View from the Bar – v Andover New Street 09-02-19

The View from the Bar

Well, it’s another one of those ‘don’t know if it’ll get used because the weather’s looking a bit dicey’ columns, but, for good or for ill, here’s the latest ramblings that might just get read if things dry out a bit…
I think we were all relieved to claim the points against Brockenhurst a couple of weeks back, although for all the tension (I nearly wrote tenseness then) we were by far the better side and created way more chances than the New Forest team. If we can start putting away just a few more of the opportunities created I reckon we’ll be rocketing up the table in no time. Well, rocketing might be pushing it a bit, but you know, it never hurts to be optimistic. Another major plus from the Brock game was another fantastic gate, well into three figures, which keeps us firmly amongst the top supported clubs in the Wessex league with an average of nearly 130. As ever, everyone here really appreciates your support, and if you fancy bringing a mate or two along, we’ve got a good run of home games coming up should they get the bug. Strong support is going to be more important than ever going into the last quarter of the season, and with seven home games still to play there’s plenty to look forward to.
It’s not all about the home games though, and the large group of Yachtsmen who intended on travelling to Hamble last week refused to let the postponement spoil a good day out and went out on the lash in Southampton anyway. Hopefully they’ll have recovered in time for the rearranged date on 30th March. Next week we also have an eminently attendable away game at Team Solent – a place where we tend to get a result – so if you fancy getting a little gang together it’s less than a tenner by cab from the Red Jet. Speaking from experience, I’d advise against getting the train to Redbridge and walking through that bloody great council estate by the end of the M271 though…
Finally, the second batch of mugs have arrived, and they’ll be up here today. There’s only around thirty left that haven’t been reserved, so you’d best be quick – come and find me today or get yours from the tea bar – £4.50’s a small price to pay for making every cuppa you have herein taste oh so much better… And on the subject of merch, we might well be ordering another batch of scarves before long, and I’ll be canvassing opinion on whether we go for more of the same design or plump for a new one – keep an eye out on Facebook for more info.
Speaking of Facebook, those of you tuned in to our social media page might’ve seen an announcement last night about none other than our player-manager John McKie, who’s on a mission to raise funds for the wonderful Make-A-Wish Foundation, which helps grant magical wishes to enrich the lives of children and young people fighting life-threatening conditions. As part of his fundraising, John’s planning on climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in 2020, but before then he’s got a bunch of events planned, including a gala dinner at Gurnard Pines on 27th April (posters up in the clubhouse if you fancy a grand night out). Possibly more exciting though, in a bid to give his fund pot a boost he’s said that if he can raise £200 or more before the Bashley home game (in a fortnight) he’ll get his most-prized personal adornment – his hair – shaved off after the game. As rumours of his plans swept the stand at the last home match several of our female supporters fainted while others hatched a plan to raise even more funds to convince him to keep his immaculate coiffure, but I’d heartily recommend you bung a few quid to his Just Giving account (search on Google for ‘John Mckie Just Giving’) and help ensure he’s the latest in a long line of shiny-topped Cowes managers…
The next match posters are out today and available to pick up – give me a nudge if you can help get one or more up in a shop, business, or even a front window. They make a massive difference in raising our profile locally and, as always, all help is appreciated in getting them out and about in the locale.
Enjoy the game,
Toby.

Now, we started the Golden Goal scheme with the very best of intentions – to raise a few quid for the club and spread a little excitement and happiness amongst our faithful support. We didn’t think for a minute that the likes of Fred Stokes would be buying the winning ticket, but that’s exactly what happened at the Brockenhurst game. We’re still waiting for him to splash out his winnings on a round, so do your bit and make sure that doesn’t happen again today by making sure the tickets sell out before he gets a chance to buy one…