[st06nc2]

Originally Posted by Lord Stiffupperlip

After months of closed season speculation, the big day had finally arrived. Yipeeee!!!
Conditions were perfect. Balmy, cloudless summer evening, premier league opposition, new strip & a pitch to rival Wembley. The anticipation was almost unbearable.
Imagine my surprise when I walked into the Crown for my pre-match libation, only to find I was the only customer at the bar! Was this a dream?
All around were fans in blue & white sporting all the bravado of the newly promoted anticipating a 8-0 thrashing of their lowly opponents.
By kick-off, the Clayton end was embarrassingly empty. Had the 7.00pm kick off confused the faithful?
It must have, as by half time it had filled up to a more acceptable level although nothing like I had anticipated for such a tasty pre-season appetizer.
When the teams took to the field it was a case of spot the old boys, so many new faces were on show.
The clubs decision not to name those 'on trial' for their futures was frustrating. Why all the secrecy????
Surely any player deemed fit to wear our shirt deserves a credit on the cast list!
The game proved to be the classical cliché - a game of two halves!
Despite dominating possession, Huddersfield rarely threatened our goal in the first half & the whole team, including Chapman, put in an excellent defensive display.
The second half was a more lively effort & despite their inevitable goal, we created some creditable goal attempts.
I thought all of those players named 'a trialist' showed promise & each proved more than worthy of league 2.
Huddersfield's superior technical skill ensured the game followed the script, although a draw would have been a fair result after 90 minutes.
Bring on Everton at 3.00pm Saturday! Let's hope this time I have to fight my way to the bar!

Stanley fans don't really come out in numbers for friendlies especially midweek