RateTheRef

If it is better to travel hopefully than to arrive, there are times when it would be better not to travel at all. On a cold, damp, windy night, one such occasion was experienced at

Tuesday 31st January 2023
NPL Premier Division
Liversedge   1   v   0   Gainsborough Trinity
Jack Hall; Gordon Greaves, Matt Coles

Entry to the ground was briefly delayed by a scout from Boston United, whose name did not appear on the list at the turnstile. To his credit, he offered to pay and claim it back from Boston - as a paying customer, i rather feel that should be the norm.

The visitors had opted for a grey strip with a touch of bilious yellow - goodness knows why anyone would - which was just about distinguishable from Sedge's sky blue from the stand, but none too easily. They proceeded to dominate the play for most of the first half. There was an  early yellow for Sedge, before a Gainsborough header was just off target. The visitors had a strong shot midway through the half, but again, just missed the target. On 28 minutes Mr Hall allowed advantage after a strong Liversedge foul, summoning the offender when the ball finally went dead. It looked likely to earn another yellow card for Sedge, but Mr Hall settled for an extended lecture. Minutes later, his jaw got further exercise, this time the recipient of the talking-to being a visiting defender. Sedge did eventually come into the game and took the lead from a 39th Minute corner.

Gainsborough received two yellow cards midway through the second half, with one for Liversedge following. There was little to warm the blood - goodness knows what the scouts  (there was at least one other) learnt from an encounter between two pretty mediocre sides. In added time Gainsborough worked a clear opening in front of goal, but a desperately weak shot was easily saved.

In a scruffy sort of match it was never possible for Mr Hall to be outstanding, but his triage was sound and there can have been no real complaints from either side - not that that  ever stops some players.

The 47 minutes waiting in Cleckheaton bus station passed comfortably enough, the further 20 in a draughty shelter at Mayo Avenue did not.