Well, the Easter weekend gave us the potential of two very Eggs-citing games (bad pun, don't care). A trip to title-chasers Cambridge followed by relegation haunted Grays coming to Sussex. The Borough could still shape the way the table looks come last day.
The trip up to Cambridge ran smoothly enough until it came to getting the coach near the ground. Following the very, very strict instructions from the local constabulary, we finally found the coach parking facility. An industrial estate. Next we faced the half mile hike over playing fields, under railway tracks until we finally wheezed to the turnstiles. It seems this is where they used to park all coaches when big teams came to play, probably on the assumption that by the time fans had completed a half marathon to the ground, trouble would be last thing on their mind!
With our last trip having been battled out in front of 600 odd spectators, what a difference when the teams took to the grass with over 3,300 chanting. To quote Russ Abbot "Oh what an atmosphere". The Trade Recruitment Stadium (daft name I know) was a nice ground and the sound reverberated from under covered stands and terracing. With friendly stewards on duty, once again we were given a nice welcome.
As ever, the match stats have been covered in detail, so your faithful blogger looks and listens out for the quirky side of things. Cambridge FC half time announcements have now taken pride of place at the top of the quirky league. The usual birthday, engagement spiel trotted out until (and this has to be the best ever) we were all treated to being told not to forget the Chlamydia Clinic was open in town. You have to admit, makes a change from a tyre centre!
Well despite the loss we all seemed satisfied with the players' contribution to a good game of football. On the coach returning home, I was discussing midfield with a certain passenger. I asked who they thought was the better to be played in a certain position. The reply was as follows "I don't really understand play, I just come to look at their bums!" It would also appear that no one had yet to match up to Rambo in those stakes! (I will not name the guilty party, they know who they are!) So to a glorious sunny Bank Holiday match. It was to be a good day all round, with Hooky giving me a finger, stewards on the pitch and three points in the bag. Let me elaborate. The finger from Lee? As Hooky arrived at ground I asked how the finger he has been having trouble with was doing. He showed me the little finger on his left hand and it really does have a hell of a kink in it. Seems it's now six times he has dislocated it and it will never be right again.
Now, before the games at home each week, the stewards are told who is to be stretcher duty that day, and of late my name is on the list. So when after only four minutes the Grays keeper went down, we all watched for the signal, and then, with the call to go on, I jumped the barrier and made my way over to the injured party. All I could hear behind me was the chanting from the North Stand Boro boys, "Jimbo, Jimbo, Jimbo". Cheers guys..... Praying I didn't fall flat on my arse, which would have been too embarrassing to live down, I arrived to assist "Spongy Girl" Becky! No I didn't get her phone number, I googled her (not sure that sounds right either). Thankfully, the keeper left the pitch under his own steam, and I returned to my spot. Next was a chant of "Jimbo give us a song" I declined!
Throughout the 90 minutes we were reminded that "We've never lost to the Grays" and so it remains. Another league double for the season and the magical 60 points. With just two games left in our debut at this level, we can still make 66 points and a good final placing.
The final comment this week is a mention of a journalistic legend. Since he retired from editing at The Herald in Eastbourne (censor this at your peril Argus!) I have spotted Ken McKewan at the Lane most weeks. Looking relaxed, he is now able to watch football for pleasure and not have his head buried in a notebook. Mind you, he freely admits that the trusted pencil is always on stand by. Its nice to see you enjoying your well earned rest Ken.
Next weekend sees us take the short hop to York! Another new ground for many of us and what could potentially end up the poshest ground in Blue Square North next season! What with Luton coming down to BSP, the oddity of the football roundabout is still in full swing!
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