It has been a number of days without a blog, as board members busy themselves with holidays, other Trust business and the joy of watching a rampant Mariners side bang in 13 (THIRTEEN) goals in 2 games. Please forgive our tardiness eh?
Only a few days ago, there were numerous calls for the departure of the Mariners boss Paul Hurst on the Fishy messageboard; only for the noisy frustrated minority to be silenced by two phenomenal results over the Bank Holiday weekend. As you all know, it started appropriately enough with an own goal which no doubt tickled every GTFC fan. Karma. see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dF1K6GFs3CE
To win 1-0 with a comedy own goal from the principal villain of the play-off semi would have satisfied most; but to win 6-1 with goals raining in from the returning Scott Neilson, the unfairly derided Lenell John-Lewis and a combo by two subs, was FANTASTIC, as was the decision by the oft-criticised GTFC official website to provide 20mins+ freeview coverage immediately afterwards. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xaNiGCFgbhQ
Expectations were duly raised for the visit of bottom-placed Alfreton, and the same XI duly dispatched them with ease. Its nice to be able to say; follow this link to see Town's 7th goal which was the 13th we scored (we including the unfortunate Baxter of Gateshead and Dawson of Alfreton for those pedantic souls out there); https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RAEotv09Tjk
We destroyed Gateshead, we destroyed Alfreton; and we did it with an urgency and positivity to our play, that was rewarded by goals, opposition errors, and we did it largely against 11 men, although one Alfreton player decided to volunteer for an early bath with a cynical late challenge that sparked a mass brawl. We were perhaps fortunate not to have the weekend marred with a red card or two, but that's nit-picking really.
So a BRILLIANT weekend to be a Town fan. In case you missed some of the social media banter, it includes Craig Disley referring to our recent visitors as Alfre70n, whilst praising Messrs Brown and Clay for their efforts in midfield, and @billygtfc 'christening' John-Paul Pittman as 'The Pope' for a new nickname. The Pope and The Shop upfront!
Finally, Ice Bucket Challenge stuff; I did mine and nominated Paul Savage, Trust Board Member and TGTGD blogger. Watch this space! Various GTFC players have done it; search facebook, twitter, instagram etc.... so far I have found Connell, Doig and Disley. But don't forget, it is all for a number of worthy causes, so please take the time to take the challenge and nominate others, but remember to donate via justgiving or text or however you choose.