Dawn was breaking as the usual suspects arrived, it was the first time in months that we’d departed for a game in anything other than darkness; it felt like a small step towards the end of our long, dark, wet winter. Our 249-mile journey south began with the bright orange glow of the unfamiliar sun rising above the horizon. Do Saturday’s get any better than this?
With traffic free flowing, we made good time down to our usual Northamptonshire breakfast stop whilst discussing the team’s form and prospects for the coming games. The Greetland Shayman again charmed the staff to ensure they’d make him some chips for breakfast as part of his own bespoke menu. We, of course, stuck to the usual, healthy options, not wishing to work the staff any more than would be reasonable.
As we drove past the HS2 roadworks near Brackley, the usual mobile speed wagon was hiding amongst the construction vehicles again. They almost caught us last season, but we were ready for them this time. As our passenger window lowered, you could see fear in the camera operator’s eyes. Pete gave him one of those looks, one he would surely remember for a good few moments at least.
The closer we got to our destination, the more we noticed the fields at the side of the motorway were flooded. They’d had significant rain during the last week, so much so, that as we arrived at the ground, we parked in the newly opened fishing lake outside the away turnstiles. It’s fair to say, if the game was to be played in that car park, it would have been off for sure.
Admission was a quirky £19.20 in advance, perhaps topped up by an additional charge to pay for electronic tickets. Inside, the pitch looked fine, so much so, that it was watered before kick-off. The 129 travelling Shaymen were given the first two blocks of seating behind the goal adjacent to a dangerous baying mob of young Eastleigh fans. Luckily for us, a couple of high trained stewards held them back from advancing any closer than permitted. One fan was armed with a drum, perhaps a gift from Father Christmas, whilst others looked so fierce, you could tell they were likely skilled exponents of the recorder, or even the glockenspiel in the school choir. Truly terrifying.
Eastleigh started the game well, attacking our end and creating a few chances that narrowly missed the target. On the Shaymen’s first real adventure into the other half, we took the lead and it looked a great goal, but soon after Eastleigh equalised. It was an entertaining half of football. The Richmond Shayman (the posh Richmond in London, not the dodgy one in North Yorkshire) was in attendance, he’d nearly missed our first goal whilst purchasing a couple of lattes but was then absent from his seat when we took the lead again at the far end. He obviously doubted the Shaymen’s attacking ability using the scoreboard to verify our story upon his return.
The second half was again entertaining. With the rain starting to pour, the home side looked lively with lots of possession, and they were gifted a penalty by a very generous referee. We could see from 140 yards away that it was a good tackle. Justice was done when Johnson saved with ease. Town then made it three, this time with the Richmond Shayman in attendance, before the referee awarded another penalty to the home side giving them a goal back. Town should have had a penalty too, soon afterwards, but the referee had already used up his unofficial allowance for the day.
At full time, with the rain relenting, the Shaymen were given a standing ovation appropriate for a well organised, hard-fought victory. Three goals, a penalty save, a comprehensive victory to add to a string of fine results over the last few months. Do Saturdays get any better than this?
Next up and we’re going to go in search of the grumpy Santa at Tamworth in the National League Cup. We’ll be there, the question is, will he?
C’mon Shaymen
Miles on the road: 5304. Goals on the road: 20 Points on our travels 19
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