Stung by The Hornets (part two)

Watford v Rotherham, Vicarage Road, Tues 24th Feb 2014, Att

The games were coming thick and fast at this stage of the season and another away trip to a team near the top beckoned. Over the weekend Peterborough had sacked their manager, with Steve being suggested by the media as a possible replacement due to his being 'best mates' with their chairman. On hearing this I wasn't too troubled, at this stage I wouldn't mind him leaving and us getting some compensation. Unfortunately his mate stated, 'we don't want to pay any compensation so won't be asking to speak to Steve'. Shame. He did show a bit of sense by recalling Morgan in place of Clubfoot at the back, and Pringle on the wing. We didn't make the trip due to 'work pressures', but here are a few people who did. 

As the game kicked off Ian and I had an appointment with Richard and Xander on pointless so couldn't  watch the rolling results. 'Name a country with no i's' said Richard. My phone buzzed. 1-0 Watford. Well we weren't expecting much. 'Can you name these books' said Xander. My phone buzzed. At a glance I thought it said 1-1. 'Woo hoo' I cheered. 'What?' Asked Ian. 'Oh, sorry. My mistake, it's 2-0 now'. Not much later it was 3-0. Another disaster. Looking on the bright said, Weds won. Beating Millwall and meaning we remained 4th from bottom and 3 points from the drop. Next up a real six pointer as Millwall themselves come to the New York. 

Oh oh, we're in trouble!

Wolves v Rotherham United, Moleneux, Sat Feb 21st 2014

Last April, while we were in New Zealand careening down a river engaged in white water rafting, level 3, a remarkable game of football took place at Molyneux. Wolves were already promoted and this was their last home game, chance for the fans to appreciate what they had achieved. The Millers were in the playoffs but were jockeying for position trying to secure a home leg second. The rest is history with the match ending 6-4 to Wolves and two players scoring a hat trick. Our very own Lion Judas Kieran Agard ( He went to Bristol City, a lower league club, for more money) , and Wolves, previously our very own Lion Judas Nouha Dicko ( He played for us on loan and scored loads of goals before being recalled to parent club Wigan. Steve said that he cried in his office on his recall as he was desperate to stay. Then he signed for Wolves for more money). 

Nouha with his match ball

meaning there wasn't one left for Kieran

It was perhaps a bit too much to expect another game like that, they don't come round very often, but we were full of hope of a good performance after the Derby game. Molyneux is far enough away to warrant a munch box, so I prepared that while Ian showered (I know!!). One slightly disquieting fact was Ians sighting of That single magpie peering down on him through the window as he did his physio exercises. We had arranged to pick Vicky up on the way so left around 11am full of excitement and trepidation. Away matches are always the worst as its a long way to go to see your team lose, although it's fun visiting other stadia. We had been to Molyneux before during our last championship campaign, in 2004, with us bottom of the table, and we lost 2-0, so we're hoping for a better result this time.

After our Nottingham detour we made good time and arrived in the environs of the stadium around 2pm. We wanted to park pretty close on account of Ians gammy leg, and spotted a sign saying 'Matchday parking £5'. We pullled in to find ourselves in a Kosovan car wash. The guy took our money and directed us to park under a dark garage area where the washing was taking place. We ate our munchbox while watching the clients arrive, and discussing whether they were drug dealers or pimps. The thought did cross my mind that the car would be gone when we got back, but it was a great spot, only a short walk from the stadium. 

After a short, but thorough, strip search, we entered the stadium and headed straight for the loo. Not bad, but there were only three. We took our places in the stand to find three problems. Problem one, seats had very little legroom, Ian could hardly get his artificial leg in. Problem two, we were sandwiched between two groups of young thugs whose purpose in life was to bait the home  fans, which lead to problem three. We were in the Steve Bull lower, the home fans were housed in the Steve Bull upper. Anything that had nor been removed in the strip search would be raining down on us throughout the game. The youngsters did answer a question that has been nagging at Vicky for years though. Who decides what to chant? They all huddled together, obviously discussing options, before one nominated youth began. 

The teams soon arrived on the pitch, surprisingly Steve had dropped Pringle, and the referee kicked off. The less said about the match the better, but despite having loads of chances we lost 5-0, Dicko inevitably scoring. Still, we only had a short walk back to the car, and it was still there! Next up Watford away. Can we stop our slide toward the trapdoor.

Man of the match

Ian - Smallwood

Jackie - Derbyshire tried.

Vicky- ther wasn't one!!

Toilet watch

Ok, lots of hot water and clean. 6/10

Derby and Darren Bent

Rotherham v Derby County, New York Stadium, Tues 17th Feb 2015, Att 11,034

Everyone knows my admiration for England star Darren Bent, and my dismay earlier in the season when Ian lead me to believe Dazzler (as he is affectionatley known) was signing for us, only to be cruelly told it was in fact Millwall he was heading to. Well he headed there, and then headed right back out and caught a train for Derby County, our opponents on this Tuesday night. Not only was Dazzler on loan at Derby, no doubt still picking up his £80,000 a week paycheck from someone, but England Under 21 starlet Tom Ince found sitting on Hull's bench was giving him splinters and also made the loan move to Pride Park. 

Dazzler scores for England

Tom Ince on England duty

Tom's wages are a snip at a mere £25,000 a week, but what a strike force Derby County have. Of course, we have our own deadly duo of Derbyshire and Sammon. When Derbyshire was playing poorly just a few short weeks ago people were pointing to his reported £4000 a week and calling it a colossal waste of money. Now it seems like pretty good value. Unfortunately there was to be no opportunity to feed the fish as Connor was not allowed to play for the club that pays nearly all his wages. No matter, that left an opportunity for young Danny Ward, a player we actually own. Steve also seemed to agree with me that Richardson and Newton were rubbish against Blackburn, and both were dropped in favour of Hunt and a returning Rob Milsom. (Returning from where I'm not sure as we haven't seen him for months, Bury maybe?). 

A full working day meant the usual gobbling down of tea and lift from Chris. We were joined, surprisingly midweek, by Vicky who simply could not miss a game against a team pushing for automatic promotion. OMOTE was waiting, we nodded to each other, and the Wolversons arrived en masse shortly after us, Kathy just can't keep away. The tweeters had brought along a friend, a very annoying female friend who, when she wasn't talking about make-up or Coronation Street, felt the need to shriek in a high pitched tone. The ref was our old friend Mr Miller, you may recall he looks like our Howard and refereed his last game at the New York with aplomb. (I.e he gave us all the decisions). Shame he felt the need to ref this one without aplomb. 

Frank sang, we kicked, and Mr Miller blew right on time as the last note ended. We were off. 'Come on Ben' shrieked the tweeters friend (TF). 'That's Ben Pringle, the only one I know!'. Vicky and I rolled our eyes and covered our ears. Straight from the off Steve and Paul were in trouble with the fourth official, they were getting their complaints in before the incident happened no doubt. Very wise it transpired, when Mr Miller did an Arsene Venger and 'did not see it' as the ball hit a Derby players arm in the area. Another big decision had gone against us. 'Ahhhhh' shrieked TF, 'what happened?'.

Referee!

Dazzler and Tom were shooting towards us, but it was Derbyshire and Ward that looked like the big money earners as they constantly caused Derby problems battling for every ball. The midfield looked strong with Smallwood playing particularly well, and the defence was holding out. We had started well. After about 15 mins Ince got a shot away that flew wide. 'Ahhhhhhh' screamed TF,  but young Nicky Hunt stayed down in the area, the ref called on the trainer and it didn't look good. Eight minutes later, after lengthy treatment he was carried off on a stretcher to applause from both sets of fans. Kieran Richardson had to come on. Despite this we still pushed on and won a free kick on the right. Ben Pringle took it and planted it on the head of Clubfoot, a late replacement for the ill Captain Morgan, who headed down to an unmarked Paul Green. He side footed home and we were winning 1-0. 

Paul Green scores......

And celebrates

All the players went mad, as did the fans. We got back in position, Derby kicked off, broke up the right, Ince got the ball and curved a wonderful shot past Colin. 62 seconds after we had scored it was 1-1. The Derby players went mad, as did the fans. 

Tom Ince is mobbed

The ref added 8 minutes for the injury to Hunt then brought it to a close at 1-1. We were all in agreement that it had been a great game, that Tom Ince is a wonderful player but we had kept him quiet, apart from one peace of skill, and that TF is very annoying. 

The first 15 mins of the second half produced some of the best football of the season so far. We attacked with purpose and went close on a couple of occasions before winning a cheap,free kick just below us near the corner flag. Up stepped Ritchie Smallwood. He sized up the angle. 'Have a shot' screamed Ian. He had a shot, the keeper came and flapped, the ball slipping through his outstretched hands and into the net. 2-1. 

Butterfingers

And still we pressed, causing their on loan Real Madrid defender to head straight into Matt Derbyshires path. Of course he ran on and slotted calmly through the keepers legs, then celebrated as if he was glad to score a goal for the team that pays his wages. 3-1 and we were in heaven. Even OMOTE was on his feet, leaping about on his gammy leg. We almost hugged! 

Derbyshire scores....

And celebrates!!!!

As does Steve....

At this point Steve McLaren decided that drastic measures were needed to stop the force that is Rotherham United and made the dreaded Triple Substitution. This is a statement that your team is being outclassed and that you are going for broke. It turned out to be a master stroke as it changed the game completely. We sat back and Derby pressed, and pressed, and pressed, until a cross was turned in wonderfully by Tom Ince. 2-1 and we were worried. Still they poured forward and it was only a matter of time. There could be only one scorer couldn't there? Another cross from Richardsons side and Dazzler found himself with time and space to tap home from a couple of yards. 

Dazzler scores against Rotherham

It was inevitable really. 3-3, and only one team looked like winning it. What a game. Both sets of fans tried to lift their side and the atmosphere was electric. I looked to the side to nod sagely at OMOTE in silent tribute to the performance, only to find that he had left! Mr Miller decided there should be five added minutes and we began to bite our fingernails. Every clearance and throw was met with huge cheers until finally the whistle blew. 3-3. We would have taken a draw before the game, were disappointed to be pegged back, but were highly delighted to not get beaten in the end by a top class, almost top of the table, Derby with Darren Bent in the team. Next up Wolves away and Nouha Dicko. 

Men of the match

Ian - Ritchie Smallwood

Jackie - Danny Ward

Vicky - Danny Ward 

Ians award

General bias toward the bigger team, plus the non penalty. 

Quote of the day

Steve McLaren Derby Manager

"That could turn out to be one of the most valuable points we get."

Fish, chips and Jordan Rhodes

Blackburn v Rotherham, Ewood Park, Tuesday Feb 10th 2015

Having a spare day to take before the end of March I decided to take in a night game at Ewood Park. We had visited the home of Blackburn Rovers once before a few years ago in the FA cup when they were in the premier league and had the enviable strike force of Dwight Yorke and Andy Cole. That night we were soundly beaten, and a Millers fan was arrested for falling asleep, to much amusement amongst fellow fans. Setting off in plenty of time we had decided to stop off for some tea, but a broken down lorry on the M62 put pay to that. We arrived outside the ground and managed to find a car park almost outside so hopalong didn't have to walk too far. '£10 please' said the young girl attendant, 'And we can't let you out after the game until all the coaches have left, we are expecting five.' That many huh, and where is the Bournemouth spirit of letting people park for a pittance? 

We parked bottom left, the chip shop is bottom right.

With 45 mins to go before kick off and both of us ready to eat our own arms we decided to head to a McDonalds sigh over the road, however we came across a Chinese Chippie and decided that would be more tasty. I had to repeat my order of fish and chips twice before the Chinese guy understood, and Ians mushy peas proved even more problematic. He had no difficulty understanding the Blackburn fans though, must be our accents! They were greasy and unhealthy and delicious. 

Back over the road we entered the ground and I went on a fact finding mission to the ladies loo. Ian spotted Baz and had a chat before we took our seats in almost the same place we were sitting all those years ago. Wooly and James arrived and had a chat before heading up the stand for a better view. Steve had kept the same side who had the excellent result and performance against Ipswich and we were all anticipating much of the same, unfortunately the long journey must have taken its toll, either that or aliens had abducted our team and replaced it with the Maltby Main first eleven. First Half we could not pass, tackle or head. Blackburn were poor but we were very poor. The half backs Fryers and Richardson both looked like they hadn't seen a football before and just before halftime the inevitable happened and Blackburn took the lead. What a disappointment. Half time 1-0 to Blackburn.

Richardson where he was all game, two yards behind.

The second half was a bit better and we actually had a couple of chances. Steve gave Pringle and Newton the crook and brought on Hunt and Hammill. We got a couple of free kicks in good positions that were wasted before a break on the right saw a cross come in which Derbyshire poked home at the near post. 1-1. 

I scored but it pains me...

Now Matt Derbyshire started his career ar Blackburn, he is a Blackburn Rovers fan, so I suppose he can be excuse for not celebrating his goal, but I like to see Rotherham United players looking happy if they score. Let's hope he looks a more excited when he scores against Derby. However, we were back in the game and even had a couple more chances. Unfortunately Blackburn have Jordan Rhodes, a striker so good that he scores in every single football game he plays in. If only this game could have been the exception, if only we could have hung on for ten more minutes, if only Frazer Richardson was a footballer. The world is full of if only's and Jordan Rhodes came along on 86 minutes, poking home his expected goal and giving Blackburn their win. 

Jordan Rhodes, superman.

We did have a late chance with a Paul Green header, unmarked in front of goal, but come on it was Paul Green and he missed. A poor performance ended with a disappointing result. 2-1 Blackburn. Next up Derby at home.

Men of the match

Ian - Morgan

Jackie - Paul Green

Funniest moment and Ians award combined trophy.

The referee being given help to count out the ten yards for free kicks by the Millers fans after he blatantly only counted nine. He had the last laugh though, counting only eight!

Toilet watch. 

Didn't start very well as the first one I went in had a door that didn't lock, and the next was blocked. Slightly redeemed by red hot water to warm the hands. Floor was dry too. 6/10

The tractor boys come to town

Rotherham v Ipswich, Sat 7th Feb 2014, Att 10336

What a difference a win makes. The victory against Wigan and the draw that should have been a win against Charlton had changed my mood from despondent to hopeful, my expectations from relegation to mid table mediocrity. The closing of the transfer window meant no ins or outs for the squad over the last week, the 'emergency loan' window having yet to open, so I expected the team to be much the same for the third game in a row, with the potent strike force of Derbyshire and Sammon continuing. Green and Sammon in particular had a point to prove, both having turned out for Ipswich in the recent past, Sammon actually playing in the fixture earlier this season at Portman Road. 

Connor as a happy tractor boy.

Vicky had travelled up from Nottingham on a train full of drunken Town fans who were suitably impressed as they passed the New York, so I collected her from the station while they no doubt crossed the road to the Bridge Inn, which always welcomes sensible away fans.

As we got to the top of Alma road two magpies flitted into a tree. Good omen. Then Vicky noticed that her lucky shirt had been located in Ian's drawer. Victory was assured and we set off with happy hearts. Ian's damaged cruciate meant we needed a lift down and had to forgo the New York Tavern before entering the ground via good old turnstyle 10. I nodded to OMOTE and we took our seats as the team was announced. Unchanged. More good news. Wooly and James arrived forcing Ian to stand. Wooly was mortified by the injury and required all the gory details, while Frank sang, and we kicked. Then we were off just as the tweeters arrived. Vicky and I were very excited by the fact that the lucky tweeter had 3-0 to us. That looked highly unlikely after 15seconds though when the Championships top scorer, Darryl Murphy, outmuscled Captain Morgan in the area, but amazingly shot straight at Colin. Too close for comfort. John then appeared as there was a spare seat next to Wooly. 'Sorry Ian' he said as he forced Ian to stand with his hinged leg. Ipswich were the livelier side in the first 15mins but we defended well and had a few forays forward. Wooly needed the loo at that point. 'Sorry Ian'. We were starting to come into the game when we got a free kick just inside their half. Ben Pringle lofted the ball in, Morgan headed across goal and Derbyshire found himself with enough space and time to direct a diving header into the net. 

Cue wild celebrations, and a new song, Chelsea Dagger having obviously been deemed unlucky. Instead The Whitestripes were played. James needed a pie next. 'Sorry Ian'. We played out the first half in style and it was1-0 to the Millers at half time.

A bizarre incident involving the Millerettes occurred at halftime. All dressed up and ready to go the tannoy began to play fame, which clearly was not the song they had rehersed. Totally flummoxed they just stood around for five minutes then trooped off dejectedly. Poor girls. 

The teams returned, as did Wooly from his half time break. 'Sorry Ian', then Kathy, 'Sorry Ian', then James 'Sorry Ian'. OMOTE was starting to get a bit cranky as well. The ref blew but there was no Frank, not sure if I like the new half time routine.

Ipswich had obviously had a god talking too as they were very lively at the start of the half, the pressure beginning to build until a dipping header forced a brilliant save from Collin. Then another shot was cleared off the line by Zeki Fryers. I was starting to worry, but needn't have as some good build up play won us a corner. Ben Pringle having found his left foot again put in a high ball to the back post, one of their players wrestled Derbyshire to the ground leaving a big gap for Connor Sammon to slot home. We were beating Ipswich 2-0.

Connor as a happier Miller

'Feed the fish and he will score' rang out around the New York. After that Ipswich seemed to wilt and we controlled the game. Jordan Bowery replaced fans favourite Matt Derbyshire who got a wonderful standing ovation. People around were nodding sagely, 'I knew he would come good' was the phrase on everyone's lips. We still had time for a fine through ball to get the tweeter off his feet as Bowery was clean through with only the keeper to beat, unfortunately he couldn't, much to the tweeters disgust. Never mind, as the ref blew for full time we all felt a corner had been turned. Relegation? As if!!

Next up Blackburn away. 

Men of the match

Ian - All played well but Paul Green

Jackie - Was everywhere and his crosses were all top drawer, Pringle

Vicky - Can't decide, Green or Pringle, but if dad's going Green will go Pringle.

Ian's award

Refs decision to give a corner when Arneson seemed to dive full length in the area and turn it behind with his hand.