By Rob Brown
It was a blast from the past. He hadn’t been seen at a Town away game since invading the pitch at the final whistle at Brackley in the play-off final, but suddenly, out of nowhere, my phone pinged. ‘Any space for me and Shaymen Kian for Cheltenham?’ was the message from the Bookmaker. Obviously, our 168-mile journey south was delayed. He was late, Kian has grown about two feet taller since we last saw him and, unlike the rest of us, Jason looks a good 20 years older.
There were wild scenes on the M6. Out of the intermittent fog came a car with flashing headlights, its horn on repeat, windows down, scarves and flags waving. It was Whirlwind Jim and his merry men, neatly weaving across three lanes of traffic to get our attention. ‘Just ignore them,’ said Pete as they approached, while the occupants hung out of the windows with a rendition of ‘I-O-Shaymen’. It was definitely a case of FA Cup fever, and likely to be contagious.
The Worcester Shayman always says that whenever you’re passing, just call in for a brew. It seemed an ideal time for a quick stop and a chance for a free breakfast. ‘He’s gone to America,’ said his nosey neighbour as we stood at his front door, banging away. ‘He’s been going on about it for weeks, driving us all mad,’ she continued. ‘He calls himself a Shayman, but who books a holiday when it’s FA Cup weekend?’ she asked critically. After a quick inspection of his garden bushes, we were back on the road. Cheltenham awaited.
Cheltenham’s Whaddon Road ground has not changed at all since we last visited. The old main stand, with its asbestos roof, sits on the halfway line. There’s terracing for the home fans behind the far goal, with red seats down the other side of the pitch. The away end is perfect: covered seating with a great view and goal nets within easy reach, should the game go to penalties. Cheltenham have a good sense of humour too, with chips at £7.50 a tray. Okay, they were cheesy chips, but still, you could get a sack of spuds for that up north.
With two full coaches of Shaymen adding to the crowd, the atmosphere before kick-off was electric. The cup draw wasn’t great, but around 350 fans decided we had a good chance. The drum was banging, and blue and white balloons were floating in the air. It was a proper, old-school FA Cup away day.
Town started the game well and had most of the possession, while Cheltenham looked sharp on the break. The home team forced a smart save from our keeper, then put one just inches wide before taking the lead midway through the half. The goal didn’t dampen spirits, though, as the Shaymen pressed on.
The second half was all Town as darkness fell and the suspicious mist gathered around the nearby hills. As the game went on, the drum beat louder. It only seemed like a matter of time before we scored. The linesman’s flag disrupted our celebrations when we finally got the ball in the net. It looked a very close decision. Then, to make matters worse, we had a good penalty shout turned down. The team were giving it everything as Cheltenham defended their box for their lives. Late in injury time, they sneaked a second. It wasn’t merited, but that’s the way things go at times.
At full-time, the management and players were applauded for their efforts. They’d given it plenty, there were no regrets, and it was a performance we were proud of. It’s not often you leave a ground having seen the team lose but still feel really positive. The team deserved a break; it never came. Onwards and upwards.
Next up were off to Kidderminster, a place we often do well at.
C’mon Shaymen!
Miles on the road: 2,518 Goals on the road: 7 Points on our travels: 6
Read more posts by Kelly Gilchrist
