Pasties, Pints and Points (APOLOGY)

A quick check on the site has revealed that operational idiosyncrasies have failed to publish the odd report. The following falls into that category. The management would like to deny any rumour associated with the consumption of alcoholic beverages but would acknowledge the possibility that worrying about the new football season may have been a distraction.

The weekend approached and thoughts turned to the impending start of the season for the Lads. The big job was to ensure that we had the technology organised so that we could view the proceedings at Anfield. Nick had packed a variety of cables that could connect computers to televisions, and do so at a distance so that everything didn’t have to be situated in one spot. Good forward planning. Once the connections had been established the problem then was one of finding a decent feed from the Internet. Having found a Doug advised web site we had the luxury of being able to follow the remarkable events at Edgbaston. This gave us the confidence that come match day all would be well.

But that’s all jumping ahead. Before Saturday comes Friday and naturally thoughts turn to what might be happening back at mission control at the Vic. So we poured the first drinks at 2.00 p.m., just like home. The temperatures here are not currently conducive to anything energetic so lazing with liquid accompaniment is suiting everybody. The latest version of half and half being Spanish lager with the addition of a dash of ginger ale. Refreshing and apparently a favourite tipple amongst mariners.

A restless evening followed with much speculation as to tem selection and prospects for the morrow. One interesting diversion came when mention was made of traditional treats like corned beef and potato pie. Great match day food. The thoughts turned to Irene’s pasties. Sheila then made the rash offer that she might knock up a pie if we could find some corned beef and a few other ingredients.

This last suggestion made for good displacement activity on the following morning as we suffered our usual Pre Match Tension. A frustrating shopping expedition, discovering that corned beef was not common on the shelves of Spanish shops, led us to one of those businesses that cater to tourist visitors and their longing for the comforts of home. A real guilty purchase. Sheila set to and we made our final preparations by lunching on Pasties and Pints.

Pasties and Pints

What a joy to witness the growing confidence of the Lads in the second half and what a magnificent strike to halve the points. A creditable start to the season.

A short walk to the centre of the development where the fiesta was taking place to mill with the crowds, view the stalls, ride camels and learn how to belly dance. A little easier for some of us than others.

Another couple of great days at Alhama. Local Jumilla and Torres 10 to conclude the day’s events.

Local transport

Our dancing teacher