Cod Almighty | Diary

Diary - Saturday 8 May 2004

8 May 2004

First off, the Diary apologises: he is stuck in traffic on his way home from the Tranmere match. He most certainly won't apologise that he, probably like a few Town fans, intends to get roaring drunk on his arrival home. Still, at least he's been as consistent with his watering habits this season as Town's defence has been watertight. Which leaves CA's Leeds office to round up the day's events: Town finish the day 21st in Division Two, ushering them to a season playing the likes of Scunthorpe next season.

The day starts brightly at Tranmere as the Mariners unexpectedly, and bravely, take their fate into their own hands when Darren Mansaram latches onto Isaiah Rankin's blocked shot to grab a 24th-minute lead. Any chance of second-half parity, and therefore a positive outcome, is removed with the half-time introduction of Eugene Dadi, enlivening Tranmere's attacking no end. Iain Hume's smartly-taken header on 57, Ian Stamps' second booking for a foul on Mansaram on 60, and Dadi's finish from Hume's intelligent pass round off an eventful four minutes to which the Mariners have no response. Even the eventual introduction of the continually overlooked and underused Graham Hockless (doing that 'arriving in the 66th minute' lark again) has no effect as Town seemingly forget they hold a one-man advantage for the last third of the match.

The result, married with Chesterfield's 1-0 win over Luton, sees the hope of the past week rendered all but false, as - the irony, the irony - Nicky Law's old team leapfrog us to safety.

Radio Humberside's post-match hour features a sombre interview with Stace Coldicott and a rather grating interview from a Town 'supporter' who says the players got what they deserved, hopes Town lose every game next season, get relegated to the Conference, and he won't be going to a game. If relegation gets rid of whinging, spineless twats like that then there may yet be a silver lining to the past two seasons' shambles.

Nicky Law says he'll be "back in the office on Monday" to inform a few players of their contracts, but he's then off on a course, and possibly into the unknown. But let's think about that tomorrow, shall we. I think I might follow the Diary's lead and crack open a brew. If I were your physician, I'd recommend you do the same.