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Programme Notes

Aldershot, 20 September 2003

Hello and welcome to BFCSA page.

It's a great pleasure to see Aldershot coming back to Underhill after an absence of over ten years. I'm sure you don't need reminding of the cruel fate they faced back then in the old 4th Division, or the fact that we had six points expunged!

But here they are again, battling their way back towards the Football League, just like the Bees. In fact, when we were faced with possible expulsion a short time after, contingency plans were in place to follow Aldershots example. But luckily for us they weren't required and I'm not sure that we would have risen from the ashes quite so fast, if at all.

Good luck for the rest of the season, but obviously after today's encounter!

STEVENAGE - AWESOME

Anyone who made the short trek up to Stevenage last week will definitely have got their monies worth. I personally think that was one of the best games I've ever been to. Maybe not the football itself, but the fans, the atmosphere and the way the lads came out in the second half to claim victory, especially as another Dagenham looked on the cards.

Before the game started it wasn't a case of 99 Red Balloons but more like 1000 orange ones. Earlier in the week I had 'acquired' about a thousand balloons on my travels and decided to take them to Stevenage. I'm not sure if they were all used but I'd like to thank Reckless for helping me distribute them before the game and everyone who blew them up. Also thanks to those who brought their own balloons along, as well as others who had shredded the 'confetti'.

As the team ran out I turned round to be faced by a sea of 'confetti' with orange and black balloons floating in amongst it. Awesome!

The constant chanting was relentless and I'm convinced the fans helped keep the score at 2-1. Martin Allen geed us up and even sent Ian Hendon round to take a place in the stand. I noticed Perez - the Stevenage 'keeper - tried to get his fans going, but to no avail.

I'm sure that's what made the difference and if you didn't go you must be kicking yourself.

The club's website message board was buzzing with excitement on Saturday night and Sunday. Here are a few of the comments:

'Awesome, I was nearly in tears when the team ran out to a truly presidential reception.'

'I loved every single minute of it. Martin Allen - thankyou so much. I'll never forget this - ever.'

'Today is the greatest day I've ever known....'

'My first away game, but not my last.'

'I believe today that us, the fans were to credit for the comeback.'

If you weren't at the match you might think some of these statements are over the top. If you were there you'll know better!

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