Well of course not the World Cup, though what a great summer of dreaming it has been.
But two days before the final game of the "old" season it was time for the first of the new with the annual outing down the A38 to Mickleover.
Like the first warm sun of summer and the first airing of "Merry Christmas Everybody" in the middle of November, this has become for me the moment when I can start to look forward to all that lies ahead. And yes, I know it's Rochdale, Gillingham and Doncaster and not Aston Villa, Leeds and Derby but we'll soon get used to it and it really wasn't that long ago that it was Altrincham, Dover and Tamworth! (Obligatory note that "no offence " intended to supporters of these fine, but traditionally lower league clubs in these politically correct times!)
A 2-1 defeat to an Evostik League side doesn't look great on paper but as I am sure has already been written elsewhere, it's not about results, but fitness.
A bone hard uneven pitch made it difficult to make any kind of assessment but I liked the first look at Scott Fraser. Gets forward well, holds the ball well, and played some good incisive through balls. Tomas Egert was another to impress. Full of beans and strong in the air.
Nine changes at half time, but for ten minutes it looked as if the kids and the triallists were going to do a better job than the seniors. Joe Sbarra looked stronger (if no taller!) and took his chance well. Marcus Harness also showed a few good touches ahead of what is surely a make or break season after showing promise on the edge of the squad for a number of years. Hodge and McCormack looked bright at first but faded quickly.
And of course Kyle McFadzean held it all together until the last minute in what may prove to be his last outing in a Brewer's shirt.
A few familar names from my old spreadsheets on view for the home side. John McGrath of course. Amused to hear him shouting for one of his lads to be told to calm down a bit after a feisty crunching tackle that he would have proud to put his name to not that long ago! Jimmy Phillips, until recently the longest serving Brewer in the League era, now eclipsed by Damien McCrory of course. Kevin Grocutt, who made a couple of appearances under Peschisolido and Evan Garnett, who made it as far as the touchline as a sub but not quite on to the field of play.
Plus Robbie Weir, though he was only there as a spectator, as he was last year.
Meaningless result, but a lovely club, always a warm welcome and I wish them every success in their upcoming season.
Just the little matter of the World Cup Final then the only way to look is forward.Three weeks to get everbody match fit amd ready to go.
So fire up the Predictor, Otep......the Russian summer has been great but the real fun is about to start.....football's come home
Browse:
It's Coming Home.......
comment by BA442 (U18313)
posted on 16/7/18
Thanks for the great summary, as usual, Steve. I didn't go to this one, so it was an interesting read.
comment by Emnez (U3435)
posted on 19/7/18
Great post Steve my season ticket is at the ready just waiting now to pull the trigger and get started.
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