Upminster Daggers - Dagenham and Redbridge FC Fan Site

Off Field Review of Season Part 1

Written by Administrator

Monday, 30 April 2007

As the Sun begins to settle on Dagenhams triumphant Conference winning season, it seems only right and fair to chronicle the off-field antics of the Upminster Daggers. It all sarted back in August at the home off Forest Green… August: On reflection, August proved to be the cheapest month of the season as far as the boys were concerned as our attendence at fixtures was negligeable. With the thwak of leather still being heard on willow, the Upminster Daggers travelled 1-handed to leafy Nailsworth. In fact, they Upminster lads were not officially there as they were still to form under the banner but at least we can say there was a bit of representation!! The Upminster one will remain anonymous but he revelled in a 1-0 win to kick start the season. The first home match arrived on the following Tuesday and they get no bigger as Oxford came to the Vic. The excuses had already started for some, Stew pulling his favourite "im working" excuse out of the hat. The 1-0 reverse was not the order of the day. There was a complete no-show at both the Tamworth and Aldersh*t games as the cricket season was reaching its climax but the last fixture of the month saw the visit of Cambridge on Bank Holiday Monday and a nice 2 zip win. September: The month started with a bang with a Sunday fixture away to Alty, switched due to an the Inept national team playing on the Saturday. Car was the mode of transport for the trip to the North West to see the lads systematically destroy Alty for the 2nd season in a row. Even when we tried to take the p*ss and put Hogan in goal they still couldn’t score!! Pie chips and gravy was also on the menu. Proper club Alty. A trip to W*nking was avoided as the season off other sports drew to a conclusion, to be followed by the visit of the baggage handlers of Crawley to town. Always looked upon with relish, this fixture warmed the vocal cords as the return of Scully meant much abuse. Crawley always seem to be followed by some interesting characters and this was no different, as the guy in a horrible beige mac will testify!! Shame to beat them, lovely club. Morcambe were also dispatched, before an away tie at Halifax concluded with our first away defeat. Just 4 of the boys made the trip (plenty using Stew's excuse) and again car was the preffered mode of transit. A home arrival at 2 in the morning after a defeat is always very sobering. Next up was the visit of former favourite son Gary Hill and his high flying Weymouth side. Upminster Dagger attendence was poor as the first of many season holidays (Isle of Wight??) was taking place. Those there witnessed a pasting for Weymuff, which was a shame for Ash but a pleasure for us. This also saw the start of the Saturday night love affair with the Yeoman as the first of many all night celebratory drinks were enjoyed. The same happened at Gravesend the next weekend funnily enough as we celebrated the birth of the official Upminster Daggers with plenty of Stella. Gravesend was also noticable for the first attendance of the season by Winkle. A larger than life character who not only had to have the exit gate opened to let him in but also spent the majority of the game in the queue for a burger(s). This would be become a recurring theme.. October: Stafford away was the venue for our first appearance on Sky for the season. Quite why they picked this game im not sure but many observers seemed to agree that isnt a great advert for football on tv!! Again, like many midweek games, it was a journey by car to that ever so welcoming place they call stafford. Always nice to enter a ground where people think its Romford town centre after 10 pints meaning that if it moves you punch it!! Even the supporters club flag was forcibly removed!! Still, the St George cross of the Upminster Daggers claimed some national fame on debut. Still 3 points is 3 points, even after a KFC Ryder cup ( won by Middle and Broons) Easy home wins over the Vics and St Albans followed before a tough trip to Satanage. This Milton Keynesesque town deviod of character and pubs was a perfect place to go by car (get in and out quickly!!) Still, a great turnout from the Daggers witnessed 2 great strikes from super Sammy Sloma. And another late night in the Yeoman ensued. Kidderminsters visit was our turn for a bit of sponsorship but alas the result didn’t match the occasion. Still, always worth it to see ththe Kiddie chairman in action!! Also, the p*ss stained nature of Winkles slacks brought much merriment to the supporters lounge as we tucked into our Shepherds Pies!! November: The fun and games really started to kick in now with many memorable games in the month. It started with a minibus ride to Rushden . The UPD went mob handed as there was a birthday celebration in the camp, and they didn’t leave Irthlingborough disappointed. Over efficient stewarding, lots of lager, highway east and the macarena made for a glorious day. 3 points then off to the Yeoman for the Horchurch bancruptcy party. Happy days!! Burton were sent packing the week after, to be followed by the famous trip to York. P*ssing rain, suicidal people, noisy stag do's and a very late train arrival at York left us fearing the worst in terms of watching the game. Luckily, the team didn’t let us down and arrived even later, ensuring a 4 o'clock ko. The performance on the park was outstanding, as was the eventful trip south (minus tickets). It was all made sweeter as the fine for turning up late was £50!! Our tickets that Jobsworth issued cost more than that! Sandwiched in between all that was a cup exit we have forgotten. December: The month started limply with a depressing home draw with battling Southport . This was followed by a defeat at Exeter . Off the field, the trip to the Grecians was another interesting one. Plenty of lager on top of Christmas party spirits meant that the UPD were in lively form on arrival down south. A poor performance on the pitch had to be bettered of it, and the news of another train delay did little to dampen the mood. An impromtue party at Exeter staion and an incident involving a empty box entertained the other customers before a Benny Hill moment with the restaurant owner brightened the mood. Harrold Bishop on the train was also enrolled into the UPD hall of fame. Next up was the beating of the Gatwick boys in the trophy following by the Christmas fixtures, a grim draw to Grays that was only inproved by getting mangled before and after and not being able to focus on the actaul fare!! The year was rounded off in gale force rain……. The sun was shining over the league leaders though as the UPD steeled themselves for the 4 month title run -in/bingeathon!!

 

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