An Undividable Glow, The Reality.
Becoming obsessed by F.C. United of Manchester was easy. It definitely is a full-time job. From my first game, a friendly away to Stalybridge Celtic, I was hooked. My four year old grandson was less enthousiastic, but he has decided that he wants to go again this season.
I felt more welcome at 'little united' than I have felt for years at 'big united'. Lots of happy smiling people, all in the same boat (or dingy) as me- a refugee from O.T.! Would it get off the ground, this new team? Would it all turn to shit, and reds that had stayed at O.T. would say, "We knew it would end in tears". Surely this had to take off. If it didn't, we had at least tried.
At Stalyvegas it was certainly positive. Quotes like "Are you going next week?", "Where the fucks that?", and "What boozer are you going in?", were heard. And the singing from FC was unbelievable- the full 90 mins.
Discussions about why we come to FC United, but still love Big United were on-going.
The day of the first league game arrived. A bit overcast, it soon turned to a full-blown storm, just as we got off the coach at Leek C.S.O.B., played at Leek Town's stadium. By the time we found a pub we could actually get in (The Dyers), we were all drenched. Never mind, Big united were on telly, early kick-off, against Everton, at Goodison. A good win for us set the scene for a good day out, and our (little united) first three points, winning 5-2, in torrential rain.It wouldn't be the last time we'd get drenched this season!
The atmosphere was tremendous. I've not seen the likes of that for a long time. The kick-off was delayed while all us piss-heads got in the ground, a big thanks to Leek for their hospitality. Shame about the weather, though.
The week aftercame our first ever home league game. Padiham, who were expected, by those who know this level of football, to be challenging for the championship in May.
First things first. We have to find somewhere to watch the early kick-off game again, because its big united against Villa at OT. Bury social club turned out to be the ideal spot. For £5 you get a years membership, which also helps out our hosts, who are a bit strapped for cash. And it closes at 3pm, so you don't get the urge to stay there once you get the taste!!!
Anyway, big united turned Villa over, and we do likewise to Padiham, but in the end it was close, the visitors coming back with two goals at the death, to make it 3-2.
Midweek saw a game we were expected to win, and did, against Eccleshall, 7-1. The players names were becoming familiar now. Torpey, Orr, Mr. Mystery, Chadwick, George, Mitten, Carden, etc.
I missed the following midweek game due to a medical procedure (which I won't go into), against Winsford, which was drawn 2-2, but went there to the same stadium on the Saturday against Ashton Town. The first thing that strikes you when you get in is that there are no fences separating the fans from the players. Although the facilities weren't finished being built, its a nice compact little ground, the likes of which United would be happy to have. In the meantime,we had to trek cross a field, over a tiny footbrige over a canal, along a country lane to Witton Albion Social club to get a pint. We were made to feel really welcome by the compere, and asked to come back after the game. This grass-roots football is really where its at!!!
On the way to the ground we stopped at the Black Greyhound for refreshments. the owner had been caught unawares on the previous Wednesday, but assured everyone that he would lay on sarnies and whatever today, but was still plugging his curry restaurant round the back.
After the game we went to the Slow and Easy to watch the England game, never an enjoyable experience, given that united players are generally treated terribly by England fans. As are united fans. Well the FC team bus turned up, and all the players came into the bar, mingled with the fans, sang, chatted, and got pissed, before getting back on the bus and heading back Mancuniawards. Great. The result was a mere detail. A 4-0 win suggests that we might be able to get somewhere near the top at the end of the season.
A week later, and its Blackpool Mechanics at Gigg Lane. Although we won 4-2, scoring goals isn't a problem, we can't seem to keep a clean sheet. This will have to improve when we play a decent team (no disrespect to Blackpool). The singing ball-boys made this game, as well as this song:
We hate Blackpool Mechanics,
We hate Cheadle Town too, (and Flixton)
We hate Manchester City,
But United we love you,
(Altogether now). . . .
The following game was switched from Castleton Gabriels' ground to the home of Radcliffe Borough, and was a good day out. Except for the trek from tram station to the ground. However, once we reached the ground, the social club seemed very attractive. Once we had downed a few 'easy ciders', things were decidedly hunkey-dorey. And Steve Torpey (our favourite striker) was spotted at the bar. He wasn't playing, he was injured!!! Then two burly FC fans picked him upon their shoulders, and stood him on one of the tables, and we all sang "You Scouse bastard" at him. He loved it!!!
The way FC fans were treated by officials of both Castleton and Radcliffe was a credit to non-league football. Manchester United fans are used to being treated like shit everywhere we go, but this was special, and we would like to return soon, but not as guests of Castleton. This would mean we would be in a higher division, and not as disrespect to Cassy Gabs.
Next came Norton United, who were determined to get a draw at least. If they played like this every week they wouldn't have a problem. Indeed, they would be title contenders. But United, in whatever shape or form, remain the team to beat. Norton began like a whirlwind,and had United at 6's and 7's. But United almost took the lead against the run of play. Steve Torpey won a penalty,which he duly converted, only to be ordered to re-take it, due to encroachment or whatever. This time the keeper saved brilliantly. The crowd were incensed at the referee, and even the ball-boys were making gestures at him. Something along the lines of 'You masterbate quite a lot'.
Torpey was spurred on by his penalty miss, and won another penalty, which Mr. Mystery converted. We had a lead totaly against the run of play. Late on in the game another penalty was awarded, this time to Norton. When he scored it, the Norton players went ballistic. It was like the winning goal in the cup final.
Worse was to come, as United went in search of a late winner, Norton broke away and grabbed a deserved, cup-final winner. At the final whistle we were all stunned. The players were too. This all seemed to reinforce our feelings for the club. That we had no divine right to win every week. It came as a bit of a shock, and hurt as well.
I went away thinking, as did a couple of thousand others, that this was our club, and it needed our support, and showed it. We were actually valued as supporters!
Off the field the social aspect was becoming more and more relaxed. People were seeing each other regularly in the pubs around the ground, and in Bury social club at the ground. It seemed like we were getting into a routine, standing in a regular place in the ground, meeting new friends, renewing old acquaintancies, and all around there was a feeling that we actually had something here.
Imagine if we had our own ground!
Because of the internationals we wait ten days to put this defeat behind us. Next up were Oldham Town at Gigg Lane. The visitors put up a brave fight, but were beateb 1-0 infront of more than 3,000 fans. A new record, and on a Wednesday! What was memorable about this game was the singing ball-boys. Laughing policemen, and all the volunteer stewards. We even have our own Mega-stall at Gigg Lane, selling scarves, badges, and programmes, including back-issues. Nothing wrong here then!
Next was Daisy Hill, also at Gigg Lane. Another record crowd of 3,800 came to see the lads thrash the team from Bolton 6-0. A carnival atmosphere, while England beat Poland 1-0 at Old Trafford to qualify for the World Cup Finals. The least said about that the better.
The next game was our first cup game, away to Cheadle Town at Curzon Ashton's compact little ground, in the N.W.C.L. cup, 1st. round. Originally scheduled for the previous Saturday, then moved because of police complaints, to Monday. Then moved from Cheadle, because only 2,400 can get in there, and 4,500 in Curzon Ashton. Then a restriction of 2,200 placed on the attendance. It seemed like at every step somebody was trying to make it awkward for F.C. United fans. They obviously underestimated us, because, despite all this 2,400 people turned up. Brilliant!
Anyway, after having refreshments in the Ring o'Bells and the Greyhound, only ten minutes walk from the ground, it was off to the stadium opened by S.A.F. only that summer. A ground with enough land surrounding it to build on should they ever rise up the pyramid, like F.C. hope to.
Cheadle proceded to try and put the damper on it by scoring, but we warned them:
"We told you not to score,
We told you not to score,
And now your gonna believe us,
And now your gonna believe us,
We told you not to score."
Then we did, five in a row. Including our own Black Pearl, Adie Orr, who bagged our first ever hat-trick. Bring on Colne away in the next round.
Nelson at home next, more singing ball-boys, and a 5-0 victory to us.
The next fixture was due to be Chadderton at Gigg Lane, but due to the weather it was postponed.
Bonfire night, and Eccleshall away. No fireworks, no goals. The first league game where we have failed to score. Couldn't make it myself, due to work comittments. It seems I didn't miss much.
Colne away in the 2nd. round. A 2-1 defeat, but good humour round the ground, amongst the supporters, that is. Just when it looked like we had scraped a draw, up came Colne in the last minutes to snatch it. This game was proof that should we gain promotion,we will need to change a good few players. Torpey is not one of them. He scored another beauty and is surely destined for better things. This was played at Accrington Stanley's (who are they?) ground at Livingston St. The stewarding was done by over the top jobsworths, in particular one ginger-headed female who seemed to thrive in all the attention. Max and Paddy were also there as stewards. Most other stewards were fair, and said we would be welcomed back when we came to play Stanley in the conference. Don't hold your breath!
On a gray November afternoon we made our way to Darwen for Oldest against Newest. Did they really play at this ground when they were one of the original League clubs? Just down the road from Blackburn Rovers, it would be easy to be mistaken which was the first of the two.
No concessions for O.A.P.s. No concessions for under 18's. Money-grabbers. So lots stayed away. Hardly anyone bought the pies, or drank at the ground as a consequence. Luckily this sort of niggardliness doesn't prevail at this level. Most teams see a chance to make a few bob against us, but don't treat us like golden geese. Hope we never have to play there again.! A steady 2-1 win.
New Mills at home on a Wednesday, and before we had even got out of the social club we were a goal down. Once again they were told they would wish they hadn't scored. Also missed was the minutes noise for Russel Delaney, who was instrumental in setting up our club, and who all F.C. fans should be grateful to. Simon Carden led the 6-1 rout with a hat-trick.
On to Stockport County to play our away game with Cheadle Town. They were seen as athreat, along with Winsford United and Padiham, for the 2nd Division Championship. Before the game, the death of United legend George Best was marked with a minutes singing, clapping, cheering, and general appreciation of the memories he gave us, as a brilliant player, and jack-the-lad. They definitely threw away the mould when he was born! ! !
What a cracking atmosphere in the Cheadle end, and what a cracking game, ending with Chaddy nodding in for the last equaliser in a 3-3 draw, in the last minute of injury-time.
Next up, New Mills in the 2nd Division Trophy at Macclesfield's Moss Rose ground. In the Queens, opposite the train station watching Georgies funeral. The usual noisy atmosphere, until Callum stood up and read the poem by the Belfast woman. There wasn't a dry eye in the pub. Big burly blokes crying. "Got summat in me eye, yer twat!" "Fuckin smoky in ere, innit?", to name but two. Then, "George Best world" was sung over and over again, and anyone who still didn't have a lump in their throat must have been either an alien or one of the most ardent ABU's (anyone but united) ever.
Anyway, there was still a match to play, so on to Macc. In the bar was a Canadian woman who was totally ignored by everybody, as she could have been mistaken for a yank, and therefore a Glazer spy - paranoid, not me. Pissed, more likely.
The game was duly won with the minimum of fuss 5-0, with Steve Torpey this time claiming a hat-trick, one of wich was a candidate for goal of the season. A lob from the left-hand angle of the penalty area.Did he mean it? I'm sure he would say he did. Bless.
Two weeks before Christmas, and we already had the turkey stuffed. Chadderton Gabriels I mean. This time the visitors didn't score first, we did. After 30 secs! ! ! Poor Cas, it was 6-1 at half-time, and it ended up 10-2, with Simon Carden bagging 5. The attendance of 3,200 also creeping up. The highlight of the game was when a Cas player scored their first goal. At the MRE, he went ballistic. Having no supporters at that end to run to, he ran over to the Shakers stand, jumped over the wall, and went and sat in the first row and applauded his goal. Brilliant! Even the FC fans had to applaud that! ! !
Holker Old Boys, at Barrow rugby club next. The 9:45 train to Barrow, for £20 (change at Lancaster) was a jolly affair. When it arrived at 11:45 it seemed to take the local constabulary uwares, judging by the startled expression of the two bobbies in the white transit van parked in the station car park, woken up by over 200 FC fans. The discussion was in which pub are we going to watch big United play Villa? Having worked in barrow during the building of the trident sub pens, I had a pretty good idea where most of the pubs were. Or so I thought. We found one called the Continental. The staff were totally unprepared for a full pub at 12 o'clock dinner time.
Big United win easy, and its on to the rugby ground. The rugby posts are still there, but the football sticks are set just infront of them, so no bother. Atmosphere electric, and the locals extremely friendly, as are most when FC come to town. See Chaddy amongst the crowd. He's just failed a fitness test, so won't be playing today. But he'll be in the crowd singing his head off for the lads. Bless! With that he goes back to signing autographs for the young uns. Would the wobbly-gobbed tosser (Rio Fernando) do that? I don't think so.
No score at half-time, and manage a couple of swift pints.
Second half, and it takes a bit of magic from Torpey, but FC quickly go two up. Game over, so back to the pubs.
When I worked in Barrow, Rawlinson St. was full of pubs, and on a Sunday we used to go on the Rawley Roll. Start at the end nearest to the train station, and have a pint in every pub along the way until you reached the other end or fell by the wayside. Due to the fact that there were more than twelve pubs, there were a lot who fell by the wayside. Now its impossible, because most of the pubs are gone! ! !
A few pints, then the train home. I sleep through the noise. Wake up just as we arrive in Mancunia at 9 pm. (Direct train, I think.)
Due to family commitments I miss the away game at Flixton on Boxing Day. A 1-1 draw! ! ! I can't leave you for five minutes, can I?
FC v Winsford. UNBELIEVABLE! ! ! Attendance: 4,310.
Singing in three sections of the ground now!
Unfortunately, Winsford take the lead just after half-time. And not against the run of play, I might add. The goalscorer obviously hasn't planned on scoring, as he is lost. he doesnt know where to run, and ends up running to the cemetry end. Surely he didn't think we were all Winsford fans!!! A ginger cheer goes up from one end of the main stand.There they were in the main stand, all 20-25 of them.
"You'll wish you'd never scored", and with 20 mins to go we turn it round, with goals from Simon Carden again, and Mr. Mystery super-sub getting the winner, jumping into the crowd at the MRE and getting booked. Great result.
Its exciting, this non-league football! ! !
Next its Darwen at home. Nothing extraordinary, just a very nippy forward line, 3,200 plus, and a victory by two goals to nil.
Nelson away, again at Livingston St. , Accrington Stanley's ground. We were three-nil up at half-time, then Nelson wake up, and get a consolation goal. The bar was bouncing.
There really is history here. Was Livingston St. there first, or was it called that after Stanley played there? Orwas that really where Stanley found Livingston, in the bar downing his bovril at half-time? And then another name from the past comes to play there (Nelson). Don't tell me, Nelson's ground is called Trafalgar Square.
Ashton Town gave us a fright before Torpey got the winner at Gigg Lane. This was a high attendance, 3,549, because big United were playing the Dippers on Sunday. So the experts say.
Nelson at home was a very different kettle of fish to the away win a fortnight ago. We should have been warned by their fightback in the second half of that match at Accrington, when they stopped us scoring and got one themselves. In the last seconds of extra time they stuck one past Barry George, and gave us no time to reply. We didn't deserve to win, and fair play to Horatio, they coul have sat back and played for a money-spinning replay ay Trafalgar Square!
Daisy Hill away at Chorley. Another win at a decent ground, so I am reliably informed. I missed this one due to a second medical procedure.Shhhh......
Our first Euro away! Blackpool Mechanics, played at Bloomfield Rd., and rather heavily policed too.
I went on Friday after work with the missus, and booked in at digs on Station Rd. at South pier. Decent digs. The owner couldn't understand why some digs were fully booked at that time of year. Obviously couldn't remember the games with Blackpool in the seventies.
Anyway, Friday night was spent in the Last Orders. Saturday too, as big United were playing in the 5th round of the cup at the dippers.
Bad result for big United, a 1-0 defeat, but the injury to Smith brings out the worst in the dippers. Several of their fans in the pub are ecstatic, of course.
We move on to Bloomfield Rd. What's this ? A stadium made of white formica? At least that is what it looks like inside, on two sides anyway. The other two aren't yet built. More than big enough, however to hold all 4,300 of us, although it looks like more.
A word about the police presence. Totally over the top. A man walking with his young son is unceremoniously shoved against the wall and held by his neck while another constable empties his can of lager onto the pavement. His son looked terrified. Well done, copper! Also in attendance were lods of police dogs, riot vans, shields.
The wife went shopping during the game, so gave her ticket to a guy at the ticket office who was getting grief from them. You should have seen the looks of the people behind the counter. Priceless! It didn't go down very well at all.
Great game. We had to struggle, but thanks to two pens from Mr. Mystery made it a repeat of the 1948 cup final score.
Outside after the game, waiting for us was the missus, also thirsty, so we retired to the Foxhall till gone two 0'clock. A good time was had by all.
After brekky on Sunday, a pleasant train journey home, and dinner in Wetherspoons in the Dilly (fat bastard).
Holker Old Boys at home next. At Altrincham's Moss Lane ground because of a beer festival at Gigg Lane. This was a really close call. Alty or Gigg? FC won in the end, of course. I couldn't get a ticket for Gigg Lane.(?)
FC fans took over Alty for the day, or the pubs at least. The match wasn't memorable, apart from the fact we won 4-1, and for one player who had a blinder for the Barrovians, Dave Swarbrick. Holker played well, but fitness told in the end, as it did in Barrow.
Great Harwood Town away on a Monday night would have been too much for my missus, so I really did need to pull the horns in and miss this one. This is precisely the type of game that people were saying would show whether FC were up for it or not. Well, we aren't going away, are we? My sources revealed that it was an uneventful, freezing, 1-1 draw, infront of 1,028 people. I wish I had been there.
Following Great Harwood, the next game against Chadderton was postponed.
Flixton at home, and another defeat, 2-1, thanks to Freddie Boswell, who ran the line at the MRE/Main stand part of the ground. The only highlight was the free-for-all after Chaddy had scored with a diving header.
It hurts when little united lose as well.
Leek CSOB must have been dreading following that. And after a bollocking from Margie no doubt, we went on to win 8-1, depite the heroics of Shaggy in the Leek goal. That good little player from Holker, Swarbrick, opened his account, along with a hat-trick from Mr. Mystery, two from Power, and Torpey and Simms one each.
Oldham Town were next, and it was a hard fought for three points, thanks again to Chaddy.
This was another example of showing the critics that we are here to stay, although only (only?)1,767 turned up.
Next, a day out at Ewen Fields, the home of Hyde United, for our away game againsy New Mills. The bovril here is far and away the best we have come accross yet on our travels in the non-league circuit. Without a shadow of a doubt. Take the accolades, Hyde United.
The game was quite close, and the main talking point was whether Mr. Mystery in fact did get a red card, and if so, for what? The other was the superb goal by Jos Mitten, who normally couldn't trap a bag of cement. This time he trapped it with his back to goal and a defender pulling his shirt, spun round and shot all in one movement from the edge of the area for a beautiful goal.
Cheadle Town spoilers were next to come to Gigg Lane, and to be honest, they belong in the Italian league, and not here. The histrionics, diving, feigning injury, and conning the ref, who wasn't the strongest ever. You know who you are, Mr. Hussain.
Once they started to play, they were very good, and if they keep it up they would surely be title contenders. In any case, they first destroyed any rhythm FC might have had, then took the lead, as Italian teams do. From then it was all uphill for FC. Margy took off Mitten, Torpey, and Patterson, and it seemed to inspire us, and Simms got the equaliser we deserved. Then it was panic stations in the Cheadle goal, but they held out, due to some desperate defending, and some of the worst off-side decisions ever seen.
MRE closed for at least three weeks, due to damage to the rear of the stand. Was it hooliganism from FC fans, or over exhuberance? Or was it Bury fans? Whoever it was, it has to be repaired, and neither of the two clubs who play there need this kind of expense. We are guests of Bury FC, and should behave accordingly, or we may be looking for somewhere else to play. And if we are known as hooligans, who will have us, despite the money that we bring with us?
Norton United at Port Vale's ground goes down as spousal abuse, in my wife's mind. As it was played on a Sunday, and she has the day off, she decides that she would like to tag along. Big mistake. We left Manchester in brilliant sunshine, and half way down the M6, we hit a blizzard. Accidents on both sides of us on the motorway. Surely it will be called off! I ring Port Vale, and yes, its still on. We get there, and its at least two inches deep in snow. The game starts, and we go one-up. Now we will get revenge for that first league defeat back in September. They get a penalty, and score, but due to an encroachment, has to be re-taken. This time its blasted wide of the fattest keeper in the league. Home to roost, and chickens spring to mind. One of the linesmen lost it halfway through the first half, and didn't know which way to flag anymore.
In the second half, the weather got worse, and so did the reffing. Against the run of play, our fat keeper let in an easy one. After that it was all FC. Torpey and an o.g. made it 3-1 to us, and revenge was sweet. The game ended like it was mid-summer. The snow melted in the sun, and the players were sweating like grand national winners.
After the game, we retired to the clubhouse, where our hosts had anticipated our arrival by setting the tv to the football, for big United against Arse. Another scouser was m.o.t.m. as we beat em 2-0, to round off a perfect day. Shame about the weather, though. That would account for the low attendance of 1,284. That, and the fact big United were at home too.
We had a new song, Anarchy in the UK, and a buzz about the championship, as well as the end of season friendly in Leipzig.
Next up, two games against Chadderton, at Gigg Lane and Boundary Park (Ice Station Zebra), both midweek games.
Promotion was sealed with a 4-0 win, with goals from Torpey, Nugent, Ahern, and Mr. Mystery. The song was that we would win the league this year, this time at Boundary Park. Wrong. Nelson gave it us. They lost on the Saturday, while we played a friendly at Clitheroe.
So, with three games to go we were champions. With several young lads in the side at Oldham's ground, we eventually won 3-2, with goals from O'Neill, Lyons, and Adie Orr.
One who stood out for me was Warren Collier, who I am sure has a future here, if he is not scouted away.
Now for the trophy presentation, but first a game against Great Harwood Town. What a horrible match. Simon Carden came in for a lot of rough handling from the Gt, Harwood midfield, so Power was sent on to redress the balance. But, after the worst case of diving (by Harwoods full-back) I have ever witnessed, Power was sent off. Not even Pires at his worst could have got away with that. Its to be hoped that this type of behaviour doesn't spread at this level.
To add insult to injury, they broke away and scored with seconds left on the clock, to give us our fifth beating of the season, and our third at home in the league.
The tropht was presented infront of 6,028 people, and we all went ape-shit.
The open-topped bus was a piss-take, to drive the half-mile to the Swan & Cemetry. It was absolutely hammered, so we went into Bury town centre to bask in the after-glow, and to plot our strategy for Leipzig.
For the last league game against Padiham at Boundary Park, it was only a question of where to watch big United away to Chelski.The Spotsmans on Broadway was the answer, but then Rooney went and upset the whole of England by getting himself injured. The resukt paled into insignificance after that, although 3-0 was about fair.
From there to the Latics ground, a few buds at the caravan, and onto the terraces with the lads. Padiham came close against us early on in August, and I thought they would be there, or thereabout come April, but they just seemed to fade out. We eventually won 2-1, Carden and Torpey scoring. The trophy was brought out again. Great, but its not going to be like this every year. So, best to make the most of it now.
Becoming obsessed by F.C. United of Manchester was easy. It definitely is a full-time job. From my first game, a friendly away to Stalybridge Celtic, I was hooked. My four year old grandson was less enthousiastic, but he has decided that he wants to go again this season.
I felt more welcome at 'little united' than I have felt for years at 'big united'. Lots of happy smiling people, all in the same boat (or dingy) as me- a refugee from O.T.! Would it get off the ground, this new team? Would it all turn to shit, and reds that had stayed at O.T. would say, "We knew it would end in tears". Surely this had to take off. If it didn't, we had at least tried.
At Stalyvegas it was certainly positive. Quotes like "Are you going next week?", "Where the fucks that?", and "What boozer are you going in?", were heard. And the singing from FC was unbelievable- the full 90 mins.
Discussions about why we come to FC United, but still love Big United were on-going.
The day of the first league game arrived. A bit overcast, it soon turned to a full-blown storm, just as we got off the coach at Leek C.S.O.B., played at Leek Town's stadium. By the time we found a pub we could actually get in (The Dyers), we were all drenched. Never mind, Big united were on telly, early kick-off, against Everton, at Goodison. A good win for us set the scene for a good day out, and our (little united) first three points, winning 5-2, in torrential rain.It wouldn't be the last time we'd get drenched this season!
The atmosphere was tremendous. I've not seen the likes of that for a long time. The kick-off was delayed while all us piss-heads got in the ground, a big thanks to Leek for their hospitality. Shame about the weather, though.
The week aftercame our first ever home league game. Padiham, who were expected, by those who know this level of football, to be challenging for the championship in May.
First things first. We have to find somewhere to watch the early kick-off game again, because its big united against Villa at OT. Bury social club turned out to be the ideal spot. For £5 you get a years membership, which also helps out our hosts, who are a bit strapped for cash. And it closes at 3pm, so you don't get the urge to stay there once you get the taste!!!
Anyway, big united turned Villa over, and we do likewise to Padiham, but in the end it was close, the visitors coming back with two goals at the death, to make it 3-2.
Midweek saw a game we were expected to win, and did, against Eccleshall, 7-1. The players names were becoming familiar now. Torpey, Orr, Mr. Mystery, Chadwick, George, Mitten, Carden, etc.
I missed the following midweek game due to a medical procedure (which I won't go into), against Winsford, which was drawn 2-2, but went there to the same stadium on the Saturday against Ashton Town. The first thing that strikes you when you get in is that there are no fences separating the fans from the players. Although the facilities weren't finished being built, its a nice compact little ground, the likes of which United would be happy to have. In the meantime,we had to trek cross a field, over a tiny footbrige over a canal, along a country lane to Witton Albion Social club to get a pint. We were made to feel really welcome by the compere, and asked to come back after the game. This grass-roots football is really where its at!!!
On the way to the ground we stopped at the Black Greyhound for refreshments. the owner had been caught unawares on the previous Wednesday, but assured everyone that he would lay on sarnies and whatever today, but was still plugging his curry restaurant round the back.
After the game we went to the Slow and Easy to watch the England game, never an enjoyable experience, given that united players are generally treated terribly by England fans. As are united fans. Well the FC team bus turned up, and all the players came into the bar, mingled with the fans, sang, chatted, and got pissed, before getting back on the bus and heading back Mancuniawards. Great. The result was a mere detail. A 4-0 win suggests that we might be able to get somewhere near the top at the end of the season.
A week later, and its Blackpool Mechanics at Gigg Lane. Although we won 4-2, scoring goals isn't a problem, we can't seem to keep a clean sheet. This will have to improve when we play a decent team (no disrespect to Blackpool). The singing ball-boys made this game, as well as this song:
We hate Blackpool Mechanics,
We hate Cheadle Town too, (and Flixton)
We hate Manchester City,
But United we love you,
(Altogether now). . . .
The following game was switched from Castleton Gabriels' ground to the home of Radcliffe Borough, and was a good day out. Except for the trek from tram station to the ground. However, once we reached the ground, the social club seemed very attractive. Once we had downed a few 'easy ciders', things were decidedly hunkey-dorey. And Steve Torpey (our favourite striker) was spotted at the bar. He wasn't playing, he was injured!!! Then two burly FC fans picked him upon their shoulders, and stood him on one of the tables, and we all sang "You Scouse bastard" at him. He loved it!!!
The way FC fans were treated by officials of both Castleton and Radcliffe was a credit to non-league football. Manchester United fans are used to being treated like shit everywhere we go, but this was special, and we would like to return soon, but not as guests of Castleton. This would mean we would be in a higher division, and not as disrespect to Cassy Gabs.
Next came Norton United, who were determined to get a draw at least. If they played like this every week they wouldn't have a problem. Indeed, they would be title contenders. But United, in whatever shape or form, remain the team to beat. Norton began like a whirlwind,and had United at 6's and 7's. But United almost took the lead against the run of play. Steve Torpey won a penalty,which he duly converted, only to be ordered to re-take it, due to encroachment or whatever. This time the keeper saved brilliantly. The crowd were incensed at the referee, and even the ball-boys were making gestures at him. Something along the lines of 'You masterbate quite a lot'.
Torpey was spurred on by his penalty miss, and won another penalty, which Mr. Mystery converted. We had a lead totaly against the run of play. Late on in the game another penalty was awarded, this time to Norton. When he scored it, the Norton players went ballistic. It was like the winning goal in the cup final.
Worse was to come, as United went in search of a late winner, Norton broke away and grabbed a deserved, cup-final winner. At the final whistle we were all stunned. The players were too. This all seemed to reinforce our feelings for the club. That we had no divine right to win every week. It came as a bit of a shock, and hurt as well.
I went away thinking, as did a couple of thousand others, that this was our club, and it needed our support, and showed it. We were actually valued as supporters!
Off the field the social aspect was becoming more and more relaxed. People were seeing each other regularly in the pubs around the ground, and in Bury social club at the ground. It seemed like we were getting into a routine, standing in a regular place in the ground, meeting new friends, renewing old acquaintancies, and all around there was a feeling that we actually had something here.
Imagine if we had our own ground!
Because of the internationals we wait ten days to put this defeat behind us. Next up were Oldham Town at Gigg Lane. The visitors put up a brave fight, but were beateb 1-0 infront of more than 3,000 fans. A new record, and on a Wednesday! What was memorable about this game was the singing ball-boys. Laughing policemen, and all the volunteer stewards. We even have our own Mega-stall at Gigg Lane, selling scarves, badges, and programmes, including back-issues. Nothing wrong here then!
Next was Daisy Hill, also at Gigg Lane. Another record crowd of 3,800 came to see the lads thrash the team from Bolton 6-0. A carnival atmosphere, while England beat Poland 1-0 at Old Trafford to qualify for the World Cup Finals. The least said about that the better.
The next game was our first cup game, away to Cheadle Town at Curzon Ashton's compact little ground, in the N.W.C.L. cup, 1st. round. Originally scheduled for the previous Saturday, then moved because of police complaints, to Monday. Then moved from Cheadle, because only 2,400 can get in there, and 4,500 in Curzon Ashton. Then a restriction of 2,200 placed on the attendance. It seemed like at every step somebody was trying to make it awkward for F.C. United fans. They obviously underestimated us, because, despite all this 2,400 people turned up. Brilliant!
Anyway, after having refreshments in the Ring o'Bells and the Greyhound, only ten minutes walk from the ground, it was off to the stadium opened by S.A.F. only that summer. A ground with enough land surrounding it to build on should they ever rise up the pyramid, like F.C. hope to.
Cheadle proceded to try and put the damper on it by scoring, but we warned them:
"We told you not to score,
We told you not to score,
And now your gonna believe us,
And now your gonna believe us,
We told you not to score."
Then we did, five in a row. Including our own Black Pearl, Adie Orr, who bagged our first ever hat-trick. Bring on Colne away in the next round.
Nelson at home next, more singing ball-boys, and a 5-0 victory to us.
The next fixture was due to be Chadderton at Gigg Lane, but due to the weather it was postponed.
Bonfire night, and Eccleshall away. No fireworks, no goals. The first league game where we have failed to score. Couldn't make it myself, due to work comittments. It seems I didn't miss much.
Colne away in the 2nd. round. A 2-1 defeat, but good humour round the ground, amongst the supporters, that is. Just when it looked like we had scraped a draw, up came Colne in the last minutes to snatch it. This game was proof that should we gain promotion,we will need to change a good few players. Torpey is not one of them. He scored another beauty and is surely destined for better things. This was played at Accrington Stanley's (who are they?) ground at Livingston St. The stewarding was done by over the top jobsworths, in particular one ginger-headed female who seemed to thrive in all the attention. Max and Paddy were also there as stewards. Most other stewards were fair, and said we would be welcomed back when we came to play Stanley in the conference. Don't hold your breath!
On a gray November afternoon we made our way to Darwen for Oldest against Newest. Did they really play at this ground when they were one of the original League clubs? Just down the road from Blackburn Rovers, it would be easy to be mistaken which was the first of the two.
No concessions for O.A.P.s. No concessions for under 18's. Money-grabbers. So lots stayed away. Hardly anyone bought the pies, or drank at the ground as a consequence. Luckily this sort of niggardliness doesn't prevail at this level. Most teams see a chance to make a few bob against us, but don't treat us like golden geese. Hope we never have to play there again.! A steady 2-1 win.
New Mills at home on a Wednesday, and before we had even got out of the social club we were a goal down. Once again they were told they would wish they hadn't scored. Also missed was the minutes noise for Russel Delaney, who was instrumental in setting up our club, and who all F.C. fans should be grateful to. Simon Carden led the 6-1 rout with a hat-trick.
On to Stockport County to play our away game with Cheadle Town. They were seen as athreat, along with Winsford United and Padiham, for the 2nd Division Championship. Before the game, the death of United legend George Best was marked with a minutes singing, clapping, cheering, and general appreciation of the memories he gave us, as a brilliant player, and jack-the-lad. They definitely threw away the mould when he was born! ! !
What a cracking atmosphere in the Cheadle end, and what a cracking game, ending with Chaddy nodding in for the last equaliser in a 3-3 draw, in the last minute of injury-time.
Next up, New Mills in the 2nd Division Trophy at Macclesfield's Moss Rose ground. In the Queens, opposite the train station watching Georgies funeral. The usual noisy atmosphere, until Callum stood up and read the poem by the Belfast woman. There wasn't a dry eye in the pub. Big burly blokes crying. "Got summat in me eye, yer twat!" "Fuckin smoky in ere, innit?", to name but two. Then, "George Best world" was sung over and over again, and anyone who still didn't have a lump in their throat must have been either an alien or one of the most ardent ABU's (anyone but united) ever.
Anyway, there was still a match to play, so on to Macc. In the bar was a Canadian woman who was totally ignored by everybody, as she could have been mistaken for a yank, and therefore a Glazer spy - paranoid, not me. Pissed, more likely.
The game was duly won with the minimum of fuss 5-0, with Steve Torpey this time claiming a hat-trick, one of wich was a candidate for goal of the season. A lob from the left-hand angle of the penalty area.Did he mean it? I'm sure he would say he did. Bless.
Two weeks before Christmas, and we already had the turkey stuffed. Chadderton Gabriels I mean. This time the visitors didn't score first, we did. After 30 secs! ! ! Poor Cas, it was 6-1 at half-time, and it ended up 10-2, with Simon Carden bagging 5. The attendance of 3,200 also creeping up. The highlight of the game was when a Cas player scored their first goal. At the MRE, he went ballistic. Having no supporters at that end to run to, he ran over to the Shakers stand, jumped over the wall, and went and sat in the first row and applauded his goal. Brilliant! Even the FC fans had to applaud that! ! !
Holker Old Boys, at Barrow rugby club next. The 9:45 train to Barrow, for £20 (change at Lancaster) was a jolly affair. When it arrived at 11:45 it seemed to take the local constabulary uwares, judging by the startled expression of the two bobbies in the white transit van parked in the station car park, woken up by over 200 FC fans. The discussion was in which pub are we going to watch big United play Villa? Having worked in barrow during the building of the trident sub pens, I had a pretty good idea where most of the pubs were. Or so I thought. We found one called the Continental. The staff were totally unprepared for a full pub at 12 o'clock dinner time.
Big United win easy, and its on to the rugby ground. The rugby posts are still there, but the football sticks are set just infront of them, so no bother. Atmosphere electric, and the locals extremely friendly, as are most when FC come to town. See Chaddy amongst the crowd. He's just failed a fitness test, so won't be playing today. But he'll be in the crowd singing his head off for the lads. Bless! With that he goes back to signing autographs for the young uns. Would the wobbly-gobbed tosser (Rio Fernando) do that? I don't think so.
No score at half-time, and manage a couple of swift pints.
Second half, and it takes a bit of magic from Torpey, but FC quickly go two up. Game over, so back to the pubs.
When I worked in Barrow, Rawlinson St. was full of pubs, and on a Sunday we used to go on the Rawley Roll. Start at the end nearest to the train station, and have a pint in every pub along the way until you reached the other end or fell by the wayside. Due to the fact that there were more than twelve pubs, there were a lot who fell by the wayside. Now its impossible, because most of the pubs are gone! ! !
A few pints, then the train home. I sleep through the noise. Wake up just as we arrive in Mancunia at 9 pm. (Direct train, I think.)
Due to family commitments I miss the away game at Flixton on Boxing Day. A 1-1 draw! ! ! I can't leave you for five minutes, can I?
FC v Winsford. UNBELIEVABLE! ! ! Attendance: 4,310.
Singing in three sections of the ground now!
Unfortunately, Winsford take the lead just after half-time. And not against the run of play, I might add. The goalscorer obviously hasn't planned on scoring, as he is lost. he doesnt know where to run, and ends up running to the cemetry end. Surely he didn't think we were all Winsford fans!!! A ginger cheer goes up from one end of the main stand.There they were in the main stand, all 20-25 of them.
"You'll wish you'd never scored", and with 20 mins to go we turn it round, with goals from Simon Carden again, and Mr. Mystery super-sub getting the winner, jumping into the crowd at the MRE and getting booked. Great result.
Its exciting, this non-league football! ! !
Next its Darwen at home. Nothing extraordinary, just a very nippy forward line, 3,200 plus, and a victory by two goals to nil.
Nelson away, again at Livingston St. , Accrington Stanley's ground. We were three-nil up at half-time, then Nelson wake up, and get a consolation goal. The bar was bouncing.
There really is history here. Was Livingston St. there first, or was it called that after Stanley played there? Orwas that really where Stanley found Livingston, in the bar downing his bovril at half-time? And then another name from the past comes to play there (Nelson). Don't tell me, Nelson's ground is called Trafalgar Square.
Ashton Town gave us a fright before Torpey got the winner at Gigg Lane. This was a high attendance, 3,549, because big United were playing the Dippers on Sunday. So the experts say.
Nelson at home was a very different kettle of fish to the away win a fortnight ago. We should have been warned by their fightback in the second half of that match at Accrington, when they stopped us scoring and got one themselves. In the last seconds of extra time they stuck one past Barry George, and gave us no time to reply. We didn't deserve to win, and fair play to Horatio, they coul have sat back and played for a money-spinning replay ay Trafalgar Square!
Daisy Hill away at Chorley. Another win at a decent ground, so I am reliably informed. I missed this one due to a second medical procedure.Shhhh......
Our first Euro away! Blackpool Mechanics, played at Bloomfield Rd., and rather heavily policed too.
I went on Friday after work with the missus, and booked in at digs on Station Rd. at South pier. Decent digs. The owner couldn't understand why some digs were fully booked at that time of year. Obviously couldn't remember the games with Blackpool in the seventies.
Anyway, Friday night was spent in the Last Orders. Saturday too, as big United were playing in the 5th round of the cup at the dippers.
Bad result for big United, a 1-0 defeat, but the injury to Smith brings out the worst in the dippers. Several of their fans in the pub are ecstatic, of course.
We move on to Bloomfield Rd. What's this ? A stadium made of white formica? At least that is what it looks like inside, on two sides anyway. The other two aren't yet built. More than big enough, however to hold all 4,300 of us, although it looks like more.
A word about the police presence. Totally over the top. A man walking with his young son is unceremoniously shoved against the wall and held by his neck while another constable empties his can of lager onto the pavement. His son looked terrified. Well done, copper! Also in attendance were lods of police dogs, riot vans, shields.
The wife went shopping during the game, so gave her ticket to a guy at the ticket office who was getting grief from them. You should have seen the looks of the people behind the counter. Priceless! It didn't go down very well at all.
Great game. We had to struggle, but thanks to two pens from Mr. Mystery made it a repeat of the 1948 cup final score.
Outside after the game, waiting for us was the missus, also thirsty, so we retired to the Foxhall till gone two 0'clock. A good time was had by all.
After brekky on Sunday, a pleasant train journey home, and dinner in Wetherspoons in the Dilly (fat bastard).
Holker Old Boys at home next. At Altrincham's Moss Lane ground because of a beer festival at Gigg Lane. This was a really close call. Alty or Gigg? FC won in the end, of course. I couldn't get a ticket for Gigg Lane.(?)
FC fans took over Alty for the day, or the pubs at least. The match wasn't memorable, apart from the fact we won 4-1, and for one player who had a blinder for the Barrovians, Dave Swarbrick. Holker played well, but fitness told in the end, as it did in Barrow.
Great Harwood Town away on a Monday night would have been too much for my missus, so I really did need to pull the horns in and miss this one. This is precisely the type of game that people were saying would show whether FC were up for it or not. Well, we aren't going away, are we? My sources revealed that it was an uneventful, freezing, 1-1 draw, infront of 1,028 people. I wish I had been there.
Following Great Harwood, the next game against Chadderton was postponed.
Flixton at home, and another defeat, 2-1, thanks to Freddie Boswell, who ran the line at the MRE/Main stand part of the ground. The only highlight was the free-for-all after Chaddy had scored with a diving header.
It hurts when little united lose as well.
Leek CSOB must have been dreading following that. And after a bollocking from Margie no doubt, we went on to win 8-1, depite the heroics of Shaggy in the Leek goal. That good little player from Holker, Swarbrick, opened his account, along with a hat-trick from Mr. Mystery, two from Power, and Torpey and Simms one each.
Oldham Town were next, and it was a hard fought for three points, thanks again to Chaddy.
This was another example of showing the critics that we are here to stay, although only (only?)1,767 turned up.
Next, a day out at Ewen Fields, the home of Hyde United, for our away game againsy New Mills. The bovril here is far and away the best we have come accross yet on our travels in the non-league circuit. Without a shadow of a doubt. Take the accolades, Hyde United.
The game was quite close, and the main talking point was whether Mr. Mystery in fact did get a red card, and if so, for what? The other was the superb goal by Jos Mitten, who normally couldn't trap a bag of cement. This time he trapped it with his back to goal and a defender pulling his shirt, spun round and shot all in one movement from the edge of the area for a beautiful goal.
Cheadle Town spoilers were next to come to Gigg Lane, and to be honest, they belong in the Italian league, and not here. The histrionics, diving, feigning injury, and conning the ref, who wasn't the strongest ever. You know who you are, Mr. Hussain.
Once they started to play, they were very good, and if they keep it up they would surely be title contenders. In any case, they first destroyed any rhythm FC might have had, then took the lead, as Italian teams do. From then it was all uphill for FC. Margy took off Mitten, Torpey, and Patterson, and it seemed to inspire us, and Simms got the equaliser we deserved. Then it was panic stations in the Cheadle goal, but they held out, due to some desperate defending, and some of the worst off-side decisions ever seen.
MRE closed for at least three weeks, due to damage to the rear of the stand. Was it hooliganism from FC fans, or over exhuberance? Or was it Bury fans? Whoever it was, it has to be repaired, and neither of the two clubs who play there need this kind of expense. We are guests of Bury FC, and should behave accordingly, or we may be looking for somewhere else to play. And if we are known as hooligans, who will have us, despite the money that we bring with us?
Norton United at Port Vale's ground goes down as spousal abuse, in my wife's mind. As it was played on a Sunday, and she has the day off, she decides that she would like to tag along. Big mistake. We left Manchester in brilliant sunshine, and half way down the M6, we hit a blizzard. Accidents on both sides of us on the motorway. Surely it will be called off! I ring Port Vale, and yes, its still on. We get there, and its at least two inches deep in snow. The game starts, and we go one-up. Now we will get revenge for that first league defeat back in September. They get a penalty, and score, but due to an encroachment, has to be re-taken. This time its blasted wide of the fattest keeper in the league. Home to roost, and chickens spring to mind. One of the linesmen lost it halfway through the first half, and didn't know which way to flag anymore.
In the second half, the weather got worse, and so did the reffing. Against the run of play, our fat keeper let in an easy one. After that it was all FC. Torpey and an o.g. made it 3-1 to us, and revenge was sweet. The game ended like it was mid-summer. The snow melted in the sun, and the players were sweating like grand national winners.
After the game, we retired to the clubhouse, where our hosts had anticipated our arrival by setting the tv to the football, for big United against Arse. Another scouser was m.o.t.m. as we beat em 2-0, to round off a perfect day. Shame about the weather, though. That would account for the low attendance of 1,284. That, and the fact big United were at home too.
We had a new song, Anarchy in the UK, and a buzz about the championship, as well as the end of season friendly in Leipzig.
Next up, two games against Chadderton, at Gigg Lane and Boundary Park (Ice Station Zebra), both midweek games.
Promotion was sealed with a 4-0 win, with goals from Torpey, Nugent, Ahern, and Mr. Mystery. The song was that we would win the league this year, this time at Boundary Park. Wrong. Nelson gave it us. They lost on the Saturday, while we played a friendly at Clitheroe.
So, with three games to go we were champions. With several young lads in the side at Oldham's ground, we eventually won 3-2, with goals from O'Neill, Lyons, and Adie Orr.
One who stood out for me was Warren Collier, who I am sure has a future here, if he is not scouted away.
Now for the trophy presentation, but first a game against Great Harwood Town. What a horrible match. Simon Carden came in for a lot of rough handling from the Gt, Harwood midfield, so Power was sent on to redress the balance. But, after the worst case of diving (by Harwoods full-back) I have ever witnessed, Power was sent off. Not even Pires at his worst could have got away with that. Its to be hoped that this type of behaviour doesn't spread at this level.
To add insult to injury, they broke away and scored with seconds left on the clock, to give us our fifth beating of the season, and our third at home in the league.
The tropht was presented infront of 6,028 people, and we all went ape-shit.
The open-topped bus was a piss-take, to drive the half-mile to the Swan & Cemetry. It was absolutely hammered, so we went into Bury town centre to bask in the after-glow, and to plot our strategy for Leipzig.
For the last league game against Padiham at Boundary Park, it was only a question of where to watch big United away to Chelski.The Spotsmans on Broadway was the answer, but then Rooney went and upset the whole of England by getting himself injured. The resukt paled into insignificance after that, although 3-0 was about fair.
From there to the Latics ground, a few buds at the caravan, and onto the terraces with the lads. Padiham came close against us early on in August, and I thought they would be there, or thereabout come April, but they just seemed to fade out. We eventually won 2-1, Carden and Torpey scoring. The trophy was brought out again. Great, but its not going to be like this every year. So, best to make the most of it now.
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