Well, what a rollercoaster we do ride!
Great win at West Auckland (winners of the first world cup, as they love to remind people) in a prestigious national tournament, followed by defeat behind a community centre somewhere in Jarrow in the County Cup, with disco dancing going on in the background. I didn't see a ball kicked in either game of course, but they tell me the dancing girls were far better than the match down South Tyneside way. Maybe the defenders copped a sneaky look as well which took their mind off the job at the vital moment? Anyway, rumour has it that the organisation of county competitions from those helpful chaps and chapesses through at Chester le Street sometimes leaves a little bit to be desired, so maybe we picked the right one to lose.
Favourite football story of the week? Or any week for that matter. It's got to be the latest from Sid James Park. I am sure you've heard, but me I just like talking about it. Kinnear turns up bright and early on Monday ready to read the riot act, no doubt with crazy gang scissors in his pocket, planning on everybody going home with one arm in their jacket, possibly smelling slightly of mini bar whisky, only to find somebody has gone and given the players the day off, seeing as how they did so well against Blackburn. Ho, ho, ho....
And so, a big game to look forward to today, and no doubt a good contingent of seasider Teessiders to help boost the gate. Always a lively squad from Marske, good gruffers and good drinkers to a man, so best be quick in the pie queue this afternoon. and with a centre forward in tremendous goal scoring form I hear, whose name sounds familiar....
So who will be turning out for us today? As the manager changed the habits of a lifetime, picked an unchanged side for the first time since the old King died, and paid the penalty at Jarrow, I think we can assume there will be changes. But not including the ginger superstar, who has gone elsewhere by all accounts. Well, I said it would end in a crying match, it always does. Talk about having ideas above your station. Does no one except me realise that this is Ryhope, perpetual whipping boys, butt of jokes, home of the lost and the lonely? Ah well, maybe this time round we can surprise a few, after all only eight games from Wembley starting today....
Tally ho from down under, keep the faith and eat the pies, and is that draught lager I can smell????