Cod Almighty | Diary

Thieves snatch beehives in sting near Louth

28 March 2016

Miss Guest Diary writes: A fact that the media like to bandy about at this time of year is that the UK is more likely to see snow at Easter than at Christmas – and indeed there was some snow on higher ground in the north of the country last week. But not the blanket of snow and plummeting temperatures that featured in tabloid scaremongering a few weeks ago. In Lincolnshire Good Friday proved a warm and sunny day, perfect for strolling along the beach in Cleethorpes or, for people like me who prefer not to leave the house on bank holidays, getting some chores done in the garden. The only downside was three points for Cheltenham.

The weather took a turn for the worse on Saturday – not snow but howling winds and torrential rain – but it didn't cramp the style of our sporting heroes in black and white. I was a little pessimistic before the game as Town have not performed that well in windy conditions this season, but I needn't have worried.

Town's performance against a side unbeaten for nine games was impressive, with a lot of entertaining football, particularly in the first half. It was also pleasing to note that a team who had not conceded a goal for six games failed to hold out against Town for six minutes. If anyone, it was Wrexham who struggled with the conditions – we were highly amused when a couple of their clearances went out for corners. Adding to the enjoyment of the afternoon was a large and supportive crowd of over 4,500: something not seen at Blundell Park for several months.

You've probably heard the expression "the luck of the Irish". Well, whatever is the opposite of that must apply to Patrick Hoban. He worked his socks off on Saturday and it's no exaggeration to say he could have had a hat-trick; but it seemed inevitable somehow that he wouldn't score. Perhaps Podge has cornered all the Irish luck in town, in which case our new signing from over the water might as well give up now.

So on to today and a trip to Macclesfield. Concerns have been expressed about having to play two games in three days. When asked about this after Saturday's game Dizzer pointed out that they are professional athletes and Nolan conceded that it is tough to play twice in 48 hours "but not as tough as working 9 to 5". Well said.

My biggest fears surrounding today's game are not about the players' fitness but relate to the weather and the traffic. Storm Katie is still rampaging across the UK and the away end has no roof. And Town have form for bad route choices, both for getting to Macclesfield and travelling at Easter. I was among the fans sweltering on the terrace at Alfreton for a couple of hours in April 2014 when Town got stuck on the M1 and also with those hanging around outside Moss Rose on a freezing Friday night the previous season when Town failed to turn up at all. Oh yeah, and I nearly forgot another freezing wait at Nuneaton in the FA Trophy.

This morning's wet and blustery weather should act nicely to keep casual trippers off the roads. Now I'm just hoping for bright sunshine by mid-afternoon and a Hoban hat-trick. Well, a girl can dream.