Now some of you may think we are a couple of weeks too late with this post, but remember we now live in the Isthmian world and thus any reasonable logic has to be suspended. Kicking off their leagues two weeks after most divisions is hardly a sensible idea when we will almost certainly have “the worst winter ever” and most clubs will then end up playing 8 games a week to catch up. But we long gave up trying to understand how exactly they are helping clubs.
When the fixtures eventually came out (some weeks after the rest of the divisions), we all groaned at seeing our first opponents. No disrespect to Lowestoft Town, but a three and a half hour train journey (add an hour and a half for those from Brighton) was not on the agenda for day one. The bookies had made Lewes favourites for the title, and The Trawler Boys second favourites, so this was sure to be Sky Sports game of the day? No? Oh well it seems like I am going to have to tell you all about it then.
The main worry for the travelling fans (aka Dave, Deaks, Terry and me) was whether Lewes actually had a squad of more than a dozen players. Pre-season had been a mixed bag. A couple of decent wins, a couple of disappointing defeats. But that was irrelevant. It was time for the main event.
We arrived in Lowestoft via Naaarwich and numerous Alan Partridge-inspired gags, and immediately headed for the Lowestoft Beer Festival. Such an event happens but once a year and we were in luck that our visit coincided with the event. It was being held at the Triangle pub which didn’t strike us as the typical festival venue. No tents pitched outside, no Viz-inspired Real Ale Wankers and nobody actually there at all. Everything pointed to a damp squib.
Everyone was in fine voice after enjoying some cheap, decent beers and the party continued in Crown Meadow. An “Old School” ground if there ever was one with a decent size club house complete with a disco ball – perhaps a good omen for a post match party? Optimism was at Defcon 3.
Lowestoft Town 3 Lewes 1 – Crown Meadow – Saturday 20th August 2011
After six minutes there was a stunned silence around the ground. Neither team had actually had a shot on goal but there, in the back of the Lowestoft net, sat the ball. Nestling nicely in the corner. Lewes were one nil up. All of our pre-season nerves had been washed away and most of us had missed it. Apparently Lowestoft’s captain, Greg Cane had misplaced a backpass, lobbing the keeper when under no pressure at all. Whilst not in the Lee Dixon/David Seaman class from 20 years (gulp!) ago, it wasn’t a bad effort.
But it was not to be. Just before the half hour mark when Andrew Cave-Brown smashed home a knock down in the penalty area. In truth it was deserved, but as away fans we would never admit to that. However, just a few minutes later we get another boost. Our top scorer, aka Lowestoft’s own captain Crane, was given a straight red for something he said to the referee. In times where you often hear players aiming abuse at the officials what on earth can you say to a referee these days that would result in a straight red? It wasn’t even as if he had been involved in any controversial incidents – in fact Mr Magill had been inconspicuous.
Whatever King said at half time to the team obviously went in one ear and out the other because before we had even managed to leave the bar Lowestoft were ahead with Lubo Guentchev scored from close range. It was tempting to turn back round and go inside but when there is time there is hope. The sunny start to the day had been replaced by a typical English summer drizzle. Surely with a slippery surface it would be a great opportunity to get the tricky Ciardini running down the line? Our spirits perked up when former Farnborough front man Paul Booth came on, but he never got the service that normally makes him so dangerous.
We had plenty of time on the way home to contemplate the team, the performance, the season ahead and what we had just seen. Or we could just have a few Adnams and plan our next away day thanks to Terry’s Ryman League Handbook. Lowestoft had lived up to their billing, Lewes had fallen a long way short. The first and probably last InterCityLewesFirm trip had come to an end.
More pictures from the bad day at the office can be found here.