"Blair Out" - Mossley "Down and Out"

Aren't Britain's railways a complete and utter shambles ? Started today with a torturous journey into Manchester thanks to the trusty "Rail Replacement Bus" and a sprint into Stalybridge Station to catch the express to Piccadilly. The station was awash with Watford fans on their way to Wigan - and the "London Contingent" of marchers were massing outside on the Approach. Had time to nip into Waterstones to buy book for October trip to Ireland - and a pint of Holts Bitter in the Ape & Apple just round the corner from Albert Square. We made into the Square in good time mind.



Welcome to Manchester Mr Smith !

In true demo style the speeches went on and on - we wanted to march but before long it had reached to point of no return - time to try to get back to Mossley. Caught the 1411 out of Piccadilly to Stalybridge - but the next "Rail Replacement Bus" to Mossley was not until 1502 (the normal service bus was 1504) - had to "make do" with a Pint of Copper Dragon "Golden Pippin" in the Buffet Bar while waiting - so it was back to normality - i.e. turning up late for the football. By the time I got there Mossley were one down, and within seconds of my arrival, Sturdy had made it 2-0 to Guiseley.

There had been much hope after the previous Saturday - but a changed team, a changed formation (Rob Edwards on the left wing ??) saw Mossley back to their old depressing ways. Also to rub insult into injury Channel M (local Manchester TV station) were filming the game - by heck they picked a good 'un (!)



If you release that on DVD it deserves a XXXX certificate ! (Channel M big camera)

Mossley huffed and puffed (a bit) but to no avail, and another defensive comedy of errors ("after you" - "no after you" - "ta very muchly") with 15 minutes to go allowed Smithard (nice name !) to make it 3-0. Deep into injury time Mossley's one 'ray of hope' this season (Joe Shaw) managed a consolation goal direct from a corner.



"Spot the Ball" Competition - Joe's goal.

Doom and gloom in the clubhouse afterwards - not really, because the majority of people just buggered off to wash hair, watch paint dry and do other more pressing things. The result puts Mossley down into 19th place - just one above the "auto-relegation zone" - ouch.



The T-Shirt applies to Tony Blair - but ...