York City

So three days after the debacle at Stockport, we were at home to the last big team this season, and given we are going down the last big team for a while (barring miracle FA Cup round next year) so the visit of York City was a weird one. Really did not want to go to watch us so close after the Stockport game, sadness at seeing the last proper part of our Conference National adventure end and fear at what was to come.

Due to Sean Canham's injury, and Lee Phillips being sent to Eastleigh, we were left with the joy of Jamie Cook up front on his own, and to be fair to the powder puff fairy he actually had a decent game, and made a few challenge and even tried to win a few headers.

After the lack of fight in Stockport, we were intrigued to see what City team would turn up, and on three minutes when Marc Canham misplaced a pass straight to Matt Blair who fired straight at Glyn Garner we were beginning to fear another battering.

However, the men in stripes dug deep and showed a fighting spirit. The game did unfortunately follow the pattern of much of our games this season, lots of midfield play and sod all chances or excitement. The game got to half time and City were still drawing 0-0 to a side chasing promotion via the playoffs and who recently booked their place at the FA Trophy final at Wembley, so given our position we were relatively pleased.

Nevertheless, an attacking intent would be nice, and while I still support Adie and still want to give him time to turn it around next year in the Conference South, he has always been a negative manager, and when we are as shit as we have been this season it tends to catch us out.

Rather typically, immediately after the break, a poor bit of play by Simpson on the edge of his own box saw the long-serving full back tackled by McLaughlin who fired the ball hard and low past Garner into the bottom right hand corner of the goal, remarkably similar to Danny Lloyds goal for Lincoln.

City kept more of the ball after the goal, but failed to convert the opportunities into clear cut chances. Once again we had the comical sight of Mark Preece pushed up front in order to use his physicality. One last chance occurred just before full time, when Watkins after a scramble backheeled the ball past the goalkeeper, however, a York defender managed to hack the ball off of the line.

The game finished 1-0 to York, and my third City game in a week finished yet again without a City goal. The stripes battled well, without creating any real chances (two shots on target in 90 minutes) and the sooner this season finishes and we can begin to rebuild and begin to get excited about next season the better.

Stockport away

After the exhausting journey to Gateshead in midweek, the last thing I or the City players wanted or needed was another long away day. However, the fixture list decreed that City were to play at Stockport County.

So despite my body calling out for sleep I dragged myself out of bed at 7:10 washed, dressed and drove to Odd Down (via Palmers Combe Down abode) to catch the supporters coach for the first time since Kettering.

On the way we learned of a crash involving a coach which we thought would shut the M5, luckily for us the closure was cleared, but we passed the scene of the crash and the insignificance of our problems in the world of football were rammed home (this has become even clearer given two people have died in the accident.)

We arrived in Stockport at 1, and a few of us broke off from the main group to visit the Crown Inn. The Crown is situated in an impressive position below the railway viaduct that traverses Stockport.  I learnt from an old sign in the pub that the viaduct is a full 111 feet above the river, an impressive fact, and looking back probably my best bit of the trip.

Super pub, superb setting

A few ales were supped, before we headed back up the hill to Edgeley Park, given my success getting in for a student at Gateshead on Tuesday, I tried my luck and for the second time in a week succeeded in getting in for a student price. A victory in every sense of the word!

Edgeley Park is an impressive looking old ground, which has been ruined somewhat with its conversion to all seater. A few times the stewards told us City fans to sit down, but I think they realised there was no trouble to be had with 50 fans so left us to our own devices.

Stockport have been having their own miserable season, and after Dietmar Hamann left, they have returned to Jim Gannon who led them to the third tier of English football in his first spell at the club. Despite the fact of the return of a manager who is clearly very capable, they have been getting hammered left, right and centre and currently are only in 17th, which must be painful for a team who had been football league for so long. So it was with a tiny bit of hope that we waited for the game to start against a team who lost 5-0 to Southport last week.

Shielding my eyes from the glorious spring sunshine the game started, and almost instantaneously City's defence parted like the Red Sea and multiple chances kept appearing with a few desperate saves by Garner and a couple of last ditch tackles were all that kept the score even. Then on 14 minutes Danny Hattersley again broke through the middle and despite Garner getting a decent hand to it, the ball dribbled into the bottom corner.

I could write about the rest of the game, but to be honest I am trying to wipe it from my memory. City were awful, pathetic, no spark, no fight, no desire almost. Stockport scored 3 unanswered second half goals, and when the third went in on 61 minutes some fans left to go back to the pub, I was half tempted to join them, but instead stayed to watch the end.

It was a terrible performance, and the mood on the coach was quiet and miserable frankly. I managed to get home just after 9pm, and my 1,000 mile epic journey in the course of a week to watch the men in black and white was over. I will still go to Twerton Park for the rest of the season, but that is my last away until next season, when its the likes of Salisbury, Truro, Boreham Wood and Tonbridge Angels I will be visiting.

Tuesday night in Gateshead...yes a Tuesday night

In the non-league equivalent of a Tuesday night in Carlisle, 5 of us decided that Gateshead away on a Tuesday night was a game we definitely had to go to. So two days off of work were booked and at 10:30am 5 of us squeezed into Hillys car for a journey and a day of epic proportions.

Where you go, we'll follow

The car was cramped, but the 5 hour journey was largely incident free and packed with laughter. We arrived at 269 Chillingham Road, Newcastle at 3:30pm where we were staying with exiled City fan Dave Taylor. An impromptu roadside strip by a few stripes occurred (no one was in Dave's house) and we headed into town via the handily placed, and very reasonably priced Metro system.

We were meant to be meeting Dave, his girlfriend and mate in The Bodega pub, however, I couldn't remember exactly where it was so a walk around Newcastle city centre followed, nonetheless the diversion was short, and soon we were in Tilley's Bar having a swift pint and some food, before going three doors over to The Bodega where a very nice barmaid ensured spirits remained high.

The 5 stripes were joined by Dave and his mate Ryan. Ryan is a Scouser and an avid Everton fan, but he was joining us to the game as a fan of football he wanted to watch, and to pop his stripey virginity. Now here is where a problem occurred, the beers were flowing the conversation was to, and we completely miscalculated the travelling time to the Gateshead International Stadium.

So we got off of the Metro at 7:45, the time the kick off was due. So a brisk walk towards the stadium ensued at which point it fell apart. Seeing no turnstile we panicked and dived into the foyer area, assuming this was the entrance. Wrong, after blurting a question out at the receptionist she pointed out that there were turnstiles around the corner. Quickly we headed back outside, found the turnstile and I paid my student entry £10, loving the fact that 5 years after leaving Uni I can still occasionally get away with student prices!

Worst ground ever

The ground is officially the worst ground I have ever been in, actually it doesn't deserve the title ground and should be tarnished with the awful name of Stadium (only one in England should have that, and that is Wembley) With the running track keeping you away from the players, all seater crapness and  stewards who told us to move as we were standing, despite the fact there was no one behind us (we won that argument and were allowed to stay.) The one thing that could be said was that Gateshead fans did try to make a bit of noise.

The game was pretty awful, with no real chances or opportunities. Sean Canham did have one chance, but softly tapped the ball towards goal. This was City's only chance of the first half. We were singing loud and proud however, when something happened which has never happened before. We were singing We love Jim Rollo and Jimmer was looking around to see where we were, and I upped the volume in an attempt to help him, and something went in my throat and my voice completely went. Cue laughter from everyone around me and a premature end to my singing!

Have never seen a flowerpot in a ground before!

The half finished at 0-0, and half time refreshments were bought. The game kicked off with us standing at the other end of the stand. The game continued in much the same vein, until Gateshead won a throw in, the throw was launched into the box, it bounced and Jon Shaw got his head to the ball and looped a header over Glyn Garner. 1-0 to Gateshead. City's new signing Dan Smith came on, and he had a worse journey than we did. Driving up from Saltash, Cornwall on the day of the game to sign for City before heading up to Gateshead with the team!

In the last minute City won a corner and Glyn Garner raced forward to join the attack. Ridiculously the corner picked Garner out, and the keeper headed towards goal. This unfortunately was not to be a Jimmy Glass moment and the ball went to Sean Canham, who pushed it back to Hogg, who's shot screwed wide. The game finished 1-0.

In the bar after the game we were personally thanked by Adie Britton, John Freegard, and had some words from the players as they filed pass.

Afterwards, we went back into town, hit the Crown Posada a wonderful heritage pub (see photo) and then the Head of Steam, at which point we completely got out of control and eventually got home at 5:30am.

The Crown Posada

We awoke to an almighty fry up, then set off for home, finally arriving back home at 8:30pm on the Wednesday, 620 miles and many hours driving later. Was it worth it? Absolutely, an amazing time, great adventure and for the love of City. Now for Stockport away, taking me close to 1,000 miles in a week watching the men in black and white.

Late night shenanigans

Lincoln City

Right at the end of my last post I wrote "Now after City's unexpected midweek victory at Barrow perhaps we'll sneak a win at home to Lincoln on Saturday." Now I definitely did not expect those words to come true! But it came to pass that City actually won two games back to back! However, meeting the most pessimistic Lincoln fan who asked for directions at Oldfield Park station did lift expectations slightly.

City started very quickly and I almost missed the first goal, I was walking around the Bath End and saw an attack build, Watkins hared towards goal, before he was felled, Jamie Cook actually put the ball in the net but the referee had awarded a penalty for the trip. Marc Canham stepped up and slotted home (oh how I wish he'd taken the penalties we missed earlier in the year), 1-0 within 2 minutes.

City won a freekick which M.Canham hit long Gethin headed the ball back towards goal and Marley Watkins executed an exquisite backheeled volley which flashed past Joe Anyon. 2-0 to City within 4 minutes, and as Tim, Hilly and a few other latecomers arrived they were incredulous as to the score.

Lincoln grew into the game, and Garner pulled off a few decent saves. Adam Connolly was playing like his old self and was terrier like in the tackle and caused the away defence some trouble. One thing of note was Lincoln were playing in their away strip as their red and white stripes would clash. Fair enough, so they should change, but the away strip was green and white hoops (Yeovile basically) how the hell that was allowed I do not know as it clashed and I'm sure some misplaced passes were due to seeing white and assuming it was a stripe.

Just before half time Lincoln had a sustained surge and Garner tipped a cross which was dropping in over the bar before pulling off another full stretch save. City held on and went in 2-0 at halftime, with Lincoln City abused by their own fans. As obviously a team as "mighty" as Lincoln City should be crushing little Bath City.

Lincoln brought on Danny Lloyd at halftime and he was a annoying little prick at leftwing, however, he did look good and is probably the classic player you love if you have him, hate if you don't. See Hogg, Lewis for an example!

Paul Stonehouse cleared a header off of the line from a Lincoln corner, and Andy Gallinagh hacked a few clearances and harried the Lincoln forwards well. The crowd were in good voice, as we urged the players on and heartily cheered their endeavour.

However, on 76 minutes, Danny Lloyd robbed Gallinagh on the edge of the area and fired the ball across goal passed Garners despairing dive and scored for Lincoln. He celebrated by kissing his forearm tattoo and crossing himself vigorously, something I haven't seen in a while.

Sean Canham should have scored after a superb reverse pass by Alex Russell split the defence and left Canham in acres of space, however, he drilled the ball straight into Anyons legs. Sean did have the ball in the net moments later though when Scotty Murray (on for an injured Marley Watkins) crossed and he headed home. However, the referee decided that Canham had impeded his marker and blew for a foul.

City held on, and a good deal of cheering was forthcoming as we celebrated our 5th win of the season, and the first at Twerton since January. I am looking forward to Gateshead on Tuesday even more now.

Frome Town vs Barwell FC

Don't let that sign fool you, it's still Badgers Hill

Due to York City's continued involvement in the FA Trophy City's game was postponed. To get my footballing fix and to generally just get out of the house I decided to go watch Frome Town vs Barwell in the Southern League.

See I told you!

Fighting a hangover from the previous nights excesses I boarded the train at Bradford for the short 20 minute journey to Frome. Frome is a historic town in Northeast Somerset and for a very long time was actually the bigger settlement than Bath, with an industry based on wool and cloth. Having not been to Frome in a long time I had forgotten how picturesque large parts of the town are.

The weather was beautiful as me and Al arrived at The Cornerhouse, nothing like a beer to try and get over the problems beer is causing! While supping a Blindmans Gold I was texting a girl I know from Frome in a desperate attempt to get instructions on how to get to the ground. Detailed instructions were forthcoming so we headed down town with coats slung casually at the side. A swift stop in the Archangel (remarkably posh) was enjoyed, before we headed up the Hill to Badgers Hill home of Frome.

Badgers Hill is still showing its Western League credentials with Frome having been promoted in 2009 and this is the final year they are allowed to make the necessary changes. Namely the adding of more seats. However, as it is, there is one stand with some benches, a bit of covered terracing and the rest is flat concrete with a wall around, the only difference being the clubhouse and the ability to drink from its steps while watching the game, a proper nonleague ground for a proper nonleague game.

Stand currently not up to scratch

Barwell are team from the Leicestershire village of Barwell. Quite how a team that far north is in the Southern League I will never quite grasp. However, given the very real possibility of Bath City ending up in the Conference North I will stop questioning league arrangements now.

Frome haven't been on the best run recently, and hadn't scored a home goal at all during February. Hence the pessimism around the ground amongst the 218 of the 222 who weren't Barwell fans or me and my mate. The game kicked off and quickly settled into the form it would take for the rest of the game....hoof ball football! With an unbelievable amount of stoppages. I didn't envy the ref at all in this game, he was getting it in the neck from all side. However, once again due to this being the Southern League you could hear him explain his decisions to the management and the players, you can stick your shiny Premier League up your arse, give me non league any day!

Inside awaits beer...and a fitness class. Very odd.

Frome forward Ricky Hulbert (formerly of Bath City, see link for more info http://www.ilovebathcity.com/index_golf.htm ) was causing the defence some problems, but the game was very poor and very bitty.

The half time whistle blew with the score nil nil, and we retired to the clubhouse. We watched the second half from the clubhouse steps beer in hand, and laughed hard at the advertisement for Lounge Lizzard Entertainer and his Noel Edmunds infringement "Deal or Not" Amazing idea there by Mr Lizzard and we enjoyed the audacity a lot.

Deal or Not, amazing Sir amazing

 The game continued in much the same vein, very little chances, some unbelievable abuse from one Frome fan who I was duly informed does that every game!

Given the level of abuse he was dishing out to opposition players and his "colourful" use of language he must count himself lucky to be watching non league where no-one cares enough to do anything! The FA's stamp out homophobia campaign may need to visit Badgers Hill as the words, poof, queer and faggot were being used a lot. However, it didn't bother me, didn't bother anyone else, so who cares!?

Then an unexpected thing happened, in the 87th minute the ball dropped to Frome's left winger Ben Thompson, who cut inside onto his right foot and just inside the penalty area slotted the ball cooly into the bottom corner. A surprisingly good finish in a game of such little quality, and the Frome hordes (can you call 200 a horde?) cheered the first goal they'd seen in almost 360 minutes of football. Frome clung on for the last few minutes and won the game 1-0. The result rocketed Frome up the table away from the relegation zone, and in truth was what they deserved, while the game was low on quality, Frome had created the best of the chances and if it wasn't for two brilliant saves by the Barwell keeper Frome could have won by more.

Another enjoyable day groundhopping was finished, and as always I felt much better for having gone and done something with the Saturday. Now after City's unexpected midweek victory at Barrow perhaps we'll sneak a win at home to Lincoln on Saturday.

Hilly's birthday, an early train and a visit to Kenilworth Road

I was woken from my slumber on the Saturday by a text from Paul Hill at 5:15am, yes that's right dear reader 5:15, on a Saturday, 5:15! This was due to us all being dirty traitors and using the train rather than supporters coach, a decision which had brought some "interesting" comments from some members of the supporters club.

The birthday boy at 6:15am!

However, as it was Hillys birthday we wanted to drink and mess around and generally have a jolly boys outing. However, due to the complexities of privatised railways and a group saver option, the only way we could get the cheap train to Luton was piling on the 7:13 train, so Mr Hill was texting me to let me know he was awake and would be collecting me at 5:50am to take me to Foxhill (via the crime free leafy suburbs of Combe Down) to get into Bath, before a walk to the station to be there for 7ish. As I said, this was a ridiculously early morning for a Saturday.

However, surprisingly there were no hiccups and the 8 stripes were indeed at Bath Spa/already on the train from Bristol, so all assembled in the carriage, cracked out their morning pork pies/sandwiches/pastries and dined, while wishing a happy birthday to 12 year old Sophie (I think!) But Paul Hill exceeded himself again in his friendliness by wishing his fellow birthday person best wishes.

8 Stipes outside St.Pancras

Then the first beer was opened...at7:30, ridiculous but amusing, personally though I waited! We arrived at London Paddington for 9, so hopped on a tube to St Pancras (Pancreas if Hilly) before moving to a cafe opened by Italian World Cup legend and serial Serie A winner Demetrio Albertini (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demetrio_Albertini) OK I admit, it was unlikely to be the Albertini, but the cafe was lovely, with good cheap food (in London who knew!?!) and some cracking Eastern European fillies (to quote Timbo)

Shameless selfpromotion in Luton toilets

We then moved into the Fullers pub, the Euston Flyer where the rest of us imbued our first pints of the day. A pleasant time was had while waiting for the 9th stripe travelling from Brighton to join us, once he arrived and another pint was supped, we boarded the train to Luton (I'm intentionally glossing over the issue we had finding the platform, a nightmare!)

Artwork on Bricklayers Arms wall

A comfortable journey continued although the accents where getting more annoying, and we arrived at Luton around midday. Christ Luton is ugly, I mean truly ugly, it had none of the industrial charm of Barrow or the quirky niceness of an autumnal Braintree. We went into the Bricklayers Arms which was a superb pub, full of very friendly nice Luton fans, and enjoyed messing around with the chalkboard in the toilets and admired the painted Luton artwork on the wall.

A couple of friendly fans escorted us to the ground, and we entered through everyone's favourite away end! The Oak Road Stands' entrance is through the ground floor of a terrace house and ignoring the ridiculous price (£18 for nonleague ffs!) it is definitely my favourite entrance as it is like none of the 48 grounds I have been in before!

Oak Road entrance, simply unique!

The crowd was an impressive 5,000 and it will be a while before we play in front of a crowd that big again. Luton won the game at a canter, without ever really needing to get out of 2nd gear, however, the stripes battled gamely and could/should have scored twice with Sean Canham missing a chance and Gethin Jones missing a point blank header.

One area which we did win though was crowd noise, despite there being 80 of us, so therefore approximately 4,920 Luton fans we made much the more noise with some cracking songs including Que Sera Sera (http://drinkupyecider.blogspot.com/2012/02/que-sera-sera-whatever-will-be-will-be.html) a Palmer inspired "The Stripes are staying up, cos everyone's in admin" and a rendition of BCFC which knackered my throat so much that I had to buy a drink and was appalled at the £1.80 I was charged for it (and £2.70 for a pie!)

The players applauded long and hard at the end, Adie later tweeted all you could hear was us, and I admit I almost shed a tear (booze probably helped the emotional state!) when we proudly clapped the players and they proudly clapped us back, we might be down but God I love the stripes.

Leaving the ground having only lost 2-0 we were reasonably pleased, headed back to a few pubs before arriving back at Bath Spa at 10ish. Hilly headed into Bath to continue his birthday celebrations while I decided to head home. A cracking jolly boys outing that was enjoyed by everyone, and once again showed that the train is an amazing way to travel. We might be losing, but football isn't all about the game it's about the people you watch it with and the fun you have while getting there.