Wednesday 29th April
Blue Square North Play-Off Semi-Final First Leg
Haig Avenue, Attendance: 1011
It was always going to be a very interesting trip to watch the Conference North play-off first leg between Southport and Gateshead at Haig Avenue but as always – the football played second fiddle!
I was to make the short train journey to Meols Cop, the nearest station to Southport’s Haig Avenue ground. The walk from the station to the ground was quite simple and I didn’t expect to be met with two many problems.
The train from Wigan was slightly delayed, so as I sat waiting, a chap with a scouse accent came over asking for money. I was sat next to a rather lovely-looking girl, so I wanted to keep face, as you do. After giving him what I had in change, he went on to ask the girl and others waiting at the station for money. Apparently, he had just ‘come from the police station’ and needed some train fare. Me and the girl shared a look and a few words (and that was it - unfortunately!) until the bloke came back. Thankfully the train arrived so I couldn’t tell him to f**k off in front of the girl!
I arrived at my destination in good time but as with all football trips - I get lost trying to find the ground! What looked like a simple route on a map, turned into a nightmare! I eventually found the ground and took my seat in the main stand for the match.
Despite being hidden away, Haig Avenue is a decent ground to visit. I couldn’t be arsed standing, so I sat in the stand, which for this level of football, is very comfortable! The other 3 sides of the ground are made up by terracing, which is where the singing fans stand! The view of the ground is pretty good too and the refreshing sea air was a bonus. It’s just a shame the ground isn’t located nearer to the town centre!
The first half was rather tense, Southport looked rather dodgy at the back and soon this weakness was to affect them as a mix-up led to Gateshead striker, Graeme Armstrong prodding the ball past the home keeper and into the net - after just 15 minutes.
The first half just petered out after the goal, with Southport’s only chance being skied over the bar. I ventured down to the food cabin for a half-time brew, which was awful and didn’t improve my mood one bit (there was only one pub in the area and I had arrived too late to have a quick one and I needed to get to the station right after the match!).
The second half was much better, with Southport on top, as they constantly threatened down the right-hand side. Gateshead though, always looked dangerous on the break and they almost made it 2-0 but the post came to the rescue of the home side.
Southport threw everything at the visitors but long ball after long ball was cleared and the Gateshead defence held firm. There was even time for ex-Latics player, Tony Dinning, to make an appearance for Gateshead, as he came on with about 15 minutes to go. In fact, Gateshead should have had a second late on but McMillan in the Southport goal made a good save after a Gateshead forward was put clean through.
The final whistle went and the home support slumped off. It could have been a lot worse but on balance – Southport should have at least drawn the match. They now face an uphill battle to win through to the final, as they visit the North East on Sunday.
I made my way from the ground but somehow got lost again! Thankfully I eventually found my way and waited for the train back the holy land of Wigan. It was an ok trip but if I bring myself round to visiting Haig Avenue again, it will be an afternoon game and on a weekend! That way I can hop on a train to the centre of Southport and enjoy its fine ‘facilities’!
This wouldn’t be a proper trip if I didn’t drink any ale, so I made sure I had a few in Wigan when I got back! Nothing special - just toasting the fact that I managed to find my way home!
I was left wondering though, if my beggar friend found his way home?
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