The bell ringers' snug

A number of our party for Prescot Cables' visit to Kendal Town decided to make a weekend of it, and departed from Liverpool by car at the same time as the rest caught our train. Unfortunately, there was a lorry fire on the M6, where the options for travelling further north narrow into the M6 or driving through Lancaster. Those of us on the train made sure to give a cheery wave to the tailback. On arrival, we made ourselves comfortable in Burgundy's Wine Bar.

Modern communications meant we could keep tabs on the progress of the team coach in the traffic, and therefore did not need to go out in a hailstorm only to arrive at the ground before the team. Back in the nineties, we would all have been standing around at the ground wondering whether they were going to make it. Kick off eventually took place just after 3.30, with the grey skies meaning that the floodlights were on from the start.

Elliot Ashurst

As we made our way behind the goal, our way was blocked by a large steward, who seemed unwilling to let even individuals from our group pass. It transpired that it was only the drum and trumpet carried by our musical section that had to stay by one corner, on the side of the ground by a warehouse rather than the houses on the other side, although I am not sure what actual effect this had on noise abatement.

Preparation and warm up is an important part of the game today. Gone are the times when the players would breeze in, kick a ball about for a few minutes and start the game - drills and exercises are carefully planned to make the best physical and mental preparation for the game. The fact that our preparations were necessarily curtailed seemed to have an effect in the first half, as a somewhat disjointed performance left us three goals down at half time. To make matters worse, Antony Shinks was injured as he took the ball awkwardly for the last kick of the half - he was able to walk off, but only after some minutes' treatment on the field.

Antony Shinks

A black and white kit is something of a mixed blessing for the photographer: providing a good degree of contrast ...

Rob Doran with Kendal's Jack Smith

... but the trend for plain backs (as opposed to a panel for the number) means low visibility, and I wonder how many passes in low light are accidentally directed to the referee.

Callum Hoctor is challenged by Kendal's Ross Lloyd

That aside, I never worked out why the teams appeared to be wearing each other's socks.

One advantage of black and white is that it is easy to have your pet in club colours.

I think this chap is wondering why the players are running about all over the place, when he could have them in a group following a figure of eight round the centre circle and penalty spots, ending up neatly penned in one of the goals.

By the second half, we were past sunset, so the lighting was similar to an evening game, and I took up position near the half way line.

Enzo Benn

The team seemed to settle after the late start, and played much better, keeping the scores from the half level, with the aid of a penalty save from Adam Reid.

Adam Reid

After the game, those who were staying checked in to their guest house, and a couple of us joined them for drinks before getting our train.

The thoughts of the away support turn to post match refreshment

The Good Beer Guide gives some assurance of beer quality in a new town, but the number of entries a CAMRA branch can nominate is based on population, so there are plenty of good establishments not in it, especially in a market town like Kendal. We found one such in the Ring o' Bells, next to the parish church, and home of the snug of the title. Not that it seemed that snug, being a draughty antechamber, which I assume reminded the ringers of their belfries, unlike the cosy public bar, with a log fire and excellent local beers.

The rest of the pictures from the game can be seen here.

Final score: Kendal Town 3 Prescot Cables 0.