AWAY DAYS REPORT FROM CANVEY ISLAND

I was unsure about whether I was going to make this trip right up until the Wednesday before the game when I received confirmation that I had a lift. I appealed for anyone going to contact me via the website as I would have had difficulty getting back by train. I had a tentative offer but needed confirmation. I had decided in my own mind that I was going to go one way or another but the lift was much appreciated. The offer came from Mark Iddon a Southport fan of many years who is a regular reader of the website. Arrangements were in place to meet Mark at Haig Avenue at 8am so it was the early alarm clock again. Thank goodness we now have a relatively easy travelling few weeks. What's the betting we get some far off "Northern" place in the FA Cup, Kings Lynn, Blyth Spartans etc.

Accompanying us on the journey was Mark's girlfriend's 18 year old daughter, Mel who kept us entertained with tales of her male conquests and her dog, Molly. However her navigating skills did leave a lot to be desired, more of that later.

We made steady progress down the M6 and M1 passing the Altrincham team coach on it's way to Cambridge. There were a few hold ups but we arrived at the ground at 1.25. Michelle, my daughter was already there having travelled across from Peckham so we wandered off to find the nearest KFC. We got back to the ground at 2.30 with plenty of time to do the usual photos. It was £11.50 to get in with an average programme for £2 which once again featured the " Southport Dream Team" The ground certainly isn't the best in the Conference and must only just meet the required criteria. It was ground number 145 for me and I am sure it was a new one for most of the travelling faithful as it was the first time we had ever played Canvey. It also saw me complete a full calendar year of going to every league game.

The usual crew were in attendance added to by a number of Southern exiles bringing the total following to 47 (that I knew of) I have noticed in these journeys "darn sarf" that we have a good few exiled fans who turn up at these games which is great to see. They are getting to be regular faces at these southern games. I guess my comments about a desire to return to regionalised football are not what you want to hear!

The PA played a skit/spoof on Jose Mourinho before the start of the game which had us all in stitches, I'd love to know what it was if anyone has any idea. I've even e-mailed the CI secretary to see if he knows.

I had warned everyone about it always being cold at Canvey but the first half was played in nice warm sunshine on a glorious day. It did go quite cool in the second half to prove my point.

There was one lovely moment in the first half when a very large tanker went sailing past up the Thames Estuary and all you could see was the tops of the containers going past. It reminded me of that super moment at Rammy when Thomas The Tank Engine went by!

As for the game, we did well with Carl Baker's new lease of life reaching greater heights. He was awesome and the sight of him lying down looking seriously injured sent my heart sinking. At first we thought it was a stretcher job but he did manage to get up and hobble of.

The own goal was down to his great work and he deserved the goal to be credited to him but it was an og. Going in 1-0 up at half time I thought that if we could just keep them out for 15 minutes we may stand a chance of our first away win, alas it was not to be and after 79 minutes we were 2-1 down. We had chances to score, with Dales and Terry Fearns both going close. The worse miss of all was Robbie Booth's who with his first touch missed an open goal header in added time. Even after that Syd had another chance to equalise but it was not to be. When the luck is with you it is but we had a blatant penalty turned down after a hand ball by the og scorer Steve Ward. He knew he had got away with it as he patted his heart and gave us a knowing wink, that's the type of decision that makes a difference between 3rd bottom and 2nd bottom. No blame to the ref, he was blind side and had a decent game.  He even had time to book Terry Fearns for the first time in a Southport shirt. I thought it was for deliberate handball but others say it was for something he said to the ref.

We were disappointed at the end as unlike at G&N and Woking we played well enough to have got a draw.

There are reports on Port Chat of an altercation between a "fan" and Charlie Clapham at the end of the match. In the words of Arsene Wenger I didn't see it so can't comment. I hope people are not going to start getting on people's backs. Liam has said in his article in the Visiter he has realised changes need to be made and let's leave him to get on with it. Have faith.

Our next trip is to Scarborough for a midweek game so I don't think there will be too many at that one but our next Saturday away game is at Altrincham. My wish is for the club to put some coaches (plural) on and really try and get as many followers at what promises to be a massive game for us. It's all very well everyone getting on the bandwagon at Harrogate but now is the time to show your true support and get behind the lads.

I am as frustrated as everyone but the constant criticism of the players is doing nobody any good at all.

Thank you to Julia for updating the website, she has progressed to doing a few more pages for me as I know from the feedback I get that people like to read about the games from people that go to the games. Her tuition is paying off!

Now for the journey home, lets just say, we went wrong and ended up very badly out of the way. It was a later than expected arrival home and I was shattered. It was all our navigators fault (Mel again) who fell asleep at a vital point. We did however see some lovely sights in er............... wait for it........ Chesterfield. Dont' ask!!

Finally a big thank you to Mark for driving all that way and back it really was appreciated and Mel for keeping us entertained on the long journey home!

Webmaster Rob Urwin Contact rob@southportfcstats.co.uk