I was going to write an end of season review. However, the season could probably be summed up in one word, so decided that awards were a much better option!!!
Goal of the season
1) Scott Murray - Away at Kettering. A thunderbolt strike by the veteran Scottish winger. The ball was collected on the right wing, he stepped forward and fired a long distance shot which the keeper had no chance with.
2) Adam Connolly - Dagenham & Redbridge (Home) A stunning 20 yard strike, while falling over! Partly chosen as it briefly threatened to put City into the second round proper of the FA Cup, dragging us back to 1-1 and instigating a period of play in which City almost snatched the win.
3) Sean Canham - Ebbsfleet (home) A goal which meant nothing, but was a brilliant half volley.
Pub of the season - A very hard one to judge
1) The White Horse, Twerton. A very close call between this and the second place pub, however, consistent excellence over the whole season, and the darts board just push this into first.
2) The Bridge End Inn, Ruabon, Wrexham - Easily one of the most perfect pubs in Britain, roaring fireplace, multiple handpumps, beer brewed in the backgarden, and free snacks of cheese and blackpudding. If the Bridge End was in Twerton as well as The White Horse I'd be the happiest man in the world!
3) The Bricklayers Arms, Luton - A superb pub, supporting its local team via a mural etc., multiple handpumps, and enjoyable chalk board in the toilets!
Honourable mentions to: The Crown Inn, Stockport. Head of Steam, Newcastle. The Royal Oak, Wrexham. The Railway Inn, Mansfield. The Mallard, Worksop. The King and Castle, Kidderminster.
Player of the season
1) Andy Gallinagh. I'll admit to have a bit of a crush on Andy, it's as much to do with his hair as anything else! However, in all seriousness the man came on loan from Cheltenham and coincided with our best part of the season, committed in the tackle and inspired a terrace anthem.
2) Sekani Simpson. Simmo has been with the stripes since the Southern League and had a very good season, which given the awfulness of our defence at times is surprising that my top two players have both been defenders.
3) Scott Murray. While his twitter moaning did annoy a few, and he could have picked a pass instead of always shooting, Murray plays with a smile on his face and did offer a threat that was sadly missing through much of the season.
Best awayday
1) Luton - Hillys birthday, ridiculously early start. Many trains, some good food, lots of beers, laughs, decent atmosphere. A good day spent with good people, pretty much spot on!
2) Wrexham - A train ride through some beautiful countryside, a stop at CAMRA's pub of the year in Ruabon, onto Wrexham, with another great pub before the train home and the amusing stops and beer bottle racing that occurred.
3) Gateshead - For pure idiocy of Gateshead on a Tuesday night. For Dave Taylor's super hosting abilities, for getting thrown out of a pub at 3:30, but still taking 2 hours to get home on a "20 minute" walk!
Best Atmosphere
1) Dagenham and Redbridge (Away) - A blessing that D&R underestimated the likely travelling support meant that the stripes were crammed into a small, family stand at the side of the pitch, led to everyone joining in (even if just clapping) which in turn created a cracking atmosphere, that put the D&R fans to shame.
2) D&R (Home) - Despite a bitter comment by a sad, lonely man (With credit to Hilly for the words!) a loud atmosphere created, which the tv company should have heard if it wasn't for some shamefully placed microphones to prevent another Newport problem for them!
3) Gateshead (Home) - Last game of the season, so last chance to work through some songs, a few news ones tried, amusing Flying Pickets tributes and a win all created a good deal of noise.
Favourite moment of the season
1) Lee Phillips 93rd minute equaliser at Braintree Town. Just watch the youtube clip to see how much it meant to me! City still had a faint bit of hope at that part of the season, from being 1 up to 3-1 down, to Marley and Russell changing the game, to Lee rising and scoring (last time he scored as well!) to a proper celebration. Amazing.
2) Dagenham & Redbridge (Away) - The whole game, City took it to the 4th Division outfit, and almost snatched the win. If Jamie Cook's long range lob had gone in there would have been pandemonium on in the stands.
3) Telford (Home) - The best City played all year, we ripped Telford apart, had 25 shots at goals, recorded a good 3-1 victory and the rugby lost. Was a perfect day.
*** Disclaimer, the DUYC awards are neither prestigious nor anticipated!
