Rotherham v Blackpool, Saturday May 5th, New York Stadium. 1-0
The final league match of the 2017-2018 EFL league 1 season saw the Millers face Blackpool in a meaningless game. Meaningless but important as going into the play-offs form is everything, and we needed to keep up the momentum. Blackpool hold a special place in my heart this season as at half time in the away game back in December we were losing 1-0 and looked like relegation fodder. A long, heartfelt discussion had occurred at half time as to whether we would follow them when they dropped out of the league. Every Miller looks back at that point as the nadir, as two second half DaBall goals turned the game around and started the charge up the table that culminated in the fourth place finish. That position was ours before this game, it was just left to discover who we would play, either Scunny or Charlton.
Ian left early to meet Wooly and his buddies at the New York tavern
The jolly boys
Vicky and I didn’t need to layer up as it was warm! We arrived in good time, finding the usual suspects in place.
A sunny day in New York
As the Blackpool fans were few and far between we decided that, due to their lack of anything to play for, they had decided to stay at the seaside.
Frank sang, we kicked, and still no sign of the Jolly Boys. Kick off came and went, before they rolled in, five pints each and swaying. OMOTE wasn’t amused.
Really, the game was a bit of a non event, both teams taking it easy in the sun. The most excitement came from following the other scores, with Charlton and Scunny alternating in position. And with the constant up and downing caused by the people to our left needing to use the facilities every few seconds. OMOTE was really not amused. Half time came at 0-0.
The second half continued in the same vein, Charlton, Scunny, up, down, snooze, until the ball came to Will Vaulkes on the edge of the area. A shimmy, a shake, a shot and bang, 1-0 the Millers. He immediately ran to us and did his trademark flip. What a player!
That put a smile on even OMOTE’s face. At last the Millers fans had woken up. Renditions of ‘Will Vaulkes on fire’, Richard wood is magic’ and the old classic, ‘EIEIEIO’ rang around the New York. The tannoy announcer began the job of trying to prevent the fans running on the pitch at the final whistle. He clock ran down, and the referee blew for full time. 1-0 the Millers and not a sniff of a pitch invasion. We are all saving it for the playoffs, where Scunny won the right to face us. Charlton Will play Shrewsbury. As the jolly boys were heading back to the New York Tavern, Vicky and I decided that if you can’t beat em, join em.
The jolly boys and girls
Next up Scunny away!!
Man of the match
Ian - Vaulkes
Jackie - Emmanuel
Vicky - vaulkes
Comments
Post a Comment