Apologies for this being more of a match report than a blog. It's been a while since I posted anything and I really want to get started again. So here we go..
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Since giving up my West Brom season ticket and the demise of Bicester Town, chances to see a match have been few and far between. However, with Stourbridge top of the league and facing a tricky away match at Bedford Town, I got the all clear to have a night out at the footy.
I arrived at The Eyrie bang on time for kick off and was immediately impressed by both the state of the stadium and, more importantly, the standard of the playing surface. After getting my bearings I noticed that the small but vociferous band of Stourbridge fans were behind the far goal. I made my way towards that end of the ground and positoned myself next to 3 typical Black Countrymen (henceforth known as Bald Eagle, Yam Yam and Lino) standing between halfway and the Bedford penalty area.
Stourbridge did all of the pressing for the first 35 minutes, playing some neat football in the middle of the park but lacking any kind of penetration in the final third. Bedford were reduced to fairly hopeful punts down field, most of whcih were mopped up by the Glassboys centre-half pairing. All was looking good until Bedford were awarded a free-kick around 35 yards out. The kick was swung in and caused panic in the Yellows (yes, Stour were playing in their change kit) defence. At this point Yam Yam commented that although our goalie was close to 7ft he 'doh command his area'. A sentiment echoed by Bald Eagle. A minute or so later another punt downfield caused mild confusion leading to a corner.
When the cross came in there was more flapping and general panic before a Bedford player pounced to smash the ball home from 6 yards. 1-0 to the home team with their first strike on target.
Stourbridge immediately pushed forward and only some debatable decisions from the nearside lino prevented them from breaking through on a couple of occasions. These decisions were greeted by comments such as 'Yowm avin a laugh' and 'Yown saft as a brush' from Lino. The shouts from the Ultras behind the goal were less Black Country and more industrial shall we say. The lino in question didn't do what was suggested with his flag. Probably for the best, for him at least.
Half-time arrived and it was time to sample the refreshments. I fully intended to take a look at the club house and bar but, after chatting to a few locals and one or two away fans, I finally settled on a cup of tea. Very nice it was too.
During half-time the wonderful non-league ritual of fans changing ends happened. The Stour massive had to take down both of their flags, carry them underarm and re-attach them at the turnstile end.
Stour never really got going in the second half. A Bedford break away shortly after the restart produced a second goal and, from then on, the result never really looked in doubt.
Left-back Jamie Oliver did provide a small moment of entertainment when he got subbed midway through the 2nd half. Taking off his shirt whilst walking off, he proceeded to launch it at the bench in a display of petulance worthy of the Premiership. If only he had thought to wear a 'Why always me' T-shirt. I like to think that he was just peeved at being subbed because he wanted to continue to fight for the cause.
So, no points for The Glassboys on the night. It was still a reasonably entertaining game of football, played in the right spirit, with an appreciative and friendly crowd. A welcome and refreshing change from the top flight of the pyramid.
On a much lighter note, I did learn that 2 of the 3 things that make Bedford Town 'wonderful' are exactly the same as 2 of the 3 things that make Stourbridge 'wonderful'. If only Bedford had The Albion as well, it would truly be a wonderful place.
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