Not as warm as it looked

For Prescot Cables' last game of the season, at home to Bamber Bridge, we were joined by the Mayors of Prescot and Knowsley, and by the Member of Parliament for our side of the High Street, George Howarth. My initial assignment was photographing the visiting dignitaries as they were presented to the players. In the presence of the mayors, I was very good, and did not attempt my Larry the Lamb impression.

The Mayor of Prescot meets Andy Paxton

The win away at Ossett Albion earlier in the week allowed for a positive end to the season, ending our run of losses. Although league position was not at stake, we could finish on a positive note and set down a marker for next season.

It was fine and bright, although the weather people told us we were under a system bringing air from the Arctic. One of my favourite bloggers, Matt from the Lost Boyos, who I met a few weeks ago, had gone to AFC Fylde wearing shorts. I mentioned on Twitter that the ground is somewhat open, but he was already there and found out for himself. I was in my trusty, and reasonably warm, sports jacket, but unequipped for a party, or for keeping my head warm, as I had not brought a flat cap.

Marcus Burgess

I started behind the goal we were attacking, then joined members of the Train Crew, who decided to inspect the Gasworks side, so I spent a fair part of the first half around the half way line. Alistair Waddecar has been mentioned in these pages as regularly causing trouble for us, and today was no exception as he scored, after 24 minutes.

James McCulloch

For the half-time entertainment we were we joined again by Dancebeatz Academy so I took a few pictures of the display. The weather and the dance routine lent themselves to still photography more than at the Warrington Town game, so I should have some decent pictures to send them.

For the second half I took my usual position behind the opposition goal of most of the game. A goal from Rob Doran secured a point, to give us our highest tally for three or four years. We had already secured a higher placed finish than the previous season for the first time in about 10 years, all of which we can build on next season.

Rob Doran

After the game, James Edgar received his award as Player of the Month for April. After last month's low resolution photo for the website, I downloaded a raw converter and a photo editor for my phone. This sorted out the resolution problem, but it was not powerful enough to fix the problem of some idiot taking the picture with everyone's back to the window. ... Ah yes, that would be me.

James Edgar receives his award - photo rescued with a proper raw editor

We created a rather better background for the End of Season Awards, as we had sponsorship.

Joe Herbert, Young Player of the Year

The end of the season is always an emotional time: you know next season's team will not be quite the same, although we have been remarkably settled this season, and most looked happy to come back. Congratulations are due to Charlie Duke, who has secured a professional contract with Torquay United. Best wishes are due to Joe Evans, who received an award for 100 appearances, and indicated he is not minded to add to them, as he wants to spend more time with his young son. Then again, I only believe retirements when pre season training is under way, some players have been having a last season for years!

The one, the only, the original Joe Evans

This season's progress on the field has been matched with income generated by our Commercial Manager, Steve Garnett. After the awards, he joined the Train Crew for a chat - a few minutes later we were all £20 lighter and proud owners of squares in the Supporters on the Pitch scheme.

The rest of the pictures from the game can be seen on the club website here, and on Google Photos here - sharp eyed readers can spot which three pictures the Pitchero uploader mysteriously splatted. The pictures from the End of Season Awards can be seen on the club website here, and on Google Photos here.

Final score: Prescot Cables 1 Bamber Bridge 1 (Doran)