No - I don't mean Gills camels. I'm referring to the poor souls from Carlisle who travelled to Plymouth - on a Tuesday night - whilst 187 much happier camels went in the opposite direction up North - to watch Norris score his customary ( and usually very good ) Yorkshire goal. I wasn't going to do a 'camel trip' story - but knowing that you were deprived of live commentry from Radio Kent - and being told that only 22 camels would be on the official coach, I feared that nobody in Kent would find out how things progressed. The answer is ... Very nicely ( more later - but for now I insist on boring you with drivel ). The stupid 22 of us were treated to a brand new coach. It was lovely, very comfortable and I had no trouble in getting much sleep --- well, what else could I do ? stare out at the rain ! Peter Lloyd asked us to spread out and NOT sit next to another camel - to create the illusion of a full coach. He actually referred to the fans as customers - he must have been eavesdropping on brb. The journey was uneventful. We stopped off at Grantham services on the A1. When we were about to set off again, the driver blew into what I guessed was a breathyliser device in his cab area. I'm not sure if I should have been worried - but - just for the sake of being mischievous I asked " Has it gone to red?" This enquiry induced a complete sense of humour failure from the chap. Rather soberly he said " Don't even joke about that." -- well he certainly knew how to kill the art of conversation - so I resumed my foetal position and went back to sleep. At Bradford our numbers were boosted by a few members of the Northern elite. I must say that I am extremely impressed how Drakey X manages to keep looking so young ! -- The only thing 'under 16' about me is INSIDE my head ! And now the only bit you must have scrolled to - The game We let in a sloppy early goal - when we failed to be alert to a quick throw-in, which gave City plenty of time for a cross, and Hanson tapped in the easiest goal he'll ever score. Gills bounced back from this set back. They took the game to City and spent much time in their half. We racked up many more corners than our hosts - and the stats will show we had many more shots on goal. Indeed, we were adventurous without really troubling their keeper. After half time, The Gills started positively, and were rewarded with a goal from Norris. It came from a strong 'team' surge forward. The ball came to Norris, just inside the penalty area - to the keepers' right. He smashed the ball into the net between keeper and his 'near' post - sending 187 camels wild. Unfortunately even this equaliser didn't manage to stop the drummer in the City supporters. I don't particularly like the use of 'artificial atmosphere'. I was also glad that I wasn't sitting next to the drum ! - bloody noisy thing - it's the sort of thing that grandparents buy your kids as a present - then THEY ( the grandparents ) escape by going home ! Gills were not content to play for a point. They continued to press for a second goal. City, as you might expect from a home team, also played their part in a not-so-dull game. Thankfully the winner came from one of our many corners. We had players in the 6 yard box and Oshi (sic) will not be denied the goal - there might have been a bit of contact from City's No.9 - but it was a Gills' goal all day long. Finally - the bloody drummer stopped ! The victory did not flatter the Gills. We played well - and for an away team we were very adventurous. Long may it continue. Commiserations to the fans of Carlisle - might I suggest that you join the Scottish League - your journies will be short - and you might actually win a game -- Oh, and good luck next week when you travel to QPR in the Cup. You know you'll get a bigger beating, but at least it wont be sooo far to go.
alwaysright - as always thanks for the write up. I want to touch on the subject of Cody at this point. What is it with supporters? We had not lost for three games, we had scored seven goals, but as soon has we were 1-0 down, you heard the usual cries for the Messire or is that Messi across social media! Norris has now scored two goals and Dack is it three. So where is the problem, because i aint seeing one, with four games unbeaten now and nine goals. Will the Cody lovers please have some respect for the players out there, how do you think it will reflect on them as a unit, keep seeing this constant drivel when they are doing so well. Yes, Cody has a place, and sure he is bound to score on his return....maybe....if you want glory players go watch Rooney, I'll let you choose whether that is Wayne or Luke.
brb ( and everyone ) I have recently stated that I feel that this season we appear to be set up in such a way that, with the pace and quality we have in the squad - I believe that the goals will be shared around. The midfield players got forward very quickly last night - as they did against Sheffield Utd. They were mainly responsible for the many attempts that we had on goal. Dack is an absolute nightmare for defenders - and was popping up everywhere and is hungry to add to his tally (3). Oshi (spelling - I'll get used to it ) has often been the most forward player ( certainly at Port Vale ). Osidebe is another who loves to go forward and wants to score. last night, especially in the 2nd half, we started to play nearly as well as against Sheffield Utd. It was after this game that I said it will be down to the whole team to provide the goals ( although I didn't expect the opposition to score so many own goals ). I will love it when Cody is fit to resume - and I hope he'll bang in 25 or more this season - and, as much as I feel we need a recognised central forward to be in a team - for HIS specialist subject - at the moment NOBODY has any right to merely walk into the team.
Agreed......when the goals are shared around amongst the team it is harder for opposing teams to counter the threat. I'd rather have half a dozen players on 10 goals a season than a 'wonder' player on 30 and the team still end up in mid table. Cody will be back in the team and having his natural poaching ability will only increase the team's threat.....as long as the rest of the team are not just built solely around him. Going well so far and yes....very early days.
I thought I heard on the radio last evening that SkyBet was going to refund the travel and ticket costs of the supporters that went on the official coach. So at least it only cost them a day out of their lives, unless they were more successful at finding a drink inside Home Park than we were at Bradford.
Tim - I should have known there'd be no bar in the away end - how could we be entrusted with alcohol, when last season we weren't even allowed to cross the road on our own - the HI VIZ merchants made us stay on the coach as it was forced to complete a very difficult turn - and, of course without any traffic control from the stewards. Could you also tell Drakey X that her hair was a mess - she needs to have some hairspray in her handbag -- what's that you say - it would have been confiscated by the mini Hitlers -- well then, don't tell her that I saw small cans of deodorant being 'removed' by the gestapo in their very fetching pink vests ( was that why she smelt awful ? ) nb -- Drakey X You know I'm only joking ( unlike our coach driver ) - and I would treat you to a drink next time we meet - but - apparently you're under 16 !
