Cannon Fodder - FA Cup dream over
So the FA Cup dream is over.
It was great while it lasted, and having seen who Alfreton have got in the next round, it only makes losing that little bit harder to swallow.
Had we have been outclassed I could have accepted losing to higher ranked opposition.
But that's the thing. We weren't.
Man for man, we more than matched a team two divisions above, who boasted at least one recognisable name in their number.
It was so pleasing to see the team rise to the occasion, as we all expected they would.
It just makes the stilted performances of the last few weeks all the more inexplicable. All I can think is that the players expect to win against league opponents, and on Saturday they actually had to try. The difference was obvious.
How great to see so many people through the gates though. If just a fraction of the newbies saw enough to persuade them to come up to Cannon Park on Saturday, then it will all have been worth it.
The facilities may not be the best for watching football, but only with ever-increasing numbers will the new owners feel compelled to do something to support the supporters.
As for those who were complaining about crowding, car parking and the like, well I'm sorry, but days like Saturday should be the norm, not the exception. RUFC is not a private members club, and the more people who understand that, the better.
One sour note from Saturday was the attitude of a small section of the away 'support', who took it upon themselves to follow their club from the comfort of the clubhouse, preferring to intimidate the locals rather than watch the game.
Not what anyone wants to see, and thankfully there is no one associated with Retford United who would rise to their challenge. It is not what we are about. And I hope anyone who hadn't been to Cannon Park before saw that.
I can't finish without mentioning the antics of Leo Fortune-West, Alfreton's 'famous' centre forward. I had heard tales of his behaviour before the match, but he had to be seen to be believed. I have never seen a man so big, and so experienced, fall over, moan and whinge as much as that gentleman. Quite how he sleeps at night I am not sure.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Worksop
Saturday 04 February 2012
Today
Light snow
Temperature: -4 C to 1 C
Wind Speed: 24 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 1 C to 4 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: West
