Well, I've left it for a few hours before adding my pennyworth to yesterday's match and pre match events.
I have already written privately to Kebabus and The Don to thank them for the priviledge of being asked by them to donate the Ebay cheque presentation on behalf of all the posters to Chairman Dave Skinner just prior to the match kicking off. It came as a total surprise to me because I was only up by the press box courtesy of Steve Irving who had taken me up to the commentary team to be introduced to Delboy, our programme editor, only to find Kebabus and the Don also there discussing the arrangements for the handover of the cheque. I did say to Kebabus and The Don that really it should be one of them making the presentation because they had put so much work into the auction, but they were insistent, so how could I refuse.
When I first registered with the PureDFCweb, one of the reasons I didn't hide behind any annonymous name, and used my own name was because having lived in Dartford 1952-61 and watched the Darts from 1958, I thought it was a good way to try and make contact with old friends who might recognize my name. I didn't realize however until during the game when walking round the pitch after the presentation, how well I have become known when hearing the chants of 'There's only one PeteSamson' coming from the choir. Several supporters came up to introduce themselves and it was certainly good to meet up with a few more of the fellow posters, Spike, Ronaldo, Custard and family amongst others, as well as Scratchcard Stuart. Yes, even I am getting to know some of the regulars who do their bit for the club.
I have also left it a while to pass comment on winning the first season ticket at Princess Park now that the news has been widely announced and discussed on the website. I'd also like to quash any rumours were fixed - and no, all the tickets in the box were not the same number 60 !! And no, it wasn't the fact that I have been saying a few kind words about TB that he pulled out my number either !! But YES, I am very proud to be having the first season ticket to be issued for Princess Park. Yes, I will be using it myself next season, not every match mind you. 500+ miles round trips can get a bit expensive on a regular basis. And NO, I won't be selling it on either. It's mine, all mine. How could I possibly ever consider letting go of that. When I am departed from this earth, or at a later date, then it will be returned to the Club as a keepsake and possibly framed for a place in the lounge bar of our new club.
In a way though, I did have a premonition about winning in a funny sort of way. Last week I was in the Club Shop and behind the counter, there was a letter to Ken Humphries from the Club thanking him for his efforts on Club headed writing paper. I thought to myself, that looks a nice letterhead. I wouldn't mind one of those for my collection of memoriblia. Well, guess what. After the season ticket draw, I was given confirmation of being the winner on a Club Letter with that self same letterhead. So, my dream and wish came true in the most extraordinary of ways. But my thanks to Kebabus and the Don for helping to make it a most magical day.
On to the match itself. Yet again, a most impressive TEAM performance - and it's that battling team performance at the right stage of the season that could see us make it all the way tp promotion. Kevin Hudson pulled off several outstanding saves that would have graced a Championship match. I like the pairing of Richard Avery and Tony Henry in particular. It is a credit to them both that as central defenders, they have completed the season with no games missed through suspensions and both with 100% appearances to date, along with Kevin. So much for Dover calling us 'Dirty Dartford'. For me, Brendan Cass also had a massive improvement on his previous weeks performance, getting better and better as the game went on and fully deserved his goals. Davie Martin was a revelation, and as the Duke has already reported, and in fact more than the one occasion, totally turned the opposition defenders inside out. Nevertheless, it has still been the battling TEAM performances, working hard for one another in the past two games, that has been the highlight for me on my visit down from Tranmere. Can we go the whole way? Don't know, cos football is a funny old game. Personally, I think we have every chance. Judging by their performances in the last two matches, I think the players themselves understand there is absolutely nothing to loss, and everything to gain, in chasing the remaining 9 points. Defeats or draws are no use to us now at this stage of the season. Whatever happens, we are assured of our best ever season since reformation, and with a young side. Well done and thank you to you all, whatever the outcome. I have certainly thoroughly enjoyed my last two matches.
I would also pick out the referee for a very creditable performance on Saturday as well. He also responded with a wonderful grin to the chants of 'We want Gary Johnson' in response to one of his decisions. He played his part in a very competitive local derby in which Chatham played their full part in an exciting match.
And to the supporters too. An excellent vocal backing of the team and the atmosphere created. The crowds are gradually increasing. I do hear stories of past supporters who will return to the fold once the Darts return to PP. That can only be for the good. Princes Park will be deserving of bigger crowds, especially from the opposition sides, which is one very good reason why we should progress as quickly as we can from this division.
So to everybody at the Club, supporters, players and officials thanks for the brilliant last two weekends.
Enjoy the trip to Enfield
Author
Topic: The Easter Weekend: Chatham Town (H) and Enfield (A); Race to 6th Place (Read 12590 times)