Almost decided to give this game a miss - after 4 matches on consecutive days, all in freezing conditions, I felt I'd had just about enough of the bloody chill to last me a while. Pleased we made the effort though as it gave us chance to meet up with our friends Steve Reading, Richard Lane, Rob Hornby, Scott Ward and Brett Marshall.
Steve is always good for a laugh - and always seems to have a tale or two to tell....like how he went to a match at Cheddar. "Why not?" he said - he'd not been there before!! His journey from Chesterfield to Cheddar including a bit of pottering about was over 400 miles. Nice new car do do it in though .. I'd better not mention that he's a retired bank manager, knowing how we all love bankers.....oops, I just mentioned it - never mind!!
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The game itself was pants to be fair - Newark played mostly reserves and almost paid the price in the 10th minute when they allowed Dave Voller to try his luck from 20+ yards - fortunately for the travellers the ball struck the foot of the post before rebounding to safety.
Newark's best chance of the half fell to Ian Hillier on 35 - Blidworth keeper Jason Fisher had to dive full length to keep out Hillier's ferocious 25 yard drive. H-T 0-0
The visitors were awarded a free-kick with 8 minutes of the second half played. Although IAN HILLIER's set piece was deflected as it smashed through the defensive wall, it was hit firmly enough and despite getting a hand to it, the ball flew under Fisher's body to give Town the lead.
The goal prompted Mr. Hornby into tweeting, his cry of "who scored that?" answered by Richard Lane "Ian Hillier!" With 10 minutes left to play, HILLIER tapped in his second after a superb ball in from the left from Danny Purves picked him out at the near post. Up went the cry from Mr. Hornby "who scored that?" - which was answered by two or three people "Ian Hillier!"
Two minutes later HILLIER completed his personal treble, hammering a 25 yarder that was past Fisher before he could react. "Who scored that?" came the cry --- and in chorus we all shouted "Ian Hillier!!!!" much to Mr. Hornby's delight. Well, it was funny at the time.....F-T 0-3
As we were saying our goodbyes, Steve held out his hand for Richard to shake in farewell. Richard made as if to return the handshake then did a quick rethink and diverted his outstretched hand into mine, leaving Steve with his outstretched hand shaking thin air!!! Steve did manage to shake hands with Richard eventually, but as we walked to the car park, admitted he was somewhat amused/bemused, but he must have driven back to Chesterfield with a huge grin on his face - I'm still chuckling now ...his face was a picture!!
Admission £3
Programme £1 ( very presentable - well done Scott!)
Attendance -- estimated 40- ish
This was Kev's first visit to Blidworth since the building of the new changing rooms - he was very impressed. Must do a photo shoot and special report next time we go...
