The Shame Game

From the Walk on welcome to Frecks post pounding drive, to Colbecks 79th minute breakaway winner; emotion high drama sadness and shame sandwiched this one. Ditto lack of respect. The Phelan gesture after the equaliser to the younger members of the front few rows of the Stacey West was fortunate not to incite a riot. As was the fouty plus family man who referred to us as cheating ?.s on the way home. As we turned the corner a quick look at the resplendent floodlit Cathedral five minutes later in all her glory woke the inner voice. Lincolnshire is still an island apart thank heavens Both were a slap in the face to true fans alive and dead as a huge collection on the night was made by fans for fans. Thank you too to the three Bradfordians who laid the floral ball and tributes on the Stacey West penalty spot during the minute`s silence before kick off. We answered to a man woman and child with ‘We are Stacey West, We are Stacey West`

Shame too that despite heroic valiant efforts the Imps came away with nothing in a pulsating simmering Sin Siro showpiece, at the oft-called ‘theatre of the absurd`. Early triumph came not from Dany the Eiffel Power but the artful Dodger Dodds. His eye for goal saw a Sheareresque body shape get over the ball to rifle in a 35-yard low screamer. Although blocked it was adjudged over the line. Cue the multithreaded oneness as Sincil celebrated. Oh no, nine minutes later all was even. An Omar Daley run ransacked Ryan Amoo and although his bobbled cross was not the best it misled the Imps defence allowing Guylain Ndumbu-Nsungu to score from 6 yards. The Imps smart intricate approach play told only half the story as our gelling side showed the newfound steel to their game. Indeed from the centre Hand`s trademark early ‘signal of intent` gesture saw him charge down a hasty clearance left of their D. He and Frecks battled hard to reduce the chances that so often wreck our defensive reputation. Ok so Amoo was skinned for their equaliser and Colbert was able to run though for the winner, yet all had a solid game particularly Hoof Nat Brown, Beevers and Amoo.

Bradford played their part in a stormer that arguably should have finished a draw for all the right reasons. Games and passionate performances like this are what football is all about. Add a bit of luck, because scores belie all, and the fans will return to the Sin Siro in droves. And its not as far away as you think. Perhaps leading scorer Dodds should replace Jamie the elder and Warlowe take up the Wide role. If we have to sacrifice a flair midfielder perhaps Frecks a marked man these days could come on later or play in front of three enabling the combined power of Kerr and Hand to deal with central issues. Games are normally won and lost in midfield and in the harsher climbs of a League 2 campaign it is not the fear of god but the feel of the rod that dictates the chances created that ultimately win ugly games with refreshing stalemate breakers. Players like Phelan and Hand will vouch for that. You hate them as opponents but love them in red and white. Stallardicus is another of the games gladiatorial school. And Torpey too who came on late to mix it up. We should wish him luck he`s a decent bloke with a nice touch amid the 91st minute melee in the box in front of the Stacey West.

We want wins for sure but nights like this are what the people`s game is all about. Railway Enders of yore and the Stacey Westers of now were proud of you tonight Imps. A fitting tribute on tonight of all nights but in a spirit seen many times last year too including the playoff reverse in May. We may have lost but football won. Speaking to many new faces tonight they will be back. The Damnbusters spirit is hard not to fall for as the Impquest continues.

Well that is a view from the Stacey West anyway.