Plainmoor Saturday, September 7th, 2019 k/o 15:00   National League Attendance: 2,527       Torquay United 4-2 Harrogate Town
2019 /20

Comments :

A long day this one - 15 hours home to home - but very enjoyable. Early start for train one (of six) but spot on time. An easy change at Birmingham New Street before a 3 hour chug to Newton Abbott. Met a man having his 80th birthday celebration at Bristol Rover (where he used to go as a young man) accompanied by his sons and nephews. Then, after they got off, I found myself sat opposite mother and daughter visiting universities (on their way here to Exeter) for daughter to study medicine. I suspect she will make a very good doctor one day. She had that blend of strength and softness. After that it was a quick change at Newton Abbot and a few minutes down to Torre (pronounced tore). The walk from the station may only be (officially) 1.3 miles but it is steadily uphill and steep in places. I had to stop at one point and pretend I was urgently checking my mobile. I didn't fool anyone - least of all me. At least the weather was good: not too hot, not windy and not raining. At the ground (no scarves!!!!!) I went to the clubhouse for a beer and to watch England saving the follow-on against the Aussies in the 4th test then into the ground where I'd bought a standing terrace ticket. A really good game. Again quality and fitness amazing at this level not to mention the commitment and strength. We were down after giving a silly penalty but got it back level only to fall behind again. We were 3-2 up when I had to leave to get the train home so missed the last goal. But it was great and the people around me on the terrace really nice. Getting back to Torre station was a lot easier down hill all the way and the train was on time. This time I was heading to Exeter St Davids to change and the track runs right along the beach. At Exeter I was joined by a bloke and his dog and his Mum. Really nice to chat to and the journey passed in a flash to Bristol. But they got off and I stayed on to Stafford where my sixth and final train was late. But only by 11 minutes so no big deal. All I had to do then was drive home from Crewe and collapse. What a very long but very excellent day.