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Bittersweet Symphony
Apr. 28th, 2024 09:30 pm
To the Onsite Group Stadium for AFC Portchester Ladies’ Hampshire Senior Cup semi-final with Southampton U21s. It was my first time seeing the girls since last September. Paula and Eilidh had hugs for me, Paula asked where I’d been. She was genuinely interested when I said I’d been watching London Seaward, asking after their fortunes, and was delighted when I said I’d be back with the Portchy Ladies next season. She was excited about the prospect of the Southern League Premier Division.
Michele, now back with the club but playing for the reserves, had come along to watch. After a quick catch up chat, with kick-off imminent she said she’d buy me a drink at half time.
Southampton dominated the game from the start. Portchester did well to contain them for half an hour, then the visitors scored with a rocket shot. With 1-0 I still had some hope at the break. Michele appeared and brought me a Pepsi Max from the bar. When she said she was going to walk her dog around the perimeter I wished her a nice summer. She asked if I’d be at Presentation Night on 11th May but I’m in Newcastle then. As Michele wended her way, the steward by the players’ tunnel gate asked what was on in Newcastle. I replied the Auf Wiedersehen Pet 40th anniversary party. He was well impressed with that, especially when I said Jimmy Nail and Kevin Whately would be there, and went on to quote his favourite moments from the show.
In the second half Southampton stepped up a gear and ran out 5-0 winners. I went round to the far side of the pitch to say my goodbyes to the girls, passing Lewis and the array of flags on the way out.
Back to the grindstone in the morning.
Michele, now back with the club but playing for the reserves, had come along to watch. After a quick catch up chat, with kick-off imminent she said she’d buy me a drink at half time.
Southampton dominated the game from the start. Portchester did well to contain them for half an hour, then the visitors scored with a rocket shot. With 1-0 I still had some hope at the break. Michele appeared and brought me a Pepsi Max from the bar. When she said she was going to walk her dog around the perimeter I wished her a nice summer. She asked if I’d be at Presentation Night on 11th May but I’m in Newcastle then. As Michele wended her way, the steward by the players’ tunnel gate asked what was on in Newcastle. I replied the Auf Wiedersehen Pet 40th anniversary party. He was well impressed with that, especially when I said Jimmy Nail and Kevin Whately would be there, and went on to quote his favourite moments from the show.
In the second half Southampton stepped up a gear and ran out 5-0 winners. I went round to the far side of the pitch to say my goodbyes to the girls, passing Lewis and the array of flags on the way out.
Back to the grindstone in the morning.
