Mossley v Ilkeston Taaan

Another jolly day in which football only played a part. Met the Ilkeston Town "trainboys" at Stalybridge Buffet Bar - ended up catching the same train to Stalybridge as the Ilkeston Town "Supporters Coach Boys" who had driven through Stalybridge on their way to Mossley - and forgot to get off ! Beer was drunk and the majority then caught taxis back to Mossley. I brought up the rear with a few stragglers catching the 1441 train back to Mossley - and still arriving in time for the game.

It was a good turn-out of away fans - but the crowd still looked disappointedly small (230 official). Ilkeston looked by far the more assured team and there was much last-ditch defending in the Mossley goalmouth.

Ilson fans, one "liner" and Mike (yellow bib)

Ilkeston took the lead just before the half-hour and it stayed that way until half-time. Mossley continued to look wanting up front and it was no surprise when Ilkeston doubled their lead through Muller. Mossley brought on Anthony Bingham and it was "supersub" who scored with his first touch. However it all went pear-shaped again when Terry Bowker headed into his own net - d'oh ! Bingo got another back and we were all set for a grandstand finish with Mossley chasing an unlikely (and undeserved) draw. It was not to be however and 3-2 to Ilson was the final score.

After the game it was off back to Stalybridge for a swift couple before the "trainboys" disappeared back towards Manchester for an appointment with the "Circus Tavern" and the "Monkey" no doubt.


The "Trainboys" on Stalybridge Station (+ black pudding bag !)

I returned on the next train back to Mossley - wrong result but good day all round.