The Diary

Cod Almighty | Diary

Shaking at the knees

16 December 2021

Hello, Glass Half Festive Diary here! Such subtle name-flexibility to avoid the conundrum of whether one's glass can feasibly remain half full when pesky opposition teams keep spilling the glass (by stealing points off our beloved Mariners). Rude! Instead, let us be festive, as the Christmas season is upon us. A season of extra socks at Blundell Park and apparently of goodwill to opposition strikers, except Stefan Payne.

Anyways, we've only gone and sold all those Halifax Boxing Day tickets (to our bestest and keenest non-hooligan fans hopefully). All 1200 tickets snapped up, despite some attempts at Shaymen scroogery by the Halifax hosts. Well rescued by Team 1878. Perhaps if we all send a Christmas card to West Yorkshire Police, more tickets will become available? No, thought not. Bah, humbug.

Well, as we know we conceded a late goal on Saturday to that top scorer of the division leaders, that Tshimanga chap; but at least he got a booking for his explicit goading of the Lower Whatsitcalledthisseason fans. He might get suspended soon (straw-clutching). Being festive-spirited it was a great powerful finish, and it set us up beautifully for Adam Crookes' debut Town goal late into injury time. Wait, I may have gotten carried away and misremembered that slightly.

Moving on, refilling the glass, accentuating the positive, GHF has now actually seen Sean Scannell play for GTFC. At Blundell Park. In person. In a competitive game. That day has arrived. Granted, it was for three regular-time minutes plus injury time but still, what a treat! Maybe 'Scans' will get another lengthier opportunity on Saturday, as the FA Trophy kindly provides a chance of squad rotation.

An uninspiring away draw to a side we've already played in the League, followed by three National League games in quick succession, namely Boreham Wood rearranged (Insert Peter Bore/Bradley Wood wordplay), Halifax (see above), and then the visit of Tommy Widdrington’'s Kings Lynn. Yes, Tommy Widdrington, one time Mariners centre midfielder though marginalised by the Groves Burnett partnership and occasional (twice) Bristol Rovers caretaker manager.

Can you tell it is a slow news day? Young centre half Jaz Goundry's Bridlington loan has been extended. Fellow youth, striker Luis Adlard hasn't been loan-extended, so is on his way back from Cleethorpes Town after one month. I mean it ain't really a journey back, more slight detour. Presumably Adlard will be FA Trophy eligible while Goundry will be with Bridlington this weekend.

No doubt as soon as you read this the club and local media will release a plethora of Stockport preview related material. Dave Challinor. Boooo. Well, t'official site has already teased that there will be Inside GK Corner Training piece on YouTube later. Wouldn't it be refreshing if just once the gaffer told us the team on a Thursday or Friday, just to shock the opposition we seem obsessively concerned about. I mean, could he fib to Elliott Jackson or Matt Dean? "Any team news, Paul?" "Yes, we're gonna play 2-3-5, with Luke, Shaun, Alex, Harry, Foxy, Scans, Will, Ryan, Sam, and Lennie." You heard it here first...

Finally, well maybe tis the time to treat yourself to a GTFC Sticker Book? 

Seasons Greetings! UTM