Belper v DVV Duiven

Now that was some day !

Naturally the train to Manchester was late - but still made the 0900 bus to Belper arriving just before midday. Into the "George & Dragon" for a couple of pints of "Celtic Blonde" from Duchy of Cornwall Brewery and on to the ground for some Marstons "Pedigree" - straight out of the jug !

DVV Duiven took what can only be described as a shock lead after about 6 minutes in front of a disappointingly small crowd, but Belper pulled themselves back into the game with several good chances and one off the bar. Half-time saw it still 1-0 to the Dutch. Exited the bar after a small shandy (!) just in time to miss the Belper equaliser from Greg Pearce(!!), but the experience and stamina was starting to kick in and Asa Ingall got what turned out to be the winner turning the ball in from a long cross.

After much trophy presenting, and a couple of beers back at the "George", it was time for "Big Night Out" in the fleshpots of Derby. The bus down to Derby was hilarious - try to imagine two dozen Dutchmen chanting and singing solidly for 25 minutes - certainly unnerved the driver. A food stop was followed by beers in "Seymours" (found time to break up a fight as well !), followed by "The Varsity" and then some of us went to "Bluenote" - after this it gets a bit hazy. I found myself in the "Old Bell" - drinking a half (!) before going for the 0200 late bus back to Belper - fortunately the bus terminated at Belper, giving the driver time to wake me up before staggering back to the Mother-in-Laws (that's me staggering back not the bus driver). All in all a good day/night all round.

A little cloudy this morning, but have managed to get back to Mossley this afternoon. Checked out the local scores - only Droylsden (3-0 at Farsley) and Curzon Ashton (3-1 at Salford City) managed wins, so most of my predicitions were "spot off".

Must try harder...