Alan Palmer from the Supporters Club writes in Monday’s matchday programme for the Home Ryman Premier League clash against table toppers, Kingstonian.
This evening we welcome Kingstonian to The Vale in what will undoubtingly will be a tough match.
Here’s hoping that they bring a few fans with them as they did last year. A little vocal away support always adds something to matchday.
By this evening it’s also hoped that the party of fans that Supporters Club secretary Clive Leaper took to Bognor Regis on Friday will have returned. I’m sure that we will hear more about this trip in due course.
Our own support has not been as great as it was last season with gates down and more of a subdued atmosphere as of late. Tonight our support could just prove the difference between the two sides so we need to up our game this evening and get behind the team.
Having beaten Chertsey Town 3-1 in the FA Carlsberg Trophy 1st Qualifying Round we are now paired against Merstham FC a team that we have never met before at any level. This match will be played at the Moatside on Saturday 27th October and should be a great away day as its only an hours’ drive away being just around the M25. Here’s hoping we don’t do a Rikki Banks!
A couple of weeks prior to this match Is National Non League Day and we will be hoping for a bumper gate when we entertain Thurrock. With entrance free to children under sixteen and only £5 for season ticket holders with other clubs it’s the perfect opportunity to bring someone along to sample real football.
It’s worth mentioning that we will also be welcoming Harrow Borough councillors to this match.
Off the field the new megastore continues to go from strength to strength with Adam valiantly updating the website as quickly as he can. The autumn/winter range of stock is really great and I’ve no doubt as well as winning the best programme this season we will also win the best turned out supporters.
Since writing my last set of notes the Supporters Club have re-introduced bingo back to the club. The evening which was hosted by David Albert on Sunday September 23rd was terrific although numbers were on the low side.
Because we feel this is something worth persevering with we will be holding anther bingo evening on Sunday 23rd October with a start time of 7PM. It really is a lot of fun so come and give it a go.
I’d like to finish off this evening by mentioning one of the supporters club committee’s unsung heroes. Every time that you visit The Vale you will be politely asked as to whether or not you would like to take part in Golden Goals by Miriam Goodman. The money the club raises through Miriam’s efforts is vital so please take the opportunity this evening by taking part and maybe give her a peck on the cheek and say well done.
I leave you with a Churchill quote this evening:- Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.
Alan.
