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