Supporters’ Club Notes (15/04/2018)

UNLUCKY FRIDAY 13TH

A one all draw away to the then league leaders, Drogheda United, sounds like a decent night's work. But, we deserved all three points and were more than equal to anything the Drogs had to offer. Their goal was scored in the 5^th minute of added time and with the second last kick of the game. It was the second time we've been kicked in the teeth with a last minute goal conceded. The other sickener was also away, in the game against Shelbourne.

Driving up twisty roads to United Park across country, many would have settled for a share of the spoils. Driving home and the talk was that we deserved a win. We played some superb football and our goal by Dean Byrne is surely an early contender for Goal of the Season. Following some excellent work by Chambers, Dean let fly from all of 25 yards giving Skinner no chance. We had plenty of resolute defending to do for the next 32 minutes and then the ref added a nail biting five minutes. But, like in life, you don't always get what you deserve and Friday night was just an other cruel example.

However, there was much to take from the game. Once again, we played some very attractive , ground football and the travelling support can have no complaints on that front. Also, each week, we're clearly demonstrating that we're as good as any team in the league. Apart from maybe, Athlone, each team can cause an upset. So far the league is turning out to the tightest ever and sitting in 4^th, we're well positioned. Shels are just one point ahead of us, with Drogheda a single point further up. UCD sit on top with 14 points and hopefully they won't be adding to that tally this weekend.

But in summary, it was certainly a case of unlucky Friday 13^th for us. Not that we're superstitious or anything like that but fingers crossed for Saturday night.

UCD AT HOME

This Saturday night, we host current league leaders UCD to the City Calling Stadium. Kick off is at 7.30pm as usual. UCD are obviously doing very well with a young, talented well drilled outfit. But then again, the same could be said about ourselves. It's a huge opportunity for us to beat the current high flying students. We're unbeaten at home and we are playing with a lot of verve and confidence. UCD are known for bring the smallest band of supporters in the league and on Saturday night, they'll probably have their usual car load. While being an opportunity for the team to shine brightly, it's also a great chance for the local sporting followers to come out and support our own.

Judging by the amount of empty seats at a certain cross channel game on Sunday last, we know that some supporters can be a fickle lot. We like to think that we have a solid support but we'd love to see some more enjoy the City Calling and real,live football. See it, sense it, support it....De Town!!

UNITED FACILITIES

Drogheda were relegated last season which means that their facilities had to have been top class. The only thing top class about United Park on Friday night last, was their prices. Twenty euro for their stand and fifteen to stand in a bleak away section. Even for OAPs, they charged a hefty twelve euro. They obviously forgot that they're supposed to drop prices when they drop a league. Their floodlights, (installed late) are excellent but then they were paid for by the FAI. They did provide a chipper but their toilets left a lot to be desired. An awful lot.

CAR BOOT SALE

By now, you're aware that our next car boot sale is on the May Bank Holiday Monday. But you may not be aware that we'll be short some important personnel due to some May nuptials in Poland. All of which means, we could do with some more volunteers for the May Bank Holiday Car Boot sale. Give Liam Healion a shout if you can help out in any way.

SCORE BOARD

Despite our splendid facilities in the City Calling Stadium, we are lacking in one very important area – a scoreboard. We had a good working facility for years but it became sick, tired and weary and eventually headed to the great scoreboard in the skies. Everyone, home and away supporters , agree that we need an upgrade. The site is there ready to go, the technology is well tested. The only thing missing is the little question of money. So if you have a (good) few euro to throw our way, contact Johnny Nevin in the Clubhouse and he'll provide all the details. It's a chance to see your name in lights!

LONGFORD TOWN/ULTAN CONLON

This is a bit of a diversion. But did you know that The Measure, a lovely, catchy song by Ultan Conlon tops the RTE Airplay charts at the moment. So why is this appearing in these notes ? Well in the middle of his delightful song, Ultan mentions Longford Town. Now, how many chart topping songs do that ? The actual lines go something like this: “Paul came down from Longford Town, Threw his weight around with the in crowd and he made some noise - scared off all the good guys, Give us something to play for now that the city has lost of all of its light”.

Could he be referring to Paul Hunt heading back down to Cobh and leaving the City Calling Stadium in the dark? If you haven't heard it yet, try YouTube.

AND FINALLY

Our first and final message is that we'd love to see you this Saturday night supporting De Town. The weather is promised to be balmy so you've no excuses. See you later!