Damage in the Box!

So here we are the first day the season, the sun is shining and the temperature is in the high 80’s, Perfect conditions for football.

What a load of rubbish!! I opened the curtains and it’s absolutely pouring down, it feels more like November than August. The first thing that goes through ones mind is the question “Will the game be on?”

In answer to that question, yes the game IS on, though the terrible weather followed me across the Pennines to Sheffield. So why am I watching Rotherham today? Well given the trials and tribulations over the summer it’s pleasing to report that the club is still in the Football League. The club found itself in administration last season and docked ten points which led to them being relegated, however due to certain conditions relating to coming out administration (far too boring to detail) they found themselves docked a further seventeen points for this season (as did Bournemouth and Luton, who got docked thirty points).

However another sting in the tail for Rotherham was that they moved out of their traditional home, Millmoor, due to arguments with their landlords over rent (they sold the ground a few years ago to clear debts). They now find themselves playing at the Don Valley Athletics stadium, four miles away in Sheffield. So this is where I fit into the picture, so to speak, as it’s a new ground to visit. Ideally I’d have liked to have visited with Chester City, but I’m away that weekend so I’ll have to make do with Lincoln instead.

Let me get this off my chest straight away. I HATE watching football in athletics stadiums. There is no atmosphere generated whatsoever and you are well away from the action, however in order to keep my “92” up it’s a necessary visit. The ground was incredibly easy to find, being well signposted off the M1. I arrived in plenty of time, parked up in a side street and had a stroll around the ground. After paying my £20 (yes £20!) to get into the stadium and picking up my programme (£2.50) I took my seat and my worst fears were confirmed. I was bloody miles away from the action! However, looking over at the away end I suppose I could have had a worse view.

The actual game itself wasn’t too bad with both sides playing some good football and creating chances, of which Rotherham had the best. In all honestly the game looked to be heading for a half time score of 0-0 until a long clearance from the Rotherham defender fell into the path of Reid who ran through one-on-one with the keeper to slot home on his debut. 1-0 to the home side at the break.

The highlight of the day occurred at the interval when Rotherham wheeled out their “top-boy” to do the half time draw...The one and only Barry Chuckle Brother! To me to you...only in Yorkshire, eh?

The second half continued in much the same vain as the first, though Lincoln had a good ten minute spell where they had a few good chances to equalise including a great free kick, which the Rotherham keeper did well to save. However the home side held on for a deserved win, which now puts them on minus fourteen. On this showing, however, I can see them easily getting themselves out of trouble....especially when I heard the result from Dagenham. City lost 6-0, Oh S***!! Maybe I should’ve waited for Chester…

The legendary Barry Chuckle does the honours at half time!

Saturday 9th August 2008
Football League Two
Rotherham United 1-0 Lincoln City
Attendance: 4,478

After whetting the appetite with intertoto cup games, eircom premier league games and pre-season friendlies it was time to start off the 2008/09 season in earnest.

As the only competitive games in the UK this weekend took place in Scotland it was only right that it was north of the border I headed.

The choice of games came down to two. Annan Athletics’ debut in the league away at Cowdenbeath in division three or their neighbours, and last season surprise package, Queen of the South at home to Airdire United in division one. I opted for the latter, mainly as Cowdenbeath was just a little to far and there is a chance my team, Everton, could draw Queen of the South in the UEFA cup.

Annan were not left out of the picture completely as, on the recommendation of my hopping compadre, we headed into the town for some fish ‘n’ chips and to a chippy (the cafe royal) which was voted one of the best in Scotland. We also managed a quick visit to the football ground, which is now on my “to-do” list, if only to go back for another fish supper!

For the uninitiated, Queen of the South play in the town of Dumfries and the ground was pretty easy to find as it is on the main A76 road as you follow the signs for Kilmarnock, so it was with good time that we arrived at Palmerston Park. First port of call was the souvenir shop to pick up a programme (£2) and a badge for my ever-growing collection. Whilst I was in there I couldn’t resist the limited edition “Doonhamers in Europe” t-shirt. I’ll look the mutts nuts in that!

Sadly, I had to avoid the busy social club due to the fact that I was driving and its just not worth the risk.

The ground is a mixture of the old and new. On one side of the ground there is an old wooden grandstand with a small bank of terracing in the front and on the opposite side of the ground there is a “modern” seated stand, which is identical to what you see at most new grounds. Behind both goals are huge banks of terracing, one uncovered and disused and the other covered and where most of the home support gathered. This was where I opted to view the game (though it was odd that it was £15 to get in whether you stood or sat). I headed towards the back of the terrace where I was afforded a great view of the pitch and also the local jailhouse.

I can’t lie, the game was absolute dross. I can’t remember seeing anything as bad since the Blessed Walter was in charge of Everton. The only time the game threatened to come to life was for about five minutes on the hour when the Queens striker rounded the keeper but the ball was cleared before it crossed the line. From the resulting corner a goalmouth scramble ensued before the Airdrie keeper managed to get hold of the ball. Then from the keepers’ clearance Airdire broke quickly and their striker ran through on goal but shot tamely and the chance was gone.

The only other incident of note came 5 minutes from the end when the Airdrie striker went through one-on-one before being hauled down by the Queens centre-half, which left the referee no choice but to red card him. The 10 men however held on for a share of the spoils.

A disappointing afternoon for myself and indeed the other 2,913 souls watching with me but another Scottish ground ticked off, only another 34 to go!

I fear for the Doonhamers in Europe as they look a very poor outfit, maybe it says a lot about the standard of Scottish football that they pushed Rangers all the way in the cup final. Somehow I don’t think Everton will be playing them in Europe as I suspect Queens wont make it past their first round tie against FC Nordsjaelland of Denmark, but I stand to be proved wrong.

Oh, Annan won 4-1 just to cheer me up on the journey home…