The football away day, what a great British institution. Brings back memories I can tell you. From the rougher end of football in my case, the DFA Sunday Cup being my favourite. A trip to Spennymoor or such like to play the local heroes from the Dog and Ferret was an adventure indeed when you usually got no further than pork chop hill. And even then struggled to get a side out. And had to make liberal use of the old wrong un. We had a bloke still signed on for ten years after he died. First name on the sheet, old Ralphy. But not for the County Cup, oh no. Hamstrings cleared up, the lads took it seriously and went home on Saturday night with no more than a few liveners inside them, and all were there bright and early Sunday morn in the car park of the Blue Bell waiting for the bus. Happy days. Admittedly with a good few cans in carrier bags as well, but you can’t expect saints on a Sunday morning, can you…
Not, I hasten to add, that our bold lads are anything other than completely professional when travelling to pastures new. Made a very good impression on the good folk of West Yorkshire the other week I understand. Remarks were heard about “top Northern League outfit” and such. Some of our committee were wondering who they were talking about. Mind, as they staggered out of the Rosedene many hours later the same committee were wondering who and where they were. Two or three pints, two or three times a day, as old David Bellamy used to say. Why spoil a good thing? Why indeed. A very nice place though, Silsden, pretty little town with views all around, and, as became apparent, a nice boozer or two. Or so I am informed. Maybe not quite so scenic next up down at Hemsworth, heartland of the Arthur Scargill Light Infantry back in the day when the country had some mines. Good place and good people, and good beer, enjoy.
So, fun and games on our exotic travels, but what of the league? Excellent stuff recently, but a very competitive place up there near the top. Can we keep it going? I hope so, and I don’t see why not. Our various injury and other worries seem to be clearing up, and the management continue to be active in the search for improvement, so can we relax? Never wise with this club...