Made the short trip to Blidworth to see the Welfare lads take on Real United. The game was far from being a classic, but it was interesting, to say the least!
When we talked to Jamie Senior before kick off, he informed us that 4-5 of the regular starters were absent due to Boxing Day over-indulgences! To see long term Blidworth stalwart, keeper Jason Fisher starting up front with Senior was rather strange, but at least Fisher was on the team sheet - which can't be said about the United no. 8!
This unlucky chap was booked by the Ref after just 15 minutes or so, but because his name wasn't on the team sheet he was told to leave the field of play! Who takes the yellow card, and will pay the fine is a total mystery to me, but I'm sure the League and the F.A. will have come across this before -me and Kev certainly haven't! A few minutes later, the offending player was handed a triple whammy when he was asked to leave the dugout - he had no right being there is he wasn't on the team sheet!
Referee Mr. Gilvarry got that right, but some of his decisions throughout the game left us scratching our heads and wondering if he came from somewhere that contact wasn't permitted! Every tackle, every attempted tackle was deemed to be a foul - although having said that, in the 29th minute he did get the decision for the opening goal right. Welfare keeper Paul Stanhope went to punch a ball in from the left, but took an attacker out, punching the back of his head and not the ball! Penalty, every day.....
Dalton Stephens confidently put the spot kick to Stanhope's right as he dived the other way. H-T 0-1
From the restart, Craig Gould almost levelled for the Welfare, but could only find the side netting after making a great run down the left. Stanhope did well to save from the United no. 11 seconds later, then the visiting no. 5 headed just over from a corner.
Half way through the second period, Stanhope shouted "Malc, what are you doing still coming to watch this?" My reply was that I couldn't offer a reason - and after several minutes I still couldn't think of a reason!!! The old "it gets you out of the house" standard reply was my only feeble offering!!!
Some comical attempts at goal by the Real forwards meant that the score stayed at one-nil right up until the 85th minute, when a scorching drive from their no. 10 shirt flew past Stanhope, who dived to his left to try and save, but in reality had no chance of getting anywhere near the ball. F-T 0-2
As we left the ground, Welfare treasurer Scott Ward wished me all the best.....and make no mistake, we will be back at the Welfare . Despite the poor standard today, this is still one of our favourite venues ... don't ask me why, I don't know!!
As we left the ground, Welfare treasurer Scott Ward wished me all the best.....and make no mistake, we will be back at the Welfare . Despite the poor standard today, this is still one of our favourite venues ... don't ask me why, I don't know!!
Admission £3
Programme £1 ( no charge though - thanks Mr. Gate Man)
Attendance - H/C 26
