A tree trunk bridge too far

Wikipedia tells us that the name of Bamber Bridge comes from Old English, meaning a tree trunk bridge. How useful this is depends on the tree: an old oak may manage some sort of cart, whereas a silver birch is going to be wobbly even on foot.

A small but select group took various trains to assemble in the Old Black Bull in Preston for pre match refreshments. I went for a Westward Ho! from Summerskills of Plymouth. A chap I knew from Westward Ho! would not be impressed: he maintained the apple orchards round Barnstaple Bideford Bay were distinct from south Devon and its beer drinking ways. As my grandmother was born in the area, I felt obliged to give it a try anyway. Some of us were previously in the Dog & Partridge, whose new beer range was not universally popular, and where we met some Bradford City fans thinking of visiting us in a couple of weeks when their FA Cup game on Sunday gives them a free Saturday.

The bar and tea bar at Bamber Bridge are always worth a visit, Richie, our leader in beer and pub choices, was looking forward to a butter pie. I went for the chips and rather decent curry sauce, saving the clubhouse for after the game and a pint of Outstanding 3.9, brewed in Bury with a global selection of hops.

This was always going to be a difficult game, with the hosts making a strong challenge in the playoff positions, and we were missing a few players due to injuries and unavailability. Jonah O'Reilly became Johan on the team sheet, which the announcer then pronounced in the same way as the outgoing leader of the Scottish Labour Party.

Jonah O'Reilly

Some of the players unable to join us were amongst those whose playing style and position make them good for a photo, and who are well represented in the pictures I send to the Merseymart. Having said that, I think the position has more to do with the likelihood of a good picture: the players in those positions today did not disappoint.

Callam Gardner

The hosts went ahead after half an hour with a goal from Alistair Waddecar, who, someone remarked, always seems to score against us. Not that we should take it personally, he is known for scoring against a lot of other clubs as well.

I was quite pleased not to be playing.

For the start of the second half, I took up position on the slighty awkward covered standing. The floodlights are in an asymmetrical arrangement, with two pylons on the stand side of the pitch, and four on the other. I am not sure which provides the best light, but the background was starting to come out a bit misty

Andy Griffiths

After a few minutes, I moved round to a position under the floodlight near the dugout.

James Edgar

I was there as we prepared our final substitution. Matt West was ready and waiting, the board was ready, and the assistant referee had flagged, with Andy Mawdsley receiving treatment in the penalty area. I was exchanging pleasantries with Danny Graham, called up from the Reserves that morning to cover for an unexpected gap in the lineup, who was taking light exercise to keep warm thinking he would not be required. However, it became apparent Andy's injury was serious (a suspected fractured ankle), and Danny was hastily called back to the bench to come on instead.

Andy Mawdsley

The only decent picture I got of Danny Graham

This blog extends best wishes to Andy for a speedy recovery.

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

Final score: Bamber Bridge 2, Prescot Cables 0