Mixed fortunes on the road this last week or so, big disappointment up at Team North the other night in the proverbial six pointer, followed by a very good point down at Synners on Saturday, featuring that rare pleasure, a goal from the off without the other side touching the ball. First man in action for Synners being the keeper picking it out of the net. I would have liked to see that one. And stalwart work thereafter I hear. Team North a less happy occasion I'm told. I'm no expert, as many people will tell you, but it seems to me that our bold young boys usually have only one way of playing, gung-ho from the off, and never mind cagey ten man defending. Or even three or four man. Good stuff most of the time, and I'm all for it, leads to great nail biting wins like the 4-3 at Consett, but sometimes you could wish for something a bit more Italian in the defending stakes; like when you are 1-0 up at relegation rivals for example? Still best to encourage youthful adventure. Never mind, on we go, going to be an interesting last few weeks, bring it on I say. Down to the wire and good nerves vital. I remain confident.
And a passing reference to the big boys. The loyal hordes descended on London in hope and trepidation. And first time for many of them. I'm writing before the game of course, but it wouldn't surprise me if Sunderland got everyone all excited by taking the lead and holding it to half time, missing a golden chance to go two up, then succumbing in the second half to City's millionaires. Probably finish 3-1 I reckon. Call me Mystic Meg. Still a good, if expensive, weekend away. And London does have some great pubs, just mostly hidden down back alleys, not in the hotspots. And, when everyone is skint, be just like that lot to get there again this season; and lose again. An expensive business. A piece of pie and a pint at Meadow Park looks like a better bet to me lads...