Chronicle Article 18 February 2000

On St Valentine's day, the male of the species is generally expected to demonstrate affection for his loved one, apparently via a card and red roses. This phenomenon obviously happens, as I saw several bunches being shyly carried around the city centre on Monday. When purpley-blue and white crocuses once again appeared in my grass this week, ("lawn" is as far from the mark as a Kevin Noteman penalty) I remembered just what February 14th really means.

For the last five years, nature has rekindled one of my fondest memories in a love affair with Chester City. In a dismal season that culminated in relegation, a 2-2 draw provided perhaps the only crumb of comfort after the joy of automatic promotion the previous year. That night, and Andy Milner's goal, was rightly commemorated by an ISA "know your history" T shirt during the fight for survival last season.

If that short trip to the north of the principality provided a recent high spot, a long trip south, to the Vetch, almost three years ago was one of the lowest. We were ninety minutes from a Wembley play-off final and full of hope. After waiting ages on the M4, our buses were eventually escorted directly to the turnstiles by police outriders who would have done justice to the prince himself. We arrived a just before the kick-off, but in time to see Chris Priest get so wound up by the opposition that his spring broke. What nine men had done in North Wales could not be repeated by ten in the South. The collective misery felt by the convoy on the long dark journey back was a major cause for concern for police at an M5 service station. Apparently they had never seen so many fans so depressed and less likely to cause trouble. But who beat Swansea in the play-off final? Northampton under Ian Atkins.

Friday night provides an opportunity to help settle old scores and for Ian Atkins to again put one over on Swansea. The signs are good. Things are starting happening on the pitch. Last week the gate was boosted by an enterprising free entrance offer for under sixteens. The crowd was behind the team from start to finish, not letting the disappointment at Rochdale put a damper on things.

Friday football is particularly disorientating leaving Saturday completely barren - apart from willing the other "strugglers" to lose. Things should be back to normal next week with the visit of Brighton, for the first time since "The United Colours of Football" when they gave us tremendous support. A hot pot supper has been arranged that night by Paul (DC) Evans. Gary Bennett is scheduled to be a speaker and several players will attend. Proceeds will go towards the team's stop over in the West Country for the Plymouth and Exeter games. Tickets are on sale at the Club and from ISA members.

We will do all we can to maintain "the Great Escape 2000" for the remaining games.

The next ISA members' meeting is on Feb 28th at the Royal Mail Club. Guest speaker is BBC Radio & TV sports correspondent and Chester City fan Charles Lambert. A night not to miss.

Les Smith ISA chairman

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