Cod Almighty | Diary

All the world's a stage

7 April 2025

Miss Guest Diary writes: The more mature among my readers will undoubtedly remember the ad campaigns which began in the 1970s featuring the slogan "If Carlsberg did…" followed by a scenario of perfection; younger folk will just have to have a look on the YouTubes. Anyway, I am going to venture that if Carlsberg did matches at Blundell Park then Saturday's game against Morecambe would definitely feature – not for the quality of the football (which was pretty good at times, though we've seen better recently) but for how the afternoon unfolded – what's known as the dramatic arc.

If you are not familiar with that concept, then let me explain. The dramatic or narrative arc is how a story unfolds in key stages which provide a framework for the events which will reach a (hopefully) satisfactory conclusion. These stages are:

Exposition: introducing the characters, setting and initial situation. Well we know the setting is Blundell Park and that all games start 0-0 so the variable here is the dramatis personae. The team is always announced at 2 o'clock, usually while I'm drinking coffee at my brother's house near the ground. The surprise inclusion of Danny Rose in the team caused a rousing cheer, followed by a certain amount of disappointment and dismay that McEachran and Svanthorsson were only on the bench. But it did introduce a nice note of jeopardy. Other variable personnel are the members of my season ticket bubble, who don't influence the main story but definitely do affect my experience of it. Fortunately on Saturday two of the most negative nellies were absent and we were blessed with the addition of West Yorkshire Diary and his young son, who were obviously having a great time.

Rising Action: building tension and introducing conflicts or complications. The action started perfectly with Morecambe getting the ball in the net in the second minute only to have the goal chalked off, then we had the high of Green scoring in the 24th minute followed by the dashing of our spirits when Dallas equalised five minutes later. Going into half time at 1-1 left the story nicely poised for some drama in the second half.

Climax: the turning point in the story. Some might say the climax was Barrington's blast into the top corner for Town's second goal to put us back in the lead just after the restart, or Green's 80th minute goal which allowed both fans and players to relax a little and do some showing off. Flicks and tricks onfield and plenty of celebratory singing in the stands. But for me the turning point was definitely the introduction of George McEachran for the second half. No offence to the Geezer from the Freezer – I'm sure he will be a valuable player in due course – but George is the man of the moment and he changed the game.

Falling Action: the events that follow the climax, leading to the resolution. If bringing on George was the turning point, that means the entire second half could be described as the 'falling action'. There was certainly plenty of falling going on from both sides – either as a result of some egregious diving or some egregious foul play; I'll leave you to decide on which side of that line Town sit. But also two great goals and a hatful of shots which, if only they had gone in, would have put that pesky goal difference in the black.

Resolution: the conclusion of the story where the conflicts are resolved. Once Town got two goals in front there was little tension or conflict to resolve, the win was nailed on, so the usual joy which comes from the release of tension at the final whistle was absent. But there was plenty of enjoyment to be had from celebrating with the players, manager and fellow fans and contemplating the prospect of securing that final play-off place.

So it's on to Harrogate next Saturday, and this definitely feels like the season when we could get that first league win at their ground. I'm feeling slightly regretful that I let one of Mr B's friends have my ticket, but standing on the terrace for two hours is still a bit much for me. Maybe next season – oh hang on, we might be in a different division!

UTM