The Ipswich match was my first Boxing Day fixture for a fair while but this year, I was available and willing. The atmosphere was great and even though it clearly wasn’t sold out, you could tell there was definitely a fair chunk of extra bodies that day. A fair chunk that turned out be approx 2000 people! Credit to those who came, and to those responsible for the campaign- a positive step in the right direction.
The usual pre-match portion of chicken from ‘The Tasty Jerk’ and half-time Toffee Crisp in pocket, we were all ready for a great performance.
Well the first 20 minutes didn’t deliver that’s for sure. For the first 10 minutes, we were an absolute mess- Clint Hill, well aware that Santa had done the rounds already this year, seemed hell-bent on getting his name on the naughty list. You know something’s not right when Julian “der der der” Speroni doesn’t seem himself and sure enough, just as we started to look threatening, Jules (maybe weighed down by a second helping of turkey?) spilled not once, but twice- a present that Ipswich certainly didn’t mind getting two of, no gift-receipt necessary. 0-1 down, here we go again, merry bloody Christmas.
However, no heads dropped (on or off the pitch) and there was no air of discontent- in fact it was quite the opposite- the crowd got louder and the players started playing. Much credit here has to go to the Holmesdale Fanatics who sit in the…. Holmesdale! A lot has been made of their “purpose”, especially after the Middlesborough/Steward episode. I can’t express an opinion on their outside of the stadium activities because I simply haven’t a clue. But once inside the stands, for the whole 90 minutes, they supply us all with encouragement to sing up and support the team- someone has to take responsibility and they do. Flags, songs and banter- keep it up.
Anyway, Fonte boshed one in and Stead got sent off - rightfully in my opinion, (don’t care if Keane and Warnock both thought yellow.) It was absolutely hilarious to hear Roy Keane’s view that we were trying to influence the referee to get Stead sent off! The referee pulled out the red card instantly- there was no time for even a younger playing-days Roy Keane to get in his face, scream and push him around! I’m not aware of any Jedi’s in our squad (although Obi-1-Speroni has a ring to it!) so there were definitely no mind-tricks being played either- I assumed that the players in red ‘n’ blue didn’t like seeing a teammate nearly having his ankle destructified! Typical Roy Keane- blinded by his own rage, lack of class and an inability to distinguish common assault from a shoulder barge! And when he stands alone on the touchline, he really does look like a homeless with a decent coat- irrelevant, but true!
Anyhoos, scores level, a ten-man opposition and we started to turn the screws. The sending off could easily have ruined the game but (some) credit to Keane and his Tractor Boys; they kept playing, which allowed us to play- and win. I still think we would have edged it against 11 men, but the goals we scored in the second half were well worked and well deserved. Shaun Derry’s ball into Danns (who started the move outside the box with a header) was lovely to watch. I know he’s had a couple of ropey games this season (mainly when the whole team were too), but Shaun has had thrice as many exceptional games. A key player for us and I never thought I’d hear myself say that, or even type it!
Probably because it was Christmas, the club decided to treat us all with a live performance at half time. Jack Nosey(?) came out and did a song and some jokes, although it became harder and harder to tell which was which. Sorry Jack! (I’m not about to slate someone for getting up infront of thousands to promote their single.)
Overall, a good performance (the team, not Jack,) another million on Moses (did anyone else nearly shed a tear when he celebrated?), and a general warm feeling driving home- for yet more food!
Two days later, a point at Swansea. A dull game so I won’t say more than this. A point being fair considering a) their league position and b) Swansea receiving a ridiculous sending off- not a red, not even a foul! Four points out of a festive six- not too shabby at all.
So, into 2010 and like most years before it, January is up first. Players coming in? Doubt it. Players going out? Likely. Who though? Who knows…
I, much like an Egyptian slave master, am preparing myself for life without Moses. Where to and how much, I haven’t a clue- but should he be here on February 1st (even if its back on loan as part of a deal) I vow, here and now to send him a Valentine’s card on the 14th. You have my word.
There also seems to be more rumblings on the BBS and Holmesdale.net that some sort of takeover/investment is also gathering pace. Hope springs’ eternal - if Simon Jordan is still here on February 1st, I vow, here and now not to send him a Valentine’s card- you have my word.
One outgoing that’s already out and gone is Freddie Sears. He didn’t set Selhurst alight (and I don’t see him helping out Zola’s Hammers much- as much as I want that to happen for all concerned)- but he always put in a good shift and if that goal had stood, we may have seen a different outcome. He doesn’t even get a chance to lay the ghost to rest when Gary Johnson and his rabble darken our doorway in 9 days time! Typical!
Whoever is/isn’t here for the remainder of the season, one things for sure- the fans will be, let’s keep showing up, singing up and who knows, with a little bit of luck, we may just go up!
Other predictions for 2010
• Liverpool don’t win anything, don’t finish fourth, but they still maintain they are the best club in Merseyside/England/Europe/World.
• Newcastle United FC finally get shown on the BBC.
• Winehouse doesn’t release an album.
• Bruce Forsyth doesn’t come dancing, strictly or otherwise.
• Arise Sir Gary Barlow
Happy New Year everyone- does anyone know the words to Auld Lange Syne?
PTTP
