Football Memories

Football isn't a matter of life and death. It's more important than that.

So said Bill Shankly all those years ago. Okay, so that's a bit of an exaggeration, but for me, football has been a major part of my life, giving me joy and grief in equal measures. Here, and in future blogs, I will pick out matches I've been to, or seen on the telly, or in extreme circumstances not bothered to watch at all!

This is very much an 'audience participation' blog, so I welcome, nay, DEMAND the input of my readers!
I have to remind you that these are MY memories, which may be inaccurate, or coloured by time, so if you have different memories, or feel the need to correct ant historical inaccuracies, I give you the POWER!!

Oh, and before I forget, these are not going to be in chronological order!!

First in the series is the Shrewsbury vs Everton game in the 3rd round of the FA Cup. If my memory serves me correctly, it was January 2004. I'd already queued up for my ticket at some ridiculous time of the morning and been one of the lucky ones. So now, fresh from a domestic argument with my now ex-wife, I attended this game with an air of hope (for the game) and relief (at getting away from home). The Everton side included a certain Mr Rooney. The Shrewsbury side contained a certain Mr Wilding. Mr Rooney spent pretty much the entire game in Pete Wildings pocket. I certainly don't recall any incidents where Rooney caused the Town any problems.

It was bloody cold, and I was stood in the Riverside, snugly wrapped up in scarf, warm coat and gloves. Cigarette and Cigar smoke mixed with stale aftershave and pies and beer.
The first half was marked by the shouts of "get into them, fuck 'em off!" and a positively superb free kick goal by Nigel Jemson. (I can't remember if this was pre- or post-argument with the fan).

Half time came, and I munched on a sausage roll, drank my coke and read my matchday programme. The Golden Gamble draw was done (I never did it myself, but it was like an institution). Then the second half started and things went a bit awry. Everton equalised through Alexandersson and then Everton looked a bit happier about the whole thing. Time ticked away without much to talk about, until the last few minutes. Town got a corner (or was it another free kick?) down by the clock (where Riverside and Wakeman End meet). Ian Woan took it, and Jemson got his head on it, sending the ball into the net, and about 6,000 Shrewsbury fans, me included, mental!!

I can't remember how much more of the game was left, but a remarkable 2-1 win was ours! Good coverage on Match of the Day (or was it the ITV equivalent?) followed, as did a 4th round tie against Chelsea. Led by Zola, they won 4-0 in front of the TV Cameras (thinking about it, I'm pretty sure it was BBC). Town went on to end the season as the strongest team in the Football League (ie holding the others up) and their 50 year stint in the league was over. Kevin Ratcliffe left the moment relegation was confirmed and took alot of well-earned stick.

Now, readers (if there's anyone out there?), it's your turn...