A long and frustrating season was at last drawing to a close. The brief promise from the start of the season had disappeared with the departure of Jack Foalle, bar occasional performances that had hinted at better times. In the morning I had enjoyed the Cragside 10k run with a time of 47 minutes under my belt. However, despite the sun shining in Northumberland, it was cold and windy. A situation that didn't change as we waited for the last game of the season to kick off.
A healthy crowd of 377 had turned up. There was no Callum Anderson or Craig '350 Bay games' McFarlane so me and the Boy Mark were instantly worried about the defensive side of the team.
Noticeable from the outset was how together the officiating trio was. During the warm-up they ran in perfect symmetry then when the ref in the middle said the word "Go', to begin their faster paced run, they all carried on in the same slow plod. Coordination! Their warm-up done, there were bonding fist clenches between the trio then they trotted off. Completely contented with their togetherness.
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| Easily distracted? |
As per recent form, after a bright start, Shildon took the lead. Thankfully neither the Boy Mark or I noticed as we were being distracted by Gibbo's daughter's attempts to explain why Hillheads needed more bins within a hand's reach.
Little Gibbo then found a ladybird and began debating whether this particularly unusual ladybird, if placed in the ear could be used to translate all insect voices. As a result we were distracted from the fact that the lads were playing better but falling to another sucker punch just before half time.
The Boy Mark was disappointed to be told we were losing 2-0.
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| Moira demonstrates the multiple uses of Hillheads' barriers: #1 hired out as team drying facilities |
The consensus on changing ends for the second half was that the car park end was a lot colder and could really do with external heaters or under-paving slab heating. There was also the exciting premier of Gibbo's new Jacket which is rumoured to be the newly designed Bay away shirt...
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| Catwalk boy! |
The second half continued with the Bay creating chances that were either missed by a lot, missed by a little or spoilt by the officials.
We couldn't see the offside there and the game was effectively over when Shildon scored to make it 3-0. Our dynamic trio in black must have felt sorry for us, bearing in mind:
1. we'd lost our last three games
2. it was cold
3. it was the last game of the season.
So when a Luke Salmon corner swam through the air and curled in at the near post, the ref awarded a goal. Shildon didn't even protest much which showed that they were confident that we wouldn't get back into the game.
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| In or not? Give Salmon it so he can finish top scorer! |
Our officiating leader, Mr Pill, 's decisions were becoming bitter for the visitors to swallow and they began to get a bit hot and bothered as the lads pushed for another goal. As they argued with him, he was heard to repeat "Shut up!" three times in answer to three different Shildoners. This demonstration of assertive command of a football pitch had the young lads next to use in hysterics and whenever he was near, and nowhere near, they kept repeating his inspirational words.
He made sure he had the final word when a robust tackle on the diminutive Kieran Brannen didn't go down too well. Branner's reaction meant him seeing red and brought a sad end to one of his more effective games.
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| Argy bargy for the end of the season. |
He had battled and tricked his way past players with a greater authority, that bodes well should he stay with us next season. Fingers crossed he does as, at last he seems to have a manager, New-Boy-Nathan, who appreciates what he can bring to the team.
Another disappointing season ended with a 1-3 defeat. However there is more optimism around the ground. Even, old wbayblogger favourite, Dave Berry is optimistic! Let's hope he's right!
Have a great summer and here's hoping that next season is a vast improvement on the last two!
Don't forget on Sunday 5th May there is the Vase Veteran's game with proceeds going to Robbie Livermore's family. Kick off is 1pm with presentations afterwards in the Seahorse.
