Cod Almighty | Diary

Let's all have a disco

15 December 2014

Miss Guest Diary writes: You'll probably be aware that the kick-off at Nuneaton on Saturday was delayed until 4.15 because the team coach was stuck in traffic. That's now three times in the last two years this has happened. Bad luck or bad organisation? I don't know – what I do know is that on each occasion many fans, including myself, have managed to be at the ground well before kick-off. Just saying.

Now I don't share Retro Diary's apparent anti-Trophy sentiments, but I confess to feeling a little bit grateful for Town's inability to get to the game on time. What would otherwise have been a routine victory over poor opposition on a very cold day turned into something of a party.

Disappointingly, the Town following was relatively small – the official figure was 104, though there seemed to be more than that crammed under the tin roof of the away end. Nonetheless, the opportunity to have a collective moan about the wait plus the extra hour spent in the bar led to a very jovial atmosphere and there was constant singing and chanting. Unfortunately, much of it will have mystified the current squad as the names of heroes from the past, from Clive Mendonca to Ivano Bonnetti, were lauded. Though I admit I was mystified by the mournful wailing of "Gallimore-ore" during the second half.

So, into the second round to play Gateshead at home on 10 January. Hmmm, I still have bad memories of last year's play-off games against them. But I have a good feeling about this game. After all, this year we have Carl Magnay – currently topping Cod Almighty's man of the match table – and they don't. And look on the bright side: if we do lose, all those Trophy-sceptics who think Town should be concentrating on the league will be happy.

Meawhile, Forest Green, Town's league opponents this Friday evening, could only manage a draw with Didcot Town FC of the Southern League. If my reading of the non-League pyramid is correct, they are three divisions below the Conference Premier. Oh dear. And Forest Green have to travel to Didcot tomorrow evening for the replay. All good for Town's prospects of a victory to launch us into Christmas on a high note. Here's hoping.