‘Have a good trip, safe travels,’ popped up a kind message from the Kettering Shayman. I was reviewing our options, awaiting the arrival of the usual suspects. The M1 was closed, the travel advice was to ‘avoid Lancashire’, something we all try to do anyway, but with the M62 closed for the weekend, we had limited options. Our planned 213-mile journey South was suddenly turning into a proper grand day out.
There must have been 40 roundabouts as we left the A1 on the A43 between Stamford and breakfast in Northampton, some posh villages along the way too. We tried calling for a brew at the home of the Kettering Shayman as we passed by, but although Tesco Pete thought he saw the upstairs curtain twitch, nobody answered the door. The Greetland Shayman spotted the kitchen telly was on too, as he peered through the letterbox. They must have been out walking the dog, he did one say call in anytime you’re passing…
Following a decent breakfast, we continued our winding journey across the country towards Oxford. More roundabouts, more roadworks and one of those works vans parked up that looked suspiciously like workmen until you’re close, perhaps an omen, three points on the road? We’ll have to see if the letter of congratulations arrives…
We’re always assured of a warm welcome at Maidenhead, and without segregation we chatted to the locals about their recent transfer windfall. They will receive staggered payments over the next four years, perhaps to assist with upgrades to their York Road ground. They now seem likely to stay, maintaining York Road’s record as the world’s oldest continuously used ground. The ground is full of character situated alongside the main railway line to the centre of London. They told us how good our chances were, they’d not been playing well so far, but in contrast we’ve not scored many goals there either.
The Shaymen kicked uphill in the first half, with around 100 travelling Shaymen cheering the team on. The home team hit the post in the opening minutes, refreshing memories of a 3-0 half time deficit around eight years ago. This time the Shaymen stood firm playing out a goalless first half without too much more drama at either end of the pitch.
It was a warm and humid afternoon and when we changed ends at half time, the sun created a haze as we peered up the pitch towards the famous large letters of the team’s name etched behind the far goal. There always seems to be a good advantage playing down the slope, what was an even first half now turned into a more dominant second half for the Shaymen. We knew Hoti had scored from the moment it left his boot, the ball was directly in line with our view, just inside the post. The keeper had no chance as it flew in just an inch above the grass. It was the first goal we’d witnessed at that end of the ground in several visits. Maidenhead replied with a goal ruled offside by a diligent linesman.
The team held firm to seal a well-deserved win, the travelling Shaymen appreciated the efforts with well earned applause at full time. It continues an impressive unbeaten start on the road with an average of two points a game and only one goal conceded.
Driving back and our grand day out continued with the most impressive thunderstorm and rain we’ve encountered. It was like rain you see on the movies, the flashes of lightning occurring every 30 seconds. The motorway was like a lake in places. All very exciting.
Next up and it’s a quick turn around for a midweek visit to Braintree. Hopefully another three points, but not any additional ones on the road this time too!
Miles on the road: 1518. Goals on the road: 3 Points on the road: 8
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