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| Davenport's Diary |
taken from the Gloucester City v's Cinderford Town matchday programme - Monday April 12th 2004 |
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| Today sees the visit of my favourite Forest based Western Division team, Cinderford Town. Their rise over the past 15 years has been nothing short of fairly good, as captured through this column and the events of the past 10, 15 and 25 years. And, as the weak summer sun breaks through to replace the grey winter skies, there is the dawning realisation that I will have to leave the safety of my attic and newspaper cuttings for at least 3 months of the year, and speak to people. And it makes me wee myself with fear |
| 1979 |
| In one of the freak co-incidences that sometimes happen, such as the time I was found changing my muddy trousers in a field of sheep, our next two home opponents met 25 years ago in the Midland Combination. Its probably something the Cinderford fan would rather forget, as reigning champions Sutton Coldfield slaughtered the Foresters 10-0. |
| City, however, put in a respectable display away to leaders Oswestry Town, despite having most of the team on a very large treatment table. However, as Tom Allinson once said, good displays don’t mean owt with nowt taken out, as City crash to the odd goal in 1. City’s scratch team followed this up with a 1-1 home draw against Barry Town, thanks to an early Ken Griffin goal. Back to the metropolis, and next up at Horton Road are King’s Lynn. Terry Patterson plays and scores, despite breaking two fingers in the previous game, with Ken Griffin weighing in with two more. |
| There’s more comedy on the pitch as City hosts a charity game in aid of Davenport’s Library Fine Appeal fund. Dennis Law and Frannie Lee grace the Horton Road ‘carpet’ alongside Jasper Carrott, Terry Hall and Lenny the Lion. |
| 1989 |
| Just days after calling for ideas for City inflatables, blow up Tigers appear for sale at the Citizen office. Davenport’s suggestion is ignored and my mum receives a strongly worded letter from the Editor. |
| It’s an important couple of weeks for City, with away games against our three closest rivals. First up are Atherstone. But, in a move that slapped cheek United supremo Alex Ferguson would have been proud of, City announce that the Adders captain Gary Bradder is joining us for a fee of £4,000. On the pitch City earn an important point with a Chris Townsend goal, following a perfectly weighted upfield punt by Nigel Green. |
| City then take on pre Max Griggs Rushden Town on a pitch reminiscent of Arthur Fowler’s allotment. The Christmas Club money remains intact and Penny, Noble and Morrison hit the all important goals as City edge closer to promotion and the Championship. |
| City leave best until last, with a 2-1 win against closest rivals Tamworth, in front of almost 2000 fans at ‘The Lamb’. A rare clanger from John Shaw gifted the home side a 1-0 interval lead, before ‘Man of the Match’ Ricky Chandler levelled from distance, and Chris Townsend predictably netted the winner. |
| Elsewhere in the County Cinderford apply to join the Hellenic League, and Forest Green announce they will be changing their name to Stroud FC. Chairman John Duff is reported as saying “We want to present ourselves as a more progressive club and not as an ambitious village” Even more amusing is the first edition of Tiger Roar, City’s very first fanzine, on sale 15 years today. |
| 1994 |
| Managerless City pick up a bit of late season form, winning 3-1 away to relegation threatened Nuneaton Borough, with goals from Dave Webb, Paul Bywater and Karl Bayliss. |
| CITY: Steve Crompton, Mark Saunders, Kevin Willetts, Mark Buckland, Paul Bywater, Gary Kemp, Tommy Callinan, Dave Webb, Karl Bayliss, Dave Porter, Murray Fishlock (Paul Bloomfield, Steve Crouch) |
| The victory is followed by a 4-2 win at Solihull, with moustachioed ex City legend Kim Casey netting for the home side. However, this was more than matched through Karl Bayliss’s 20th and 21st goals of the season, in between strikes from Dave Porter and Murray Fishlock. |
| First play second in the division, where a spawny Jason Eaton equaliser just 7 minutes from time earn fortunate Cheltenham a lucky draw at unlucky Farnborough. Elsewhere Hereford United earn £1/4M from QPR’s sale of Darren Peacock to Newcastle. His ridiculous pony tail also joins, on a free transfer. |
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| Page last updated : 30th June 2004 |
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