Rotherham v Plymouth, New York Stadium, sat 17th Dec, 1-1
Plymouth came to the New York in the relegation zone and without a win in eons. They also had a familiar name in the team sheet. Ryan Taylor, also known as ‘our Ryan’ due to his distant relationship to my cousin Geoff’s through his father. ‘Our Ryan’ scored two goals in our second, miserable, Wembley visit when we lost the play-off final to big spenders Dagenham and Redbridge. He then jumped ship, in a big money move to Bristol City. Alas, that didn’t work out for him and he dropped back down the leagues, ending up visiting his home town with Plymouth.
‘Our Ryan’ in happier times
Plymouth’s ranks also included a more recent Miller, one who proved to be maybe our worst ever goalkeeper. The incomparable Kele Roos. Oh how we prayed for a Milleresque performance here.
After a lazy morning for most of us, we strolled down to take our seats. Moore was still banned due to the elbow to a Brizzle player, so DaBall And Yates continued up front, JCH having been demoted back to the dark side of the bench. Sitting next to him there was Frecks who was still recovering from ‘illness’. OMOTE was there and Keith took his seat in front. The row behind arrived late as usual. Our Ryan got a really good reception and acknowledged it not at all. Not impressive.
The first half went well, we made some good chances against a poor Plymouth team. Ryan Taylor hardly getting a touch, and Mr Roos proving pretty resilient. 0-0 at half time, but it wouldn’t be long before we scored surely.
Half time turned out to be the highlight of the game.
Having been booked in the first half for a perceived foul on the keeper, Wood lost his magic hat and fouled Taylor on the half way line. The ex-miller was hurt so badly he needed to roll around screaming until the ref produced his red card. He was immediately fine but the Millers were down to 10.
Booking number one for a viscous attack on Kele Roos
Leaving the field after the attempted murder of Taylor
Warne pushed Vaulkes to centre back and removed Yates and despite being down to 10 we still pressed. However, with 10 mins left Plymouth got a succession of corners. ‘It’s coming’ said vicky. Prophetic words. The last corner floated in and found a Plymouth head. Who else. 1-0 Plymouth
As he scored Taylor peeled away, ran to the Millers fans and proceeded to blow kisses. There was no ‘I’m not celebrating against the club I support’ for him.
Bottles and vitriol poured down from the stand. Soon after he was substituted, presumably to avoid a lynch mob.
Still, although this rotherham team don’t have a ‘never say die’ attitude, they do have a ‘lets have another go’ one. With five minutes of the five added minutes on the clock a Newell corner caused havoc in the Plymouth box and there was Semi* to slot home. 1-1
A point snatched from the jaws of defeat at the 11th hour with 10 men. Almost The stuff that dreams are made of. And Ryan Taylor is no longer a relative of mine. Indeed he’s right up there with Harry maguire in the most hated list, just behind James McClean.
Next up, MK Dons at home
Man of the match
Ian - Semi Ayaji
Jackie - The great Semi Ayaji
Vicky - Semi Ayaji
*Marcus Marshall conundrum
Footnote
Taylor came out in the press saying that his family were in that stand and he was blowing a kiss to them. We still hate you Ryan
Comments
Post a Comment