Tuesday 12th May 2009

Radcliffe Olympic 1-1 Sutton Town -- CML Supreme Division

After paying our first visit to Wharfe Lane on Saturday, we were there again to see Champions Olympic entertain Sutton Town AFC. The game was a rematch after the first encounter was abandoned earlier in the season.

For this game it was a case of "Malc & Kev & Brian" on the road - Mr. Dennett had arranged to travel with us - no point in taking 2 cars when there was room in mine........

Parked in the Legion carpark again, and after a quick double-check to see where a few of the local "hoodies" were going we walked to the ground. No fence this time, but everyone seemed happy enough to pay their £3 even though you could have watched the game for nothing...not what it's about though is it - getting in for nowt?

Had a chat to Steve Davies and the Steve R during the 1st half, we had a right old laugh .... but they went for a coffee at half-time and we never saw them again! I wonder if they were still queuing all through the second half? Or did the mysterious hooded man get them? Blimey, there was a strange hooded figure walking the pitch perimeter all through the game - looked like the grim reaper - frightened Kev to death!!!!

Carl Westcarr scored in the 18th minute with a delighful side-foot flick to give Radcliffe the lead, a lead they held onto quite easily until the break. H-T 1-0

Brian got the drinks in - he was actually digging into the hospitality chicken pieces, and he managed to blag us a cuppa - saved us having to queue!

Had a few words with one of my Facebook friends, Sutton's Kev Rowles before he was introduced into the game from the bench. To be fair, the game changed significantly when Rowles went on, and after he was foiled by a great challenge as he looked good to score, it was his deft flick that set up Ben Greenhalgh to level the scores with just 4 minutes to play. Strange goal - Ben had a couple of goes at the ball, and when it eventually flew into the net, Radcliffe keeper James Mountain was as surprised as anyone! F-T 1-1

A chilly night, but some good company and some light-hearted banter that elevated what was a typical end of season affair into a decent evening out........

Another bonus was watching our friend Rob Townsend referee the game. When the teams entered the pitch, there were the officials, resplendent in a fetching little blue/green number !!

On a less flippant note, early doors Rob had a stern word or three with Radcliffe's Wayne Halcro - loud enough for all to hear - and the players all left him alone for the duration -- excellent officiating!!

Admission £3

Programme - never saw one

Tea/coffee - freebies

Attendance - about 100 ?

Weds - more CMLS -- Blidworth v Ollerton