As if by magic, it’s suddenly the final league game of the season, it only feels like a few weeks ago that I was sprinkling sugar on my chips on a warm Autumn evening in Dagenham during our first adventure. Now, ten fine wins and eight draws later, I was once again heading 209-miles south for the final trip accompanied by the entertaining Tesco Pete and the Stainland Bus Driver. What Tesco Pete lacks in conversational sparkle, is more than made up for by the massive mag of goodies that the Stainland Bus Driver always brings. There’s even a dodgy old pub quiz in the bottom of her bag too. Wealdstone here we come!
Boris Johnson, Brian Potter, Kim Jong Un and Wonder Woman. The final game of the season always brings out the best in the Second-Best Shayman in Ripponden. He’s known for his annual one-man fancy dress competition. His usual travelling companions are never invited to take part, as he explains “They wear fancy dress for every other game of the season, have you seen the cast of Shameless, why shouldn’t I get a turn?” In fairness, he makes a good point. Strolling through the turnstiles, just before kick-off he appeared dressed as the 1977 New Faces winner – Roger De Courcey and his famous Nookie Bear.
There was a relaxed jovial atmosphere amongst the 200 or so travelling Shaymen in the away end. Many on the coach also appeared in far more recognisable fancy dress accompanied by the drum. Fans had travelled from near and far to get behind the side, the Oslo Shaymen had flown in, and the usual dependable Shaymen Down South were out in force. Whirlwind Jim with his merry brigade completed their quest of attending every game, and Denzil was there with his pocket guide to football management. The Toronto Shaymen, John and Jill were tuning in too, it’s fair to say there was support from around the world.
As the rain showers relented, the game started, with the Shaymen kicking toward us at the top of the ground. Wealdstone needed a win just to give themselves a chance of avoiding relegation. The rest of the ground was packed; it was do or die for the home side.
At half-time the Shaymen were three goals down to an adventurous Wealdstone team, each time they attacked they seemed to score. It didn’t stop the beat of our drum though; fans recognised the hard work of the season that had resulted in the play-offs being assured. With multiple changes at half time, the team came out for a far more cohesive second half. Town pulled a goal back with an outrageous attempt from Luca Thomas way inside our half. The ball sailed high beyond the outstretched keeper’s jump into the back of the net. It was a quality strike as he noticed the keeper off his line.
The full-time result didn’t really matter as the players and management were applauded at the final whistle. They have earned a place in the play-offs with some excellent away performances throughout the season and richly deserve the credit for doing so. Wealdstone had their moments too, results elsewhere ensured their survival, they are a decent community club who do their best to welcome away fans. Congratulations to them.
Next up and we’re off to Oldham in the play-offs. It’s going to be one of those nights where everyone will travel, the ground will be rocking, the players will give their all. We can’t guarantee progression, but it won’t be due to a lack of atmosphere or endeavour on the pitch. The team have once again done us proud. Let’s get there, make some noise and see was what happens.
C’mon Shaymen!
Miles on the road: 7604. Goals on the road: 33. Points on the road: 38.
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