Game 25

An early start for a Saturday morning saw me roll up at Storthes Hall, home to Huddersfield Town Academy sides as I was due to be on the line for the U18 game against Nottingham Forest.

It was great to see that the Forest side are being managed by Chris Fairclough. Chris formed half of the centre back partnership (with Chris Whyte) which steadied the ship as the midfield of Strachan, McAllister, Batty and Speed terrorised the old First Division on the way to Leeds United winning the league title back in 1992. I only got a chance for a handshake and a quick word at the end of the game as I let Chewitt go Senior Assistant. I'd met Chris a few years ago as we both had a short break at Centre Parcs at Sherwood Forest back in the 90s. I met Nigel Worthington, manager of the Northern Ireland international team there as well on a different holiday!

Back to today though ... game was at a slow pace in the first half and with Town having been pummelled last week and Forest scoring a hatful in the same round of fixtures, it was thought an away win was on the cards. Forest opened the scoring and Town had a couple of claims for kicks from the penalty marks were turned down. By half time, everything was very much under control.

The second half kicked off and the tempo of the game went through the roof. Town pressed harder on their men and Forest's short passing game crumbled. Both team's became a little fractious and it wasn't long before the referee had to step in with a sharp word for a couple of players. Town scored an equaliser and pushed on to steal a winner. In between times I had a couple of offsides to adjudge and have a chuckle at Chewitt's expense as he changed hands overhead on a throw in (sorry Tom but it needed mentioning lol). For one young Forest player it was too much and his dissent earned the game's only caution. Chris Fairclough substituted him within a minute.

At the end of the game, most players shook our hands but one player had a little chip at the referee who put him in his place. We noted afterwards that both the cautioned player and the one at the end who chipped in were trailists. On their showing, their discipline may be their downfall.

Calories 1328, max hr 87%, average 73% - easy morning's work.