Bantams 0 Shrimpers 0

The unbeaten was extended last night to eight, although the goalless stalemate was not a true reflection on the Bantams dominance. Firstly the ground, which has to be the poorest in the league, afforded a pitiful view of the game. About 10 rows a shallow terracing meant if you were at the back, and I was, the view of the goalmouth in front of us was partially obstructed, by both heads, and a big iron post. Thankfully this is the last season it will be used, as it fully earns it's garden shed status rating in the Away Days thread. The first half gave an indication of what expect quality wise from the referee, which turned out to be not a lot. A ludicrous decision gifted Morecombe a free kick on the edge of the box, and Jevons stepped up to rattle the post. That was the only real scare of the first half. The second half though was all City. Chance after chance went begging, as Neilson and Luke O'Brien made hay down the flanks. There was a couple of decent saves from the keeper, and a goal line clearance from a defender, but the Bantams just couldn't find the back of the net. City were still building pressure well, when with around ten minutes to go, the ref made a woeful decision, and showed Evans a straight red for a challenge on the keeper, who made a meal of it. It looked a legitimate challenge to me, but the ref thought it was excessively dangerous play, and off went our most likely scorer. So with the team down to ten, and only a handful of minutes left, we would have been happy with a draw at a ground where we have always lost. But it looked like we would take all the points, as Neilson made space, and only had the keeper to beat. A side foot into the bottom corner was all that was required, but he went for power, and the keeper parried. Morecambe gave us a couple of scares before the final whistle, but a loss would have been a cruel blow, as the Bantams dominated throughout. The only other thing to report, is a close call with the football. As any self respecting football fan knows, the only way to return it into the field of play is with a header. For years, I have waited for an opportunity to exhibit my skill, and finally the moment appeared to have arrived. A shot from distance swerved into the crowd, heading in our general direction. Helmet assessed the velocity of the travelling sphere, and decided on evasive action, but I elbowed my way into position, as the ball approached at speed. My moment had arrived, I thought, as I thrust my head forward, to meat the ball. Just seconds away from executing the perfect power header, the big girls blouse in front of stuck out his hands and diverted the ball in another direction. Obviously a part-timer, unfamiliar with terrace etiquette, he was given a sharp rebuke from big Tony. Maybe my time will come this Saturday, as myself, Crespo and the good Doctor Shotgun make the trip to Northampton.

Pie Rating- A book was recently published by some geezer who had travelled the land reporting on the great British football pie. In an interview I caught on the radio, he nominated Morecambes offering as the ultimate in stadium pies. This seemed odd to me, and the good the good Doctor, as on our previous trip a couple of years ago, it was an average offering. Had they changed their supplier? Don't know, but the Meat and Potato was bland in the extreme. It was a good size, and at £2.50 it was reasonably priced. The temperature was good as well, but without the chilli sauce I liberally applied, it would have a tasty a sheet of cardboard. Bon Viveur Tony Helemt also sampled a mouthful, and concurred. For it's volume I will grant it a slightly above average rating of 6/10