My Sporting Diary: Part 2

The latest entry in my sporting diary, as the feud between Mourinho and Conte continues, and my Ashes misery is finally put to bed.

My Sporting Diary: Part 1

The first entry in my 2018 sporting diary, including darts discussions, Jose Mourinho moaning, and Eden Hazard's balancing problems.

2017: History in Hertfordshire

Football, bloody hell. That famous expression used by Alex Ferguson after Manchester United had completed the treble came back to me on Saturday November 4, 2017. Some might say that Boreham Wood's moment of history against Blackpool in the FA Cup first round, should not be mentioned in the same sentence as Clive Tyldesley's "balmy night in Barcelona". Try telling that to anyone lucky enough to be at Meadow Park as the final whistle sounded.

2000: England v West Indies, Lord's

England had not beaten the West Indies in a Test series since 1969. But hopes were high as the two teams headed to Edgbaston for the series opener.

Leaving Highbury behind

This article originally appeared in issue 265 of The Gooner.

I can't keep thinking about the past. It's probably just my age - I'm 41 and fast turning into a grumpy old man - but I've reached the stage of hankering for the good old days. In truth, when you put on the rose-tinted specs and take a trip down memory lane, you tend to recall the highs rather than the lows. Yet there is one thing that I'm sure most Gooners (of a certain age) would agree on; I miss Highbury so much.

2016 T20 Blast: Northamptonshire

I love an underdog triumph as much as the next man, and when the victorious tale involves a team that you support, then it is that much sweeter. To call Northamptonshire underdogs in the T20 format may sound odd; after all, the county won the tournament in 2013, and were runners-up last season. Yet in terms of resources, the county are a prime example of a team punching above their weight.

During my childhood I was lucky enough to enjoy the era of Lamb, Larkins, Bailey, Capel and so many others, including current coach David Ripley. The two final defeats in 1987 were hard to take, and the 1995 County Championship contenders containing Anil Kumble was another story of so near yet so far. Our 2013 T20 win was thrilling, but it was only when I started to take my son to Wantage Road in 2014, that my enthusiasm was truly stirred again.

2015/16: Boreham Wood

In this season of Leicester City and their Hollywood story, it is easy for some achievements to go by unnoticed. Rotherham staying up, the resurgence of Barnsley, and Northampton's triumph through adversity, just three examples of relative success that should be applauded.