tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5830401031241439892024-02-07T02:52:04.429+00:00Ormering Independently Guernsey FCOrmeringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04469561256911864263noreply@blogger.comBlogger136125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-583040103124143989.post-23208194059950749332020-04-24T10:52:00.000+01:002020-04-24T10:52:34.907+01:00A sausage, a wrap and a mild mannered janitor.<br>
With the trials and tribulations of last season fast receding and o the back of three impressive displays, unbeaten against teams expected to challenge through the season, tails were up ahead of our trip to Ashford.<br>
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Then the squad was announced or rather, by order of the management, it wasn't as Tony Vance didn't want to let the cat out of the bag that there were certain names missing that could well have helped the home side's planning had they been known in advance. To be honest, when we found out some of the names that would be involved on the train down, we weren't expecting the unbeaten run to survive the evening....<br>
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Proceedings in Ashford town centre got off to an inauspicious bordering on shambolic start but the ground, which is 'in the middle of nowhere' was reached 10 minutes before kick off. The chips were poor the sausage was limp and the cold cider was a wise choice outside on a less than balmy night.<br>
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Ashford had most of the possession but we did more with ball. The early stages suggested it might be night of huff and puff for Ross Allen, ploughing a lonely farrow up front before support started to appear down the flanks and then in the surprising form of Simon Geall inches from the goal line and almost getting his foot on the end of a cross. Then it happened, Gus Mackay picked up a loose ball in midfield and fed it through for Rocco, with much still to do, to finish with aplomb and in timelapse to boot:<br>
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Then it happened again, this time good work from Tom Jackson on the left and another tidy finish from Rocco:<br>
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The half drew to a close with the first signs of mist in the far corner of the ground as Nic and Nige, the Blazer Twins, skipped off to the board room for a half time sausage party. A very tasty nibble by all accounts.<br><br>
The second half saw the mist roll in and another stunning strike from Charlton Gauvain, who has grown in stature of late and is really looking like the player his early promise suggested he could be.<div><br>
Ashford's players appeared convinced something akin to the Hound of the Baskervilles was lurking in the gloom but it was worse than that for them. For it was Gus Mackay rolling back the years and savaging them, the howling was just proof he was enjoying himself.<br>
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One of them managed to get away......</div>
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This was a fine performance from a team, or should I say a squad, that is growing in confidence and there is currently nothing to suggest that they shouldn't be. Man of the match would have been a difficult decision but particular mention to Messrs Geall and Mackay who were both tremendous and Tom Jackson who went through quite some transformation between the train station and the pitch (think Hong Kong Phooey). </div>
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Tomorrow it's Hythe at the ARS which on paper is clearly winnable and if we perform anywhere near Tuesday's standard they will have a difficult job in taking anything back to Kent. But we should never assume. If you've been dithering over subscribing to GFCTV it's currently good value with all those home games to come and improvements have been made. I find it best watching in a wrap. </div>
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Cheerie </div>
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<br></div>Ormeringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04469561256911864263noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-583040103124143989.post-67897758473491761182019-10-18T19:25:00.001+01:002019-10-19T00:02:31.559+01:00Barkin''You're barkin' useless ref' was, I'm fairly certain, the shout I heard on several occasions last Saturday afternoon.<br>
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On a day so grim it reminded me of the old 'what's grey and smells of curry' joke, we headed off to the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham in reasonable spirit. The area has a bit of a brexity feel to it with the litter strewn streets seemingly home to large numbers of London cabbies. Mayesbrook Park itself is rather nice, even in the rain, and is worth the short rain ride out for a picnic or whatever takes your fancy.<br>
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At one end of the park, nestled behind an impressive looking leisure facility you find the home of Barking FC. In saying it is one of the very few places to make Raynes Park Vale's place look like Wembley Stadium I'm being kind but at least they know how to deal with disreputable 70's celebrities.<br>
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The home team had a plan which they executed well and we struggled to get into gear for much of the match. That said we did leave with a bitter taste due to a couple of black clad villains. You will have seen various videos of the second half goal that wasn't, after which the lino made it clear he didn't understand the bit about a ball being played backwards. In the first half standing behind the goal at the posh end of the ground we were convinced we should have had a penalty. The referee was poorly positioned, bearing mind the linesman was over on the side the corner was taken from. Make your own mind up:<br>
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All disappointment was soon forgotten after the game when we we treated to some of the latest continental fashion tips from Carlos Canha. <br>
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Enough of the past, back to the seaside tomorrow and Herne Bay which, if you've never been before, is always a good day out.<br>
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Kick off is at 2 but get down early and enjoy the seafront, it might not even be raining.<br>
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Cheerie!<br>
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(It's John Major btw).<br>
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<br>Ormeringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04469561256911864263noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-583040103124143989.post-63474474537246732092019-10-11T18:43:00.003+01:002019-10-13T10:55:35.040+01:00Catch upTime for a long overdue catch up and, although the bar was set on the low side, what times we've been having.<br>
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September started in glorious fashion with a trip to Ramsgate and the sort of day you never want to end. The weather was that good you'd have been forgiven for thinking we were up the road from Malaga never mind Margate. On getting to the ground a little later it became clear, from looking at the pitch, that the sun had been shining non-stop for months.<br>
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Despite the dubious surface the game was a scorcher and, as far as I know for the first time, I even managed to film a couple of goals. First up Rocco....<br>
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Then Tobin, F with superbly timed effing encouragement from every dog's favourite Nutty snack.<br>
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Next up Haywards Heath, where the approach to the ground makes you think you're about to enter one of non league football's great arenas. Reality dawns as soon as you're through the turnstile however so for a change I can get away with just one photo of the ground. The other three sides are 98% nothing.<br>
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I think we played OK and were good value for the draw, lovely touch by Fazackerley for the goal. There was the usual array of dodgy decisions (all against us of course!) but for once the officials could be excused as the floodlights were not the brightest. Either that or the home side's commercial team (a certain Mr Dewsnip) hadn't yet earned enough to properly feed the meter). So 1 goal each, a few flailing handbags at the end and to top it all a new friendship was forged (althouygh the one on the left looks understandably nervous).<br>
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Missed Sittingbourne as I was on my way to the beach but the pilot interrupted my G&T to tell me that Seb Skillen had once again stepped up and delivered on behalf of the glabrous among us.<br>
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Tomorrow we're to Barking. Be aware that there are no District or Hammersmith & City Line trains out of central London. Central Line is running but you'll be relying on Colin staying awake and remembering to open the doors. Good luck with that. The other thing to note is that the area near the ground appears to be almost as dry as Ramsgate's pitch so you might want to take refreshment in the City beforehand.<br>
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Cheerie!Ormeringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04469561256911864263noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-583040103124143989.post-46546725105806089202019-08-30T18:23:00.000+01:002019-08-30T18:23:06.738+01:00The Other Side of SwindonPlaying on what has become the rubber crumb at Church Road Whyteleafe might not be the best experience and certainly wouldn't have been helped by a temperature well into the thirties. The home side was well organised and, not for the first time, better than us virtually everywhere on the pitch so it didn't take long to realise the afternoon was going to feel longer than usual.<br />
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On a day when the goals really didn't need gift wrapping that's just what we did, for three of them anyway but, oh, how different might it have been if that flag hadn't been raised for on/offside? A 4-2 defeat probably.<br />
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Phoenix Sports tomorrow. Try not to dwell on our record there for too long and don't get your hopes up by looking at their current form and you never know, you might be pleasantly surprised. With Gus Mackay returning to the squad from the other side of Swindon there's a chance of winning a few quid in the 'first card sweepstake', just remember to choose a low number. It's been a while since we last saw Gus so, in case you're forgotten what he looks like, here's a handy before and after photograph.<br />
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If you're going by train the nearest station is Barnehurst but Crayford is a useful alternative. Trains run from Cannon Street, Charing Cross and Victoria. Could be a few more than usual around Charing Cross due to a demonstration against a lying charlatan and his vulture capitalist chums (you know, the ones that already profit hugely from selling the country short).<br />
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Whilst I accept you may have a slightly different view all of us should just spare a moment to think how different it could have been if Stanley had done the decent thing and spaffed up that Manhattan wall in the Autumn of '63.<br />
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See you tomorrow....<br />
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Ormeringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04469561256911864263noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-583040103124143989.post-71559681615966274422019-08-24T17:59:00.001+01:002019-08-24T18:08:02.399+01:00Where There's a Will.....The trip to East Grinstead was almost as expected. No matter your angle of approach by road or rail the pace was pitifully slow. You'd be forgiven for thinking whoever pulls the transport strings is trying not to spook the locals who, as we all know, are still struggling to come to terms with the recent arrival of the twentieth century.<br />
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An encouraging start to refreshments at the Open Arms, courtesy of Stowford Press, came to a sudden end through ale warmer than Betty Swollocks in a heatwave. So warm in fact that even young Gazois was keen to get to a normal pub for some Euro fizz before we made our way through near empty streets to East Court.<br />
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Suspicions that many of the town's inhabitants were safely behind locked doors, wary of strangers arriving on a metal bird, were hardly discouraged by fewer than 100 of them turning out on a lovely evening in what is actually quite a nice setting for a football match.<br />
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Service in the bar and refreshment kiosk were not the quickest, but thoroughly charming none the less, and club officials and management displayed a good level of awareness of the visiting supporters' sensitivities. Blazers were left in the boardroom where they belong, Ps and Qs were minded by the coaching team and we were angelic as usual.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirz8diG49UOUKebwND0ieHxGLsDhYuX9vtPVM105nB6t6ZaZNXEi3y42f2rqRmYS1kpemttC985UwU6cv5vRkVKOUTwi7E4Kj00gS1WElU7NvId43cVzEyfUcw8al43pVU40SveMbbB8XS/s1600/P8200218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirz8diG49UOUKebwND0ieHxGLsDhYuX9vtPVM105nB6t6ZaZNXEi3y42f2rqRmYS1kpemttC985UwU6cv5vRkVKOUTwi7E4Kj00gS1WElU7NvId43cVzEyfUcw8al43pVU40SveMbbB8XS/s320/P8200218.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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And so to matters on the pitch.<br />
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Last season many of us were critical of aspects of Will Fazackerley's play, namely the seeming lack of willingness to move along the most appropriate horizontal or vertical plane during key passages of play. After a very good showing against Faversham he stole the show on Tuesday night with two exquisite finishes. For his first, Will faced a dilemma. Eager to answer his critics but faced with a long run he went for a worldie and it was a very good decision. I actually preferred his second which came scorching through the gloom and left us virtually speechless behind the goal.<br />
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Between them a sublime finish from Ross Allen and a couple of goals for the hosts which I think underline the team's 'pre-season', in so far as you'd like to think 8 or 9 friendlies would help the understanding and connection between midfield and defence. Too far away to see what the fracas at the end was all about but obviously all down to the home side.<br />
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Guernsey FC TV has spliced together Faz's four goals so far and you've probably already seen this via the club's social media. Here it is with the commentary replaced by something that will resonate with about 2 of you. Apologies to Ollie for the blatant thievery, you can subscribe to GFCTV via the club's website.<br />
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On Monday we're to Whyteleafe where our visit last year saw us storm (briefly) to the top of the league before setting the tone for much of the season to come. It's a ground that holds more than a few memories for us, usually a good day out and, if you know where to go beforehand, free brunch is available up the road.<br />
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See you there.<br />
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<br />Ormeringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04469561256911864263noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-583040103124143989.post-48578299159389542212019-08-19T18:56:00.003+01:002019-08-19T20:06:46.942+01:00Language TimothyThe trip to Faversham was, by and large, a good one. Weather was a step up from what we've seen so far this month, plenty going on in the town and the trains were on time. <div><br></div><div>Off the field Nic Legg owned up to being responsible for the club's social media posts but couldn't explain what the Harry Tobin announcement was supposed to be about. Fair play to him for undertaking to bring us some of whatever he was on at the time the next time he's over.<br>
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On the field some good football was played in spells but the lack of a pre-season schedule was apparent for all to see and it will take a few games before anyone can think about predictions for the season. To come back from 3-1 down showed character though and Robbie Legg put the penalty away with some aplomb.<br>
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The elbow at the end was courtesy of Nutty by the way.<br>
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A good level of camaraderie was evident on and off the pitch and players took our numerous comments about their weight, inability to jump and inability to hit a cow's arse with a banjo in the spirit they were intended. I think.<br>
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Tomorrow we're to East Grinstead and, unlike Faversham, this is a town with little to commend it. There is however a micropub, a proper pub and a chippy between the station and the football ground which, between them, may provide some relief from the otherwise pervading torper that will be your lingering memory of the place.<br>
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When you get to East Court be aware that the blazered club officials have previously appeared keen to kick people out for uttering words and phrases that may possibly have caused mild offence in a Victorian nunnery but have been commence parlance for decades. All whilst being seemingly oblivious to the impressive torrent of expletives coming from their players and coaches. The other thing to be aware of is the walkway from the pitch to the dressing rooms, if you're in a hurry to get away don't be behind the goal when the final whistle goes.<br>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTHm265QyNDCeMUgumz4oFd302uIZofLG3JFwLHDyfd6LbgZMWXq1WftHh-3-sN1qVI9Sdb8D5dHd0ooDHiQgYb1LI3AU3_SPUiyGtZ96TIaX0Z1PBTsDx-1FnHUp8LgbwEYFgTs9pcjlN/s1600/P8170196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTHm265QyNDCeMUgumz4oFd302uIZofLG3JFwLHDyfd6LbgZMWXq1WftHh-3-sN1qVI9Sdb8D5dHd0ooDHiQgYb1LI3AU3_SPUiyGtZ96TIaX0Z1PBTsDx-1FnHUp8LgbwEYFgTs9pcjlN/s200/P8170196.JPG" width="200"></a><br>
Finally, someone requested a photo of some senior citizens enjoying a cup of tea. No idea why but I hope this will do Neale, its all I have and at least it's a step up from trying to sneak in to the Small Field in disguise to watch Crapauds.<br>
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</div>Ormeringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04469561256911864263noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-583040103124143989.post-77525138348914302762019-08-16T19:55:00.003+01:002019-08-16T19:55:53.604+01:00You Fill Up My Senses.....<br />
With less than 24 hours or, as some of the more disturbing among us would say, one more sleep until our latest joint creaking journey through the fleshpots of Kent and Sussex begins what have we got to look forward to?<br />
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Tony Vance's ever present happy demeanour, referees turning a blind eye to blatant cheating and an end of season trip to Hastings are a few things that spring to mind. Add to that an opportunity for skinny dipping in Ramsgate and the admittedly slim chance of pissed up Septuagenarians (aka the Garenne Baby Squad) smashing up Le Lion Vert following a mid week thrashing at East Grinstead, the season is unlikely to be dull.<br />
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Ross Allen's return was undoubtedly the biggest news of the Summer. Although he's been playing his football in a part of the world where Centrals would be regular contenders there's a reasonable expectation that he'll pick up where he left off. The reaction of some his team mates could be interesting - more jumping anyone?<br />
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Today's news of Tobin and Strawbridge probably hasn't had the same showbiz impact on some but a defence comprised of, er, defenders in front of Stanton could be the key to a change in our fortunes, particularly if it means Dodds can sit in front of them, pulling a few strings and occasionally but gracefully booting the opposition.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcWIPVZQiCjLBHyTDzO-st6jWyYBTQM-5wruk_E1Ksu3xGJ0AVyBl-SpVJ89bUAjx6DiHfu27a_lq3uHNYksb01ZVdygEB96CNJyDEcevZWoH9weQrdU-Jf_WLRYbx2__IPzccGRBVoDl6/s1600/PB030012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcWIPVZQiCjLBHyTDzO-st6jWyYBTQM-5wruk_E1Ksu3xGJ0AVyBl-SpVJ89bUAjx6DiHfu27a_lq3uHNYksb01ZVdygEB96CNJyDEcevZWoH9weQrdU-Jf_WLRYbx2__IPzccGRBVoDl6/s200/PB030012.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
Faversham tomorrow, one of the best trips and certainly a good one to start with. Lovely little town with a bit of a Dickensian feel to it and worth getting down there early as they say there are one or two hostelries to enjoy.<br />
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Come on my Green Lions, come thrill me again.<br />
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<br />Ormeringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04469561256911864263noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-583040103124143989.post-29202819961581651862018-09-22T18:39:00.001+01:002018-09-23T11:38:36.349+01:00Of Stench and BullsLast week's match against Greenwich Borough meant a trip to Eltham. Once regarded as a magnet for liberal thinking multicultural types it has changed a bit over the years and diversity, one of the things that makes London a great city, is the order of the day. Yes, as you walk along Eltham High Street there's a faint whiff of UKIP in the air and sometimes that whiff becomes a stench as you come within range of one of 'Tommy Robinson's' embittered followers. A stench you may be familiar with if you've visited a town on the South Coast recently.<div><br></div><div>On to the ground and Greenwich Borough FC, where things have changed a bit over the summer.</div><div><br></div><div>Firstly the funny money's gone. Yes, the lucre derived from marine insurance in landlocked Liechtenstein is no more and the club is in different hands. Nearly everyone involved on matchday appears to be learning on the job, from froth control to counting heads there's plenty of room for development. Spirit's good though and the smiles are genuine.</div><div><br></div><div>I say nearly everyone as someone there appears to have some good connections. The team has a lot of lads from professional club academies, drawn from across London and beyond and whilst they looked like a team of strangers at first they were good value for the win, controversial moments not withstanding.</div><div><br></div><div>One to forget for us, it's now about Sittingbourne at home this afternoon which is winnable which, incidentally, is what we thought before the last match....</div><div><br></div><div>So, Jersey Bulls FC could be joining us in the pyramid next season. Something that should have happened years ago and just a little good luck to them. The name is a nod to the Crapauds dairy industry, which explains why their milk tastes a bit funny. They hope to play at Springfield which doesn't currently meet Step 5 ground grading requirements. They have support in the States though so if that means permission can be obtained to enclose the ground and the cage can be removed it can only be a good thing.</div><div><br></div><div>To close, some images which capture the febrile atmosphere last weekend.<br>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcPfY13AtXIdZrPRsugRNbrbuOIIKS0b311ecoA_TWUGH_nv1nMSJww4gJ3LDa2Iz9ck-ucbKTe3wm5SD0x5Hcr2F9v_KwRYMC1yVgPoijYMt4UPR4rf5wheoSGkZLabWbFjPkL3gF29yh/s1600/P9150509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcPfY13AtXIdZrPRsugRNbrbuOIIKS0b311ecoA_TWUGH_nv1nMSJww4gJ3LDa2Iz9ck-ucbKTe3wm5SD0x5Hcr2F9v_KwRYMC1yVgPoijYMt4UPR4rf5wheoSGkZLabWbFjPkL3gF29yh/s320/P9150509.JPG" width="320"></a></div>
<br></div>Ormeringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04469561256911864263noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-583040103124143989.post-9768910563056146062018-08-29T19:31:00.001+01:002018-08-29T19:37:32.627+01:003-5-2<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR73PqzIXg4pe81gxGzOqqhWXrbo2SW2aWoesjfF-m3U3iCwpX56xxdwE7rJuEgbN9vs6XQJyACyL_Jt7ew3__VErzq_GVt20Ww_NQK-c10BswKoQSJABc9PEgFPNO1yaRzlUtzRb6kuL9/s1600/P8270496a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR73PqzIXg4pe81gxGzOqqhWXrbo2SW2aWoesjfF-m3U3iCwpX56xxdwE7rJuEgbN9vs6XQJyACyL_Jt7ew3__VErzq_GVt20Ww_NQK-c10BswKoQSJABc9PEgFPNO1yaRzlUtzRb6kuL9/s200/P8270496a.jpg" width="200" /></a><b>Three</b> Bridges Jubilee Field ground hasn't changed since our last visit, other than they've shortened the pitch. A couple of small stands for the elderly and infirm, with hard standing behind each goal which again, if Monday is anything to go by, appears to be largely for the elderly and infirm. Good sized clubhouse in the same block as the teabar and dressing rooms with hard standing in front that seems to attract the bulk of the crowd.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh81x4QG2Or2e_leHIFH__j3lGpwtWHNEA5Z84zpyqf_WPsL98QQEj89VBiEgHIEZ75TFpjqlDy6s3i8a0YJoohIbhrUlTjJG_sYKCg7pYsTBEda23g-aXbyuP8ECRv7G1_xdPMhGsQiEAK/s1600/P8270492a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh81x4QG2Or2e_leHIFH__j3lGpwtWHNEA5Z84zpyqf_WPsL98QQEj89VBiEgHIEZ75TFpjqlDy6s3i8a0YJoohIbhrUlTjJG_sYKCg7pYsTBEda23g-aXbyuP8ECRv7G1_xdPMhGsQiEAK/s200/P8270492a.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<b>Five </b>goals for us to celebrate amid scenes that I think it's safe to say nobody was expecting before the game. OK, the opposition on the day wasn't up to much but don't take my word for it, this is how their online match report puts it: "<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">What can only be described as an absolute disaster for Bridges, who looked poor all over the pitch. ............</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">There were a couple of half chances for </span>Omar Folkes<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> in the closing stages, but this was an embarrassing performance by Bridges in front of a decent sized crowd."</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">But enough of them, there was much to savour about the Guernsey performance. After one or two nervous touches in the opening few minutes everybody settled down and we looked comfortable in all departments. Gauvain, particularly, and Mahon bossed the midfield and Doddie marshalled the, yet again, reshuffled defence. Stanton did what he had to do. All in all, they provided a sound platform for the main event.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">Before the game we were wondering where the goals were going to come from but it soon became apparent. Lots of movement from Fazakerley and Smith, their joint performance suggested a partnership in the making. Add to that the more than able support of Messrs Rihoy and Loaring and the result was a torrid afternoon for the Three Bridges defence. Then Carlos Canha</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> came on to create a scene of his own, only to receive a bang on the head shortly afterwards and sitting out the last 10 minutes or so on the sound advice of the physio. Nobody realised we only had 10 on the pitch towards the end, which probably explains Omar's two half chances.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">A word on Kyle Smith. He's looked like Bambi on ice at times, clearly able but seemingly lacking in confidence at this level. He had it in spades on Monday though, even throwing in a few step overs and, in the second half, selflessly setting up Will Fazakerley for his 'easy' six yard tap in. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">So a performance to take a lot of heart from and a fine three points to get off the mark, you can see all the goals here: </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNzfpS6P-hE" style="font-family: roboto, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNzfpS6P-hE</a><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: roboto, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Finally....</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><b>Two </b>dogs, Hogan and Guinness.....</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span>Ormeringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04469561256911864263noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-583040103124143989.post-26506227400100322462018-08-26T20:10:00.001+01:002018-08-26T21:38:00.958+01:00Three Bridges <p dir="ltr">Encouraging news ahead of our trip to Three Bridges in that we have a squad of 16 travelling. A bit of a rarity these days and with Coach Pad also onboard there can surely only be one outcome, we'll find out what around ten to five tomorrow.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Sad to see that Alex le Prevost will no longer be moving at pace across the greensward of the Isthmian League. Entirely understandable given the cards he's been dealt on the injury side over the seasons. Does leave a question as to what to do with the  Tequila though.</p>
<p dir="ltr">In other news, a newly launched window cleaning business is sponsoring a player of the month award, dubbed the Callum Stanton Trophy apparently.</p>
<p dir="ltr">If you're going to the match tomorrow a reminder, in case you've forgotten, that Three Bridges (the area) doesn't have much going for it. So we'll be getting off at Crawley to visit the White Hart and the Brewery Shades. Should be in the White Hart around 11.30 with the choir master in attendance. If time allows we might make the Snooty Fox, opposite Three Bridges station, before heading to the ground. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Anyone flying over for the day needs to be aware that there'll be about 30 minutes walking involved.</p>
Ormeringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04469561256911864263noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-583040103124143989.post-90678965891402603062018-08-20T19:23:00.000+01:002018-08-20T21:40:49.312+01:00Hard Road<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As we trundled towards Whyteleafe, via Caterham on the Hill, the talk was of how many. How many pints would be consumed given it was another glorious hot and sunny day and it's sensible to pace oneself in such conditions. Also how many would we lose by; no outcome other than a defeat seemed on the cards following the manager's promise of a brave new style which would guarantee us conceding goals. It could however "give us a little bit of a niche, certainly against certain teams in certain games" (not to mention the lack of a full pre-season schedule).<br>
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No, I haven't a clue what he means either and I had to make a quickish getaway after the game so didn't have the opportunity to find out. I will certainly endeavour to do so at Three Bridges.<br>
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The King and Queen at Caterham on the Hill was a good call by Caterham Steve and the notion of pacing was soon abandoned. By the time we reached Church Road positivity, and more, was coursing through our veins and after Will Fazackerley's rather good goal we had 10 minutes or so to enjoy being top of the league. Even going in at one each we remained upbeat.<br>
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Unfortunately the team forgot to come out for the second half, possibly something to do with that 'orrible purple kit they're forced to endure when there used to be a perfectly acceptable sky blue option available (with a nod to Guernsey's football history to boot).<br>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0D0Ktev_03Oq9Mcr25fGlY4kqFxqOat4DFb6X6cr6L95EChYtiZ43zoELjSTPNnN6ou1tyDQFHHayZ7hELI4Hh4TqOofQIvqz91tDR-lxXaHe6y5CvXm3siPmCPPW2iKSbIErpWwAl3Dh/h120/Whyteleafe+Digglers+Den.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0D0Ktev_03Oq9Mcr25fGlY4kqFxqOat4DFb6X6cr6L95EChYtiZ43zoELjSTPNnN6ou1tyDQFHHayZ7hELI4Hh4TqOofQIvqz91tDR-lxXaHe6y5CvXm3siPmCPPW2iKSbIErpWwAl3Dh/h120/Whyteleafe+Digglers+Den.jpg" width="200"></a><br>Incidentally, Whyteleafe didn't look that good themselves, probably a bit knackered after a full pre-season schedule.<br>
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One particularly welcoming feature of the ground hasn't changed since we first went there in the Vase...<br>
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<br>Having passed on the opportunity to subscribe to GFCTV (although you nearly had me with the line about subs being frozen lads) 'social' media was the order of the day for following our fortunes against Ashford United, then post match comments/reports. Impression gained was similar to Whyteleafe, decent enough first half but no chances taken this time, abject 2nd half.<div><br></div><div>Played 2 lost 2 doesn't read well but it's not exactly a unique record in this league and we can be confident that we will come good. Thing is we don't know when, and therein lies the concern. With two going down again this season, clubs in the relegation mix will be doing whatever it takes to stay up. They didn't have to bother last season and geography isn't on our side in such a scenario. <div><br></div><div>This season might be short on matches (17% GFCTV boys) but the road might seem longer and harder than before. So we need to get our nose in front of the pack sooner rather than later and, dare I say, the visit to Three Bridges would appear to present the perfect opportunity to break our points duck. </div><div><br></div><div>Cancel any other plans you may have for the Bank Holiday, and get along to support the lads instead.</div><div>
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<br></div></div>Ormeringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04469561256911864263noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-583040103124143989.post-88803624027661104382018-08-10T07:54:00.001+01:002018-08-10T07:54:58.575+01:00Caterham Preview<p dir="ltr">The opening day of the Isthmian League season tomorrow sees us head to Caterham for an early kick off. We'll be in the King and Queen on the High Street from 11ish before heading down the road to Whyteleafe.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Only certainty on the pitch is we'll be wearing the traditional purple. Read into that what you want but a good day out is predicted whatever.</p>
Ormeringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04469561256911864263noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-583040103124143989.post-86777306107752056932018-04-28T00:01:00.001+01:002018-04-28T00:01:26.550+01:00Nearly there....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The trip to Corinthian Casuals on Tuesday was fairly straightforward and relatively local, for me at least. Door to door just two hours each way, including a smidgin under 3 miles walking which, would you believe it, included just over a mile in the pouring rain.<br />
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Casuals play at King George's Field in Tolworth, a place mainly known these days for a roundabout, the A3 and Tolworth Towers where, it is said, thousands of families from all corners of the globe can be found living in the plumbing and paying wealthy philanthropists through the nose for the pleasure.<br />
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The ground probably looks like a bit of a dump to some but to others is a little atmospheric gem but whatever your view it does have plenty of covered standing. Not to mention the welcome arrival of Stowford Press in the clubhouse.<br />
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To the game and the question of whether we deserved to lose 5-0. I can only suggest that the answer lies in the fact that they scored five and we didn't. That said, the under 12's involved acquitted themselves well and we did make their defence look uncomfortable on more than one occasion. We can only wonder what would happen if we had the opportunity to play them on a Saturday with a full squad that hasn't picked itself for one reason or another. Maybe next season eh?<br />
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On to today, last day of the season and a trip to Bromley to play Cray Wanderers. Going by train you want Bromley South and opposite the station you'll find the Richmal Crompton where those of a green and white persuasion will start to gather from 11.00 before making the short walk to the ground where, from 1pm you have the opportunity to nibble on Nigel's sausage on a stick and Debbie's very popular lemon drizzle.<br />
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<br />Ormeringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04469561256911864263noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-583040103124143989.post-65924137040057307222018-04-15T23:31:00.000+01:002018-04-15T23:36:50.761+01:00Ooh Aah!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Injuries , the Under 21 Muratti and possibly some urgent shopping meant that the squad of 15 selected for the trip to Herne Bay included some who, let's be honest, wouldn't have made the cut in our ideal scenario. Any concerns we had weren't helped by news of a cock up on the alarm setting front and, with Herne Bay 16 points and a good few places ahead of us, expectations weren't too high when we left St Pancras.<br />
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On getting to Kent, Canterbury West to be precise, we were met by our pre-booked chauffeur for the day who whisked us off to a slap up breakfast at the Punch in nearby Sturry. Then to Herne Bay where the sun was shining on the many people out and about on the seafront. First pint of the day was taken the the Divers Arms, followed by a quick restorative on the pier where we picked up with Gazois before heading to the ground.<br />
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Winch's Field now well known to us of course, with cover on three sides and the fourth giving you the option to nip into the clubhouse for a restricted view if the heavens were to open.<br />
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Herne Bay came out on the front foot in both halves but Guernsey were in the box seat for most of the game. Don't think many saw the first goal go in, most had their eyes on the foul and were still shouting for a penalty.<br />
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The second half saw a quick equaliser for Herne Bay then the moment that seemed to galvanise our boys and freeze the hosts. Yes, I'm talking about the arrival of Hogan, a very excitable French Bulldog.<br />
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Smallish hairy males then took centre stage for a while as, on the pitch, Dave Rihoy did all the hard work giving Paris Pereira the well taken opportunity to stab the ball home for number two, before finishing with aplomb to get his own name on the scoresheet.<br />
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Everyone in the vile violet had a good game but there were some standouts, namely Jamie Dodd, playing better than ever since his return, Dave Rihoy and Paris Pereira, who reacted well to having some treatment dished out by the home defenders throughout and played with the sort of maturity that has sometimes been lacking in his game. Star of the show was Zico, back to his old self he absolutely bossed the midfield without ever seemingly expending any energy.<br />
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All in all a good day's work by the lads with three points well earned and fully deserved.<br />
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After the post match shenanigans in the clubhouse our chauffeur took us back to Canterbury West, with diversions to three local hostelries, all of them out in the sticks and one of them very old indeed.<br />
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Which just leaves thanking our chauffeur for a great tour of parts of Kent we wouldn't otherwise have seen.Ormeringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04469561256911864263noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-583040103124143989.post-15183644429493750832018-04-14T00:02:00.000+01:002018-04-14T00:02:01.226+01:00What better place to be beside the seaside than Herne Bay. In April.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Honestly I've no idea what our hero, and Guernsey FC's only true celebrity fan, is suggesting via his finger, but the photo above reminds me of a trip to the seaside. And the seaside is where we're to tomorrow.<br />
<br />
Herne Bay is not quite Hastings however but you can do a lot worse than make a beeline for Central Parade, right on the seafront. There's a little pyer, where you'll find Beer on the Pier (Pyer), basically a beer hut run by the local brewery. Bottled lagers available but for those with severe allergies there's a 'Spoons within a gnat's crotchet of the pyer.<br />
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As to predictions for the match, who knows. Not sure I agree with the official view that the squad is strong but, then again, I had similar feelings about the squads for Walton Casuals and Carshalton recently so, as I say, who knows?<br />
<br />
Pathetic I know, but that's what passes for a preview here.<br />
<br />
In the Press I read of GFC being 'upset by costly midweek games deal'. Haven't looked into it in great detail but a quick view suggests that the number of midweek away games is consistent(ish) each season.<br />
<br />
There are a handful of games scheduled before the season starts, there are some midweek games scheduled mid-season due to FA Cup/Trophy commitments and there are some down to the weather. Yes, a few weather postponements have appeared a little 'interesting' to us, but on the whole they have clearly been down to the weather, which in the British Isles can be unpredictable at times.<br />
<br />
Sources close to the man in the douit are speculating that the current angst over away day costs could be linked, in some small way, to the recent demise of the club's former top notch travel partner. Pure speculation without foundation as far as I'm concerned but I do think a few quid could be spared here and there by limiting the number of blazers travelling with the squad.<br />
<br />
Enough of that, on to Herne Bay....Ormeringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04469561256911864263noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-583040103124143989.post-64187741363409820492018-04-12T22:32:00.002+01:002018-04-12T22:32:32.479+01:00Three Out of Four Ain't Bad<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
Nine points from the last twelve available is not to be sniffed at but there must surely be, and indeed is, some disappointment that three were lost. Not to say disappointment at the manner in which they were lost.<br />
<br />
The three wins certainly put smiles on faces, with Tuesday's at Shoreham all but confirming their inevitable short term destiny. After the match their manager was sort or quoted saying something along the lines of 'having just been beaten by by a mix Guernsey's under 14s and over 40s I think everyone realises relegation is likely this season now'. Expect the last rites to be read sometime on Saturday afternoon.<br />
<br />
The sour point was the shambolic venue shifting seen in the space of 18 hours or so from Monday evening. Don't hold your breath waiting for an explanation from any of the parties involved.....<br />
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Last night Lewes secured promotion to the Isthmian Premier Division, Carshalton could well follow suit at the weekend. Meanwhile, already in the Isthmian Prem, Dulwich Hamlet got back to winning ways this evening and are now 3 points behind everyone's favourite team from Essex having played a game more.<br />
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Tomorrow a brief look ahead to our trip to Herne Bay and some essential information to help make the trip a little bearable.<br />
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<br />Ormeringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04469561256911864263noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-583040103124143989.post-74490197323732902342018-04-01T22:39:00.001+01:002018-04-01T22:41:06.546+01:00Points<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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If you hadn't been to Corinthian Casuals before, but were intending to go on Saturday and now won't be able to make the rescheduled fixture, you will be feeling a bit cheesed off to have missed a good day out. Tolworth being known, as it is, for stunning architecture, breathtaking scenery and award winning public houses.<br />
<br />
Every cloud though, and the postponement at least means we go into a run of three home matches with no additional injuries.<br />
<br />
Vance must be thinking that these matches, as well as the one away at Shoreham, arguably the league's strongest team, are all winnable. Chipstead and Shoreham have lost their last six, Faversham have done a little better but their only (resounding) win has been against Shoreham. Ramsgate are a different proposition but being at home, and with the right application on the back of some resolute performances of late, we should be aiming high. I like to under promise and under deliver in life (and in that I have over delivered for years) but a return of less than 7 points from 12 in anything other than extraordinary circumstances will surely be considered as 'not great'.<br />
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If you're going tomorrow don't be a miserable bugger like me, but do give it your all in getting behind the lads.<br />
<br />Ormeringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04469561256911864263noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-583040103124143989.post-203121961503140192018-03-28T22:26:00.002+01:002018-03-28T22:26:49.967+01:00Le Parking (pour l'avion)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDQtmQHk2kFcQ95-cg2nvJwdYpWqQszzLAkfNlIiPjxiJTvppK29y-Ry0q6wkScYd6a31IBKWrYQG57on2HQMBZKMYdwxGNQzw-rbzSpvEYUwJq9Jk_b2NY1KoO3g0vNMpwTWAfAjpvzmy/s1600/P3240177BW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="862" data-original-width="1302" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDQtmQHk2kFcQ95-cg2nvJwdYpWqQszzLAkfNlIiPjxiJTvppK29y-Ry0q6wkScYd6a31IBKWrYQG57on2HQMBZKMYdwxGNQzw-rbzSpvEYUwJq9Jk_b2NY1KoO3g0vNMpwTWAfAjpvzmy/s320/P3240177BW.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
Much of what I've read in the aftermath to Saturday's match match at Carshalton has contained mention of things such as gamesmanship, defending deep, 10 men behind the ball and so on.<br />
<br />
All of which was anathema to Guernsey FC until recently which, arguably, is why we find ourselves avoiding relegation due only (largely) to the pyramid restructure. Vance and Co appear to have discovered the musings of Plato (necessity/mother of invention....) so we find ourselves sitting back, away from home to the form team in the league.<br />
<br />
Primary objective for any game has to be don't lose, which puts the emphasis on the opposition to do what it takes to win at home. Yes it was negative but needs must and as for the suggestion in some quarters that GFCs squad selection at times is' taking the piss' I would beg to differ. Far worse are those clubs that spend money at a rate they can't really sustain in order to be successful, then have to put out a Sunday morning side when the money tap is turned off. Which may have been the case in the recent past for some of clubs that the moaners support.<br />
<br />
Back to Saturday though, it was good of the locals to help Callum with his counting. Talking of whom, he looked all at sea at times in his first couple of games back but has made tremendous progress since and has been in inspired form recently. So tremendously inspired in fact that it's bordering on marvellous but I won't tempt fate.<br />
<br />
Honourable mention goes to everyone's favourite left back, Glyn Dyer, who ran his socks off up front.<br />
<br />
Anyway, enough of that, as we all know the match itself is incidental to the day as a whole. Although we were aware of half priced beer in the clubhouse before the game for us, in the spirit of 'sports tourism', it was the Sun and the Hope before heading for the ground. Both were very good as expected, even though the British gangster flick look might suggest otherwise. Just the one brave soul from the bargain bucket supporters day trip managed to escape and join us in the town and what an odd chap he was. A photo will no doubt follow in the next day or so.<br />
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Corinthian Casuals up next and parking the plane seems morally the right thing to day after the last two games. Come back on Friday for a look forward to our trip to beautiful Tolworth.<br />
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<br />Ormeringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04469561256911864263noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-583040103124143989.post-80596213076985967702018-03-23T22:36:00.000+00:002018-03-23T22:36:00.252+00:00Carshalton 'Preview'Those of a nervous disposition are advised not to look up details of Carshalton's current form, it doesn't make for pleasant reading. Expectations are therefore lower than they were on our recent visit to Walton on Thames but, with a fair smattering of U12s in the travelling squad again, anything could happen. No pressure lads.<br />
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Normally it's a case of wanting a win come what may but, with relegation not on the agenda, if you were Vance would you be preparing for next season? Probably, it seems the sensible thing to do. As far as tomorrow is concerned there's only one result that really matters and that's the one in Alderney.<br />
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The Llama Express arrives in Carshalton around Noon tomorrow and the first stop will be the Sun on North Street. Out the station door, turn left then right onto North Street and its a few minutes down on the left. Very nice pub that caters for all types and ages with a decent choice of ales and food.<br />
<br />
From there we'll be visiting the Hope on West Street. From the Sun you simply cross North Street, follow a cut through them turn right onto West Street and the Hope is on the right. From the station turn right out the door, then left onto West Street. This is a real community pub, owned and run by members of the local community with plentiful ales and food available.<br />
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The ground is a short walk up West Street (ie turn right out of the Hope or the station) to a mini roundabout where Colston Avenue is the turning off to the left. Ground is a short walk down on the right.<br />
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There's a lot more to traipsing around following Guernsey FC than football, as you'll know if you recognise this:<br />
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If you know where this is and what makes it special to some of us send your answers on a postcard.....<br />
<br />Ormeringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04469561256911864263noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-583040103124143989.post-23612358319272082652018-03-21T18:35:00.001+00:002018-03-21T18:36:41.242+00:00A look back at our first visit to CarshaltonIf you're coming over on the club day trip this weekend and wondering about how to while away the time until 3 o'clock, this is what happened the first time we went to Carshalton....<br />
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<span style="font-size: 13pt;"><b>"Carshalton
Athletic P Guernsey P</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">The
day started well with the Llama Express bang on time and speeding
towards Clapham Junction to collect GFC's only celebrity fan, 70s
throwback Dirk Diggler. Nobody expected Dirk to make this trip but,
at great expense to himself, he cancelled the housewives special
shoot that had been arranged for months at the last minute so he
could get his GFC fix.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">On
the way one or two mutterings came through the ether about a broken
aeroplane but not a dickie bird of an announcement from the club so
the Llama Express continued to thunder through past North West
London's finest landmarks. Then just as we were pulling into platform
17 at Clapham Junction GFC's super efficient communications team
stopped taking selfies for a moment and broke the news. The rumours
were indeed true, there was to be no match.</span></div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">A
quick call to the Mark 2 Llama Express, on a stopover at St Pancras
whilst the passengers took a much needed refreshment break (as one of
them had travelled from Birmingham for the match) and a decision was
made. We would continue on to Carshalton. Not before a brief
diversion to the Falcon at the junction with Lavender Hill, however,
where a distraught Diggler was revived with a soothing pint of Bath
Ales Forest Hare. Very pleasant it was too.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Then
a short train ride to Carshalton where we were due to meet up with
the Mark 2 contingent. On alighting at Carshalton just before Noon we
happened upon Septuagenarian GFC fan Chesham Jean, who'd set off from
home at 8.30 to make the 12.45 kick off. Jean was visibly shocked
when the Diggler broke the news about the match to her which made
Dirk himself distraught once more. </span>
</div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">So
we headed off to the Windsor Castle for a soothing pint of Ringwood's
Forty Niner (Guinness for Jean) to calm the moustachioed one's
fraught nerves. Not long to wait until the Mark 2 Express disgorged
it's passengers and we all settled down for a pint of Hopback's Summer Lightning (it was good).</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Meanwhile
we'd learnt of Leicestershire Ash having trucked through the night to
reach the Midlands where he was just about to get on a train when he
heard the news. He decided not to use his £76 rail ticket, choosing
to take the odd restorative or two in his local. Dorset Tony didn't
hear the news until he was about 8 miles short of Carshalton, so he
turned around and trundled back to the land of the Knob. Still it
meant a few hours off the cider which can only be a good thing once
in a while.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Leaving
Windsor Castle we entered the Racehorse where we all enjoyed a Dizzy
Blonde (the Robinsons variety I hasten to add). I should probably
also add that Jean went skipping back to the station after leaving
the Windsor Castle. Amazing what Guinness can do to a 75 year old.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Sadly
the route back to the station meant we had to pass the Hope. Run by
the same chap that has the Traf in Merton and for some reason we
couldn't walk on by. Two in there, taken in the garden out back
enjoying a lovely bit of Autumn sun. Firstly Hopcraft's</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> Citraic. Read the
description on the pump clip and you think 'tropical fruit? Takes me
back to vodka and Umbongo by the neck at the Cow's Horn all those
years ago'. But no, one of the finest beers I've had in a long time.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">We
finished the afternoon with a pint of High Wire pale ale from the
Magic Rock Brewery. One of the finest beers I've had in a long time.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">So
no football, which was a bit annoying at first to be honest, but a
good day out nonetheless."</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Looking back it was a bit of a quiet one compared to some we've had, like Spalding eh Bob....</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<br />Ormeringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04469561256911864263noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-583040103124143989.post-38715386529256291822018-03-21T00:00:00.001+00:002018-03-21T00:05:18.309+00:00ARS End (all being well)Never been keen on the ARS with its ludicrous leaning towards athletics and egg chasing, not to mention the alarming lack of urinals. Alarming to me at any rate. So it was some relief to see that that plans that had previously only been known to a few thousand were finally made public this week.<br />
<br />
I was so pleased to read the expertly embargoed press release that I put the prescription opioids aside for a couple of hours to concentrate on this......<br />
<br />
Concern about parking amongst local residents is understandable but misplaced. Nobody will be parking among you because the CPO means you will be relocating to what's left of the Vale. Thereby creating plentiful parking space for the flaccid hordes struggling to comprehend the notion of walking a mile or so to watch a football match.<br />
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This season has been somewhat difficult. Let's face it, if it wasn't for the restructure at the end of the season relegation would be a serious probability/possibility (depending on your level of optimism). A particular low point was the hammering at Hythe Town where the day was only saved by Diggler forgetting his spectacles earlier in the day, thereby forcing us into a hasty post match return to the fleshpots lining the Folkestone harbour side.<br />
<br />
More recently however we've seen a young prospect called Rihoy score a couple of crackers at VCD Athletic and, on an evening when we were expecting a sound thrashing, a splendid backs to the wall display by the Torteval Under 12s at Walton Casuals.<br />
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There are of course many worse things in life than relegation from Step 4, the reward for which is entry to the FA Vase. Who remembers this....<br />
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<br />
Carshalton on Saturday. Let's Hope for some Sun.<br />
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<br />Ormeringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04469561256911864263noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-583040103124143989.post-35149377303694583802016-11-03T23:23:00.001+00:002016-11-03T23:23:08.573+00:00 Sausage Baguette<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Yes I know we've got 2 wins on the trot, Rocco scored in his last game at the ARS for a few months and, cor blimey, a clean sheet to boot. But let's not get carried away just yet.<br />
<br />
Whyteleafe on Saturday. Never a dull moment down there but don't tell anybody about the sausage baguettes from the tea bar. They're darned good and tend to sell out, so be quick. Decent cluhouse as well, usually with real ale and food available.<br />
<br />
To get to the ground you need to walk the mean streets of Whyteleafe. The lack of meanness will hit you full in the face but there's leafiness aplenty. Not too many boozing opportunities however. There's the Whyteleafe Tavern at 208 Godstone Road, which is passable for a pre-match refresco, but better still is the Radius Arms a few doors away at number 205. A micro-pub that's been open 18 months serving proper beer and fruit based drinks gleaned from apples and grapes. No Europiss however.<br />
<br />
Trains from London leave from London Bridge or Victoria and arrive at Upper Warlingham or Whyteleafe. Fastest service is Victoria to Upper Warlingham which leaves at 23 or 53 minutes past the hour (there's just a few minutes walk between Upper Warlingham and Whyteleafe stations).<br />
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A note of caution, there's due to be a strike affecting Southern services at the weekend, so it might take you a little longer than expected to get there. Don't take it out on the railway workers though, they've got your best interests in mind.<br />
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Hopefully we'll see Rocco for a last hurrah before he selfishly buggers off to see a bit of the world whilst his knees are still up to it. If not, I'm sure he knows we wish him well 'til the next time (and beyond). <br />
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Keep it Green<br />
<span style="color: lime; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: lime; font-size: large;"><b>Allez les Verts!!</b></span>Ormeringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04469561256911864263noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-583040103124143989.post-83748239862199282082016-11-01T23:10:00.001+00:002016-11-01T23:10:24.165+00:00A cat called Gareth.Since we were last here we've had a few ups and downs, mainly downs unfortunately.<br />
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The trip to Bromley for the match against Cray Wanderers wasn't quite what you may have read elsewhere. There was little sign of any ambition to win on the night, although we did have the odd chance to nick something from the game. Mainly it was about 2 rows of 4, staying fairly close and frustrating what looked like a talented Cray side.<br />
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There was a lot of defensive discipline on show though and that's why we left the ground in a fairly upbeat mood after a 1-0 defeat.<br />
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Very nice clubhouse at Bromley, complete with its own cat. Gareth is his name. Like GFC at the ARS, Cray make absolutely sweet fa from it but they are hopeful of a home of their own at some point. Plans are at an advanced stage but stuck in the mire of endless referrals to this, that and the other.<br />
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Upbeat thoughts soon took a nosedive with a disappointing home draw against Godalming Town. The real downer was the double leg break suffered by Chris Tardif. 1F is always worth a good few points over a season so this is a real blow to hopes of maintaining Step 4 status, particularly given the seemingly never ending problem of getting a full squad out for matches.<br />
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It got worse still a few days later with Jack Domaille suffering knee ligament damage that will keep him out for a prolonged period.<br />
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Fingers crossed for a reasonably trouble free recovery for both players.<br />
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The gloom was lifted slightly with a somewhat rare 3 points against Sittingbourne last weekend, this despite a degree of profligacy in front of goal that, if we're not careful, could become as worrying as our frailty at the other end.<br />
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Good to hear there was decent support from the Garenne, us Manelanders need to pull our socks up in that respect when we go to Whyteleafe on Saturday.<br />
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Tomorrow it's Chipstead at the ARS, another must win. So get your arse to the ARS and sing yer 'earts out for the lads. OK, you won't be able to talk on Thursday nut, between you and me, your work colleagues don't really want small talk with you so it'll save embarrassment all round.<br />
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With new kit recently arrived at Ormering Towers hopefully these ramblings will start to become a little more frequent than they have been of late. There are a few things to be said after all.<br />
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Keep it green (and keep the faith).<br />
<br />
<span style="color: lime; font-size: large;"><b>Allez les Verts!!</b></span>Ormeringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04469561256911864263noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-583040103124143989.post-81937388058544925352016-10-18T22:49:00.002+01:002016-10-18T22:49:38.306+01:00Bloody fog.....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Never around when you might find it useful. Then again if fog had spared us a drubbing on Saturday it would have meant a mid-week trip and we could do with as few of those as possible.<br />
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Hastings were well worth the win but the margin of defeat was down to good old fashioned ineptitude on our part. Heads had dropped somewhere below sea level but there was one positive in that the lads rallied in the last ten minutes leading to a consolation goal by Zico that sparked a brief moment of joy on the terrace.<br />
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The look on the face of Chairman Sticks pretty much summed up the thoughts of all present.<br />
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Tomorrow we're off to Cray Wanderers, the second oldest team in the land apparently but with a recently found pot of gold. Threadbare squad again but at least Tony Vance has managed to pull one together, it was a bit of a struggle to even get a starting eleven. Getting desperate he scanned the occupations of all the GFA registered players and identified an estate agent playing at Port Soif.<br />
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As we all know Guernsey estate agents have had plenty of time on their hands for several years now, so Vance's discovery means we have another new face turning out, one Vijay Wiltshire. Don't expect another youngster though, this one's 31, but good on him for stepping up and good luck to him and everyone else travelling.<br />
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Expectations are not going to be high and, let's face it, we'll probably take heart if we keep it tighter than at Merstham a couple of years ago.<br />
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Cray play at Hayes Lane, home of National League South Bromley FC. If you're driving, set your satnav for BR2 9EF, otherwise iIt's a 15-20 minute walk from Bromley South station, which can be reached as quickly as 17 minutes from Victoria. Plenty of trains after the final whistle as well. There's a 'Spoons opposite the station, the Richmal Crompton (named after the author who was a teacher at Bromley Girls School back in the day) and chicken lovers will be pleased to learn that tomorrow is Wing it Wednesday in 'Spoonsland.<br />
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Keep it Green (and keep your heads up)<br />
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<span style="color: lime; font-size: large;"><b>Allez les Verts!!</b></span><br />
<br />
<br />Ormeringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04469561256911864263noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-583040103124143989.post-79754868605375723402016-10-14T22:57:00.004+01:002016-10-14T22:57:57.632+01:00Diggling By The Sea<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Lewes. Lovely little town, unless you have mobility issues. The Dripping Pan. Lovely little ground, unless you have mobility issues. The locals all very friendly on the outside but they're laughing on the inside, safe in the knowledge that the steps and hills will get you in the end.<br />
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The lucky ones made it to the clubhouse, only to be disappointed to find they had a bit of a Harveys festival going on, it was terrible. Then there were the pies from the teabar which had everybody yearning for one of those burgers of indeterminate origin available at most football grounds.<br />
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So the town got a tick, the ground got a tick, as did the natives, the Harveys and the pies. The game may even have merited a tick if it hadn't been instantly forgettable.<br />
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A trip to South Park was eschewed in favour of a splendid ribeye steak and Tring Brewery's Moongazing at the Prince George in Watford. A wise choice in more ways than one as it turned out.<br />
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Tomorrow it's a trip to the Pilot Field in Hastings, 950 years and a day after a certain battle. Transport links were better in the 11th century when you could simply sail into Pevensey Bay and ride hither and thither on horseback. Nowadays it's a train that travels through East Sussex in seemingly ever decreasing circles before limping into Hastings. Always good to visit the Old Town before heading to the Pilot Field and we aim to be in the Olde Pumphouse on George Street (a favourite of Diggler's for some reason) shortly after opening time at 11, no chance of a lie in then.<br />
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With a squad of 14 due to travel the smart money will be on our fine away run continuing a little longer but you never know (and because you never know you keep coming back to this tremendously annoying, complex yet simple game of football).<br />
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Keep it Green<br />
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<span style="color: lime; font-size: large;"><b>Allez les Verts!!</b></span><br />
<br />Ormeringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04469561256911864263noreply@blogger.com