The Match:Rossendale v FC Halifax Town - Unibond Div1 North.

The Date:Monday April 5^th 2010

The Result:Rossendale 0-3 FC Halifax Town (Sykes, Wilde and Gray).

Despite our Easter Monday trip to Rossendale being only 28 miles distance wise its geographical location makes it one of the more awkward ones to reach using public transport. Some went to Rochdale by bus and then onto Whitefoot by similar means whilst others caught the train to Accrington and then a bus back to Rawtenstall.However i took the easy / soft option and cadged a lift with The Riddler whose trusty sat nav found us a parking place some 15 yards from their clubhouse door - happy days!!

However once inside the clubhouse it became apparent there was a problem with the old boiler - no not the one behind the bar but the one that provides the heating - as it was freezing inside and we had to make regular forays outside to get warm.

Having paid £7.00 admission and a further £1.50 for a very disappointing programme we surveyed Dark Lane itself; it is a basic stadium having an old fashioned covered seating stand on the half way mark down one touchline and a small covered terrace behind one goal. The rest of the viewing area is uncovered.

To the dismay of the 650 or so travelling Shaymen faithful in a total attendance of 745 the food kiosk had run out of pies even before kick-off - good to see they had learnt from last season - and by half time there were just hot drinks and chocolate bars available.

The game itself was routine enough for Aspin's' boys and our journey home with a 3-0 victory was job done and after a few bevies in the 3 Pigs it was off for the obligatory Ruby to round off a good day.

Journey Distance:56 miles.

Total Distance For The Season:3,034 miles.

Terry "Chadders" Sunderland.