When I was a young man and newly married I worked in Newcastle Upon Tyne. In every pub after 10 on a Friday night they would all sing their favourite song, which starts off: “Howay the lads, you should have seen us gannin’”. Perhaps we should adopt it as our club anthem, having been drawn away for the fourth successive time in the EDF Energy National Trophy!
Not to worry, another challenging game will help to keep us focussed during what will be a tremendous month ahead. We respect everybody, but fear none.
March presents us with the opportunity to have a final push on all fronts. Five league games, starting with today’s match against Rotherham, swiftly followed by another match here at the Gardens on Tuesday night against Launceston. A quick trip to Birmingham for game number three followed by two home games in succession against Exeter and Nottingham. If we win all these games promotion will be assured.
I for one can then sleep easier in my bed! In between these five key games is the little matter of a cup semi-final at Plymouth. So if the gods are kind to us promotion will be assured as well as a cup final at Twickenham. On the other hand……….
One thing that is certain is that it’s going to be an expensive time for our loyal supporters. However the team needs you help more than ever during this coming month. Please try your best to be there.
Now, a few welcomes. Firstly to Rotherham, their team and all of their staff and supporters. Over the years we have had some great games against each other. Currently they are having a poor season by their standards and they are 67 points behind us in the league. Having said that, Newbury are 65 points behind us and we all know what happened at that game, don’t we?!
I know Jim and all of our players will be treating Rotherham with one hundred percent respect and if we are going to keep our unbeaten record we will have to do all the hard yards today.
The other surprise guests at this afternoon’s game are no strangers to Franklin’s Gardens. Chris White, the referee, and Ed Morrison, the ref’s assessor. It’s good to see you in National League One chaps! Dorian has made the odd remark about referees this year. I’m sure he won’t have any reason to criticize this afternoon, and if he does I hope he keeps it to himself.
Finally, please come along on Tuesday night for the Launceston game. After spending a small fortune they laid on everything to welcome us to Cornwall – the marquees, catering and extra ground staff, only to be thwarted by the weather. Please be there. It is also a vital league game. It’s our game in hand and we desperately need to win it and move further clear of Exeter.
So, a busy and expensive month – and hopefully a happy one.
