Cod Almighty | Diary

Colour me happy

22 July 2013

Miss Guest Diary writes: I heard Danny Baker say on the radio the other week that he felt sorry for people who don't like sport because they live their lives in black and white while the rest of us live in colour. I agree with him but, after the weekend just gone, I think I'd appreciate a bit less colour for a while. On Friday I was at Trent Bridge watching Nottinghamshire lose a Twenty20 game by one run off the last ball, then on Saturday it was Town at Scunthorpe. Yesterday was spent switching between TV channels to keep track of England winning the second Ashes test and Chris Froome winning the Tour de France. Thank goodness I'm not interested in golf.

Back to Saturday. After Town's fairly average performance at Brigg last week and the soaring temperatures, I wasn't looking forward to visiting Glanford Park and being roasted in the tin shed which passes for the away supporters' stand. Only the fact that I had some Tesco discount vouchers nearing their expiry date which I could use at the store opposite the football ground persuaded me to go. As it turned out, I needn't have worried: the day was cloudy, keeping the physical temperature low. And both the crowd – nearly 800 Town fans constantly singing and chanting – and the football were enough to keep the emotional temperature high. Despite the new formation, or possibly because of it, Town played some excellent passing football – triangles! – and the scoreline of 3-0 to Scunthorpe definitely flattered the home team. But don't take my word for it. Here's what Cod Almighty match reporter Tony Butcher has to say about it:

"Where 4-2-1-3 was an ambling Brigg shambles, 4-1-2-3 was an iron-clad clamp of passing and movement. Until Kerr wilted and Hatton arrived, Town were more than matching Scunny's dreary conventional warfare.

"Town used the York Method: the formidable middle three were a triangular delight, with Kerr the Xavi-like tikki-takkying fulcrum. Kerrvi and Disleyesta! This was uber Buckleyball. It's still just a variation on 4-3-3 and we can already see the source of groans and grimaces. Narrow Town will struggle against more organised and physically bigger opponents, especially at home, and will aerially concede from set pieces. Just like York. Be happy: Bignot and Doig were efficient and calm.

"In a made-up word : nothingtoworryabout."

Doig and Bignot have been offered contracts: that's according to a post I saw on Twitter. So it must be true, right? I certainly hope so. No mention by Mr Butcher of my favourite of the new signings: Patrick McLaughlin. He seemed to be everywhere on Saturday, very calm but at the same time dynamic. Sort of like Wayne Burnett but with sensible hair. Suddenly I'm really looking forward to the new season.