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Spotted at Spotland. By Pauline Griffiths
First visit to Spotland, and I had a feeling of tingling expectancy. No- not that I thought we would end the season covered in blue and amber glory, when for most of the season, we’ve merely been covered in grey mediocrity. It wasn’t even on account of what might be UNcovered after the final whistle, when some players are given to throwing items of their kit into the supporters’ stand!!! No! It was mainly on account of what the supporters would be covered in; for it is customary for Spotland to be invaded by Shrewsbury Town supporters in fancy dress. No matter what the result, then, this promised to be a fun day out with a carnival atmosphere.
I was not disappointed! Before we even got through the turnstiles, we had a taste of Jamaica, almost expected a few choruses of “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” as several members of the Away Travel Club emerged from their coach wearing Rasta hats complete with dreadlocks.
As we settled in our seats, I turned round to see a row of Smurfs above us to the right, and in the rows below them, Zippy and a pink hippo were having a conversation, soon to be joined by a bear. A number of cheeky schoolgirls were running around, prompting the thought that it might have been a good idea to arrive dressed as an old-school headmistress, in mortar board and gown. It might have kept the ref in order, at least. I would have been tempted to give him detention and a hundred lines.
There was a REAL headmaster there, of course, immaculate in his striped blazer and umpire’s hat, and accompanied by a motley crew of quite menacing looking characters straight out of the horror movies, including the devil and Frankenstein. In the rows below us, Vikki Pollard, the “Queen” of Chavs was holding court. Yes but.. no but- in spite of “her” pink shell suit, “she” was politely refused admission to the ladies’ loos after the match!!!
The chanting and the singing never stopped, and were our players spurred to victory by this outpouring of support? No! I’m afraid not.
First half wasn’t too bad. Things seemed to look promising when Asa Hall found the back of the net. But Bevan messed up bad-style, leaving a gaping open goal for Rochdale to score comfortably. Tierney had a good game, and was the first to arrive in front of the Away stand after the match and applaud the supporters.
Perhaps one of the funniest sights to be seen was when the referee awarded a free kick. It was not disputed by any of the surrounding supporters, but evidently, the giant penguin had completely lost it with this ref who had been whistle-happy all through the match. Enough was enough! Up he stood, penguin’s “flippers” flailing wildly as he vented his displeasure in no uncertain terms!!!
It was a great day out. Certainly, as the curtains close on a lack-lustre season, it could have ended on a flat note. Compared to this time last year, it could have felt like the famine after the feast, like holiday you’d looked forward to that turned out to be no better than a wet weekend in Bogner.
But somehow, we could head back the mere 25miles home on a bright spring evening, and feel our hearts warmed by the Shrewsbury Smurfs and penguins, who never stopped singing!
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