Cod Almighty | Diary
Mind the gap
2 March 2026
Three words you don't want to hear on a train (a topic I'll go onto later) - Rail Replacement Service. Three words you probably don't want to hear on Cod Almighty - late diary replacement. Apologies, but here I am left to reflect on the weekend and look forward to the following week.
So...Notts County then? What a win, what a day, what support! Beautiful. Like many I went into it perhaps fearing the worst, would've snapped your hand off if offered a point – and left elated at getting three. A disciplined, organised, hard-working performance against a decent team. Two teams who try to play football when they can; and personally I enjoyed the game immensely. Town had to work hard to restrict County, from the front to the back line they all did. A tireless effort, and evidence of DA's pre-game comment coming to fruition: "A good week... some have their legs back." They needed to. County were a test but, despite edging possession, Town were so good in restricting them that they threatened only occasionally, and the game was finely balanced at half time.
Second half and perhaps we had a slice of fortune (just past the post and a cross across the box not finished), but our endeavour had earned that luck, and on the day it went our way (swings and roundabouts, last year it went their's). A brief period of County on top was dealt with by a tweak in our set up, which led to us having more chances on the break and the game opening up. Ndlovu off for a challenge on Harvey and the magnificent Town support sensed something about to happen and, as if by magic, Sir Charles appeared resplendent in his top hat. Fed out wide by Evan, he took a touch, cut inside, and again and placed a sumptuous, measured finish into the far corner – the one place their keeper couldn't reach.
And there was lift off!! The away stand bouncing, the stand rocking!! Lovely stuff. Town saw out the seemingly never-ending time allowed and emerged victorious. Lovely scenes as the players and crowd celebrated together as one, and rightly so.
I have to mention couple of things. I do like Meadow Lane, always a good trip there: atmospheric, nice stadium, decent size. Then on Saturday the 19th minute... what a moment. Applause for the memory of Cameron Walsh on what would've been his 19th birthday; a minute the whole ground recognised and came together for. A thank you from me to all the Notts County fans who joined in.
Could this day be the start to our season getting the finish it perhaps deserves? We shall see... two more big tests this week alone, in Salford and Bromley. Two home games this squad of players – and it is a squad – all needed and they need the support from the fans, so if you can get to BP, drag anyone you can with you and help the lads with encouragement.
I did say at the start I'd mention train journeys. Unfortunately the one downside to the day on Saturday was a 100-minute or so journey home that took three and a half hours. Now I know the police/transport police have a thankless task, and in general do sterling work. I also know it's very difficult at times, particularly when folk travel to follow their teams. Some have far too much alcohol during the day and can't behave, but the vast majority do behave themselves. This journey saw people in cramped carriages (expected) become frustrated/annoyed as the emergency button was pressed on multiple occasions, causing the train to stop numerous times. A fight broke out as aforementioned frustrations grew, others getting involved, resulting in a carriage getting pepper sprayed, and young lad arrested. We’ve all been young and done things, I'm not not excusing that, but the reaction from the police was heavy-handed in my opinion and could've been handled a lot better. I'm not sure it'd have been the same for rugby fans leaving Twickenham but, as I said, they have a thankless task and hopefully lessons will be learned by all.
With that said, let's end on the positive that the weekend deserved. A cracking three points and cracking support at the ground – get to BP tomorrow if you can.
UTM!