Stoke Yesterday....
Posted: Sun Nov 24, 2024 9:18 pm
First port of call was the Conni to meet up with Alistair McEwan, son of ex-player Bill McEwan,
from Perthshire.
Also there was his sister and Alf Ridyard's daughter etc. Alf was to be posthumously inducted into
the 'Forever R's' later along with the families of Billy Barnes and Arthur Longbottom.
Alf Ridyard had the wonderful distinction of milking a cow when the Rangers Scout arrived
Later I was pleased to meet up with Reg Allen's son, David.
As for the game, we were better in spells, moving the ball forward quicker & creating chances
but some of the shooting was well off target!
One down after 24 minutes, we were awarded a penalty after Paul Smyth was clearly pushed in the box.
Surprisingly Zan Cellar stepped up and his spot-kick was wide of the post.
Anyone can miss one, but why him and not say Nicholas Madsen?
The deserved equaliser came from an og and apart from those shots blazed over the bar, the post was hit
twice, Koko Saito had 2/3 shots blocked, Alfie Lloyd who should have started, had a shot well saved
etc etc.
Stoke had the ball in the net and when I looked up again I was relieved to see it had been ruled out for
handball.
Must mention Paul Nardi's outstanding save when he dived & finger-tipped Tom Cannon's shot away &
onto the post.
As is now customary, Koko Saito bowed to the fans as he made his way to the dressing room.
Well done to him.
The rain & wind subsided on my way back to White City but the Station was closed when I arrived.
No sign of a train heading for West Ruislip, poor communication & eventually a member of staff came onto
the platform & told us to go to North Acton & change.
Because of the Central Line problems I was told that someone they knew didn't make it to the game until
ht & others apparently had decided not to continue their journey.
Some positives from the game but another draw
from Perthshire.
Also there was his sister and Alf Ridyard's daughter etc. Alf was to be posthumously inducted into
the 'Forever R's' later along with the families of Billy Barnes and Arthur Longbottom.
Alf Ridyard had the wonderful distinction of milking a cow when the Rangers Scout arrived
Later I was pleased to meet up with Reg Allen's son, David.
As for the game, we were better in spells, moving the ball forward quicker & creating chances
but some of the shooting was well off target!
One down after 24 minutes, we were awarded a penalty after Paul Smyth was clearly pushed in the box.
Surprisingly Zan Cellar stepped up and his spot-kick was wide of the post.
Anyone can miss one, but why him and not say Nicholas Madsen?
The deserved equaliser came from an og and apart from those shots blazed over the bar, the post was hit
twice, Koko Saito had 2/3 shots blocked, Alfie Lloyd who should have started, had a shot well saved
etc etc.
Stoke had the ball in the net and when I looked up again I was relieved to see it had been ruled out for
handball.
Must mention Paul Nardi's outstanding save when he dived & finger-tipped Tom Cannon's shot away &
onto the post.
As is now customary, Koko Saito bowed to the fans as he made his way to the dressing room.
Well done to him.
The rain & wind subsided on my way back to White City but the Station was closed when I arrived.
No sign of a train heading for West Ruislip, poor communication & eventually a member of staff came onto
the platform & told us to go to North Acton & change.
Because of the Central Line problems I was told that someone they knew didn't make it to the game until
ht & others apparently had decided not to continue their journey.
Some positives from the game but another draw