Sleeping with the enemy (Part Four)
17/04/03 | by Ivan Murfin

If ever a broken foot could come at a good time, then it was a blessing that it occurred on the brink of a stretch of two away games. The games at Preston and Wimbledon resulted in a draw and a win respectively. Not too bad, but dropped points up north could be a factor come May time.

Once again I relied on Fletch and Birtles' totally unbiased opinions of the games and caught up with more news from the forums. Away games at the moment are not part of my curriculum, but the hope is one or two before the end of the season and definitely to be a regular feature next season come what may.

Whilst totally transfixed to the Garibaldi’s progress, there was always a slight tilt of the head to take in our neighbour’s results and wallow in their woe. It all bode well for March 19, such a big date to all Trickies, but extra special to someone living in the lair of so many prideless pussies.

After days, weeks it seems, and at last the end of all the speculation and nail-chewing as Hucks signs up as a ’loaner’ 'til the end of the season. Quality signing, as the weeks hence would show, especially when we heard that ‘not so much money now bags’ Adams and others were up for him too.

Maybe the club's PR men could do a job though when we hear that Hucks has come back to the Jerusalem of the Midlands to live with his Mum and Marlon enjoys shopping with the rest of the Forest boys - not exactly fighting talk!

Before then we had the visit of Palace and Stoke, I was confident with regards to Palace, and the result proved me correct. Marlon, or ‘Marlondino’, scores his wonder goal that has everyone buzzing except it seems the TV pundits. Come on Kamara, give us a break, or rather maybe not, after your predictions well into the season that Dreby will return to the Premiership??? Leave us alone…kiss of death mate, you are.

I had concerns about Stoke, struggling and desperate for safety points; these teams always had a tendency to re-write the script. Both the Walsall and Coventry games had gone against logical thinking.

But how wrong I was, and countless others I don’t doubt. Four up at half time with Stoke fans calling for an early taxi. Behind them from the echelons of the Upper Bridgeford, Trickies celebrating and taunting them whilst enjoying a sweet tasting half-time pint.

Once again Marlon’s boots did his talking, taking the honours with four of his own and even letting Johnno and Jess get in on the act ensuring an embarrassing visit for the visitors from the Potteries. And we aint even unleashed the Hucks yet………….…ooooh dear Dreby!!! Oooh dear Division one!!!

A class performance, quality atmosphere and the thought that the purchase of my season ticket best thing I’ve done for entertainment value since pledging 20 quid for Joanna Lumley to strip on comic relief (well it was a while ago and she was pretty fit).

Meanwhile, back at the farm, things go from bad to worse. On corresponding dates, the sheep sh**gers had been thrashed by Pompey and beaten convincingly by Burnley. Ravioli had returned with typical eyetie bravado of promising 10 goals before the end of the season. Fat chance, unless 9 were penalties and one off his backside. Gregory is sent from the dugout at Pompey apparently for disputing a throw-in. A turning point in the game that throw-in, I mean it was close ..6-2… wasn’t it?

Onto Watford and we claim a well-earned point off one of the two sides to beat us at home in the league. Huckerby fever hits town as the debut boy grabs the equaliser.

Gillingham next, and I treat the wife to a well earned night out for a drink and a meal… a glass of lager, cheese cob and best seat in the house as we watch the Reds performance on Sky in the Pitch Diner. I know how to treat a lady, especially one who works for the enemy.I think she did well. Another Huckerby performance that combined with Marlon's efforts had her sitting on the edge of her seat!

Oh how I would have loved to be a fly on the wall of her office the next day. I did want to suggest that she had a quiet word with Warren Barton and advise him to retire early, just to save his forthcoming embarrassment in the coming couple of weeks.

Bring on March 19...