Did you know?
Riber Castle, overlooking MTFC from upon high, has never been a castle! Built by the Industrialist Smedley as a 19th century folly, it has since seen service as a school, a zoo, commandeered by MOD, and, after a period of ruin (sounds like JCFC chasing a bus! 😄) has now been turned into luxury flats. Still looks like a castle though!
Matlock Tn 0 South Shields 1
Referee: Anthony Tankard ( Sheffield)
Att: 1364
It's a bit of a booger if I can't get a seat in what has come to be my regular haunt, but South Shields had come in numbers. Like their North East counterparts from St James' Park, replica shirts were aplenty, and though I never heard anyone mention " Wor Jackie" or singing " When The Boat Comes In" I'm sure had I asked..😉 Before, and throughout the game, South Shields FC should be proud of such a following, and I'm sure wherever they visit, home teams will welcome.
Mr Tankard was the ideal appointment for the top two playing each other. Tall and imposing, the right ref on the right game.
Four cautions, but two were out of sight behind the hefty Matlock contingent and the nearside wall. The other two were obvious and deserved. Never flustered and always in control.
Matlock had late shouts for a handling offence, but it happened so quickly I couldn't tell if Mr Tankard was right or wrong..Others watching..well, it depended if you were in blue or maroon!
A great atmosphere, a good game, and very well refereed.