TUESDAY, JULY 9
Cleethorpes Town 0 Grimsby Town 2
IT'S a very hot day but the need for a football fix is strong. Cleethorpes Town is a team I need to visit in the Northern Counties East League and their friendly against Grimsby Town looks vaguely interesting. I might also pull in a paddle!
The Paddling Plan is scuttled when I snap my knee ligament playing five-a-side, though I still have to arrive early to make sure I get a ticket.
Out of 1000 on sale, the box office is down to its last twelve when I get there (£5 each)! What a great money-raiser for the club.
I am greeted warmly by the secretary, Jevon Southam. In fact, he looks over-warm and very nervous, anxious to see the big night pass off without a hitch. He kindly sorts out a programme for me (£1).
My cunning plan at matches such as this is to stock up on everything I need before the masses gather and then don't move from my chosen position on the terraces. A delicious burger and chips is consumed first and a little while later an ice cream follows.
My plan works a treat: I overhear many fans telling friends they have had to queue for over 25 minutes for these ‘essentials'.
Cleethorpes, aka The Owls, are Filthy Groundsharers at Grimsby Borough's new Bradley Stadium. The ground is dominated by a plush clubhouse along one touchline.
There is an Arena-type seated stand across the other side with a tiny area of cover on the terrace behind one goal. I stand in the shade on the open area behind the other goal.
The first half is an excellent game of football. There is nothing friendly about it (apart from the crowd) and the tackles go flying in.
The Owls shade it in a goalless half. Cleethorpes change the entire side in the second half and even wear a different colour kit! Grimsby dominate and rattle in two goals.
Town (formerly LSS Lucalys) cope well on the night at this charmless venue. I can't say I'm thrilled at the prospect of returning to tick off Grimsby Borough.
sad.hopper@ntlworld.com
