It was one of the first games we’d looked for when the fixtures came out. Every season, each club seems to get a mid-week fixture somewhere exotic. In previous years we’ve had the pleasure of Braintree, Aldershot, and Torquay. This time the fixture gods were kind to us, and our furthest mid-week away trip was just 163-miles with a trip to Brackley Town. Shortly after ‘Homes Under the Hammer’ had finished we were off. This time the Saville Park Shayman had his jumper on the right way round too.
“I once came down here at 115 miles an hour”, came a blinding confession from the back seat. ‘It was back in the 1980’s,’ the story continued. Obviously, I won’t give away the identify of the once hell-raising lunatic, in case the police are still after him. His only excuse for such bad behaviour was being late for watching the Halifax Dukes at Coventry at the speedway. It was quite shocking to hear the story from someone who’s most dangerous pastime these days is sharing an overused dad joke.
‘I’m never, ever, ever going to that chippy again,’ muttered Pete as we made our way south. He recalled for the umpteenth time a bad experience he once had involving a soggy fish and a bucket of chips in Brackley. Obviously, once crossed, Pete never forgets, he’s got strong principles. You’ve got to admire him for that, there was absolutely no chance whatsoever of him ever stepping foot in that chippy ever again, ever, ever.
Having checked out the other options on the shopping parade, a nail bar, a hairdressing salon, and a financial accountant, it was no real surprise to see you know who in the queue as we ordered our tea. After a democratic process, with Chadders making the final decision, we ended up at what most people consider the best value chippy in Northamptonshire. Fair play to the Saville Park Shayman, he finished a double pallet of chips, whilst others took the easier options, including a surprise salad.
Brackley Town’s St James’ Park has developed massively since our famous play off victory nearly thirteen years ago. Their small main stand has had a facelift since that season. The rest of that side of the ground now has a decent club house, shop, and ticket office. There are numerous covered stands around the pitch, some with seating, some terracing. There are new conveniences and a fan zone for visiting supporters. It’s generally a very tidy and welcoming place. Without segregation we were free to explore, and full price advanced admission was a bargain £18.00 too.
There was a booking within the first five seconds, some thought it may have been a red card if the late tackle has happed later in the game. The half was dominated by the referee handing out cards to anyone and everyone. In football terms, Town started well, they had much of the possession and hit the outside of the post with a fierce shot. The game then drifted towards half time without too many other chances for either team.
Town were cheered on by 44 travelling Shaymen in the second half, all gathered at the top corner of a very interesting pitch. The team dominated possession but were held at bay by a very determined defence. The game came to life just before injury time, just as we were expecting a third consecutive goalless draw on that ground in the league. The referee awarded Town a generous penalty which was despatched with venom past the home keeper. Then, moments later, a ball into our box at the far end resulted in another penalty. Bantam’s Jim was watching the game on telly and soon reported back that it was another soft one. Perhaps balancing out for both teams. The penalty was scored and that was that.
Next up and we’re off to York City with what’s likely to be one of our biggest away followings of the season. We always seem to do well there too.
C’mon Shaymen!
Miles on the road: 6340. Goals on the road: 23 Points on our travels 20
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