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
