Cod Almighty | Diary

Diary - Wednesday 11 August 2004

11 August 2004

Why is it that we get so emotionally involved in football? That is the question my wife asked me last night, after witnessing the latest leg of the emotional rollercoaster the club has put us through over the past five days. Between pre-season optimism and excitement at the cut of the Mariner's attacking jib, there was the harsh reality of a defeat. And again last night, listening to the commentary: a trough of an early goal conceded; the peak of Reddy's first goal for the club; and the plateau of a draw. Where are we going next - up or down? Supporting Grimsby Town is like being on the Black Hole at Alton Towers, isn't it?

Your regular Diary is 'without access' internet-wise today, so you'll have to make do with me I'm afraid - eighth in line to the throne of Guest Diary - to bring you the news and views that are the result of last night's match. In case you don't know already, despite the efforts of the Boston forwards to break all our centre-backs' noses, Town fought back from a goal down to earn a draw in what has been widely reported as the first ever Lincolnshire derby. I'm not quite sure what that's all about, but what ever it is it's catching.

Michael Reddy scored his first Mariners goal shortly after coming on and earned Mr Slade his first point as head honcho at BP. Speaking about the match, our Russ was all cooey about the work ethic and expressed his disappointment about not opening his home account with a win. Had it not been for a another fine display by the opposition keeper (see: Darlington), Town would surely have secured their first win of the season. There are definitely positives to be taken from the past week, you know. One point from six doesn't sound all that, but the style of the performances once the players remember each others' names seems to be a real cause for optimism. And Reddy looks like he's definitely going to get things done for us up front... once he's fit.

The second half performance and the number of shirts worn by Whittle weren't the only impressive things at Fortress Blundell last night. The attendance - over 6,700 - was remarkable too. I know it was the opening home game of the season and a local derby, but for a mid-week match that's still impressive when you consider last season's average attendance was just over 5k. The atmosphere and crowd last night even made Boston supremo Steve Evans jealous and whitter on about a twelfth man or something. One thing though, right, let's not boo our own players. How's that going to help? Why don't we be radical and try to encourage them when they're not doing so well or are lacking confidence. Just remember: boos are bad. Boobs on the other hand...

In a nod to ex-Town players, Rankin, Jevons and Forrester all scored their first goals for their new clubs last night. Forrester missed a penalty too which meant that Bristol Rovers only drew. So it's not all bad news. Seeya.