TNH – The Northern Hemisphere

An awayday to Berwick for the Elgin game on 15th September 2018.

As featured in issue 10 of View From The Allotment End Fanzine…..by Michael Conboy:

The train tickets and accommodation had been booked Months in advance, the morning of Berwick Rangers v Elgin City had finally arrived.

The taxi to Leeds train station was actually 10 minutes early which is unusual for my local ever “reliable” taxi company.

On route I thought I better activate the mobile train tickets, not something I booked by choice when I completed the train bookings for me and my mate via the popular train booking app. “Activate” on day of journey it said so here goes as I was travelling nearer to the city centre on this bright dry autumnal morning. The activation process was simple and there it was the barcode tickets ready for use at the barriers at the train station. I felt quietly smug and pleased with myself. Just needed to get us through the barriers now and we were in the clear.

If only it was that simple! Phone out and mobile ticket on screen I hover it over the scanning panel on the barrier, nothing. I try it again only to hear a beep from my phone, ha ha cracked it. Still nothing, looking at the screen of my phone it had some how managed to open my online banking app and was looking to proceed with some kind of transaction. I quickly shut the app down and called over a station guard, only to be told just hold it over that screen, following the helpful instructions the barrier opened like the parting of the red sea, an almost biblical moment. We both quickly shuffle through, at last we were in the promised land, well through the barrier and on our way to the platform.

Safely on the train we find our reserved seats, we have 2 next to each other of the 4 seats with the large table in the middle. We spread out Racing Post and other racing publications on the table, relaxed with thought of a couple of quiet hours placing our bets for the afternoons racing and football matches.

First stop York a couple get on, well I say a couple it was difficult to work out what their relationship was, not that it was any of my business. A stern looking woman and a bloke who was a cross between Kenneth Branagh and Eddie Izzard with a French onion seller top on. I don’t mean to be personal but they got settled opposite us and Kenneth proceeded to get a tube of Savlon out and invade our personal space by applying it to both hands and wrists in a very imposing manor, almost like a demented magician performing some kind of slight of hand trick.

Just as the sterile aroma of Savlon started to pass the woman, his Wife, Mother or Sister then erupted into a political argument with herself, Kenneth nodding embarrassingly. By this time I had read and reread the whole race card for the Saturday afternoon meeting at the Curragh trying to avoid any eye contact.

As luck would have it some other seats freed up so they decided to move away from us, peace and calm had been restored.

The train rumbled on at a decent rate of knots and I had rested my eyes for the final leg of the journey. There were two lads sat behind us who I could now hear their football conversation. Some interesting debates, one of them then mention the Angel pub. Was this the same Angel pub in Berwick run by the infamous Tudor?

We pull into Berwick train station gather our thoughts and our belongings, we know the drill drop the bags of at The Castle Hotel and make our way to the Leaping Salmon for the first pint of the afternoon. As we walk out of the station our first sight is Eric Tait the ex player and manager for Berwick Rangers, a Berwick Rangers legend. He is greeting some people so we didn’t get chance to say hello and shake his hand again.

Just ahead of us walking up the hill from the station were the two lads that were sat behind us on the train, they take a right in the direction Shielfield Park football ground. My initial thought was correct our fellow travels were also going to watch Berwick v Elgin.

We negotiate with the staff in the Castle to leave our bags with them while we are at the football and make are way down the busy Berwick high street on a Saturday lunchtime. First stop is the Leaping Salmon, two pints just over five pounds, outstanding as usual in these parts! A few beers in and we decide to take a walk up to the ground calling into the Angel Inn on our way. Out of the Angel and up the road we spot an antiques shop which has the sign “BAR” above the door. We both comment on this and make a mental note to call in for post match drink or two.

Arrival at the ground is timed perfectly enough time for pint. Outside the ground we bump into Conrad (Berwick Rangers Commercial Manager) who we met last time we were up and showed us such great hospitality! We walk down to the Black and Gold bar where he asks if we have been in the “1881 Bar” we hadn’t so he led us in and introduced us to pleasant woman behind the bar. The bar is only small which was quite a surprise. It was busy with younger fans, were these the famous Berwick Rangers “Ultra’s”?

Programme purchased and a pint we head outside to finish our drinks before heading back up to the turnstiles to pay in. Once inside I head to the club shop, any excuse to purchase some official merchandise and put some money back into the football club. Had a nice chat with the staff in there then we go find ourselves a seat to enjoy the game.

A bright afternoon, mild and sunny, unfortunately the final result didn’t match the weather. To be fair that is probably a bit harsh. Berwick had an early free kick which was high over the cross bar, followed by a couple nice crosses into the Elgin box but nothing came of them.

Then after 22 minutes Elgin break through the Berwick defence only for Berwick to concede an own goal in the righthand corner of the net 0-1 Elgin City. Unfortunately 2 minutes later Elgin score what is almost a carbon copy of the own goal but in the left had corner of the net.

Berwick then seem to raise their game with a nice controlled long volley which just goes wide of the goals on the right. Shortly after that another chance a nice little pass into the box with a shot cleared off the line by Elgin’s defence. We seemed to be piling on the pressure and looked a lot more positive and looked like we may get a goal before half time.

The tempo dies down again towards the 45^th minute so we decide to make our way to the Black and Gold bar for a half time pint. On leaving the ground we hear the groans from the home crowd, Elgin have scored a 3^rd goal.

We walk into the Black and Gold order two pints of Bell Haven best, first sip and turn around to see the two lads from the train stood behind us. They instantly recognise us and we strike up a conversation. They are from Whitby, Whitby Town fans and one of the lads is also an Elgin City fan, on further questioning coming to see Elgin away at Berwick is closer than going to one of their home games and logistically easier to travel to than Elgin from Whitby. We ask if they are staying over in Berwick but they are on the 18.05 train back to Whitby, a proper away day!

Back in the ground for 2^nd half and there are further attempts for both sides but no more goals. A disappointing 0-3 defeat to Elgin City but still an enjoyable afternoon of football.

Exiting the ground after the match we make our way to the bar at the Antique shop, entering the bar it is like walking into a tardis it is a large music bar with televisions on the walls showing Sky Sports and music playing. The walls are covered in pictures of music icons and album covers. We get a couple of drinks and get seated to watch the days football results come in.

The door to the bar bursts open and bounding in come the young Berwick “Ultra’s” loud and boisterous, they get drinks from the bar sit near us. As the drinks flow they start singing to the music being played. The Manchester United game begins on the big screens in the background. The atmosphere is similar to a sports bar in any big city, great atmosphere. A bottle smashes on the floor, just an accident! They apologise and the bar staff clean it up. All in good spirits after the days defeat.

After finishing their drinks they get up and leave on mass, either going home for their tea or heading into Berwick Centre to the pubs up in town. I would like to think the later.

We have another drink and watch the match on the big screens then decide to get a taxi back to our hotel near the train station to get showered and changed for the evening. It’s a fair walk and its been a long day, I phone them up from inside the bar only to be told there is an hours wait as they are very busy as there is the Goldwing Light Parade in the town that evening. We leave the pub and decide to catch the bus, something I haven’t done for over 20 years. We wait and we wait the bus never arrives, plan C we will have to walk back to town and skip the shower and change of clothes.

We make our way down to the old bridge which is beautifully situated in the shadow of the A1167 road bridge. A pleasnt walk over and we find the Indian restaurant we had planned on going to. As time was ticking on and we hadn’t eaten since 9.00am we decided to skip the beers in the Curfew which opposite the Indian restaurant.

We ask for a table and get brought a pint as we wait to be seated for our curry, we choose the set menu for two, this isn’t going to be a restaurant review!! It was lovely and there was loads for two great value for £20.

Full of beer and food we decide to call it a day and make our way back up the high street to our accommodation. The town is buzzing as the parade must have just passed through. We check in and retire to our rooms absolutely shattered. I sit on the bed contemplating what has been a brilliant day when a feeling of horror comes over me, where is my Berwick Rangers bag with my purchases from the club shop. I try to think back where I last had it, text my mate he says the Indian restaurant as I was in the loo when he got seated. I phone the restaurant and they said they have it behind the bar. I let my mate know who sends me a message to say he is on his way to pick it up!!

I owe that man a pint as I sit writing this article in my newly acquired Berwick Rangers training top!