Wahey, back to the Kassam after far too long. For shame, this was our first game this season but I'm glad we at least got back for one game, with a hopeful look towards Wycombe next week.
We thought we'd give the Oxford Mail stand a go once more and we sat over to one side, hoping to avoid the majority of the abuse hurled at the poor bloody ref. And true to form this one got it in the neck for Morecambe equalising in the final seconds, even though Oxford have to recognise that it was our failure to close off the game with a second goal which allowed them back, not the slightly rotund bloke in red whose parentage I am not going to guess at.
I was astonished to hear some cries of 'Wilder out' as we left the stand. Good thought, everyone. Let's go down the cul-de-sac adopted by Premiership sides chasing elusive glory instead of focusing on what Oxford are and what they can reasonably achieve with a manager who has served us admirably for years.
If Oxford had played badly it would have been valid, even if misguided. But they hadn't. This team was by far the best I have seen in my few years of intermittent attendance. Damian Batt was a constant, tireless inspiration and Alfie Potter remains one of the best I've ever seen, mixing it, making chances, harrying players with the ball and, of course, scoring an excellent goal. I didn't spot a single 'passenger' on the pitch and it was a proper team effort. 'Wilder out'? Get real.
Morecambe deserve credit for holding on despite a commanding Oxford performance and for taking their chance when they could. We should have won and the fact that we didn't is no one's fault but Oxford's, despite the good performances all round.
Our seats were quite good, although I miss our old place on the side as I find it better to keep up with goals at both ends, offsides and action across the whole pitch. We weren't allowed to be bored as we had two fascinating people behind us -we decided to name them 'Anorak' and 'Cagoule' as they regaled us with countless comments. Anorak spent the first 15 minutes commending Alfie Potter, although he didn't once spot the magnificent player, instead calling pretty much the whole team Alfie Potter at one point or other.
He eventually gave up on that tack but luckily we weren't to be bored as he and his chum discussed Thorpe Park, Alton Towers, driving, their respective jobs, household bills, people they know, fly fishing, coarse fishing, Uncle Tom Cobbley and all. They ranged around more topics in the 90 minutes than the average Radio 4 talk show. Women's Hour, step aside for Oxford Bores' Hour.
The good thing is that the human brain is resolute and manages to tune out chaff like this but we did occasionally pick up some new and utterly useless detail. Still, Anorak and Cagoule didn't spoil the game and it was a good afternoon, with even the sun putting in an appearance. Having to shield my eyes at the Kassam was a new and interesting experience.
Great game, two good teams, excellent performance by the Yellows, shame about the result. Can't wait to go back!
NB: I forgot to mention the smug Morecambe fan who 'congratulated' us on getting one point as we headed for the bar. I said they deserved to draw having taken their chance and he retorted that they had been 'shit'. I suppose that qualifies as banter but it wasn't up to much.
Friday, 29 March 2013
Saturday, 26 November 2011
OXFORD UTD 1 CHELTENHAM TOWN 3
Hurray for nice people! A lady in a nearby village had some tickets she could not use for today's match so she gave them to me for a small donation to her favoured charity. Thanks to Barbara for the chance to go back to the Kassam for the first time this season. She very generously gave me four tickets so I was able to invite a friend and, together with my son, we went to the Oxford Mail stand for the first time. That was an education...
The stand certainly has atmosphere and the chanting was great, even if I did have to threaten my son with physical violence if he dared to repeat some of things which were being said to the referee. Unfortunately we also had the stand-in manager sitting behind us. He was very energetic and vocal in the support and advice he offered the team. I'm sure they welcomed his regular input as he screamed at the players for 90 minutes. Super duper.
There was also unfortunately a bit of aggro as some people took out their ire on the referee for what it must be said were some highly questionable decisions. My friend, who is not a Yellows fan, commented on how quickly the stand turned on the team who were woeful in the first half, completely outplayed by a strong, confident passing side in Cheltenham.
The first half was all Cheltenham's and the first goal for them was a sizzler. Ryan Clarke might have had a chance if any of the other ten Oxford players had turned up for the first 45 minutes. Sadly, they were not in evidence. I hope there is a dictionary in the players' area at the Kassam as it might be good for someone to look up 'defence' and see if the idea can be applied to the football field. It's just a thought.
Oxford had one or two chances which were well parried by the rather good England Under 21 goalkeeper playing for Cheltenham but otherwise they were like rabbits in the headlights. There is little more to say about the first half other than that it was one of the most stuttering performances I have seen from Oxford. We waited with dread for the second half.
Perversely, it was the sending off of Davis for Oxford which galvanised them and they response was thrilling, despite a second goal for Cheltenham. Suddenly we had a team. As the substitute manager behind me threatened to give himself a coronary, his endless, tedious shouting seemed to have an effect as attacks went forward and crosses came in. Damian Batt stood out for his effort throughout and we also started to see those Beano charges which bring such results. It wasn't to be today but a goal from Peter Leven raised our spirits.
The final ten minutes were great but another goal for Cheltenham sealed their deserved win. We were left lamenting a loss but welcoming a great second half performance. I hope the replacement manager gives way to Chris Wilder, who at least has something to work with.
My biggest regret was making the foolish decision to wear my Yellows shirt with only another shirt beneath. Half way through the second half my son pointed out that nearly everyone else was warmly wrapped up in coats, hats and scarves. Well, at least I looked the part, even if my teeth were chattering.
I hope we can get back again this year as it was once again a great day out. I didn't know we had cheerleaders! That's a welcome change. With cheerleaders, a decent chippy in the complex and the bar prices remaining low, what's to complain about?!
So thanks once more to Barbara and her family for what was a great day out.
The stand certainly has atmosphere and the chanting was great, even if I did have to threaten my son with physical violence if he dared to repeat some of things which were being said to the referee. Unfortunately we also had the stand-in manager sitting behind us. He was very energetic and vocal in the support and advice he offered the team. I'm sure they welcomed his regular input as he screamed at the players for 90 minutes. Super duper.
There was also unfortunately a bit of aggro as some people took out their ire on the referee for what it must be said were some highly questionable decisions. My friend, who is not a Yellows fan, commented on how quickly the stand turned on the team who were woeful in the first half, completely outplayed by a strong, confident passing side in Cheltenham.
The first half was all Cheltenham's and the first goal for them was a sizzler. Ryan Clarke might have had a chance if any of the other ten Oxford players had turned up for the first 45 minutes. Sadly, they were not in evidence. I hope there is a dictionary in the players' area at the Kassam as it might be good for someone to look up 'defence' and see if the idea can be applied to the football field. It's just a thought.
Oxford had one or two chances which were well parried by the rather good England Under 21 goalkeeper playing for Cheltenham but otherwise they were like rabbits in the headlights. There is little more to say about the first half other than that it was one of the most stuttering performances I have seen from Oxford. We waited with dread for the second half.
Perversely, it was the sending off of Davis for Oxford which galvanised them and they response was thrilling, despite a second goal for Cheltenham. Suddenly we had a team. As the substitute manager behind me threatened to give himself a coronary, his endless, tedious shouting seemed to have an effect as attacks went forward and crosses came in. Damian Batt stood out for his effort throughout and we also started to see those Beano charges which bring such results. It wasn't to be today but a goal from Peter Leven raised our spirits.
The final ten minutes were great but another goal for Cheltenham sealed their deserved win. We were left lamenting a loss but welcoming a great second half performance. I hope the replacement manager gives way to Chris Wilder, who at least has something to work with.
My biggest regret was making the foolish decision to wear my Yellows shirt with only another shirt beneath. Half way through the second half my son pointed out that nearly everyone else was warmly wrapped up in coats, hats and scarves. Well, at least I looked the part, even if my teeth were chattering.
I hope we can get back again this year as it was once again a great day out. I didn't know we had cheerleaders! That's a welcome change. With cheerleaders, a decent chippy in the complex and the bar prices remaining low, what's to complain about?!
So thanks once more to Barbara and her family for what was a great day out.
Monday, 20 September 2010
SAVE THE PLANET WITHOUT BEING MISERABLE
[Whoops, sorry if you're looking for football blather here. As Dr Zep has pointed out below, this should have ended up on my political blog. Isn't life strange...]
Here's how the save the environment: not by listening to the cries of rich 'environmentalists' like George Monbiot calling on us all to wear hair shirts while they fly around the world on expensive photo-ops looking concerned.
The answer will be business ideas like this brilliant new design for a family car which re-engineer how we live by redesigning our lives so that we keep our hard won freedoms like mobility in the shape of the family car but we still have the opportunity to reduce our impact on the planet and - crucially - reduce our costs. Everyone loves a bargain and ideas like this provide 'win-win' solutions.
Environmentalism is to a large extent middle class snake oil which regrettably hides an important message. Ideas like this brilliant car concept blow the fear-mongers away. Bring them on.
Here's how the save the environment: not by listening to the cries of rich 'environmentalists' like George Monbiot calling on us all to wear hair shirts while they fly around the world on expensive photo-ops looking concerned.
The answer will be business ideas like this brilliant new design for a family car which re-engineer how we live by redesigning our lives so that we keep our hard won freedoms like mobility in the shape of the family car but we still have the opportunity to reduce our impact on the planet and - crucially - reduce our costs. Everyone loves a bargain and ideas like this provide 'win-win' solutions.
Environmentalism is to a large extent middle class snake oil which regrettably hides an important message. Ideas like this brilliant car concept blow the fear-mongers away. Bring them on.
Sunday, 19 September 2010
OXFORD UNITED 0, STOCKPORT COUNTY 1
Well, it was great to be back, just a shame about the result. I'd missed the atmosphere, the beer in the bar, the never-changing music before the match begins (can no one find another tape in the back of a cupboard?) and the draughty, cold sensation of the stands as the wind whips in from the Oxy bowling alley.
One change was the style and pace of the play, as the Yellows put together more passes and went forward far more than they did last year. Initial impressions were extremely good.
What was lacking once more was the atmosphere in the Family Stand, which still feels like watching in a pub. I watched enviously as the Stockport fans made noise throughout the game but hey, I'm as guilty as my neighbours for not making a fool of myself.
I missed Lady O's endless lowing ("Monoxford?") throughout the game, every game, regardless of what is happening) and the constant attacks on the referee of the old git in front of where we used to sit but there were enough people to tell the poor, benighted man in black what an idiot he was, how he didn't know what he was doing and, of course, that the disallowed goal was never offside despite us all being perpendicular to the defensive line at the other end of the pitch. Of course we all knew better!
Stockport showed how to play away, getting a lead and defending like devils but Oxford showed much promise and a wealth of attacking play. We should have been two up in the first half but sadly it wasn't to be. The Yellows also deserve credit for pressing right up to the final whistle.
I miss this! I hope to return several times this season and I must save my pennies for a season ticket for next year, because League One is going to be even more exciting...
One change was the style and pace of the play, as the Yellows put together more passes and went forward far more than they did last year. Initial impressions were extremely good.
What was lacking once more was the atmosphere in the Family Stand, which still feels like watching in a pub. I watched enviously as the Stockport fans made noise throughout the game but hey, I'm as guilty as my neighbours for not making a fool of myself.
I missed Lady O's endless lowing ("Monoxford?") throughout the game, every game, regardless of what is happening) and the constant attacks on the referee of the old git in front of where we used to sit but there were enough people to tell the poor, benighted man in black what an idiot he was, how he didn't know what he was doing and, of course, that the disallowed goal was never offside despite us all being perpendicular to the defensive line at the other end of the pitch. Of course we all knew better!
Stockport showed how to play away, getting a lead and defending like devils but Oxford showed much promise and a wealth of attacking play. We should have been two up in the first half but sadly it wasn't to be. The Yellows also deserve credit for pressing right up to the final whistle.
I miss this! I hope to return several times this season and I must save my pennies for a season ticket for next year, because League One is going to be even more exciting...
Friday, 17 September 2010
BRING IT ON
Hallelujah! Having forgone a season ticket this year I have been missing the football desperately - but no more! This weekend we're going back to watch the game. Not surprisingly, we haven't got our old seats so we can scowl at the person who's taken one of them...
We probably won't be able to hear Lady O's relentless bleating or her son/grandson/daughter's boyfriend mooing 'monoxford' throughout the game. Still, there will doubtless be others to annoy us where we are sitting. And who knows? Maybe we'll be annoying others right back.
Still, I'm very excited, looking forward to my pint before the match, my son devouring sweets and not having a clue what's going on and then a naff pint in Frankie and Benny's after.
We probably won't be able to hear Lady O's relentless bleating or her son/grandson/daughter's boyfriend mooing 'monoxford' throughout the game. Still, there will doubtless be others to annoy us where we are sitting. And who knows? Maybe we'll be annoying others right back.
Still, I'm very excited, looking forward to my pint before the match, my son devouring sweets and not having a clue what's going on and then a naff pint in Frankie and Benny's after.
Sunday, 27 June 2010
GO HOME IN SHAME YOU LOSERS. BETTER STILL, LEAVE THE COUNTRY FOR GOOD
I opened this up to express my utter contempt for this so-called 'golden generation' of England players, as I have been doing for some time. I forgot my post from yesterday about the Ghana-USA game. What a difference.
If these pampered oafs weren't playing for my country I might not mind. But they were. Add to that the insult of them coming off the pitch to profess their commitment and desire to win. Pull the other one, it plays the German national anthem.
They were pathetic. They are pathetic. As long as they are overpaid and falsely idolised in the Premiership they will remain pathetic whenever they come up against proper international opposition.
As for Wayne Rooney, he's a joke. Credited with supposed Brazilian skill, his inclusion was laughable. To murder Oscar Wilde, to play appallingly in one World Cup game may be regarded as unfortunate; to play that badly in three beggars belief that the manager could be so dumb that he thinks this no mark should play again. Why oh why couldn't Peter Crouch start? What was Capello thinking?
The only way England can win in future is if they spread the net for talent more widely. The Championship may not have these supposed 'stars' but it does have players who demonstrate a bit more desire and perhaps a bit more humility if they get it wrong.
The other thing England need is a manager who can work the England team. Poor Fabio Capello is used to Italians and Spanish players who give a damn. How can he possibly work with our catwalk nancies. I hope he walks away for his sake and for England's. The problem is, little Davey Beckham is lining himself up to take over. I'm not sure he's got it.
The European Championship qualifiers will begin in September and I'm pretty much decided that I won't bother watching unless the team changes root and branch. I look forward to the new football league season at the Kasam where I can watch players who play football and play together. Keep the Premiership: I'm happy with league two.
If these pampered oafs weren't playing for my country I might not mind. But they were. Add to that the insult of them coming off the pitch to profess their commitment and desire to win. Pull the other one, it plays the German national anthem.
They were pathetic. They are pathetic. As long as they are overpaid and falsely idolised in the Premiership they will remain pathetic whenever they come up against proper international opposition.
As for Wayne Rooney, he's a joke. Credited with supposed Brazilian skill, his inclusion was laughable. To murder Oscar Wilde, to play appallingly in one World Cup game may be regarded as unfortunate; to play that badly in three beggars belief that the manager could be so dumb that he thinks this no mark should play again. Why oh why couldn't Peter Crouch start? What was Capello thinking?
The only way England can win in future is if they spread the net for talent more widely. The Championship may not have these supposed 'stars' but it does have players who demonstrate a bit more desire and perhaps a bit more humility if they get it wrong.
The other thing England need is a manager who can work the England team. Poor Fabio Capello is used to Italians and Spanish players who give a damn. How can he possibly work with our catwalk nancies. I hope he walks away for his sake and for England's. The problem is, little Davey Beckham is lining himself up to take over. I'm not sure he's got it.
The European Championship qualifiers will begin in September and I'm pretty much decided that I won't bother watching unless the team changes root and branch. I look forward to the new football league season at the Kasam where I can watch players who play football and play together. Keep the Premiership: I'm happy with league two.
Saturday, 26 June 2010
SUPERGHANAFRAGILISTICEXPEALIDOCIOUS
I got Ghana in my office sweepstake and I was quite pleased at the time. Having seen them go through to the quarter final stage I'm delighted.
This game against the USA was old school in every way. Both teams tried their utmost, right up to the last minute of extra time; neither team's players did any of the horrendous diving favoured by more established sides; neither team tackled dirty. They played football.
The Ghanaians pass the ball like its attached to them all with elastic and they played like a team. Add to that the fact that both the Ghanaian goals were humdingers and you've got a great result.
Full credit goes to the USA, whose football team is always a revelation. Unlike almost every other American team, their footballers don't try to win by technicalities but by guts and application. Great stuff.
If every World Cup game was played in this spirit the world would be a better place.
This game against the USA was old school in every way. Both teams tried their utmost, right up to the last minute of extra time; neither team's players did any of the horrendous diving favoured by more established sides; neither team tackled dirty. They played football.
The Ghanaians pass the ball like its attached to them all with elastic and they played like a team. Add to that the fact that both the Ghanaian goals were humdingers and you've got a great result.
Full credit goes to the USA, whose football team is always a revelation. Unlike almost every other American team, their footballers don't try to win by technicalities but by guts and application. Great stuff.
If every World Cup game was played in this spirit the world would be a better place.
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