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Jockeys beaten in the final furlong
This was without doubt one of the biggest games in Newmarket Town's history. In the days leading up to the match, there was a real buzz about the Suffolk market town, a place better known for racing than its football team. Even the esteemed Journal devoted several extra pages encouraging the local population to get behind their team and go down to the Town Ground on Saturday. Word came straight from the horses mouth that the Jockeys were worth a flutter. Indeed after riding their luck at Welwyn they had beaten this season's competition hopefuls Winchester in their own backyard. It doesn't get much better than that! But could Town go the full distance? Visitors Cammell Laird had now become hot favourites to win in the FA Vase stakes.
At two o'clock, accompanied by my wife Fran (wearing her club scarf) and daughter Jo, we made the short journey (about four furlongs) to the ground. There was a queue at the main entrance. Fans had arrived dressed in blue and yellow, some wearing face paint, others carrying balloons. The aroma of beefburgers cooking in the club kitchen filled the air. A large Union Jack flag with the legend 'LAIRDS' was attached to the fence at the allotment end. The famous Tattersalls Sales Ring could be seen in the distance. Despite a recent spell of cold weather the going was good to firm. The white lines marked on the bumpy pitch looked brighter than normal. The players were standing on the half-way line, holding onto each other in a characteristic group hug. But there was no time to study form with only twenty minutes to go before the big kick-off.
From the start both teams jostled for position and matched each other stride for stride. The Jockeys got their noses in front, almost scoring, when Jamie McGuire hoofed the ball off the line from a Sam Reed effort. There was no Stewards Enquiry. Then it happened - a real Grandstand moment. Town took the lead when the gangly Paul Shaw leapt high to head home. There was much celebrating in the paddock behind the goal. Conditions suddenly changed as the snow fell. The going was much softer now but this did not handicap the players.
During the interval the Merseysiders had a right good whipping from the manager's tongue. He was fired up like a young colt and wanted his charges to increase their pace. His words were inspirational. Within minutes of the restart Laird equalised when Ronnie Morgan raced ahead of the field and after showing some silky skills, calmly rounded 'keeper Hollyer before steering the ball into the net. This seemed to unseat the Jockeys. The visitors seemed to have control of the reins and they started to show their true colours. It was no surprise when Man-of- the-Match Anthony Hargreaves' deep corner from the left was headed home by Collins. One last gasp attempt saw Crawford denied by the the leg of Laird 'keeper John Gilles. The whistle signalled full time. The locals cheered their heroes who had put in a magnificent display. They had been pipped at the post. It was the end of a wonderful journey which had started back in September with victory over Walsham-Le-Willows. As for the men from the Wirral - who would bet against them lifting the trophy in the winners enclosure at St.Andrews in April?
A 32-page programme was issued, priced £1.00. Complete with glossy colour cover this contained all you needed to know about the runners and riders on show. A range of hot and cold food was available from the well-patronised tea bar throughout the afternoon. The images in the FGIF Gallery will save a full ground description. It is worth mentioning though that the attendance reached 750 with many away fans making the long journey down to East Anglia. Indeed space in the 144 cantilever stand was at a premium. Supporters from both teams sat side by side. The naturally reserved Suffolk contingent were treated to some witty one-liners from their visitors.
And finally I cannot sign off without mentioning my late Dad-in-Law Eddie. A true Newmarket fan and club secretary for many years. His sharp wit and great enthusiasm was a joy to behold. How he would have embraced the Jockeys big day. We didn't forget him on this most memorable occasion. God bless!
FGIF Rating 3*. | 