13 years not out....
Posted: 10 Oct 2014, 19:30
This weekend will mark the 13th anniversary since my first game of watching the Yeltz.
That first game for me was: Saturday October 13th 2001 - FA Cup 3rd Qualifying Round vs Canvey Island.
We went down 2-0 in that game against a strong Canvey Island side who were the higher placed team, in the Isthmian League (Tier 2 at the time), we were in the old Southern Western Divison (Tier 3 at the time.) But despite the result the atmosphere that day was fantastic with over 800 at The Grove and I got 'the Yeltz bug' so much so that I came as regularly as I could over the next few years, I dropped off a bit during the 'dark days' but since last year I have refound the love of the Yeltz as the feel good factor has definitely returned to The Grove.
I am an avid collector of football merchandise in particular programmes as I tend to get a programme from every new ground (league and non-league) that I visit. I have a stack of old Yeltz programmes from over the years but strangely do not have one from that game against Canvey Island. Can't remember as to why, maybe it got lost or they sold out on the day but anyway it is a shame as would be nice to have a momento from my first ever Yeltz game. Maybe one of the 'old timers' who was at the game can raid their cupboards/wardrobes/lofts to see if they have a programme from that game that they wouldn't mind parting with. I'd be happy to pay a nominal fee (within reason!) - if anyone can help me out feel free to inbox me.
Anyway, fast forward 13 years later to this weekend and ironically we're in the 3rd Qualifying Round of the FA Cup again, and we have an equal as tough a game away at Guiseley, who just as ironic are in Tier 2 of the non-league with us in tier 3!
I'm really looking forward to the game and also the weekend in Bradford that I have planned as staying over the Saturday night.
It's going to be a very difficult game, in my heart it says Halesowen but my head is thinking Guiseley. But, it is the FA Cup and as we know anything can happen in the competition! But whatever the result I ensure to celebrate my 'anniversary' weekend!
Up the Yeltz!
That first game for me was: Saturday October 13th 2001 - FA Cup 3rd Qualifying Round vs Canvey Island.
We went down 2-0 in that game against a strong Canvey Island side who were the higher placed team, in the Isthmian League (Tier 2 at the time), we were in the old Southern Western Divison (Tier 3 at the time.) But despite the result the atmosphere that day was fantastic with over 800 at The Grove and I got 'the Yeltz bug' so much so that I came as regularly as I could over the next few years, I dropped off a bit during the 'dark days' but since last year I have refound the love of the Yeltz as the feel good factor has definitely returned to The Grove.
I am an avid collector of football merchandise in particular programmes as I tend to get a programme from every new ground (league and non-league) that I visit. I have a stack of old Yeltz programmes from over the years but strangely do not have one from that game against Canvey Island. Can't remember as to why, maybe it got lost or they sold out on the day but anyway it is a shame as would be nice to have a momento from my first ever Yeltz game. Maybe one of the 'old timers' who was at the game can raid their cupboards/wardrobes/lofts to see if they have a programme from that game that they wouldn't mind parting with. I'd be happy to pay a nominal fee (within reason!) - if anyone can help me out feel free to inbox me.
Anyway, fast forward 13 years later to this weekend and ironically we're in the 3rd Qualifying Round of the FA Cup again, and we have an equal as tough a game away at Guiseley, who just as ironic are in Tier 2 of the non-league with us in tier 3!
I'm really looking forward to the game and also the weekend in Bradford that I have planned as staying over the Saturday night.
It's going to be a very difficult game, in my heart it says Halesowen but my head is thinking Guiseley. But, it is the FA Cup and as we know anything can happen in the competition! But whatever the result I ensure to celebrate my 'anniversary' weekend!
Up the Yeltz!