Thoughts of a lifelong fan: Another week of what might have been for Crawley Town
Another week of what might have been had we have taken our chances in both the games played.
Last Tuesday, at Bromley, I thought we played well in the first half but unfortunately missed some chances after Ryan Loft had put us ahead with a fantastic header after Harry McKIrdy had set him up at the end of a wonderful run down the left-hand side of the pitch. We should have been in control but as half time approached another lapse in defence saw Bromley snatch, what was for me, an undeserved equaliser.
In the second half we were not the same team and the bullying tactics used by Bromley, along with their extra height and very well taken corners in extremely windy conditions saw them run out three one winners.
I am happy to say that Andy Tester, a loyal supporter, who fell ill in the second half, has now fully recovered and was back watching the Red Devils against Oldham on Saturday.
The response by Bromley’s medical team was quick and efficient, which was more than could be said for their catering and toilet facilities. People missing twenty minutes of a game because of the queue for food does not match the overall impression of what otherwise looks like a decent stadium, and neither does the row of portaloos which were filthy and had no lights. Still, I know what you’re thinking. If we had won the game, it wouldn’t have mattered. Probably right.
Personally, I would like to thank all those fans who helped this rapidly aging Red Devil get to and from Bromley in one piece.
And then it was Oldham Athletic at home and the launch of The Red Devils’ Diary. Thank you to all those who bought a copy on Saturday, and I can report it was a sellout. Both Crawley and Oldham fans bought copies, and their encouraging comments were gratefully accepted by myself and Kev Neylon. Apologies for some errors, Salford 4 Crawley 3 was the result and not the other way round and after having pleaded with everyone to bring cash, which most of you did, we managed, thanks to Kev, to set up being able to pay by card. The biggest disappointment for me was that the club and I had a misunderstanding about the proposed minute of applause in the 28th minute and thus it didn’t really happen.
Where I was standing, in Torres Corner, I was applauding along with my family in memory of Ernie Cooksey who, for those who have only supported us for a short while, played for us in the 2002/2003 season before signing for Oldham at the beginning of the next season but sadly died of skin cancer at the age of just 28 seventeen years ago.
The game itself started well again for the Red Devils, with Ryan Loft scoring his second goal in two games to put us one up before Reece Brown saw his lob shot come back off the underside of the bar and unfortunately, for us, eventually get cleared by the Oldham defence. If, big word if, that had gone in, I really think we would have gone on to win comfortably. As it was, their manager’s son equalised for the Latics and then they took the lead, and we were heading for defeat but fortunately, Kaby Tshimanga on as a substitute drew us level with a great strike and it was game on again.
There were shouts for a penalty towards the end of the game when the irrepressible Harry Forster was brought down in the box but Mr. Breakspear, the man in charge, waved play on only to award us with a penalty in the last minute of added on time for hand ball. Kaby grabbed the ball to place it on the spot whilst the whole Oldham team surrounded the referee pleading their innocence. Finally, after a full minute of delay, the referee went across to talk to his assistant, who incidentally by this time had taken up his position for the penalty, and changed his mind awarding Oldham a free kick for a handball by Charlie Barker. As Scott said in his post-match interview, in the end the right decision was made but the way the officials arrived at it was disgracefully handled. Perhaps their batteries had run out.
And before anyone asks, their substitute who came on in the 8th minute , K Leake, is not related to me, as far as I know that is.
Sutton United v Chatham Town FA CUP 2nd ROUND
No apologies for saying I was at this game and in the home end. Unfortunately, for once, CTFC won at Gander Green Lane by three goals to nil and sadly my granddaughter, Beth, was injured and had to sit out the second half. I thought there was only one CTFC, but it turns out there are at least three.
Back to the real CTFC next week!!