin. Excellent again. Looks a threat, but also passes a ball to his teammates.
** Richards. BFC need to be proscribed as a terrorist organisation the way this bloke came on and frightened them to death. Set up 2 goals, and a great partnership with Nozzer.
* O’Riordan. Commanding. How have Blackburn let him go?
Londontykes’ MOTM: 1. Noslin 2. Cleary 3. O’Riordan
Despatches:
In a change to previous visits, it was the turn of the post-match to go wrong. It was bad enough that we were making our way to a back street boozer near neither Leyton nor Kings X (Reedy and I getting a train back)…but then a jumper on the line near Leyton downs the tube. Central Line out, that was 25 mins walk (and the rest) to Stratford, before 5 minutes’ walk from Liverpool Street becomes 15. I calculate we spent longer walking to our pint (singular) than the time we spent drinking said pint.
Pre-match was spent under the arches at Leyton Midland Station at Gravity Well. I’m sold on this place. Excellent range of beers and I can get away with drinking strong ale in two-thirds measures. My kind of drinking.
It was also great to see Waddinho come in from the cold (East Anglia, somewhere). We complimented each other on the nice food we’ve both obviously eaten since we last saw each other. It was nice to meet junior too…so junior he’s just completed his GCSEs!
The players? They were excellent, though looking thru the list, I can’t remember Alkerpops making a contribution. Perhaps that’s why he was hauled at HT? And Bland played well, though his highlight was running 20 yards to join in a row. It’s not a game of football if he doesn’t get booked. It’s in his contract. And in one game, we’ve jumped from 21st to 9th. By my reckoning, we’ll be top of the table in a fortnight. Nice also to hear the latest chance, summat about Stendel taking us up ‘again’. It’s the ‘again’ I like. (Brought to youse from the same yoof who brought us Hourihane taking us to the promised land, but still.)
Oh, and while not strictly matchday, I’ll share this from the previous day down in Camberwell, Sarf Landan. Starving, and craving a bacon sandwich, I walked into a café on the way to my house. The Gods were truly looking down on me. There, before my very eyes, was a beautiful tray of bacon, sizzling away, ready to put between two slices of Mother’s Pride. ‘Can I have a bacon sandwich, please?’ ‘No. I know it says we’re a café outside, but this is actually a New York-style deli.’ Eh? So I look at the board, 7 items I don’t even know what they are…’what’s the….?’ ‘Oh, we’re not serving yet, but you’ll be able to see what we’ve got when I put the menus out.’ I stagger out in shellshock. Thank goodness The Pelican (a student gaff over the road from my old house) could manage to do me a salmon and cream cheese bagel without the cream cheese! What is happening in this world!? If I was a hospitality business, I’d be trying to attract customers, not dissuading them from ever going to my business again.
Drink du jour: The Casimir Effect NEIPA at Gravity Well.
Away: 636 (8,642).
The Damage:
£30 ent
£60.10 train
= £90.10
Wednesday, 26 August 2026
BFC 3-2 Crewe Alexandra, Tuesday 25th August 2026
*** probs uploading photos
‘Are we playing 2 at the back tonight?’
I’ve got to admit, I really enjoyed that game last nite. Reward for turning out for an early round league cup tie that invariably ends with us losing to some lower league outfit while playing our Under 21s. Indeed, we still played our under 21s, but these days it’s our 1st team. The latter stages were a real treat as Stendel threw on player after player I’ve never heard of. (Luckily, I had Under 21 season ticket holder P. Norris to guide me.)
The other thing that struck me was how fluid our formation was. And by ‘fluid’ I mean ‘I haven’t a clue what it was at any given moment.’ Certainly it was a back 2, with whoever was meant to be playing either fullback about 20 yards ahead of Gale and Kay (the latter having been switched from fullback). And as players buzzed hither and thither (inc wingers switching wings, Kirk dropping deep into his own half from centre forward) it was a whirlwind. But the second half especially, we dominated possession and players found each other despite/because of the movement. I am loathe to get excited, but this level of understanding amongst the players bodes well.
There was also no Luca Connell, so that was a bonus. Come to think, I can’t remember any random chips over the defence to their keeper. Maybe this passing and moving thing will catch on? Some bloke called O’Keeffe was recalled, and he was everywhere, keeping moves going with quick passes, while constantly demanding the ball. A real leader’s performance amongst a bunch of kids, I thought. And he scored. I know, I can’t believe it either.
Still, it could have been so, so, different. It was fine, us going forward, looking all fancy, but let’s be blunt. When we attacked it was 7 v 7, but every time we gave the ball away, they were 2 v 2. Worse, they went ahead when Kay stepped forward to shoot, the ball ricocheted to them and with one pass they were 2 on ONE. The pass was easy, as was the finish. Not long after, they were 2 on 1 again, but the ref pulled Bland up for a foul (booked, as per). This ref will never get his promotion at this rate, but thanks anyway.
Then, just as I speculate that if we don’t score tonite, that’s 3 goalless games in 4, against sub-standard opposition...we score 2 in 2 minutes. Crewe turn providers, a careless pass intercepted by Cleary, who takes it past his man with his first touch, before burying it across the keeper. Maybe we WILL get that 3 million after all? Then O’Keeffe plays Kelly in with a beautiful reverse pass and his subsequent low cross falls to Noslin to sidefoot home. It’s easy this football malarkey.
There is still time for Kirk not to win a penalty (he was clipped when about to score*) before O’Keeffe makes it 3 goals in 9 minutes. We’d not scored 3 goals in our previous 3 games. The ball is half-cleared to Corey just inside the corner of the box and he controls it and sends it into the far top corner. Where’s he been hiding all this time? Hoddle-esque (and I don’t mean the God bothering bit). Wonderful finish and (I’ve read) his 1st ever goal for us. This bloke could actually be an asset, as long as we don’t give him any defensive responsibility.
*I know, I know. He’ll never score a goal as long as I’ve got a hole in my bottom, as they say. But even HE would’ve scored this one, 8 yards out, keeper rooted.
Second half was a procession. Crewe hardly saw the ball, as wave after wave of attacks led to us breaking the ‘modern English domestic record for a single club in the Opta era’ over our number of corners (20) while we also had 30 shots (for an xG of less than 2, cheers Farnham!) What does this say? Well, our corners from the left were taken short and usually ended with Cleary having to beat his man to get the cross in that we could’ve had from the off, while those from the right were floated in right-footed to be headed away. The shots? As soon as we got 25 yards from their goal, we had a punt. So, we’ve no faith in winning a header off a corner, and we’ve little faith in working an opportunity in the final third? Or were players seeing glory as we were 3-1 up and cruising?
Of course, this was where Stendel started chucking on subs. Taylor (the Aussie) on for Alker and Noah Town on for Kirk (67). Then on 80, Saunders (who?) on for O’Keeffe and Farrell on for McGeehan. What does that make our average age now? 14? Don’t worry tho, there’s still time for Noslin to be replaced by Dunne (who I’m told is son of Dunne. Richard Dunne.) That last 5 minutes, we are hanging on for dear life. We’d already been warned, Ravenhill making an excellent stop on the front post, and a close-range shot hitting the bar, but the damn bursts as a cross is headed home inbetween Gale and Kay, who both look at each other like it’s the other one’s fault. It probably is. (Funnily enough, we looked worse at fullback once we actually had 2 fullbacks, tho Nozzer reckons they were 17, so I shouldn’t be too harsh.) Then, in injury time, Ravenhill pulls off a worldy to prevent it going to pens, and Crewe blast a free kick into the stand with full-time looming. I am struck by the thought that it is August and I may already have seen our best match of the season.
Onwards and upwards!
*** O’Keeffe. I thought he was great, floating around, instigating moves, never losing it, demanding a pass. Looked like the experienced leader he should be, rather than the hapless defender he’s been. Great goal btw.
** Cleary. Scored and a constant pest. Hung back to wave us all farewell at the end. Or do we get one more game out of him?
* Kay. I already love this guy. Him and Ravenhill. Pacey, and reads the game, so even when Gale’s out of position he covers. And not afraid to bring the ball out and have a shot. (Word to the wise: someone – Bland? – needs to cover him when he goes forward.)
Official MOTM: Cleary
Londontykes’ MOTM: 1. Cleary 2. Kay 3. O’Keeffe
Despatches:
As ever, Nice Guy Chris got the half-time draw tickets in. The low crowd apparently increased his chances of winning. (Did you, Chris?) I also had my first chance at using the new, improved, box office. And by ‘improved’, I meant I got to stand outside in a queue instead of indoors. This’ll be grand when Oakwell’s blowing a gale come November. Still, people say I’m a miserable pessimist, but here I am, talking like there’s going to be the chance of a queue for tickets at Oakwell by November! Stick that up your…wherever Keane said McCarthy should stick his. I’m not impressed. Standard. Anyway, me and Nozzer sat where we liked, which meant the padded seats of the exec section of the East upper. Lovely.
The players? Every one of our starters had a good game. Ravenhill made a couple of super saves, and came out and caught, relieving pressure. (Nozzer says he was on loan to Macclesfield last season; I missed that. But I hope he continues the form he’s in.) Gale looks a great signing, and with Earl gone (apologies if youse missed that, he’s gone to Blackpool to no great disappointment) I think the Kay/Gale partnership has legs. We’ll see. Kelly looked back to his best, making the sort of runs we expect. Rumour has it he’ll be running all the way to Leicester, to rejoin assistant manager Hourihane, but I hope he’s better than to be joining a basket-case. Captain McGeehan and Bland held fort well, and both helped themselves to efforts at goal. Noslin was a threat, and scored, while Alker shows good touch and movement. Did I say everyone played well? Kirk continues to worry everyone who sees him. One Londontyke who shall remain nameless (Hi Jonesy!) even compared him unfavourably to Watters. (Shudders.) Of the subs, special mention for Taylor, who showed a sublime touch in turning a defender, while later breaking free to force the keeper into a save. I’ve got high hopes.
And as I wrote this, the 3rd round draw has been made. Our Road To Wembley is going via Peterborough. Oh well. Winnable.
Drink du jour: Leffe in Bramahs.
Away: 366 (3,002). A good turn out from The Alex, who, of course, outsung us.
The Damage:
£8 petrol
£17* ent
= £25
*2 quid more on matchday, which I didn’t know. But at least I’m now the proud owner of one of them ‘souvenir match tickets’.
‘Are we playing 2 at the back tonight?’
I’ve got to admit, I really enjoyed that game last nite. Reward for turning out for an early round league cup tie that invariably ends with us losing to some lower league outfit while playing our Under 21s. Indeed, we still played our under 21s, but these days it’s our 1st team. The latter stages were a real treat as Stendel threw on player after player I’ve never heard of. (Luckily, I had Under 21 season ticket holder P. Norris to guide me.)
The other thing that struck me was how fluid our formation was. And by ‘fluid’ I mean ‘I haven’t a clue what it was at any given moment.’ Certainly it was a back 2, with whoever was meant to be playing either fullback about 20 yards ahead of Gale and Kay (the latter having been switched from fullback). And as players buzzed hither and thither (inc wingers switching wings, Kirk dropping deep into his own half from centre forward) it was a whirlwind. But the second half especially, we dominated possession and players found each other despite/because of the movement. I am loathe to get excited, but this level of understanding amongst the players bodes well.
There was also no Luca Connell, so that was a bonus. Come to think, I can’t remember any random chips over the defence to their keeper. Maybe this passing and moving thing will catch on? Some bloke called O’Keeffe was recalled, and he was everywhere, keeping moves going with quick passes, while constantly demanding the ball. A real leader’s performance amongst a bunch of kids, I thought. And he scored. I know, I can’t believe it either.
Still, it could have been so, so, different. It was fine, us going forward, looking all fancy, but let’s be blunt. When we attacked it was 7 v 7, but every time we gave the ball away, they were 2 v 2. Worse, they went ahead when Kay stepped forward to shoot, the ball ricocheted to them and with one pass they were 2 on ONE. The pass was easy, as was the finish. Not long after, they were 2 on 1 again, but the ref pulled Bland up for a foul (booked, as per). This ref will never get his promotion at this rate, but thanks anyway.
Then, just as I speculate that if we don’t score tonite, that’s 3 goalless games in 4, against sub-standard opposition...we score 2 in 2 minutes. Crewe turn providers, a careless pass intercepted by Cleary, who takes it past his man with his first touch, before burying it across the keeper. Maybe we WILL get that 3 million after all? Then O’Keeffe plays Kelly in with a beautiful reverse pass and his subsequent low cross falls to Noslin to sidefoot home. It’s easy this football malarkey.
There is still time for Kirk not to win a penalty (he was clipped when about to score*) before O’Keeffe makes it 3 goals in 9 minutes. We’d not scored 3 goals in our previous 3 games. The ball is half-cleared to Corey just inside the corner of the box and he controls it and sends it into the far top corner. Where’s he been hiding all this time? Hoddle-esque (and I don’t mean the God bothering bit). Wonderful finish and (I’ve read) his 1st ever goal for us. This bloke could actually be an asset, as long as we don’t give him any defensive responsibility.
*I know, I know. He’ll never score a goal as long as I’ve got a hole in my bottom, as they say. But even HE would’ve scored this one, 8 yards out, keeper rooted.
Second half was a procession. Crewe hardly saw the ball, as wave after wave of attacks led to us breaking the ‘modern English domestic record for a single club in the Opta era’ over our number of corners (20) while we also had 30 shots (for an xG of less than 2, cheers Farnham!) What does this say? Well, our corners from the left were taken short and usually ended with Cleary having to beat his man to get the cross in that we could’ve had from the off, while those from the right were floated in right-footed to be headed away. The shots? As soon as we got 25 yards from their goal, we had a punt. So, we’ve no faith in winning a header off a corner, and we’ve little faith in working an opportunity in the final third? Or were players seeing glory as we were 3-1 up and cruising?
Of course, this was where Stendel started chucking on subs. Taylor (the Aussie) on for Alker and Noah Town on for Kirk (67). Then on 80, Saunders (who?) on for O’Keeffe and Farrell on for McGeehan. What does that make our average age now? 14? Don’t worry tho, there’s still time for Noslin to be replaced by Dunne (who I’m told is son of Dunne. Richard Dunne.) That last 5 minutes, we are hanging on for dear life. We’d already been warned, Ravenhill making an excellent stop on the front post, and a close-range shot hitting the bar, but the damn bursts as a cross is headed home inbetween Gale and Kay, who both look at each other like it’s the other one’s fault. It probably is. (Funnily enough, we looked worse at fullback once we actually had 2 fullbacks, tho Nozzer reckons they were 17, so I shouldn’t be too harsh.) Then, in injury time, Ravenhill pulls off a worldy to prevent it going to pens, and Crewe blast a free kick into the stand with full-time looming. I am struck by the thought that it is August and I may already have seen our best match of the season.
Onwards and upwards!
*** O’Keeffe. I thought he was great, floating around, instigating moves, never losing it, demanding a pass. Looked like the experienced leader he should be, rather than the hapless defender he’s been. Great goal btw.
** Cleary. Scored and a constant pest. Hung back to wave us all farewell at the end. Or do we get one more game out of him?
* Kay. I already love this guy. Him and Ravenhill. Pacey, and reads the game, so even when Gale’s out of position he covers. And not afraid to bring the ball out and have a shot. (Word to the wise: someone – Bland? – needs to cover him when he goes forward.)
Official MOTM: Cleary
Londontykes’ MOTM: 1. Cleary 2. Kay 3. O’Keeffe
Despatches:
As ever, Nice Guy Chris got the half-time draw tickets in. The low crowd apparently increased his chances of winning. (Did you, Chris?) I also had my first chance at using the new, improved, box office. And by ‘improved’, I meant I got to stand outside in a queue instead of indoors. This’ll be grand when Oakwell’s blowing a gale come November. Still, people say I’m a miserable pessimist, but here I am, talking like there’s going to be the chance of a queue for tickets at Oakwell by November! Stick that up your…wherever Keane said McCarthy should stick his. I’m not impressed. Standard. Anyway, me and Nozzer sat where we liked, which meant the padded seats of the exec section of the East upper. Lovely.
The players? Every one of our starters had a good game. Ravenhill made a couple of super saves, and came out and caught, relieving pressure. (Nozzer says he was on loan to Macclesfield last season; I missed that. But I hope he continues the form he’s in.) Gale looks a great signing, and with Earl gone (apologies if youse missed that, he’s gone to Blackpool to no great disappointment) I think the Kay/Gale partnership has legs. We’ll see. Kelly looked back to his best, making the sort of runs we expect. Rumour has it he’ll be running all the way to Leicester, to rejoin assistant manager Hourihane, but I hope he’s better than to be joining a basket-case. Captain McGeehan and Bland held fort well, and both helped themselves to efforts at goal. Noslin was a threat, and scored, while Alker shows good touch and movement. Did I say everyone played well? Kirk continues to worry everyone who sees him. One Londontyke who shall remain nameless (Hi Jonesy!) even compared him unfavourably to Watters. (Shudders.) Of the subs, special mention for Taylor, who showed a sublime touch in turning a defender, while later breaking free to force the keeper into a save. I’ve got high hopes.
And as I wrote this, the 3rd round draw has been made. Our Road To Wembley is going via Peterborough. Oh well. Winnable.
Drink du jour: Leffe in Bramahs.
Away: 366 (3,002). A good turn out from The Alex, who, of course, outsung us.
The Damage:
£8 petrol
£17* ent
= £25
*2 quid more on matchday, which I didn’t know. But at least I’m now the proud owner of one of them ‘souvenir match tickets’.
Monday, 24 August 2026
Manchester City 2-1 AFC Bournemouth, Sunday 23rd August 2026
***having probs uploading pics
Manchester City 2-1 AFC Bournemouth, Premiership, Etihad Stadium, att. 60,645
While the cat’s away, the mouse can do whatever the hell he likes. And so it is, with my partner away on business (Brussels, since you wonder), I am free to fill my entire weekend up with football. And from the depths of Market Harborough yesterday, I am at the heights of the Premiership today, Man City to be precise. A pity my partner is away, actually, as she’d have definitely fancied this. (She doesn’t do non-league; or, indeed, any division below Norwich City.)
It’s the opening season of the Premiership/Premier League (I can’t be bothered to tell the difference) and I’m lucky in that a Bournemouth away game is the one Premiership ticket I can get hold of. Credit to them for letting me and others register for tickets. My account tells me I now have 2 points, including Everton away last season. The way I see it, it’s a two-way relationship; groundhoppers and other football fans get to see a top division game, while Bournemouth get to fill out their away end. (I was in the top tier and it wasn’t full, but the lower two tiers were.) Plus, as an away fan, tickets are capped at 30 quid. Bargain! (Ish.)
I arrive early in Manchester. My plan was to have a snout around the record shops 1st, but I’ve arrived still in a foul mood from nearly missing the train due to my coffee taking too long to make. Yeah, yeah, 1st world problems. So anyway, I’m not in the mood and after browsing the shelves of Piccadilly Records with no great enthusiasm, I head back to the Piccadilly Tap to have a wheat beer, the name of which escapes me, before my walk to the Etihad. And one great thing about the Etihad is that the walk is glorious, provided you go via the Ashton Canal. That’s easily 90% of the journey right there.
I’ve been before, but I’m not so familiar with where the away end is. Some signs would be nice, especially as loads of us cross the bridge from the direction of the canal. Turns out I go the wrong way to begin with, before asking a steward. Then I have to fight through dense crowds around ¾ of the stadium. Why’s it not quicker/allowed to go the shorter route?
I’ve been a bit paranoid whether they’ll let me in with a tote bag larger than the approved A4 size, so I carry my newspaper in my hand while putting said tote in my back pocket. You can never be too careful with these larger stadia, and Manchester in particular is more ‘careful’ than most after the Manchester Arena bombing in 2017.
Then it’s up the stairs to the 3rd (top) tier. I am pleased to find my seat is relatively low down in this stand, though the back half is empty anyway. Half an hour to kick-off is unheard of for me, so I’m pleased I have something to read. Mind, my ticket advises getting here ‘not less than an hour before kick-off.’ Eh!? Get there early and you can also treat yourselves to mindless interviews with assorted City alumni via their in-house comms team. Can’t they just play music? (Actually, when they do, it’s great, including Mancunian staples like 808 State and New Order.)
Something else I’m not used to, supporting a 3rd division side and also seeing lots of non-league…fireworks greeting the teams upon entrance. Is this EVERY Man City game? Every Premiership game? I don’t know. But me and the other children enjoyed it. The wait is over and I can finally see a game of football.
And, actually, it’s a very good game. City dominate possession, but it doesn’t quite run for them in front of goal and the Cherries score a fine breakaway goal on 26 minutes through Tavernier. And then that’s it for nearly an hour of play. The home side huff and puff but look like getting nowhere till Cherki (and Grealish) come on as subs. The former is instrumental in taking the game to Bournemouth but the equaliser comes via a deadball, Guehi heading in a corner after earlier heading wide when presented with an open goal. There’s still 6 minutes to go (plus injury time) and it’s now all City.
Inevitably, the winner comes. 90+1 and Cherki threads a cheeky ball through to Gvardiol (what’s HE doing in the box?) and he rolls it into the bottom corner. The City fans go wild and as I’m about half a dozen seats from them, I’m hoping they don’t start baiting ME. But what’s this? Offside! It is the Cherries’ fans turn to dish it out to the adjacent home fans. And then I get to enjoy the full Premiership experience as we wait for the Video Assistant Referee. How long did it take? 5 minutes? The result is in. City fans start celebrating before it’s even announced on the scoreboard. Maybe they know to look at the referee? Anyway, all that baiting comes back again. I stand my ground, impassive.
And that’s it. Bournemouth, having led for two-thirds of the game, are beaten. There is stunned silence in the away end, and as we join the City throng on the mass march down the road to Piccadilly, you can spot the Cherries, staggering along like zombies while various City fans apologise for their luck. On such games are champions made.
The Damage:
£30 ent
£3 admin
£14.40 train
= £47.40
Manchester City 2-1 AFC Bournemouth, Premiership, Etihad Stadium, att. 60,645
While the cat’s away, the mouse can do whatever the hell he likes. And so it is, with my partner away on business (Brussels, since you wonder), I am free to fill my entire weekend up with football. And from the depths of Market Harborough yesterday, I am at the heights of the Premiership today, Man City to be precise. A pity my partner is away, actually, as she’d have definitely fancied this. (She doesn’t do non-league; or, indeed, any division below Norwich City.)
It’s the opening season of the Premiership/Premier League (I can’t be bothered to tell the difference) and I’m lucky in that a Bournemouth away game is the one Premiership ticket I can get hold of. Credit to them for letting me and others register for tickets. My account tells me I now have 2 points, including Everton away last season. The way I see it, it’s a two-way relationship; groundhoppers and other football fans get to see a top division game, while Bournemouth get to fill out their away end. (I was in the top tier and it wasn’t full, but the lower two tiers were.) Plus, as an away fan, tickets are capped at 30 quid. Bargain! (Ish.)
I arrive early in Manchester. My plan was to have a snout around the record shops 1st, but I’ve arrived still in a foul mood from nearly missing the train due to my coffee taking too long to make. Yeah, yeah, 1st world problems. So anyway, I’m not in the mood and after browsing the shelves of Piccadilly Records with no great enthusiasm, I head back to the Piccadilly Tap to have a wheat beer, the name of which escapes me, before my walk to the Etihad. And one great thing about the Etihad is that the walk is glorious, provided you go via the Ashton Canal. That’s easily 90% of the journey right there.
I’ve been before, but I’m not so familiar with where the away end is. Some signs would be nice, especially as loads of us cross the bridge from the direction of the canal. Turns out I go the wrong way to begin with, before asking a steward. Then I have to fight through dense crowds around ¾ of the stadium. Why’s it not quicker/allowed to go the shorter route?
I’ve been a bit paranoid whether they’ll let me in with a tote bag larger than the approved A4 size, so I carry my newspaper in my hand while putting said tote in my back pocket. You can never be too careful with these larger stadia, and Manchester in particular is more ‘careful’ than most after the Manchester Arena bombing in 2017.
Then it’s up the stairs to the 3rd (top) tier. I am pleased to find my seat is relatively low down in this stand, though the back half is empty anyway. Half an hour to kick-off is unheard of for me, so I’m pleased I have something to read. Mind, my ticket advises getting here ‘not less than an hour before kick-off.’ Eh!? Get there early and you can also treat yourselves to mindless interviews with assorted City alumni via their in-house comms team. Can’t they just play music? (Actually, when they do, it’s great, including Mancunian staples like 808 State and New Order.)
Something else I’m not used to, supporting a 3rd division side and also seeing lots of non-league…fireworks greeting the teams upon entrance. Is this EVERY Man City game? Every Premiership game? I don’t know. But me and the other children enjoyed it. The wait is over and I can finally see a game of football.
And, actually, it’s a very good game. City dominate possession, but it doesn’t quite run for them in front of goal and the Cherries score a fine breakaway goal on 26 minutes through Tavernier. And then that’s it for nearly an hour of play. The home side huff and puff but look like getting nowhere till Cherki (and Grealish) come on as subs. The former is instrumental in taking the game to Bournemouth but the equaliser comes via a deadball, Guehi heading in a corner after earlier heading wide when presented with an open goal. There’s still 6 minutes to go (plus injury time) and it’s now all City.
Inevitably, the winner comes. 90+1 and Cherki threads a cheeky ball through to Gvardiol (what’s HE doing in the box?) and he rolls it into the bottom corner. The City fans go wild and as I’m about half a dozen seats from them, I’m hoping they don’t start baiting ME. But what’s this? Offside! It is the Cherries’ fans turn to dish it out to the adjacent home fans. And then I get to enjoy the full Premiership experience as we wait for the Video Assistant Referee. How long did it take? 5 minutes? The result is in. City fans start celebrating before it’s even announced on the scoreboard. Maybe they know to look at the referee? Anyway, all that baiting comes back again. I stand my ground, impassive.
And that’s it. Bournemouth, having led for two-thirds of the game, are beaten. There is stunned silence in the away end, and as we join the City throng on the mass march down the road to Piccadilly, you can spot the Cherries, staggering along like zombies while various City fans apologise for their luck. On such games are champions made.
The Damage:
£30 ent
£3 admin
£14.40 train
= £47.40
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