The three stooges ride again!

A visit to Rotherham and a first chance to see the New York Stadium turned into a day of ecstasy and agony!  The journey started at 07.30 for 2 CTSA coaches and a new CTSA coach traveller aka. Hulfie. Michael Hulf promised us some fan shots and as you can see on this page, he didn’t disappoint, capturing the fans’ day perfectly.

An early arrival in Rotherham meant many found time to take in the local sights, or pubs (unfortunately these were generally one and the same), just before the heavens opened. We’ll leave the match analysis to the experts (we wuz robbed!) but we went home feeling very pleased with the performance, although disappointed with the draw when we felt we could have won.  It’s strange how football makes you feel, as we would have all probably been happy with an away point before the game!

 We also challenged Craig Bratt to write a small piece/interview when he travels away (which is almost every game), so it gives you an insight into what we share as a group of fans supporting the team. For the first piece though, we found a neutral fan.

Here’s Craig’s interview.  Joe Cockburn was up first and although not a Crawley Town supporter we thought you would like to know what it’s like to be a neutral supporter watching the Reds.  Craig also persuaded Joe to wear a Crawley shirt! Nice work. Take care- Carol, CTSA Chair

A Neutral Perspective- Craig Bratt talks to Joe Cockburn

On Saturday, the Crawley faithful travelled to New York. Unfortunately, not New York, USA, but infact the namesake stadium in Rotherham. 204 travelling Red Army saw their side draw 2-2 to the high flying Millers, despite leading in the fourth minute of stoppage time.  Anyway, I’ll leave the reporting to the professionals and tell you about a new CTSA feature where at each away game we interview one member of the Reds contingent to get their views on the game. We start with Bradford City fan Joe Cockburn (17) who came to the New York Stadium due to the fact that his beloved Bantams weren’t in action. Joe predicted a 3-2 win for the Red Army – not far wrong!

What are you most looking forward to about the game?
The possibility of seeing Rotherham not win for once!

As a neutral, what did you think of the atmosphere at the match?
It was ok, but the game only really livened up after Crawley scored their first.

What did you make of the Crawley fans?  
They all have a great relationship between themselves and are easy to have a laugh with. They’re like a little family.

Trying not to make a comparison with your beloved Bantams, how well did Crawley play? 
I thought Rotherham were the better side but Crawley made some very good moves going forward, especially when they scored their two goals.

Who was the Reds’ stand out player? 
I’d say McFadzean. He kept (Alex) Revell out the game, as well as Haris Vuckic in the second half.

Where do you see Crawley finishing?
Comfortably 14th or 15th.

What cost Crawley today, and what was missing?
Bit slow in midfield and lack of clinical finishing in the second half. There is also lack of an out and out winger.

Finally Joe, today you wore the fantastic red of Crawley Town FC. Is this the greatest moment in your life?
Oh yes, forget Villa Park and Arsenal! (with Bradford City)

Words fro Carol Bates and Craig Bratt. Pictures from Michael Hulf- more can be found here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/michaelroberthulf/sets/72157640160428194/