So once again we reach the end of a long and difficult season, only to find the prize snatched away from us at the death. It makes the blood boil to think of the hours of sweat and effort put in by the troops, only to fall agonisingly short right at the death. I refer of course to the news that has reached us here that once again the programme has failed to win first prize in the Northern League awards. Is there any justice? Just because some lad at Marske has nowt better to do than hand copy a thousand pages every week, why should our beautifully produced effort come second? Only joking of course, Moss Holtby does a first class job for Marske and is a deserved winner, but congratulations to the boys at Upstream for the work that goes into the RCA programme, my favourite reading.
So back to the football; how is it going to end? Not quite good enough again, or just getting there by the skin of our teeth? And who is on Horden's side? Two 90th minute winners? Still while there is life there is hope, and sometimes afterwards as well. Esh will be twitching, only a couple of points needed from their last two games, but will they get them? So, come on Thornaby, Stokesley, Crook etc. And for us? Four home games in ten days now to disturb the peace and quiet round here, although the alternative attractions of Champions League football should make the first Tuesday night quiet anyway. Will Whitehaven find their way to Meadow Park in time for kick off? Is the shine wearing off yet, now they have been schlepping over the country week after week since August? Although to be fair it can't be that much different from the hilariously named Wearside League, which has teams everywhere across the North, even nowadays in Sunderland. What is it about Cumbria that makes them all so keen to get out and travel? I can't imagine, surely there are enough clubs over there to make a half decent league? Still not to worry, always hospitable here in Ryhope, you can quite happily park your car anywhere you like, leave the keys in the ignition and it will still be there safe and sound when you come back....
Then the students come to visit, with a much improved team by the looks of things, goals galore from a dodgy maggy supply of young players so I am led to believe.
And finally, what kind of a football genius is running the under 18s? Fantastic performances for the past few weeks, and a County Cup Final no less to look forward to, and beating the CW in the semi, that's gone down well in these parts, the Colliery is the team in Ryhope and don't you forget it lad....