Just back from the match. It's been a hard, cold day here in the NE and I'm pleased to say that, despite conditions of hardship, Dr Bill, Dougal, Steph & Jon, Softie. Jonno and Screach managed to survive in the face of adversity. Ferschissakes, even Gobbi managed to get thru the snow and put in an appearance.

Despite very difficult conditions, the team did very well, keeping a tight formation, with the rear-guard holding a strong line and keeping the advancing forces at bay. The only danger was a stong surge, just before half time, but our defensive tactics won the day and the queue for the gents was kept under control.

After an hour or so, things were getting desperate but the team held up well, with Softie getting in another round and we eventually kept a clean sheet for the first time in a long while, even tho a slip by Jon almost let things go. But we survived and are ready to go to greater things. Softie, sporting his new David Beckham cut, did a stalwart job, ably backed up by Dr Bill, who was equally tight at the back and fresh from his recent trip to warmer climes (?). Both were helped from midfield, where Steph & Jon snuffed out any threat.

Dougal did her usual excellent job, praising Aaron Hughes to the hilt. Indeed, had he played, he couldn't have done a better job. Jonno departed early (perhaps showing his age???) and was replaced by the local hero from Byker. Gobbi towered above everybody, even when he was standing on the lower step and was a top class substitute for OJ (Owd Jonno).

Even Screach managed to stay awake throughout, getting off the bus at Blyth rather than taking a return trip to Seghill. If he continues this form, he could keep is place next time out, given a strong wind and a bag of chips on the way back.

Commiserations have to be given to PiC who travelled aal the way from Canada to experience Rich in Evergreens gettin' his kit off and ITK doing what only ITK can do. PiC held out, just pipping Jeff from Minnesota who'd surely made the greatest trip for no reward (other than a chance to drink in the Straabeery).

-- Anonymous, February 04, 2001

Answers

BTW - any news on the rearranged date? My guess would be the FAC 5th round day - assuming Soton have been knocked oot.

-- Anonymous, February 04, 2001

Thanks for the report Screach. Pretty accurate by my reckoning although I thought Clarky and Pit Bill were sorely missed. Any news yet on ITK's fitness? The last time I saw him (at Regent's Park) it looked very much as if he might never play again. (So it's not all bad news).

The weather was appalling and this was certainly a day that sorted out the men from the boys. Speaking for myself I'd just as soon have stayed at home and played with my train set.

No matter, it was better than the Chelsea game and my 500 mile round trip was worth it just for the crack in The Strawberry. See you next time.

-- Anonymous, February 04, 2001

Soton are home to Tranmere, and Bobby's taking the lads to La Manga to shoot videos about fire extiguishers. Or something like that.

-- Anonymous, February 04, 2001

Sorry I didn't make it kids. Got as far as Pelaw metro and was informed by other potential spectators that the game was off. Toyed with the idea of turning up for a session anyway, but bowed to the vastly superior ignorance of my darling chaufeuse. Watched Footy Eyetye instead - two cracking goals from Batistuta, carbon copies in fact, game not that good though.

-- Anonymous, February 05, 2001

Excellent match report but only half the story. I arrived in the Strawberry close to tears: not only do I get pathetically excited about watching the lads but I am always broke in Feb, and this year I'm particularly broke and, after paying for the Toon weekend have £45 to last til Feb 21 when I get paid (thank God there are no more home matches til the 24) so I was even more gutted. In this real slough of despond, I tried crossing the road on Strawberry Place, a bus went past and I got covered in puddle from head to foot. My New Year's resolution not to swear went out of the window a bit. Anyway, I arrived and was just about to burst into tears when I saw the gang. Softie did the needful and bought me a pint, Jonno gave me a cuddle and Steph presented me with a a photo of Aaron Hughes that she'd got him to sign for me (It says "To Lynda, Best Wishes, Aaron Hughes" and is a fantastic photo). Oh, how the world warmed up. Screach appeared and bought another pint and it all went uphill from there. Anyway, you lovely lads and lasses. thanks a lot: it was one of the besr days out ever after all that. And respect to the lad with the sexy Northern Irish accent in the pub who'd come over for the day, to the blerk from Minnesota and the four from New York. And to Jonno who'd come from Cambridge.

-- Anonymous, February 05, 2001

>>>got covered in puddle from head to foot<<<

Thank God it was only that. There was this guy in the gents...........no, don't even think of going there Screach

-- Anonymous, February 05, 2001

The guys from New York are on the back page of The Sun this morning with a headline about Loony Toon fans. Apparently one of them came in November as well to see the Liverpool match but he missed it because it was put back for a day for their UEFA commitments. Unlucky or what?

-- Anonymous, February 05, 2001

Bloody hell, you've got me feeling all guilty now for not turning up - sounds like it was a great session.

It was so foul outside that I decided to stay at home in the warmth and play with my two little grandchildren instead of deserting them as planned. Life has its compensations.

-- Anonymous, February 05, 2001

The bairn did the right thing, flogged his ticket to my friend. My mate dosen't want to upset him by asking for his money back and anyway it's already been spent on a bucket load of Merlin footy stickers.

We left at 1.30 and were held up in a huge trafic jam on the coast road. Why oh why oh why do they do roadworks on a sunday when they know there's a football match on. It took 25 minutes to move a mile. When we got off the bus we heard someone say the game was off so we just had a couple of beers in bar Oz and got the metro home. Did I miss anything?

-- Anonymous, February 05, 2001

Excellent Screach. I was sitting quietly in Charlies partaking of the cuisine as is my pre-match routine when I heard the news. Kept quiet and went back for more bait. If only I'd known that in a public house, not far from where I munched.........

-- Anonymous, February 05, 2001