Riversider28

I was on a coach that got bricked on the way out of Halifax that night, 1973 I think, as we passed a derelict building site. A perfect ambush place with plenty of Nori’s for ammunition. The skylights on the coach went through, but fortunately non of the main windows smashed. Suddenly, a sports car drove onto the site and chased the yobs who had to literally run for their lives and leap over a wall to escape. The car returned to huge cheers from the watching coach passengers. It turned out the lad driving the car had just stolen it after first stealing a motor bike in Blackburn to get there. As we drove through Todmorden, a couple of lads threw the broken Perspex skylight pieces at a group of, probably, Dingles standing outside a pub. Crazy days.

That’s right. After our Saturday morning kick about by the side of the Fernhurst, one of my friends and myself would grab a quick lunch and then go to his grandma’s house on Nuttall St next to the Darwen End and collect money, 6d a time, for parking cars between the gable ends. We always said we would be there all the time, but just before kick off we would go onto the Darwen End to watch the game. With a few minutes to go we would make our way to the top of the steps and as soon as the ref blew for full time, we dashed back to continue “looking after“ the cars. Worked every time.

The Marvelettes - When You’re Young And In Love

The Three Degrees - When Will I See You Again

On match day mornings, my mates and I used to have a kick about at the side of The Fernhurst pub with two oak trees conveniently growing as goalposts. One Saturday, a group of Everton youths turned up and we thought there was going to be trouble. However, they asked if they could challenge us to a game which was, amazingly, played in a very friendly way. After about 45 mins we ended the game and the Everton lads thanked us for the game and wished us well for the season. I was amazed at how well they behaved, not like “typical Scousers” I had heard about. However, as they walked away they spotted a full crate of milk outside of the corner shop and promptly helped themselves to a pint or two each and walked off along Bolton Rd. They were “typical Scousers” after all.

I was at Matt’s final game. I remember it mainly for getting accidentally whacked in the face with a rattle as I climbed over the wall with all the other kids to get on the pitch. By the time I got home a huge lump had appeared over my eye and my mum was convinced I must have been in a fight and threatened to stop me going to Ewood again. I’ve had a lot more painful visits since then without getting hit in the face, but still go back for more. That’s life being a Rovers supporter, I guess.

Suzi Quatro - Can The Can

Sly And The Family Stone - Dance To The Music

The Supremes - Up The Ladder To The Roof

Althea & Donna - Uptown Top Ranking

Jimmy Ruffin - I’ll Say Forever My Love

The Showstoppers - Ain’t Nothin’ But A House Party

The Staple Singers - Respect Yourself

Fleetwood Mac - Man Of The World

Bob Dylan - The Times They Are A Changin’

The Kinks - Waterloo Sunset

Lindisfarne - Fog On The Tyne

Paul Simon - American Tune

Lancs miss out in the truncated T20 Blast finals today. We lost in the semis to Notts and after a good start, we lost our way towards the end of the 11 over a side game. No boundaries in the last 17 balls meant we ended on 94-4. Notts were a little off the pace thanks to some tight bowling by Parky, 2-12, until Dan Christian came in and knocked four 6’s in a row to give them a 5 wicket win. Notts then went on to beat Surrey in the 16 over a side final by 6 wickets.

Elton John - Goodbye Yellow Brick Road

The Walker Brothers (not Jack & Fred) - My Ship Is Coming In

Normal service is resumed.

Ours is the only 0-0 game in the Championship. Goal glut seems to be over.

I’m sure the young lad sat on the wall next to the Arsenal mascot is “Sir” Bill Eckersley’s son , also called Billy.

Aretha Franklin - Chain Of Fools