Cod Almighty | Diary

Diary wars

25 April 2014

Mardy Diary writes: So Town go into the last game of the season as we had hoped they would - with absolutely nothing to play for. Hurst is likely to rest players, or at least give match time to others who may be needed in the play-offs. It could be an interesting game though. Braintree need to go for the win so will no doubt be playing an attacking game. Town, on the other hand, have none of their recent pressures so may be relaxed and play with some fluidity.

On paper, then, it looks like it has the potential to be an entertaining game. And i'm all for entertaining games despite my reputation being much maligned by Miss Guest Diary on Monday. You see, I never claimed that it never matters how Town play and the football can be shit regardless of the result. Far from it. I have even used the same arguments as MGD as to why I don't believe in win at all costs (so perhaps hints of plagiarism there too).

However, the point I was making was that right now, at this point in time, how Town are playing is irrelevant to their chances of promotion. As MGD pointed out herself, Town have only played "90 minutes" of decent football this season anyway, so expecting them to suddenly come good for the last few games is folly. We are where we are, and all that really matters at this point is that Town win their remaining games and get promotion.

Yes, it would be lovely for Town to play blindingly brilliant football and charge their way comfortably to promotion, but equally if we spend the play-off matches defending for our lives and taking our one chance, flukily deflected off the arse of an otherwise oblivious player than I will take that too. In fact, that will amuse me very much - Livvoesque arse goals are good for the human spirit.

If I have to hope for one thing, it is the hope of the wins that lead to promotion. The hope that I can watch a team play fluent, attacking football can wait 'til next season. Because football isn't fair. There isn't a rule that says the best team will win, or that the best team will get promoted. It's down to luck now, and I'll take a slice of luck thanks.

Who could ever enjoy a play-off game anyway? They're horrible, tense, nightmarish games watched through squinted eyes with a knot in your stomach. Come on - if Town made the final and were four goals up after ten minutes, could you relax? I wouldn't be able to, or not until the second minute of injury time anyway (and then only if there were three minutes in total).

No, the play-offs are to be endured, not enjoyed. But next season, do I want Town to win at all costs? Of course not, regardless of the division we're in. Next season still seems a long way off at the moment, though, and thoughts on that are for another day.

So if you're going to Braintree, enjoy it - it could be your last moment to enjoy football this season.