Post by hendo on Dec 22, 2019 10:26:27 GMT
So, with my Ikea flatpack Ark successfully completed and bobbing on the waves at home, I headed off to Walton again, this time to watch Walton Casuals losing 3-2 to Blackfield and Langley in the Southern League Premier. An excellent game played by two skilful sides controlled by a referee who kept up with play, it all made for a very enjoyable afternoon. I know it sounds crazy, but at this level they do seem to kick the ball harder than we do….
There was a slightly larger crowd than for the W&H game the previous week augmented by a three-man Casuals’ Ultra who stood behind the opponent’s goal enthusiastically booming out various songs whilst banging on a large drum. Of course, we used to have a happy percussive band like that at Godalming, but I am pretty sure I never heard them chanting ‘You left the gas on’.
To make an even greater noise at moments of high excitement, the guys pounded on the advertising hoardings set against the barrier. Ironically in the first half, the sign having the crap beaten out of it was for an organisation that condemns violence. In the second half they switched ends and battered an ad for ‘Bathroom Culture’ which are two words I never expected to see together.
A highlight for me was chatting to the official photographer who had travelled up from the New Forest to get shots for the League newsletter and website. Lovely chap, completely covered in dayglo waterproofs, he informed me that he was looking forward to having a break soon and flying to Iceland at the end of January for £89 on Easyjet. I asked him what he was going to do there, and he replied that his intention was not to leave the airport. I nodded, smiled, avoided eye contact and backed away slowly.
Cracking entertainment.
There was a slightly larger crowd than for the W&H game the previous week augmented by a three-man Casuals’ Ultra who stood behind the opponent’s goal enthusiastically booming out various songs whilst banging on a large drum. Of course, we used to have a happy percussive band like that at Godalming, but I am pretty sure I never heard them chanting ‘You left the gas on’.
To make an even greater noise at moments of high excitement, the guys pounded on the advertising hoardings set against the barrier. Ironically in the first half, the sign having the crap beaten out of it was for an organisation that condemns violence. In the second half they switched ends and battered an ad for ‘Bathroom Culture’ which are two words I never expected to see together.
A highlight for me was chatting to the official photographer who had travelled up from the New Forest to get shots for the League newsletter and website. Lovely chap, completely covered in dayglo waterproofs, he informed me that he was looking forward to having a break soon and flying to Iceland at the end of January for £89 on Easyjet. I asked him what he was going to do there, and he replied that his intention was not to leave the airport. I nodded, smiled, avoided eye contact and backed away slowly.
Cracking entertainment.