The Mowdog On The Road...: MY PREVIOUS TRIO OF VISITS TO COW LANE, TRING, INCLUDING MARTIN GRIGGS' WINNING GOAL v LEVERSTOCK GREEN...

Friday, 23 September 2016

MY PREVIOUS TRIO OF VISITS TO COW LANE, TRING, INCLUDING MARTIN GRIGGS' WINNING GOAL v LEVERSTOCK GREEN...

Cow Lane, Borrowed Spectacles and Spooky Trees

I’d never been to Tring before. I smiled as I saw Cow Lane and laughed to myself when I heard conclusive bovine strains from a nearby field, as I parked my car. A concession because of my age secured my entrance fee more cheaply than usual and I was to witness a tight encounter between the hosts and Leverstock Green, who wore, er, green. I made a tour of the perimeter of the stadium first of all and was pleased by the grandstand, where I was to watch the match from later on. I was forced to duck to move along the back row of red plastic seats, which was pleasing, for at 5 feet 7 inches, I rarely have to duck my head; indeed, I often have to stand on tiptoes to reach urinals in toilets planned by people who measure over 6 feet tall.

The ‘Danger No Smoking’ sign at the rear of the grandstand, made me think of fire and explosions and brought to mind the stash of 2^nd World War ammunition beneath Aston Villa’s original and famous old Trinity Road Stand, which my father was content enough to guard at the outbreak of hostilities. I liked the enormous tree at Tring, too, which spectated near the goal-frame at the rugby club end of the ground, a reminder to left-wingers not to run with abandon towards the byeline without protective headgear.

The two evergreens opposite the dugouts complemented the background array of wintering trees, which I was told look splendid on autumnal days, perhaps when the football is not so pretty… More trees abutted the back of the small shed behind the clubhouse end’s goal, like solid pillars and under the roof lay a red, caterpillar line of backless red seats, leading to three faded green ones, beyond and slightly behind. I liked those. They suggested positions for stewards to sit in and see, hear, or speak no evil, when a large crowd is herded into Cow Lane.

I received a surprisingly warm welcome in the clubhouse, my strong mug of tea was, er, strong and the former matchday secretary was pleased to allow me to copy down the players’ names from his hand-written list. Sadly, I hadn’t taken my reading glasses with me but another fellow offered me his, as if they would suffice! They did too… They were clearer than my own… I nearly gave him the £75 he said he’d sell them to me for. Good humour abounded, I was given a club badge and several match programmes then was invited to take a half-time cuppa in the lounge. I felt that was intrusive and undeserving but it seemed churlish to decline, so I did stroll to the lounge at the break, where the club’s secretary also made me feel welcome.

Tring won the game with an added time strike, following a bit of a melee and although Leverstock Green had battled to preserve their 44^th minute lead, the hosts totally deserved their 82^nd minute equaliser and late, late winning goal.

I liked Cow Lane. I liked the stadium and the people. I went back on the Tuesday. It’s what I do…