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Dagenham vs Grimsby Town Match Day Report |
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Written by Administrator
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Saturday, 16 February 2008 |
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| Grimsby Town
1
Jones 90 | Football League 2 Blundell Park Saturday 16th February 2008 | Dagenham & Redbridge
4 Smith16 Rainford 31 pen, 85 Strevens 82
| Pre-Match:-
It was to be another early meet for the UD's for today’s monster trip to Grimsby. As per usual, people were coming from all sorts of directions but with Deaders getting to Kings X just after dawn to secure a spot on the concourse, we knew even the best efforts of c2c couldn’t stop us enjoying a day on the grog. Middle had gone up the previous evening to do some spotting so missed the pre-match entertainment. The beers and doughnuts were cracked open by 10:15 although the cava was on ice still and down to only 2 bottles now due to Gaybars previous dropping incident. No room for cards so beers were devoured, although Robbo almost relieved us of a cake as the team were on the next coach up!! As the train crawled north, it soon became apparent as we reached Newark that our connecting train had long gone so we had to jump back on the train having given up our seats!! Then began an impromptu game of carriage football with a Mansfield Town fan in goal for one side!! I’m not sure what he made of us but he was on the winning side for a change as there was a 4-1 scoreline. An omen perhaps.
At Donnie, it was a wait for a now depressingly late train to Cleethorpes so it was off in search of lager. The plod must have known the Daggers were in town as there were riot police everywhere!! As it turned out, it wasn’t for us but for the Leeds/Donnie game that had been called off. After being informed that there was a blanket alcohol ban in the town centre, we shot off on a goose chase in the vain hope of finding some. It was fruitless but luckily, the station cafe came to the rescue. We eventually hit the seaside around 2 having celebrated Gaybars birthday with the Jim Carver. We decamped in the Punch Bowl to wait for the marauding Middle and tucked into more local brew whilst Sav fierced up the poor barmaid who was assisting the lovely Fiona!! After the walk alongside the Humberfront to the ground dodging the turds on the path, it was time to be fleeced of some hard-earned.
Attendees:-
Standard fare really with the usual big 4 supported by Sav the Doughnut, Count the Gobless, Gaybar and Wayne Mardle. Broons was back in Upminster celebrating gaybars birthday.
Crowd:-
Sporting the oldest stand in the football league, Blundell Park is a decent Stadia. There was just over 4000 crammed in with around 100 from Dagenham taking advantage of the sea air. The home crowd had very little to cheer about so couldn’t really get behind their side and it was great to see hundreds streaming out before the end, a sign of a Daggers job well done. Stewards did a good job too, allowed us to support the side without the usual restraints some clubs insist on applying.
Game:-
From start to finish, the boys were excellent and were pretty much in control of things apart from the start of the second half where Robbo had to come to the rescue. The goals were scored at good times and I don’t think the scoreline flattered us. Was a shame to give them a consolation goal but mustn’t be greedy!! Even Trevor Kettle wanted us to win!!
Post Match:-
So it was back out onto the sea wall to chase the Hull to Zeebrugge ferry back towards the train station. Fish and Chips, and probably more lager was the thought on most people’s mind but we had to work out how we were getting home first!! As it happened, the promenade was shut as the boy racers turned up to provide the evening’s entertainment, so no fish to be had. We had 10 minutes to spare before the train shot off into the darkness so it was a trip to the pub voted Britains number 2 in 2002 to stock up. The excellent deal of 3 for a fiver on Becks or B*tch p*ss was taken up and it wasn’t long before we had our first spillage, Wayne getting excited and covering the Dawg. On the top table, Middle was doing his Andy Gray impression with empty bottles as Sav tried to explain his "understanding" of the game with the bottle tops. Middles 10 men would have beaten Savs 11 in my view. Back at Donny, we needed food and lager so it was a trip out of the station to hunt down an offie. There was no sign of life apart from Maccy D's so it was a selection of rubber burgers. We discovered at this point that Middle had an eating problem, somehow missing his mouth from close range and soiling himself with tartar sauce. Sav had ordered some ridiculous chicken thing that was taking so long to cook it was endangering our attempts to catch the train. In the meantime, the local skagheads started to take over the restaurant so it was time to make a hasty exit but not before the helpful manageress told us we were going to get a kicking!! Still, we managed to pick up some crayons to keep Sav quiet on the way home which is a pwoper bonus. The station was our only hope for the beers and they didn’t disappoint. The players and staff seemed to be enjoying themselves in the buffet bar but not as much as the slightly inebriated Mansfield Town directors who wished us all the best!!
We were spread out a bit on the train as we weren't technically supposed to be on it yet but were able to secure some seats. Sav didn’t speak for the next 2 hours other than to abuse the Kevin Keegan lookalike from Cambridge who even his fellow fans were ashamed off due to his rather drunk appearance!! The beers were flowing again as were the hoards of Daggers players heading through to the buffet car. Souths and Fossie loaded us with some Stellas which was much appreciated, thanks lads. Nursey also stopped to sign Saviolas artwork and discuss the UCC cricket tour to Barbados. Robbo even treated us to another dance!! Arbs departed at Petersbro to a standing ovation which i think caused a small amount of embarrassment but was richly deserved. Back at Kings X, Gaybar did his best to antagonise a recently released nutter before heading across town on the tube. The London air seemed to effect a few of the party, Stew turned aggressive with Middle over c2c seating policy but being unable to speak didn’t help his cause. Sav was the cause of said disagreement. Gaybar was pumping out the choons which didn’t appeal to our fellow passengers until Oasis made an appearance and healed the wounds. Count and Deaders had already left at this juncture, hand in hand.
Back at Upminster those still standing popped in the pub to blow the rest of the whip, not that more drink was needed!! Stew and Savs ended up in a beer fight in the High Street before Stew inexplicably gave away his kebab. Middle and Dawg had the right idea, choosing bed instead. A cracking trip to the seaside if I may say so.
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Dagenham vs Grimsby Town: Match Report | Match Day Report | Player Ratings | Photos | Match Photos |
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