A Rare Serious Moment…

I write this blog through a passion for SAFC, but primarily for a bit of a laugh, there’s lots of stuff in life that requires a serious, sensible approach, football isn’t one of them. Most people reading this will like football, many will be parents, some will like myself have grown up dreaming of being a footballer. Whilst taking a light hearted approach to writing this blog, at times I look for the humour in situations, make light of things, adopt a piss taking angle, even on occasions not being 100% Politically Correct etc. When we played Crewe the other week, I made a lighthearted comment about Barry Bennell. Like millions of others, I watched the BBC Documentary Footballs Darkest Secret this week, it was very powerful viewing and a really tough watch. The dignity and bravery shown by those affected was humbling and heartbreaking, it’s inappropriate to use the word Justice – as nothing can ever make up for the suffering encountered and how their lives have been shaped by the abhorrent acts of people who should have been protecting them. As I say, I tend not to take this blog too seriously, it’s important for me to acknowledge it is completely inappropriate to make light of the situation and I wish I hadn’t. Huge respect to the men who have come forward after all they have been through – I was truly humbled by their bravery, it won’t make a huge difference me saying this, but fucking hell man, what a truly harrowing story.

Exciting New SAFCBlog Feature…

I find it quite easy writing shite on a regular basis, a few pals of mine started blogs at the same time, they lasted a few weeks, in my humble opinion it’s all about keeping things fresh…. with that in mind, welcome to an exciting new feature, SAFCBlog “Who”, “What”, “Where” Club…. it has an initial working title of www, although I’m yet to trademark that acronym;

“Who’s” from Bristol?

Massive Attack, great band

“What’s” a generic slang term used in association with the City?

Bit cheap, but Bristols is a slang term for Breasts…

“Where’s” nice without graffiti?

Celebrity vandal Banksy is from Bristol, romanticising wanton vandalism is not my bag.

Todays Game…

I’ve felt for the last few seasons that if we can hit the top of this league, we will stay there, we have put ourselves in a fantastic position. We are in form and in a good position, Rovers are not in form and deep in a relegation battle. We should win today, obviously it doesn’t always go to plan. We looked tired last Saturday, hopefully the rare luxury of a full week without a game will have revitalised us a bit.

Pre Teamsheet Teamsheet Thoughts…

Didn’t watch the Press Conference on Thursday so unsure of injuries etc, O’Nien will play, he’s done ok at CH, but the last 2 games he’s not been great, but I guess where Luke plays will revolve around whether Wright is ready to return. If Jones is fit I’d start him ahead of Gooch, we all know how well Wyke has done, he looks better when O’Brien plays, Charlie looks a bit isolated/can go missing when he’s up front on his own? If O’Brien is not fit, I’d be tempted to put Ross Stewart up front with Charlie, we really should be playing two up top and taking the game to a side as poor as Bristol Rovers? Anyway, what do I know, Lee will get it right.

Actual Teamsheet Teamsheet Thoughts…

3PM GAME ON…..

We are lucky to have a wonderful stadium, Bristol Rovers are less fortunate in this respect. I remember going to see York at Bristol Rovers in the mid 90s when they were having to play at Bath’s ground, so whilst it’s good that they are back home, the ground is a bit random? It actually looks even worse empty, it just has the look of what you’d expect from a pissed up Lego session?

21 minutes….. nothing in it and no real quality. McGeady has obviously read the blog though as the 1st corner is a beauty,

31 minutes… GOAL. last weeks SAFCBlog Areas of Opportunity Feature obviously been taken on board? Another lovely corner delivery from McGeady and O’Brien guides it home with his shin, not the tidiest of finishes, but he lost his man and got on the end of the corner – lovely Aiden⚽️ 1-0

Half time… 1-0, crap game and not played well, it matters not – just need 3 points and move on to the next game, couldn’t give a shit what’s happening elsewhere, it’s very much in our hands.

55 minutes…. Rovers are awful, but a one goal lead is always susceptible? Just need to get the 3 points and head home. No one been great, but Gooch offered very little, Maguire needs to come on?

65 minutes… Rod Stewart on for O’Brien, Grant on for Gooch. We’ve been all over these the last 10 minutes, just need to put the game to bed?

80 minutes…. we are the only team looking like scoring, our defence has looked solid, job almost done…

Thanks to Bristol Rovers Legend Ian Holloway, this just about sums up today….

3 added minutes…. come on Lads.

Yessssssss …. Job Done⚽️ Not a great game, but some great performances today, O’Nien, O’Brien, Power and Sanderson all pretty much faultless.

Onwards and Fucking Upwards you Beautiful Red & White Wizards of Wonderland …..