It was lashing it down before we left, just like the old days. It was tempting to keep the usual suspects waiting outside, just to give them a bit of a shower, whether they needed it or not. In the end, I couldn’t do it, so I left the house just as they arrived. Rush hour traffic, atrocious road conditions, and a 121-mile journey south. It only feels like we did this a month ago.
We don’t often travel with Whirlwind Jim, but when we do, it’s always entertaining. When he’s not belting out songs from the back seat, he’s usually giving us a comprehensive appraisal of other members of his singing brigade and their abilities. Apparently, although everyone had a great time during the victory at Eastleigh, the drummer was slightly inconsistent with the beat, the Savile Park Shayman keeps singing the wrong words, whilst his accomplice, Big Dale, is as tone deaf as they come. It’s a good job Jim can hold a decent note….
We once again visited the Measham village chippy, surely the best take-way in the midlands. The owner, well past normal retirement age has a sign proudly displayed on his wall, ‘I’m here to serve, until the angels take me away’. He’s obviously a valued member of the community and can certainly serve a decent bucket of chips.
Without segregation, and with admission half the usual entrance fee, we were free to explore the areas of the Lamb ground that we’ve not seen before. There’s a decent club house and fan zone on the far corner of the ground. The special guest of the evening was the FA’s Premier League trophy duplicate used for display purposes, and on the final day of the season if two clubs are in the chance of winning the league. The covered terrace on the far side is narrow with low roof supports covered with foam in case anyone gets too excited. There’s also additional fencing around the back of the dugouts, to reduce the chance of the managers receiving too much advice during the game.
Town kicked down the slope in the first half, and after the first five minutes dominated. It felt like the Shaymen would score at any time. The ball bounced off the Tamworth crossbar, a few shots were blocked at the last moment, but even with our lively new signing, it was goalless at half time.
We counted about 15 travelling Shaymen in a crowd of over 400, the prize for the longest journey must go to the Bournemouth Shayman, that’s some dedication on a very chilly night. We also said hello to Tamworth’s grumpy Santa, he gave us a one word greeting that wasn’t too Rude(olph), and continued his journey.
Tamworth was the team in command in the second half; they kept Town pinned back and took the lead with what looked like a scruffy goal. Town came close to an equaliser after that with the home keeper making a couple of decent saves.
In the end, the home side were victorious, our National League Cup adventure had come to a disappointing end, but we’ve had a good run and can’t win every game. Looking at the other results, any away game in the draw for the next round would have been some serous midweek travel, so we secretly counted our blessings.
Next up, after the home FA Trophy game at the weekend, we’re off to one of our favourite away-day destinations – Aldershot Town. I’m sure the Shaymen faithful will be there in force and hopefully will be singing more in tune this time.
C’mon Shaymen!
Miles on the road: 5546. Goals on the road: 20 Points on our travels 19
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