One of our former sparring partners restored to the Football League after just one season in the Conference, beating Grimsby Town 5-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw at Wembley. Angelo Balanta came on as a 75 min sub and also scored in the penalty shoot-out. Bristol Rovers did a Tim Krul and switched keepers from Puddy to Mildenhall in the last minute of extra time. Former manager, Ian Holloway, was part of the commentary team. After 94 seasons in the Football League the Bristol Rovers chairman stuck with the relegated manager, Darrell Clarke, and that faith paid off. I wonder if Chris Ramsey will be granted a similar opportunity by Tony Fernandes? Good luck to the Blue & White team.
It was quite an entertaining match. My argument has always been that there is a propaganda out there suggesting money makes football better. I guess it's somewhat down to opinion but for me an entertaining match is one where both teams are really going at it and playing with pride. As skilful as the players can be, watching Man City v. Chelsea etc. often bores me because they dive all over the place, complain too much, play without fair-play and the competition is usually about who's spent the most money. I crave real football. Football is football so long as the same rules are observed. Top EPL football is no more football than bottom of the Conference football. But there are two kinds of football fans; those who like to see nothing but top talent and those who love the game and can enjoy all sorts of football, epecially enjoying the football that has more integrity.
