“There’s no football this weekend,” boomed a slightly menacing voice in the background as we spoke on the phone, “I’ve just checked the calendar in the kitchen,” they continued with increasing authority. We were just at the point of confirming our rendezvous time then suddenly that was that. Our 24-mile journey over the border was going to be a quiet one. The entire back seat was desolate due to a variety mix ups and misdemeanours. With just Tesco Pete for company, the magic of the FA cup was already in full swing!
With leaden skies and a devilish breeze, the halcyon days of the early season warm football are now just a distant memory. Our visit to darkest Lancashire required for the first time, a big coat, woolly hat, long-johns and winter socks. It was officially the coldest day of the football season so far.
With admission just £15 the travelling Shaymen were allocated only a couple of blocks of seats behind the goal. The first eight rows are almost subterranean, with some fancy-dancy electronic adverting boards making it impossible to see the goal-line unless you are at least 9 feet tall. The remaining ten or so rows were likely to be overwhelmed well before kick-off. They say Lancastrians don’t like to give much away, so we politely reminded the stewards that the rest of the stand was empty and available. It wouldn’t cost them anything to be a little more generous with the space, especially with a decent following on the way.
The game kicked off with over 700 travelling Shaymen in full voice, the drum was beating, and the fans had been allowed to spread out after the stewards relented. It was a good atmosphere and hopes were high. Unfortunately, the first half was a nightmare, we conceded four goals, and it could have been more. Almost everything that Oldham touched appeared to end up in the back of the net. We scored one at the far end, but even that only generated a half-hearted cheer.
A torrent of rain, hail and wind at half time raised hopes, perhaps the game would be abandoned? Now that would be funny for Oldham. Unfortunately, as the players emerged from the deserted old main stand for the second half, the weather relented.
To be fair to the Shaymen, the second half was much better. They came out attack minded, created several near misses before scoring a second mid-way though the half. That goal reignited the travelling Shaymen who encouraged the team at every opportunity. The third goal never came, despite some decent possession, Oldham played out the game, picking up a yellow card for time wasting along the way.
The team were applauded by many in the crowd at full time. It was a better second half and finally a victory for Oldham against us for the first time in years and years. We’ve had plenty of good results against the Latics, the team have surely earned the right for a dodgy day off. Walking back to the car we bumped into someone who must have had a worse day than us. It was the stadium announcer, a familiar voice, his ‘Come on the Latics’ did sound a little half-hearted just before kick-off, and each goal a little less excited than the locals are used to, but then again, he was a Shayman on tour!!!
Next up and it’s back to league action with our first visit to Boston at their new ground. We’re sure to be taking a decent following too. C’mon Shaymen.
Miles on the road: 1980. Goals on the road: 5. Points on the road: 8.
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