I had the flu over Easter so only went to five games, and on Good Friday I made my first visit to Stevenage for more than 30 years.
I saw ‘Stevenage Borough’ draw 2-2 with Ruislip Manor in an Isthmian League fixture.
In those days Broadhall Way had one small stand and I remember there was a funfair over the road. The ground is unrecognisable now and I was very impressed.
I stood on some covered terracing behind one goal and saw Dave Beasant, Wimbledon’s Cup-winning hero in ’88, involved in the pre-match practising with the home ‘keepers.
The Barber went to Bedfont Sports v Ashford Town
I chose this League Two game because Tranmere Rovers were providing the opposition, the team I followed more than any other as a Liverpool University student in the ‘70s.
They played most of their home games on Friday nights and, with future manager Ronnie Moore knocking in the goals, won promotion from the old Fourth Division.
I think they actually reached the summit of the Third for a short period while I was a fan – but Rovers now face a battle to stay in the Football League, so I went to give them my support on Friday.
Yes, I know I should have been at the other end.
There was a Hanwell derby as AFC (red/black) took on United (white)
I got drenched walking back to the station afterwards, perfect when you’re under the weather to start with.
But it was all worth it because Rovers grabbed a point against the play-off hopefuls. I thought the 2-2 draw was a fair result.
With all my tissues having disintegrated, I was struggling on the train back to King’s Cross – but the kind lady sitting opposite me gave me a few more.
Saturday’s game was Whyteleafe v Walton Casuals on the 3G pitch at Church Road and a crowd of 222 saw ‘Leafe boost their play-off credentials in the Isthmian League Division One South with a 4-1 win.
Their No9 scored a hat-trick, all firm shots, but the biggest buzz around the back of the stand came with the news that QPR were 3-0 up at West Brom!
North Greenford United (all blue) took on Northwood (yellow/black)
I went to Perivale on Sunday in the hope of seeing a game with a Hanwell connection – but the only game there was AFC Hanwell v Hanwell United.
Both teams arrived with red and black striped shirts, so one of them had to turn their shirts inside out. United won 5-1, watched by four spectators.
Easter Monday was dry and actually quite warm. My ‘double header’ was Bedfont Sports v Ashford Town in the Combined Counties League Premier Division in the morning (0-2) and North Greenford United v Northwood in the Southern League Division One Central in the afternoon (1-0).
That’s 155 games this season and 6,815 in total. Now I should probably go back to bed.
