Supporters’ Club Notes (08/07/2018)

BURST BUBBLE

Expectations were high before our game against Cobh.After all, recentperformances had been excellent and plenty of goals had been scored. The evening was perfect. There was a confident buzz about the City Calling Stadium. Plenty of former supporters filed through the turnstiles. Section O made a big effort to add to their numbers and had plenty of flags flying high. There was a festival on the streets of the town, the World Cup was on yet we had a large, expectant crowd.

But by half time, it looked like a different team to that which hammered UCD. If Cobh's challenge was taken for granted, thentheir opening goal should have awoken us from our deep slumber. While Sam Vernon managed to equalise, we were carved open again and Cobh held out for an unlikely 2-1 win. While the ref wasn't brilliant, in fairness he can't be blamed for the under-par performance. We can do better and quite simply, we have to do better.

HARPS AWAY

A tough encounter is guaranteed this weekend when Finn Harps will “welcome” us to Finn Park. Their animated manager was an interested spectator at the Cobh game and Ollie didn't leave the City Calling Stadium trembling with fear after Saturday night's game. Each game to date has a bit of a bite and now that the Donegal men have leapfrogged us, they'll certainly want to widen the gap. But then, we know that we have to produce a top drawer performance to remain in the hunt for promotion. It won't be a game for the faint hearted but we're ready. Bring it on.

DYLAN'S AWARD

Dylan McGlade received his Player of the Month award for June on Saturday night last. Supporters' Club member Phil Pike made the presentation. Pope Francis might be flying in to Knock next month but few travel to and from the Mayo airport like our high flying Phil, who flies over from England for every home game.

MARTY'S RETURN

We may have been bitterly disappointed with the result against Cobh but there was one positive from the game. Marty Stapleton made a welcome return to the fold of Section O. Marty was almost a month in hospital in Mullingar. Despite all the World Cup games ontv, Marty wasn't able to see any of them...there were plenty of screens in ICU but to Marty's dismay, there was no TV screen. So he made up for it by taking in some live action on Saturday night last. Great to see you back home again Marty.

WHAT'S THE SCORE?

Work has recommenced on the restoration of our scoreboard. While it won't be operational for the game against Oxford on Tuesday July 11^th, it should be up and flashing for our next home game. Well, fingers crossed.

BIRTHDAY WISHES

Heartiest congratulations to Pauric Connolly who celebrates a significant birthday shortly. Pairic has been supporting De Town, home and away, since he was out of nappies. A Town game just wouldn't be the same without Pauric's famous support and his voice is instantly recognised at grounds all over the land. This note writer used to travel to matches on the bar of Pauric's bicycle and that wasn't today nor even yesterday! Have a wonderful birthday Pauric.

OXFORD UTD ON TUESDAY

Oxford United, are our welcome guests this Tuesday night,July 10^th. Kick off is 7.45pm. It should be a chance to give the new signings a run out ahead of the Finn Harps clash. If we can hammer the students of UCD 5-1, sure we should be well able for Oxford too!

CAR BOOT SALE

It's only the start of July but already people are asking about the August Car Boot Sale. Well, it's quite easy really. It'll be on the Bank Holiday Monday which we're told will be a bright, sunny warm day. Hopefully we'll have a good crowd and then we can afford the paint for the new scoreboard which is being paid for by proceeds from these Bank Holiday Mondays. Every time in the future, when you check the score, just think of the dedicated volunteers who made it all possible.