Andy Smith tells
us about his Southern adventure down to Torquay
United.
Friday
Tracey
and i set off driving down to Torquay on Friday morning. About 10 minutes
from Torquay when TFM rang me to discuss an interview just before the game
tomorrow (which i did). Arrived mid afternoon at booked into the Hotel at
the same time as other Darlo fans, Tony & Lesley.
Without
too much delay, it was down the town, and into Weatherspoons, where we found
about 25 other Darlo fans. After enjoying Brixham Cod, it was into the 'Hole
in the Wall' where most of the evening was spent sampling the various beers
on offer, and served by the lovelly Sally!! At the end of the night, it was
a stagger back to the hotel. After all that beer, it was a good job our room
had en-suite facilities!! But guess what, our toilet was out of action, which
meant a number of trips down to the ground floor loo's from our 2nd floor
room during the night. Great!!
Saturday
After a
hearty breakfast, it was decided that we will wander into town, before going
to the game. Once on the sea front we came across Darlo fans John & Ben Nuttall,
who had etched the good name of Darlington FC into the sand. Further along
bumped into more Darlo fans, John , Peter, David, Roland and Lowey, playing
football whilst recovering from the previous night!! As you do, we had a look
around the shops, which Tracey and Lesley seemed to enjoy, then into the Ice
cream parlour for our pre-match meal(ice cream).
It was now,
time to start the long walk up the hill towards Plainmoor. However, when passing
Debenhams, saw a familiar face and wearing a Darlington T-shirt. Suppose even,
Hodgy has to visit a shop now and again. Quick chat with Hodgy, then off to
the ground. As per plan, did an interview with TFM from the ground about 1.30pm,
then it was off to the Buccaneer at Babbacombe where we shared a beer or two
with the DAFTS. It was now a sunny and hot afternoon and Darlo shirts were
on full show as we returned to the ground.
The game
itself was certainly of two halves, but we did deserve the win. The joy at
Wainy's winner going into the net was incredable!! On leaving the ground,
we passed the demonstrating Torquay fans shouting for their Chairman to leave.
To be fair, i dont want to see Torquay go down, smashing little club who made
us feel welcome.
Walked back
into town, and had a meal whilst taliking to Jeff Winter on his phone-in show.
Then back to the hole in the wall, and enjoyed a great night with many other
Darlo fans. Even bumped into a guy from Torquay who's great grandad played
for Darlo in the 1930's(further research to be done on this). Onto Sunday
morning, and could'nt leave Torquay without a cream tea. Visited Cockington
village for this, and what a treat, beutiful!! Bought a couple of presents,
including a bottle of Scrumpy Jack for myself!! Left Torquay, and onto Tracey's
family in Winchester for a couple of days, before finally getting home on
Tuesday evening. The weekend in Torquay was absolutley superb. Good weather,
great company with Tony, Lesley, Lance and all the other Darlo fans, good
food, good beer, great place, and of course what a result.
Thanks Torquay
for a memorable weekend, a
few other Darlington fans making a weekend of it in Torquay.
