Dodging the panicky petrol hunters, the Lancaster Whites minibus joined the ever-growing White Army drive to Stadium of Light to face the Mackems of Sunderland. It is such a good feeling that things are getting back to normal, and we could talk football and not Covid-19 over a superb steak and ale pie lunch at The Avenue pub in High Shincliffe. Everyone was pleased that we have a team worth watching again, as we find our feet in League 1. Hopes were high that we could tame the high-riding Black Cats and get something out of this game. There was general approval of the club’s bold decision to sever all ties with betting companies, despite the loss of potential investment and income.
After our ascent to the third tier of the Carling Stand, we managed to find some seats in the now all too familiar chaos of fans sitting wherever they want. These days, the chances of actually sitting down at an away match and being able to watch the game are long gone. Stewards made no attempts to clear the fans standing in the crammed safety gangways. Having said that, it made for a great atmosphere as Ian Evatt was able to name an unchanged team. We had a bit of a nervous start before we settled down and got into the game. Ironically, it was at that point we slipped up and gave a goal away. From that point on, we gave as good as we got and in the second half, we dominated the play without finding that final touch. It was a case of another good performance with nothing to show for it.
At half time, there was no point in trying to get refreshments without breathing apparatus as the now traditional smoke bomb show started with fans videoing it for the social media channels.
We are still settling down in League 1. Defences are that bit better, attackers are that bit sharper and the pace of the games are that bit quicker than League 2. We must keep the faith that our brand of football will bring the results but let us not forget that we are on a rebuilding journey to recover from the Dark Ages. Two years ago, we came perilously close to not having a club. The progress to date has been brilliant and each transfer window will help us get better.
Categories