There were two good things about Saturday. Firstly my
football going partner Stewart decided to park a bit closer to the stadium than
usual and secondly his car has heated seats. I’ve never been so cold as that
walk back to the car and those two aspects were the only prompters of cheer.
It doesn’t help that the football produced no moments of
inspiration, excitement, pride or hope frankly. I sat there willing a goal but
in my heart of hearts I just knew it wasn’t going to happen.
I missed the Portsmouth game, that was certainly a moment of
inspiration and I suppose I had expected a bounce back from that reverse with
all the players busting a gut to put on a show and when we heard that
Accrington were travelling over on the day, I think that is a rarity in league
one, and they were delayed on the road I felt genuinely sorry for the handful of
away fans in at kick off and for the away team for that matter running the
stiffness out of their limbs.
I needn’t have bothered as the Accrington following, boosted
considerably when the supporters coach arrived had the last laugh as their
team, let’s say ordinary at best, pounced on a loose ball that Griffiths could
only parry and got the only goal of the game. Were you expecting City to get
back in the game after that? Me neither.
I won’t criticise lack of effort, that was there certainly
but anything else by way of game plan, tactics, passing (don’t start me off)
awareness and general will to win were nowhere to be seen.
I didn’t envy those who had to choose man of the match. I’d
have given it, as the sponsors did, to young Draper. At least he put himself
about. Whether he should have been on the pitch in the latter stages I’d
question as he got a heavy knock, the rough treatment testament, I’d like to
think to his potential.
Stanley used every trick in the book to stay ahead. That’s
as much appreciation as criticism, I’d have hoped City would have done the same
in the circumstance, I’ve certainly seen us do that many a time.
As the game dragged on to I started to think of the fiver I’ve
invested in the cup game. Can’t be as bad as that. Can it?
