Playing at the Lane

[blackydog]

Until today I haven't played on a 11 a side pitch for years, and The 'Lane pitch is bigger than most we will ever play on. Bit of a struggle, had a few good moments, but playing a defensive role for long periods was too much for me in reality. Pushing 55 and didn't have the pace to keep up with some of the younger, and regular players.
BUT I enjoyed it immensely, played at least 70 minutes and great to meet David Holdsworth and for him to give up his time to run the teams.
And most importantly of all, funds raised for Mark Mather's treatment and who also managed to put his penalty past one of the forum's own coaxingstar71 who also stood in as goalie.
Great day!!

 

[Darlington82]

Realy enjpyed today. SUFC made me feel proud today, supporting Mark, by letting him put on such a great event. The fact we had the run of the place, no snootyness, we were made so welcome. Even if the away side were half our age! Loved every minute of it and would be still playing now if they would let me. Enjoyable drink after the match and great to get to spend some time with Mark and his pals. Thanks for the lift home and a great day. Wish you all your success in your fund raising and treatment.

 

[coaxingstar71]

For me it was a privilege to play for a great cause, really hope it helps Mark out and he can get the treatment he needs.

It was also great to chat to and spend time with our manager 'Reg' Holdsworth who gave up his time to help out.

As for playing itself, I played out of position for the whole game (well that's my excuse!) at left back for most of the first half and then as blackydog said, I volunteered to go in goal for part of the 2nd half.

 

[blackydog]

For me it was a privilege to play for a great cause, really hope it helps Mark out and he can get the treatment he needs.

It was also great to chat to and spend time with our manager 'Reg' Holdsworth who gave up his time to help out.

As for playing itself, I played out of position for the whole game (well that's my excuse!) at left back for most of the first half and then as blackydog said, I volunteered to go in goal for part of the 2nd half.

In the spirit of the event coaxingstar71 deliberately let Mark's penalty in to rapturous applause from the crowd.

 

[Weatewed]

A big thanks to all those S2 4SU posters that were there for Mark Mather yesterday. Special mention to blackydog who helped drive this thread and kept interest going. He has no connection to Mark but made a great effort regardless.......top man.
Thanks to our club too for doing us proud it was a great occasion and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I believe the event raised around £4000 towards marks treatment. UTB!

 

[WORKSOPBLADE]

My colleague's two lads played and apparently one scored a screamer too! Both pigs but loved it !!

 

[blackydog]

David Holdsworth kept saying to us before the game, it's a big pitch, stick your hand up if you need a rest. Well he wasn't wrong, such an experience to play at BL and I take my (magic) hat off to the players who do that twice a week, week in week out.
One of the hardest things for me was remembering names. I was screaming at Ryan when I had loads of space on the right, now I think his name was actually Adam

 

[norfolkblade]

Gutted I couldn't make this unfortunately a recently fractured elbow has rendered me rather useless in the sporting world for a few weeks, apart from watching it!

 

[blackydog]

Gutted I couldn't make this unfortunately a recently fractured elbow has rendered me rather useless in the sporting world for a few weeks, apart from watching it!

If it's the playing at BL you are gutted about missing, look at football aid.
Not cheap though.

 

[norfolkblade]

If it's the playing at BL you are gutted about missing, look at football aid.
Not cheap though.

I've played in the previous three football aid games before this season, expensive but awesome, showering next to Georges Santos after the game was a frightening experience however...

 

[blackydog]

I've played in the previous three football aid games before this season, expensive but awesome, showering next to Georges Santos after the game was a frightening experience however...

Sounds like a high standard of turnout for football aid then?

 

[norfolkblade]

Sounds like a high standard of turnout for football aid then?

Each side gets an ex-player playing for them and an ex manager to manage them. In the three games I've played there has been (from memory):

Players
Alan Quinn
Dave Holdsworth
Georges Santos
Carl Bradshaw

Gaffers
TC
Ted Helmsley

Very well organised and great fun as well, Alan Quinn is one of the funniest blokes I've ever met.

Strangely as well, while Bradshaw was playing football for Norwich he also happened to play cricket for what is now my club (Swardeston CC) so needless to say he had a few stories!

 

[blackydog]

Each side gets an ex-player playing for them and an ex manager to manage them. In the three games I've played there has been (from memory):

Players
Alan Quinn
Dave Holdsworth
Georges Santos
Carl Bradshaw

Gaffers
TC
Ted Helmsley

Very well organised and great fun as well, Alan Quinn is one of the funniest blokes I've ever met.

Strangely as well, while Bradshaw was playing football for Norwich he also happened to play cricket for what is now my club (Swardeston CC) so needless to say he had a few stories!

Did you find you could run faster than you thought you could when Bradshaw was looming?

 

[norfolkblade]

Did you find you could run faster than you thought you could when Bradshaw was looming?

Luckily I was in goal and he was my right back - needless to say when he asked for the ball from me he got it immediately!

 

[blackydog]

Pics now on kirstie stott's facebook and twatter.