We've seen quite a few new faces this season and subsequently we're not quite the finished article yet but we're getting there. And for once the fixtures have been kind to us with potentially the biggest league game in our history being scheduled for the end of the season.
Among the most recent recruits Connor and Macca have unearthed a gem in Charlotte Cunningham. I saw her play for the first time yesterday and was very impressed. She scored a great goal from an equally brilliant through ball from Gabriella Howell, who has excelled in her new role in a Dartford shirt this season. I say that as Gabby is no stranger to the central midfield position infront of the defensive line, which she's made her own and should guarantee her place in the starting line up, as I believe she used to play there during her time at Crystal Palace.
Watching Charlotte creates the same buzz I used to get when Amy Russ got on the ball within shooting range when I'd already start thinking "Goal!!!!". And it usually was.
Amy Russ, Brionne Fowle and Emily Vaughan were always going to be hard acts to follow. But no need to worry because things could get even better as I've also heard Vaughany might be making a comeback! That would be massive and would feel like a new marquee signing. I'm sure everyone will be delighted to see her back. Not only is her anticipation infront of goal from set pieces second to none but she wins a lot of fouls in dangerous areas. Combine that with the form of our free kick specialist Abbey Davies and say no more. Also, on Sunday's evidence, Paris Smith was back to her best with a trade mark vintage Paris header for the final goal of the afternoon.
I would like to say it was an uneventful journey home for a change on Sunday night too. The last passenger to board the coach at Victoria was a young man of Middle Eastern descent. Upon checking his ticket the driver enquired as to where his friend was not once but twice. The guy refused to answer and legged it to a seat at the back of the coach. Or maybe he locked himself in the lavatory. The driver called out again with a passenger backing him up by shouting, "He's only asking you a simple question!". With no reponse forthcoming the driver appeared to give up and commenced the journey. For someone who once lived in Israel, during a period where suicide bombers boarding buses was in fashion, I was a bit surprised there was nomore folllow up considering the man's behaviour. His ticket clearly wasn't a full one. I once had a chat with a bus driver in Tel Aviv who said his profession was held in high esteem by the public. He also told me the pay was very good too. Probably to reflect the risks involved. When it comes to danger money I'd rather be a deep sea diver on a North Sea oil rig any day of the week.
Fortunately I was fully prepared for this journey. I had purchased two cans of Red Bull in advance of my two consecutive overnight trips and never got round to drinking them. So with my backpack half open on the vacant seat next to me, with both cans strategically placed at the top, I was ready if he suddenly kicked off. I could view the passenger aisle from the the front of the vehicle all the way to the back via the cctv screen above the driver. When the National Express bomber made his move I was confident two cans of Red Bull would sort him out with the second one as back up incase I was off target with the first. Fortunately there was no further cause for alarm and he baled out at Manchester, which is one of several drop off points on the way to Blackpool where the Red Bulls are now being safely stored in the fridge. The energy drink is certainly excellent value for money now I've discovered it can keep you alert without having to actually drink it!
Mentioning Manchester has reminded me I'm looking forward to having a relaxing drink with Amanda, Blackpool's most dangerous woman, tomorrow evening.
She's Man Utd through and through and rumours among the locals have it I'm her future partner in crime. Well, what do they know? At the end of the day what they don't know they'll make up anyway.
At the tender age of 19 Amanda took a single tenancy managing a pub. However, she soon decided the pub game wasn't for her when she lost her licence 4 years later at the age of 23. She refused to serve a guy she deemed to be drunk which was fully justified when he threw his glass at her. She promptly laid him out then called the police where she got done for using excessive force. The abusive customer was 6ft plus. Amanda is the same build as Dart's captain Xayla-Rae Alberts.
When I first heard about the incident her mum said, "James, you couldn't imagine a girl of my daughter's size putting someone like that on their backside could you"?
I replied, "Oh yes I can actually. Make no mistake about that".
And despite being on crutches at the moment, neither did it stop her being involved in the thick of it during an altercation between a group of people outside a bar last weekend when, upon discarding one crutch, she had one bloke up against a lamppost with her free hand around his throat according to an eye witness.
But she really is a lovely girl when you get to know her. Honest guv.
