Newcastle University v. Rothbury
Reeves Independent George Dobbins League Cup Round 4
Kimberley Park, Prudhoe
Saturday 22nd December, 2018, Kick-off 1.30pm.
Black-eye Friday, Builder's Party, Party day - whatever you call it, Rothbury's chances of pulling off a Cup shock at Newcastle Uni have to first avoid being drowned in a sea of festive booze.
The traditional all-day drinking session enjoyed by construction workers the day that they break up for their Christmas holidays isn't the greatest preparation ahead of a trip to the Premier Division champions and current table-toppers.
But with few giving the Reds any chance of success in the tough tie, they could just manage to raise a few eyebrows - hangovers and all - as the pressure is well and truly off.
This may allow the side the freedom to play without restraint or expectation, albeit with eyes spinning, guts churning and heads pounding. At least the cold weather will give the players a chance to freshen up and try the tested hangover cures of the past - flat Irn-Bru and crunched up salt and vinegar crisps being a not particularly effective method employed by this writer. Did it work? Ask former gaffer Don Jeans.
Age brings knowledge, however, and the best tips for Rothbury's players to avoid turning green when they run out unto the pitch include: not mixing drinks, avoiding the spirits and getting as much sleep as possible. Believe me, a lot of the pounding head is down to a lack of decent kip. Keep hydrated and drink plenty of water (just try not to lag the bed or in a cupboard in your disorientated state). Eat food during the session - it soaks up some of the drink. I'm not a Doctor though, (happy to check breasts for lumps, mind), and the proper and most sensible advice is to not overdo it.
The Team Valley Carpets Second Division is very much the bread and butter stuff for Rothbury and while the Cup tie provides a welcome distraction ahead of the festive break, it will be back to the serious business when Herron's side return to action in the New Year.
Who knows, with a bit of luck, hard work and sweat, they might have a Fifth round draw to look forward to aswell.
We'll all raise a glass to that.
Tip: Drinking Angostura Bitters to cure a hangover does not work. Robert Robinson once advised me to have one to sort myself out after a particularly heavy pre-party day. I was violently sick and after miserably pushing a few sprouts around the plate with a paper hat at a jaunty angle, had to go home to bed.
ROTHBURY FC WOULD LIKE TO WISH ALL OF THEIR SPONSORS, SUPPORTERS AND PLAYERS A VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR.
Reeves Independent George Dobbins League Cup Round 4
Kimberley Park, Prudhoe
Saturday 22nd December, 2018, Kick-off 1.30pm.
Black-eye Friday, Builder's Party, Party day - whatever you call it, Rothbury's chances of pulling off a Cup shock at Newcastle Uni have to first avoid being drowned in a sea of festive booze.
The traditional all-day drinking session enjoyed by construction workers the day that they break up for their Christmas holidays isn't the greatest preparation ahead of a trip to the Premier Division champions and current table-toppers.
But with few giving the Reds any chance of success in the tough tie, they could just manage to raise a few eyebrows - hangovers and all - as the pressure is well and truly off.
This may allow the side the freedom to play without restraint or expectation, albeit with eyes spinning, guts churning and heads pounding. At least the cold weather will give the players a chance to freshen up and try the tested hangover cures of the past - flat Irn-Bru and crunched up salt and vinegar crisps being a not particularly effective method employed by this writer. Did it work? Ask former gaffer Don Jeans.
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| Saturday's Venue - Kimberley Park. Near the bog roll factory! |
Age brings knowledge, however, and the best tips for Rothbury's players to avoid turning green when they run out unto the pitch include: not mixing drinks, avoiding the spirits and getting as much sleep as possible. Believe me, a lot of the pounding head is down to a lack of decent kip. Keep hydrated and drink plenty of water (just try not to lag the bed or in a cupboard in your disorientated state). Eat food during the session - it soaks up some of the drink. I'm not a Doctor though, (happy to check breasts for lumps, mind), and the proper and most sensible advice is to not overdo it.
But the Students’ record this term is enough to turn you
to the drink. 15 wins from 16 games, 83 goals scored and just 12 conceded. Niza
Chilufya has hit 26, Olly Walden 14 and Lee Scott and the veteran Keith Douglas
11 apiece. The Reds' defence will be expecting to face a barrage and you wouldn't blame them from parking Jackie Angus's party bus in the six-yard box, spinning disco balls and all.
Boss Dan Herron has different ideas, however, and, all gallows humour and joking aside, is treating the game as seriously as any other.
"I guess for us it’s a no lose situation really," he said.
"The Uni are expected to comfortably beat us by everyone you speak to. So for the lads, it’s a chance to go out and really enjoy it to be honest. The lads enjoy the passing style we play anyway, but we’ll be telling them the pressure is off and to play their natural game. The squad are used to us expecting a high standard every week though, and this will be no different. Just because we’re expected to lose to a better side, that doesn’t mean we’ll be rolling over."
"It’s a chance for our squad to show what they can do against the runaway best team in all three divisions, so that should give them motivation to test themselves at the highest level," continued the manager.
"It will be more difficult with it being after Party Day though, but you can’t begrudge the lads having their Christmas party once a year! The social side is what this level of football is all about, and I see our social bond being the main factor for our success so far this season. You’d just have to look at the Christmas party last Saturday to see how well we’re gelled together as a unit! All in all we’re looking forward to another test against a Premier Division side, hopefully we can pull off an upset!"
Boss Dan Herron has different ideas, however, and, all gallows humour and joking aside, is treating the game as seriously as any other.
"I guess for us it’s a no lose situation really," he said.
"The Uni are expected to comfortably beat us by everyone you speak to. So for the lads, it’s a chance to go out and really enjoy it to be honest. The lads enjoy the passing style we play anyway, but we’ll be telling them the pressure is off and to play their natural game. The squad are used to us expecting a high standard every week though, and this will be no different. Just because we’re expected to lose to a better side, that doesn’t mean we’ll be rolling over."
"It’s a chance for our squad to show what they can do against the runaway best team in all three divisions, so that should give them motivation to test themselves at the highest level," continued the manager.
"It will be more difficult with it being after Party Day though, but you can’t begrudge the lads having their Christmas party once a year! The social side is what this level of football is all about, and I see our social bond being the main factor for our success so far this season. You’d just have to look at the Christmas party last Saturday to see how well we’re gelled together as a unit! All in all we’re looking forward to another test against a Premier Division side, hopefully we can pull off an upset!"
The Coquetdale side's own title hopes were given a boost last weekend when second-placed Whitley Bay SC were beaten 4-1 at home by Willington Quay Saints, leaving them a point adrift of Rothbury having played two games more.
The Team Valley Carpets Second Division is very much the bread and butter stuff for Rothbury and while the Cup tie provides a welcome distraction ahead of the festive break, it will be back to the serious business when Herron's side return to action in the New Year.
Who knows, with a bit of luck, hard work and sweat, they might have a Fifth round draw to look forward to aswell.
We'll all raise a glass to that.
Tip: Drinking Angostura Bitters to cure a hangover does not work. Robert Robinson once advised me to have one to sort myself out after a particularly heavy pre-party day. I was violently sick and after miserably pushing a few sprouts around the plate with a paper hat at a jaunty angle, had to go home to bed.
ROTHBURY FC WOULD LIKE TO WISH ALL OF THEIR SPONSORS, SUPPORTERS AND PLAYERS A VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR.
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