written before the weekend ..

The Easter weekend was a mixed bag for us Townies - 'Bad Friday' is probably best forgotten except to say well done to the large Workington contingent on the Recre popular side for making the effort. Good to see some did on another day of despair for the club. And that's all I'm saying on that one, folks.

All was forgiven at 4.30 pm on Easter Monday. Barrow were hit hard and early by a Town side seeking to recoup favour with their most severe critics. For me, an easy going chap at worst, the win redeemed my faith in the teams top eight challenge. Everything (almost) that Town did during the first half had the Raiders under the cosh. I must add that Darren Holt seemed a shadow of the player that captivated my superlatives with his display against us at Barrow.

Still it's always been a funny old game, and away performances in NFP circles are so difficult to control/command. Most teams are able to give a decent account of themselves on home soil - except for perhaps Gateshead, Chorley and, dare I tempt fate - yes I will, YORK, until this week that is.

The Wasps are undergoing a very difficult season. In fact, I believe success has been a stranger to them ever since they moved out of town to the remote surroundings at the Huntingdon Stadium. Many of the traditional York followers just do not like the aura of the all purpose ground, one which has very little atmosphere because of the open-ended structure, and an athletics track that takes the action away from the fans. At Derwent Park, we have a speedway track to contend with of course but the difference for long serving Townies is that we have never been accustomed to being within touching distance of the play, therefore we have no fond recollections of being able to hear the grunts and groans, etc. at close quarters to grieve about their loss. I repeat at Derwent Park before some old timers take me to task about the halcyon days of the early fifties at Borough Park.

Town must be the odds-on favourites to take the spoils on Sunday. York however have strengthened their ranks, just bleedin' timely for our visit eh? The inclusion of Harmon, Roberts and Sterling will undoubtedly add more sting to the Wasps firepower, and since moving to the Huntingdon York have usually dominated the results between the clubs.

No I'm not covering my back at all, just emphasising that I am tempting fate quite a bit by suggesting a Town win.

One performance at York that does stand out in my memory/brain cell was the 42-18 Town success of September 1991. The 'Ashton days', and a win which saw seven Town tries notched by Penrice, Armstrong (Col), Wear, Schubert, McLean, Mawson and Kitchin. La'al Weebo added all seven conversions to boot. Now wouldn't it be very nice to see a repeat of that one on Sunday? Incidentally one factor that will certainly not be repeated is the attendance at York on that most pleasant day, which was 1564. (sure that's not the year you attended the match, Keith? - Ed)

However if you are indeed reading this article prior to the match please make an effort to boost not only the attendance but the also the spirit of 'the Town' and make it to the historically beautiful city of York. Oh, and don't forget the academy teams are playing a curtain raiser to this one - k.o. noon.
K.S.