The Dreaded F Word
Cray Wanderers 1 v Hornchurch 4
Isthmian Premier League (Step 3)
Sunday 15 October 2023
Played at Bromley
Ground Tick #454
Cowes Sports 1 v Petersfield Town 2
Wessex Premier League (Step 5)
Saturday 14 October 2023
Ground Tick #453
That was my first visit to the Isle of Wight under any circumstances. Football, beer, holiday, day trip. Never been before. So, even to this old git, that felt like a nice adventure. Had to get on a boat an' all that. (Aside - that was also my 100th game in 2023).
Decades ago, during my difficult period years in The Horrendous Lemons football gang, I had a friend called Paul who supported Chelsea. And a friend called Ian who supported Southampton. Ian lived on the Isle of Wight. Paul & Ian were tight. We all were. We were (/are) The Horrendous Lemons, part of England's away support. We all had each other's back. Had to in those days.
But, with all the piss taking, geographical rivalry, and club banter, and crucially with the unsustainable levels of alcohol, Paul & Ian would often come to blows. Serious blows. Knocking tables over in pubs blows. Scattering civilians blows. Half an hour later, they'd be dabbing each other's grazes, buying each other drinks, chatting with their arms around each other. But, during the blows, it would be SPECTACULAR.
The thing that would always tip it from banter to blows was Paul's references to Ian's geographical isolation. Living, not on the English mainland. But, on an Island.
"You might as well be French. Basically you're French. Admit it Ian you're fucking French."
Booooof. Smash. Biffo. Blows. Etceterooonie.
Witheringly, the rest of us would lamely shout "whoa". But the Blows would just have to subside on their own accord.
"What happened there?"
"He mentioned The F Word."
"Aaahhh, I see."
So, this visit to the Isle of Wight (aka France) is for you Ian.
And, also for;
Yates' Brewery (Sandown, IoW), Sea Dog, Pale Ale on Cask at 4%
Excellent beer. Hints of cloud, rather than opaque. The head died quickly, but lacing stayed all the way down the glass. The balance was spot on and the Hops were perfect. A bit floral, with a good whipped in cross of bitterness.
I bought that in the beautiful;
The Woodvale Hotel
1 Prince's Esplanade, Cowes PO31 8LE
Which emerged out of the trees as I trod the coastal path. Up a slight incline. With a green in front of it. Deffo England, not France.
Spicy affair at Westwood Park. The way I saw it, The Yachtsmen manager basically sent himself off on 89. He'd been booked a few minutes earlier for loudly swearing at lino. Another decision he disagreed with sent him over the coastal defences. I think he read the signals (it's all too nautical Phil) and carted himself off to the rooms before the ref could come alongside him.
Cowes had gone ahead on just 7. The excellent throughout Connor Kelly coming in off the right wing, on his left foot, and finishing with a great shot. The game turned on 44. When Cowes #6, Colson, was booked twice sharpish and was off. That started the downward spiral of moaning at the officials.
The Rams got a rather lucky equaliser on 61. A right wing cross deflected in for an OG. They went ahead just 8 minutes later. Great goal that one. Declan Seiden controlling it, swivelling on it, and bottom cornering it. That proved to be the winner.
Competing claims. And a bit of allowable historical revisionism has Cray Wanderers established in 1860 - the same year as Hallam. They have been groundsharing at Bromley FC since 1998. But, they are now a long way down the line with their own ground in Sidcup.
Landlords Bromley are doing well in the National League. And this is a well appointed ground. There is a mahoosive newish stand behind one goal. Which is attached to the frankly incongruous for this location Broomfield bar & kitchen. Cavernous. Shepherd Neame Spitfire Lager on Keg & Whitstable Bay Blonde Lager on Cask and Keg. Bear Island East Coast Pale on Keg. A few Shepherd Neame bottles. And your Industrial Usuals.
But, I went;
Shepherd Neame, Hop Pocket, Green Hop Ale on Cask at 4.5%
I mean, let's have it right. Sunday afts. Suns out. Bumped into a friend (of a friend) I've known for thirty odd years. I'm going to buy those. And sit in the stand drinking them. Green Hop beers are supposed to use very freshly harvested hops, before they get any real processing. But, I don't suppose there's a Green Hop Regulator, so "l have my doubts".
The game was even at times. But The Urchins bossed the scoring. Liam Nash was on fire. Near post header on 22. Another header on 31. That left it two nil to Hornchurch at HT. Wanderers pulled one back on 65. One of those - he's put a decent free kick in, everybody goes for it, nobody gets anything on it, the keeper just watches it into the far bottom corner - goals.
A penalty on 79. And a fourth just after, brought it all home for Hornchurch.
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