Formby 1 GNE 1

The first thoughts regarding this short narrative about our second visit this season to this outpost of Merseyside, was to comment about either or both of a couple of previously mentioned topics. Regular readers will recall the “threat” to discuss sub-atomic particle physics and the science of climate change. Perhaps surprisingly, or not, there was no avalanche of positive opinion regarding these topics, to be honest, there was not even one comment – positive or negative. On that basis, it may be better to leave these topics for another day – or not at all.

The Supporters Club minibus leaves the Friendship at approx. 12.45 pm. Well, it doesn’t leave on its own. The skills of Shifty are required here and much appreciated by all. A 3 flask day. Much discussion about when the last away trip by minibus took place. General consensus was that it was as far back as November 7th last year to that real fortress of a ground known as Knowsley Road, St. Helens. It has to be said that this is an indication of the dreadful winter we have endured rather than any lack of enthusiasm by this jolly travelling band.

Close to Formby, our multi talented Supporters Club events co-ordinator receives a text from the erudite Haggis with the team news. Looks to be an unusual starting eleven to say the least and much discussion ensues on the subject of a likely formation. The suggestion of 0-8-2 is not taken too seriously but there is some logic in suggesting 3-5-2 however, this is by no means certain – time will tell.

Remembering previous visits to Formby and the “cans only” bar, the decision is reached to try a local hostelry. As we descend from the minibus, “Girls on Tour” badges are handed to the two travelling ladies. Somehow, one of the badges finds its way onto the scarf of scousemark. Now, it did not get there on its own, I leave you to come to your own conclusions on this one. A beer named “Spring Frenzy” from the Daleside Brewery fits the bill. Decent drink, if a little cold, but Spring is in the air so it does seem to be an appropriate harbinger of better times to come.

The GNE travelling army arrives at the ground 5 minutes before kick-off. £5 entrance and £1 for a programme of very poor quality. Readers may recall that the programme offered for our last visit consisted of two folded A4 pages. This one was three pages – progress perhaps but very poor. Positions are taken and the flags are unfurled – a 5 flag day – as the players trot out onto a poor quality pitch – very sandy and considerably bumpy and in stark contrast to the excellent playing surface last Tuesday night at Witton. GNE in white, Formby in their standard kit featuring the dayglo yellow flashes – perhaps they have a reluctance to switch on the floodlights here?

A quick count puts the Glossop support at around 40 from a crowd given as 71.

The conundrum of the starting formation is solved as GNE line up 4-4-2 with Martin Parker and Trucca in the centre of defence with Youngy and Kel in the full back positions.

Looking around the ground, it looks as desolate as we remember - pretty much wide open to the elements. One “improvement” is the provision of high nets around all sides of the ground to try to prevent too much wasted time in collecting footballs from the surrounding fields. One of the corner flags is already at an improbable angle in anticipation of the expected strong on-shore breeze.

The first chant of “you fat b*****d” aimed at the opposing goalkeeper is missing the bass tones of moonbasealpha - needs some practice.

GNE dominate the first half but, after 45 minutes, its half time and the match is all square at 1-1.

In anticipation of only cans to sustain us during the second half, we enter the portacabin bar. Much to our surprise the bar now serves draught beer and lager. OK, its keg only and not the quality stuff we are used to at fortress Surrey Street. So, in our last three visits, Formby have gone from having no bar, to having a cans-only bar and now have draught beer. Shows ambition this and is to be applauded – next stage real ale? Suspect not.

At the end of a scrappy second half, the score remains 1-1 and silence greets the players as they head back to the changing rooms. The portacabin bar gets briefly busy again as the minibus travellers seek suitable refreshment to sustain the journey home.

Various topics of discussion are raised during the journey home but football is not amongst them. As we disembark at The Friendship, one of our members is heard to say, “that was a great day, pity about the football in the middle of it”. Speaks volumes does this and a fair reflection.

Next stop, Winsford…