Cod Almighty | Diary

A tale of two Harrys

24 November 2025

Miss Guest Diary writes: Well Saturday's game at the County Ground was certainly the best result since Town fluked a victory with a penalty from a non-existent trip to Harry Cardwell back in 2018; and it was a much better and more enjoyable performance. In 2018 Town were in a fight to avoid relegation so we were all a bit too nervous to celebrate much until the final whistle. Now Town are looking to the other end of the table and if Swindon, top at the start of the afternoon, are an example of automatic promotion contenders, then Town should definitely be up there come the end of the season.

Leaving aside the two rather soft goals conceded early in the game, Town were the better team on the day and might easily have gone on to win. Once Green scored on 22 minutes, for the rest of that half Town were simply magnificent, as were the Town fans jubilantly running through our repertoire of songs. Swindon had simply imploded and, having been 2-0 down, coming away with a draw felt like a point gained rather than two points dropped. With a bit more composure in front of goal Town would have got a winner, but our failure to do so only slightly dampened the mood. A game where victory still seems possible right up to the last second is always going to be enjoyable.

Was it worth the seven hours of driving in appalling weather conditions (which would be nearer 10 hours if you came all the way from Grimsby)? You bet. Did I laugh when I heard that several blokes had left the ground and gone to the pub when Town went 2-0 down. You'd better believe I did; I'm still laughing as I type this.

So, Thursday football this week. Not popular with many people I suspect, but selfishly I rather like the change of routine once in a while, and being retired I have no work commitments to get in the way. Getting an extra opportunity to meet friends for fish and chips before the game is a bonus, and the atmosphere under the lights always feels more special. It will, however, disrupt operations at CA Towers with a swap of duties from Friday to Wednesday for A46 diary, who does have work commitments.

Last week I mentioned the youth team game against Doncaster Rovers in the second round of the FA Youth Cup. Despite the narrow loss – their first of this season – it was an enjoyable game played in a good spirit. What was also pleasing to see was the number of first team players who came along to the game, as well and both Artell & Pearson. I also spotted my one-time favourite Harry Clifton – sat in the Main Stand with the Town folk and not with the away fans in the covered corner. To me he'll always be one of our own.