football rambles

Last night I went to Peterborough V MK Dons in the League 1 play-offs semi final second leg. The first match had ended 3-2 to MK Dons with the Posh remaining in the tie with a controversial last minute penalty. Therefore the stage was set for an exciting game that didn't disappoint. The game was a sell-out, well apart from a few tickets that MK Dons didn't sell, and the atmosphere was electric. I have to say that I always enjoy a trip to London Road as the chance to stand on a full terrace reminds me of football gone by and last night the terrace was as full as Health and Safety allows nowadays. I think that it was the first time in ages that I have had to queue up to get into a ground in England, mainly because the games I go to at the top end are all ticket affairs with computerised tickets or are not the type of games to attract a crowd. Before the game Peterborough's owner Darragh Mac.Anthony walked around the pitch whipping the fans up; not that they really needed wind...

Ranbir Marwa is interviewed after the match

Top: Clint Easton celebrates at the end of the match. Middle: The kids are on the pitch. A good natured and friendly pitch invasion mainly by Ebbsfleet's younger fans. Bottom: 'Over land and sea... and Essex.' The Ebbsfleet fans celebrate getting in the final.

Here's some first half action from Ebbsfleet v Chelmsford. The top image is the first corner, the second an early attack and at the bottom is the free kick which Michael West scored from.

On Sunday I went to Ebbsfleet United V Chelmsford City in the second leg of the Blue Square South Semifinal play-offs. The reason I was there was that I am planning to do some work with the club for a DVD for work. I have to admit I've at times been pessimistic and skeptical about the Internet ownership at Ebbsfleet, but I thought that it was as interesting subject to cover for work. After Sunday I have to say that I have a lot of respect for what they are trying to do and can't thank them enough for how helpful and open they are being. They got through to the play-off final and I really hope they can go one better at Farnborough in the final next week. I was given a lift by one of the members from Cambridge and was able to spend plenty of time getting an insight into the club and the role of My FC. Going into the match Ebbsfleet must have been feeling confident after winning 4-1 away at Chelmsford in the first leg. In the Non-league Paper though the Chelmsford manager was pret...