Rhubarb, rhubarb, rhubarb

On the weekend of Prescot Cables' visit to Ossett Albion, Wakefield was holding its annual rhubarb festival. I am not sure whether Ossett is in the rhubarb triangle, where they grow forced rhubarb in darkened sheds, a sort of living dead of the vegetable world (the result is fruitier that way). I was unable to participate, as other commitments meant I took a late train. My bus from Dewsbury called itself Max, and offered e-leather seats and "Grand Yorkshire Connections". All that was missing was an advertisement for the local chewing delicacy, Ee Ba Gum. King George V once explained the secret of handling the physical demands of his duties, "Take every chance to take the weight off your feet, and never pass up the opportunity to relieve yourself". Today one might add never decline free electricity, and charging sockets were available.

On arrival at the ground, I procured another local delicacy from the tea bar, hot pork pie with gravy. There was a good turnout from the visiting supporters: in addition to those who had made their own arrangements, the team coach was full, with some intending travellers having to be turned away.

Speaking to the Liverpool Echo during the week, Brian Richardson had warned against complacency after our convincing win against today's hosts a couple of weeks ago, as they would be looking to restore their advantage. The programme said, providing statistical evidence, that they do not enjoy a good record against us, which came as a surprise, as I always thought of it as a difficult place from which to come away with anything. Perhaps I have just been to the wrong games.

I am not sure that complacency was the cause of our performance, which had me pondering going to see if there was any of that rhubarb left. It was undoubtedly poor, with even our most reliable performers having a bad day at the office. We were not helped by the referee, who was ever alert for offside...

Dominic Marie

... but less observant of minor fouls.

Jordan Wynne

The day was more successful photographically, with the sun breaking through the light cloud.

James McCulloch

With the balance of play as it had been in the first half, I stayed at the same end for the start of the second to get some closer shots of our defence.

Ben Cartwright

We had some more forward movement with some fresh legs, with Dominic Reid, Harry Cain and Andy Scarisbrick looking to stake a claim for a start.

Andy Scarisbrick

However, the coordination was still not there, and we succumbed to a deserved defeat. There was, however, a photographic good point, as, unlike the forced rhubarb, we enjoyed natural light throughout, this being the first day of the year we had not needed floodlights. With sunset at 5.20, the last few minutes of the game fell squarely within the golden hour.

Dominic Reid

Leaving the ground, I am always surprised to find the gate leads onto the cricket club's outfield, so I am not sure if they have a local rule when the seasons overlap regarding a departing football spectator stopping a ball reaching the boundary. From the position of the coach and the tyre tracks, I think the outfield may not just be used for foot traffic.

The rest of the pictures from the game can be seen on the club website here, and on Google Photos here.

Final score: Ossett Albion 3 Prescot Cables 0