Saturday 21st January: Barrow AFC.
So, with life now back under control after a hectic holiday season, I’m back on the blog. Starting my tsunami of January games slap bang in the middle of the 8, with the game that didn’t happen.
On the direct, scenic train to Barrow you are treated to some of the most breath-taking vistas the Lakes have to offer. Particularly as you pass between lakes on the run into Grange-Over-Sands. However I was unable to enjoy these stunning views as I spent most of the time obsessively checking my phone to ensure Barrow’s game against fellow high fliers Salford City was still going ahead. Games were falling to the axe of postponement all around it and by the time I reached G-O-S this showdown on the edge of the playoffs was one of just 5 games remaining.
By now there were a mere 2 hours till kick-off and, satisfied they wouldn’t touch it this close to the start I relaxed into my seat and drifted off to imagine the atmosphere and just how lucky I had been that my game had avoided the axe. How foolish this was.
I realised my error as my train pulled into Barrow and one of the locals announced, to the hordes pouring off the train, that the game had been cancelled due to a frozen pitch. This revelation was made worse by their assertion that “they could have called it off yesterday, they knew how bad the ground was then”. That would certainly have saved me a day of my life I’ll never get back.
The response to me asking ‘what else is there to do round here?’ was “nothing, better off just getting straight back on the train mate.” I did find a few things to do in the local area to pass the time before my late train home, but nothing to compensate for the football.
Those in charge of fixtures could do everyone a huge favour by employing just a little bit of foresight and giving at least 24 hours notice of cancellations, except for extreme extenuating circumstances. Football fans are people too, give us a little consideration.
I will go back to Barrow for another game in future, but not for the rearranged fixture this caused me to miss. Real life gets in the way of that.
Welcome back and thanks for reading. Back to a football game that actually happened in my next instalment, coming soon….
The Football tourist 