Away Days - Worksop Town

Worksop Away Day  11 January 2014

Wow another year gone and we are back on our Trafford Travels. To be honest I didn’t except much from today, Worksop are riding high in the table and although we played with true grit last week our discipline was a bit wayward and these “more experienced teams” seem to know how to play on that. Anyway I always “travel in hope rather than expectation”

Enough negatives, a big smile spread across my face at the sight on Tommy Read getting on board. I can’t help it – he is a favourite of mine! Players and fans arrived followed by our manager and a clean shaven Goodie, no more prickly kisses – well that’s what Vaughnie said anyway.

 Off we set under Tony’s care, a stop a junction 19 – sadly no Smarty – but Flash, Rory and Luke made up our terrific team. We had a very speedy uneventful journey to Worksop. Cappy was having a dry January so unusually he hadn’t done much research on pubs but he did have his new darts with him so all was not lost – he would lead the troops on a tour of the local hostelries after all.

We arrived at 1pm to a warm greeting and cold temperatures. News the club house was open cheered some and Cappy took the rest off exploring the delights on offer in Worksop. We paid our £10 at the turnstile and went in to a very nice modern clubhouse, slightly confused by the Parramore shirt hanging there. The tickets selling, charming chairman explained Worksop had owned the ground till financial backing disappeared and from 2008 to 2011 they were like nomads, playing at 3 different grounds. They now rent the ground on match days from Worksop Parramore – very sad how non-league clubs are so often picked up, toyed with then dropped by money people.  We might not yet have the posh clubhouse but thankfully we are run by football lovers not bankers.

Well enough politics – what was the food like. I can report the chips and gravy were excellent. There was a good selection of pies, peas, curry etc. but Taxi Tim was upset they didn’t have his favourite match day hot dogs. He was more upset in the second half when he couldn’t get a hot drink because the snack bar closed after half time.   The ground itself seemed quiet narrow with a main stand on the left and a small seating area behind the dugout.  The Trafford faithful spread out as there was no natural gathering place. Out came the teams – Trafford unusually in white for an away day due to Worksop playing in yellow (extra kit washing for Tin Tin) and off we went. Well it didn’t start too well, we were caught napping after a corner and in less than 15 minutes we were 1 down.  If it was cold before it felt freezing now. Lots of half chances followed for both teams, we were doing ok but still losing.  Half time approached and a warm in the clubhouse. Cappy was not a happy man – their goalie should have been sent off, handled outside the area, if we had stood together the ref might have given it, disgrace, shambles – you get the picture. Rory’s dad came in and he was convinced of the same. Second half we all agreed stand together behind the flag!!  We might get something out of this.

Off we went again, Shelton was causing them problem, Oatsey was working hard, they were pulling and pushing us causing me to shout refereeeeeeeee. And then a thunderbolt arrived from the foot of Schoey, the ball flew miles – well 35 yards – into the back of the net.  What a goal, what a point, what joy.  We all warmed up a bit, shouts of Come on Trafford, Shelts danced round 3 or 4 players but the ball just went wide.  We were the team on top – then he did it, on 83 minutes, that lad  Shelton scored!!  The players danced, we danced and jumped for joy. The Worksop fans started leaving.  7 minutes can be a long time but even with Nia limping – for his mum to video on her new phone – we not only hung on we pressed for more. There was a debut for Mark Derbyshire, our Sunday team gentle giant, he looked very good in a first team shirt to the female fans anyway.  Final whistle, Sempie doing dad dancing on the terrace while I grinned and clapped like a demented seal. Oh Trafford we do love you.  The travelling White army clapped and cheered then clapped again – so much excitement we nearly left the flag behind.  Don’t panic – I rescued it.

The clubhouse was a happy place although Cappy is worried he may have to stay alcohol free to keep the wins coming.

After much joy and well done lads we hitched a lift with the Travelling Stephens – singing all the way home.

Well done you Whites!!!!

My personal Man of the Match was the ever dangerous, dancing Shelton Payne  

The Tea Lady