Cod Almighty | Diary

You took my sadness out of context at the Mariners Apartment Complex

14 September 2022

Glass Half-Full Diary writes: A regular Thursday diarist writing on a Wednesday for a change, so I write in the aftermath of another home draw at BP.

We are very kind to our visitors this season, having let each of the trio that have played here take a point away with them. Last night the visiting goalkeeper was similarly generous, spilling a routine shot into Ryan Taylor's path, to give us an early lead. As you may have noticed this current Mariners team doesn't like to take the lead in games. We conceded an equaliser just seven minutes later, and despite Brendan Kiernan rattling the crossbar later in the half, neither side scored again.

I was enraged by the Mandron stray elbow on Luke Waterfall late in the game. To me, it was as clear a red card offence as you are likely to see, but the referee deemed it a yellow. I thought Luke was restrained as Mandron offered to shake hands post-assault, and while he left the field to be bandaged, and change shirts, presumably due to blood, we briefly went to a back four of Glennon, Smith, Efete, and Clifton. The rage would have increased if the visitors had struck the winner during Waterfall's enforced absence. 

Regardless of them having 10 or 11 men, we didn't produce enough to win a game which saw us welcome back Alex Hunt as a second half substitute. I've accidentally discovered (thanks Twitter) that Hunty has represented Ireland at Under 19 level, which makes him our new diminutive Irishman, following in the footsteps of Joe Waters perhaps. Big shoes to fill. Well, literally small boots I suppose, but you get my gist.

As a now regular established diarist (steady on - Ed), I do commend those who manage to write about football regularly, thoughtfully and articulately. Arguably we have some of those here at Cod Almighty Towers (flattery will get you everywhere you established diarist - Ed). Anyway, what a shame it is that writers never seem to be given a chance as football pundits or commentators. I started this season watching Match of The Day and the ITV EFL Highlights. Now I record both and utilise the fast-forward button for pundits. Whatever happened to football writers appearing on the TV, like James Richardson presenting Football Italia back in the day?  I vaguely recall Henry Winter being a regular guest at one point as well.

I also watch American Football. In their season-opening ITV show, one guest condemned the alleged behaviour of quarterback DeShaun Watson, but the other argued these are only allegations so far, so the imposed ban is inappropriate. Thought-provoking. Both sides of the story. A debate. The standard answer on MoTD is that more players need signing. The pundits generally agree with each other. Er, thanks.

Maybe I expect too much of MoTD, perhaps Football Focus is more what I'm after, if there even is such a TV programme available offering thought-provoking coverage. A podcast like Price of Football is very much my cup of tea. Recommended. This is why I enjoy the Jason Stockwood Guardian articles. And he's appeared on Price of Football as a guest. Hang on, Stockwood as a MoTD/Football Focus guest/pundit? There's a thought to leave you with.