Away Days - Ilkeston

Ilkeston away day 21 December 2013

Last game before Christmas,  Sempie was still far from match fit but “can’t let Vaughnie down again” so off we set for another of Tony’s bus tours – this time to Derbyshire and Ilkeston FC.  We were joined by Santa and lots of Christmas jumper elves and we set off almost on time – surprisingly players ready, a fan late - Bah Humbug. No apologies – well it is the silly season.

We could hear the manager in good form telling tales of Christmas long ago at the back of the bus and an uneventful journey past with occasional mini pantomimes breaking out at the front. He’s behind you, oh no he isn’t – you get the idea. Birthday boy, Chris Heathcote would make a great panto dame in my humble opinion.

We arrived early at Ikleston to be told the fans couldn’t get in for another half hour – so off everyone set on a mini Cappies tour. Sempie and me didn’t make it far before turning back – we are built for comfort not distance.  Being the season of goodwill we helped Robin unload her mobile medical centre – the turnstiles opened and we were in.

Very nice ground, you could tell this club had pride, heritage and history and their website gives all the details. I am always more interested in the people I meet on my journeys, I think it says more about a place than anything else and Ilkeston you are way up there in my league. Everyone coming into the “clubhouse” had a chat and passed the time of day.  They are proud of their team here and interested to know about ours although everyone seemed to know we had a Man United goalie and we know they had a Derby one making his debut.

Kick off approached and to the terraces we went – our little group singing Trafford songs set the Ilkeston choir off into full voice. With their red noses flashing and Christmas lights twinkling they lit the place up. To be honest that is more than the match did, it was a pretty even affair, lot of huffing and puffing but not much being blown away. Half time saw the arrival of the Travelling Stephens, poor things had been very delayed due to Tim picking up a rusty nail - we have warned him about giving lifts to strangers before.

Second half – much the same as the first, not a classic but shouts of referee from the dugout kept us awake. First goal will win this, we all agreed and then, yes, we were a goal down. Ilkeston lit up even brighter on the terrace, oh no not the quiet bus home – it’s Christmas. Well there was magic in the air – up popped last seasons  goal machine Michael Oates, the balls in the net – we are level!!  How good it is to be wrong sometimes.  The final whistle took forever, how long liner, 3 minutes – they played 6 but yes the whistle eventually blew and a precious point was ours.  Oh the relief and people say it’s only a game!!!  We cheered and clapped our boys warming down as we warmed up. The Ilkeston fans did the same as they walked past too,  my sort of people these.

Off we went into the “clubhouse” – now this is in the ground but not run by the club and the profits don’t go to the club so most home fans don’t visit after the game.  However the wonderful  members  of the BNA Travel club, came in to wish us well and provide us with lots of cans of cider for our journey home.  I only hope we can be as welcoming when you visit us in April.  You are certainly a credit to your club and the spirit on non-league.  An absolute pleasure to meet you.

We were asked to leave the “clubhouse” at 5.30 as they had a function on so early back to the bus. A quick stop at Tesco for supplies – or KFC for health conscious Smarty & Nia and homeward we set. Thankfully Paul eased Cappys journey home when he provided a corkscrew – schoolboy error not checking for a screw top. Mr Brown’s boys provided light entertainment before the question on the day from that birthday boy again. We will save it for another trip but please don’t anyone mention Emlyn Hughes to Dave Brown – yes you had to be there.

Well I want to end this on a personal note instead of marks out of 10. As this is the last away day of the year I would like to remind everyone how far we have come this year. Did any fan truly believe 12 months ago we would be in the Evo-stick Premier league??  I didn’t but boy am I glad we are. It’s been a great year for our club and I will never ever forget the joy of that playoff final.

Every player that comes to our club works their socks off for that white shirt and to become a Trafford Family legend. Vaughnie, Goodie & Robin give so much of their time to keep them in line.

The committee and friends spend hours and hours week in week out for no pay keeping our club up and running.  Without them Trafford FC wouldn’t exist.    

And finally you lot – yes the Supporters Club and fans  - you rally round when asked to volunteer, you turned out BIG time for the BIG games, you sold record numbers of match day tickets, you pushed letters through doors,  you arrange fund raising events, you give your time, money and effort to the club, you support through good times and bad, you help raise the profile of our club and you are all joy to know.  Without you Trafford FC wouldn’t be what it is. You are the 

#TRAFFORD FAMILY

It’s been one hell of a year – now roll on 2014 for bigger and better.

Merry Christmas and a Happy and Successful New Year
The TeaLady x