View from the Cemetery

"And then like my dreams they fade and die".

Little bit of cockney sentimentality there, but it feels appropriate after last week. Three defeats in a row and probably, though not definitely yet, the end of the dream for the daft lads from Ryhope. But hasn't it been fun? And, amazingly, still top of the league deep, deep into April, though probably knocked off by now, who would have thought it? Not me for a start, I am happy to admit, the usual hard fought battle against the drop was what I was anticipating, and quite looking forward to it to be honest. This has been a new experience though and no mistake, fair had me spinning in my proverbial at times. Little bit of upheaval and sharp words at times to spice things up, some cracking goals, though most of them far and wide across the North East while we home birds had to make do with scrambled one-nils. But overall we looked like a good side, with some stand out performers in amongst it. The two new lads in the middle were top notch, Adsy came on a ton once he got his head on straight, and Jonesy had another rock solid season. Which is not to pick people out, everyone did well, apart from the gold digger up front who passed this way for a few weeks, but we won't mention him. But we will mention Neil and George and their crew on the sidelines, absolutely top drawer, if a little too free with their language occasionally...

So the old Spenny hoodoo strikes again, and as usual mostly in the shape of a small balding ginger Irishman. I am only pleased I wasn't there to see it. Not bad in the first half, but second best after that was the way I heard it, albeit we had a couple of good chances which might have changed things if they had gone in, as goals always do. Never mind, still in great shape; which I also heard was not something you could say for the aforementioned red headed Dubliner. Supposedly he played a role more like a quarter back than a footballer, sitting in front of the back four and hitting forty yard passes all day, a role that does away with the need to run about very much; to his evident pleasure. And to be fair he does it very well. Including the not running about bit. George wouldn't allow it though, which maybe explains why his stints with us tend to be of the cameo variety; good job we like him really....

Another mighty win on the road, and still top of the league, when will it end? Probably in a fortnight's time up at Spenny, the cynical might suggest, but I beg to differ, looks to me like we play better against the top sides, so who is to say we can't go deep into the country and win again? I won't see it of course, but Tuesday tonight should be good, league champions themselves only a year or three back and always a steady side. Will the manager go with the two big men up top again, he seems to have returned to this of late. Certainly worked against the Bay when we launched the second half aerial assault, to much hapless defending in the box. Bring it on!

Deary me, a goalless draw. Only the second time this season that has happened here at Meadow Park, and as the lights went out after five minutes the last time it probably doesn't count. Is this cruelty to the deceased? Not really, it was actually a very decent game, featuring a few great saves, from both keepers to be fair, and one extraordinary miss, when one of our bold boys managed to put himself into the net but forgot the ball. Still, the giants of the Bay to look forward to, with their travelling hordes. Wonder if the Defty brand of hospitality matches up to that back at the seasiders' home? Will anybody dare ask for chips? Will they end up crying if they do? Still, extra pie ordered, I am reliably informed.