Ruminations On A Trophy Lost, A Hangover Gained

Bill "The Boro Man" McCartney honra nuestro Blog con esta interesante y sabia perspectiva de la V Edición desde el bando Sheffielder. Ni quito ni pongo coma pero ayudo a mí señor. Enjoy it:

I thought I’d put down a few thoughts for the blog, following the latest visit to Yorkshires’ Broad Acres by the esteemed Porcos Bravos. The arrival in Sheffield on Friday night was heralded by a few beers in the Hillsborough Barracks Tavern. I usually go to this pub prior to my infrequent visits to see the Owls at Hillsborough. The thought of what is to come usually inspires one to take on vast amounts of ale to cauterise the senses.
This occasion was no different, a quick “Hello” to the Porcos Boys then to the bar to get, in the words of David Gilmour, “Comfortably Numb” then on to the “Dogs”. The visit to the track left some of the Porcos lads a little bemused by our odd English past times, especially when the cricket came on the TV too. Still, they took this on with their usual enthusiasm and were smart enough to avoid the Cundy/McCartney/Big Dunc Spread Betting Masterplan (which failed miserably, naturally) and instead embraced the much more successful Dave ‘n’ Lizzi Thompson – this one’s got a blue and white vest so must win, strategy. The pain of my loss was eased later back at the Tavern especially as there was a Rock Band assailing the ear ‘oles with some classic covers. Right up front were Sergio and Arturo – Rock’n’ Roll hearts, both.

I met up again on the Sunday for the big game. In glorious sunshine the game was an exciting, tight affair, but not as tight as most of the Stags obviously were the night before. The Porcos continued their recent run of success with a mixture of subtle skills and shouting which seemed to play on the hangovers of the Stags veterans.

Santi – Another excellent display in goal. Made some crucial saves when the Stags briefly threatened to get into the game. Boro need a keeper, get an agent.
Fontaiña– Unfazed by making his debut on Sheffield soil. Plays like a Pro. You should pay him.
Alejandro - “Messi” put in a brilliant display. Await the call from Diego Maradona soon – He wants to know where the drugs are.
Charlie – Another “Sheffield Rookie” who put in an assured performance, cool on the ball, even cooler in the bar.
Marcos – “The Engine” covered every blade of plastic on the pitch, with plenty left in the tank for the ale session afterwards.
Martin – “The Goal Machine” A deadly right foot strike. Makes a change from going in off the back of his head.
Sergio – A typically mercurial performance from the Rock’n’Roller, missed a sitter, scored a cracker. The Porcos’ very own Alphonso Alaves.
Fran – He’s the Guv’nor. Played like Raffa Benitez was watching on the sideline.

The Stags are looking a bit like the Boro. I fear for the future as the minds are willing but the lure of the bar is too great. Big Ray is talking about a comeback. Think we’ll need him.
We swiftly adjourned to the Porterbrook and were well looked after by the landlord, who was a mate of Gallo’s (and he still let us in!). The lads seemed to enjoy the Yorkshire Tapas of sarnies, sausage rolls and Indian snacks. We then taxied to the Fat Cat for quality ales and sat in the Yard, the Porcos lads re-living the game, the Stags gazing into their beer and whistling quietly to themselves. We then moved on to the Kelham Island Tavern, one the best Real Ale pubs in the street. More liquid memory loss and Hendersons Relish flavoured crisps. Final stop was at the Harlequin, or Ron Clayton’s office, as we know it. Finally the bitter taste of defeat was replaced by the taste of bitter. The visit of the Porcos’ Bravos to Sheffield has become an institution – yes we should all be locked up – boom boom! Us Yorkshire Lads like our tradition and this one is a bit special. Long may it continue.

To celebrate the latest visit, I have composed a song, “I’ve Got Those Old Anglo/Galician Cup Hangover Blues Again Mama” which I’m recording with The Boro Man Blues Band. I will send you a copy once it’s done. There is a rumour that a certain Mr David Thompson may be making his recording debut on this one!