AT LAST..

Forget Manchester United. Forget Chelsea. Forget Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City and all the BIG clubs. Even forget Saints` 1-0 home win over Leeds yesterday, for nothing, but nothing can compare to the performance of Durham City FC, pictured above. A few posts ago (see `INCOMPETENCE AND HEROISM` on 23rd February) I reported on the plight of Durham City and the fact that, at that time, they had played 25 games in the Unibond Premier League this season, lost them all, scored a measly 15 goals and let in 131.

Well, all that has changed. Yesterday, they travelled to FC United of Manchester - the club formed a few seasons ago by those disenchanted with the Glazers taking over Manchester United - and, before a crowd of over 2,000, Durham won the game 2-1. The three points gained were their first of the season. Their first goal from Andrew Stephenson was probably the cheekiest strike of the campaign as he lobbed United ‘keeper Sam Ashton from near the halfway line and then Durham ‘keeper Rhys Jobling became the North East side’s hero with a penalty save to his right although at times it was all hands to the pumps to keep United out.

The victory has been hailed by true football fans from all over the country, as witnessed by the congratulations and encouragement posted on the club`s website, even from fans of FC United of Manchester themselves:-

"Well done today, I'm an FCUM fan and I have to say well done, you deserved all 3 points for the battling spirit you showed. In the end I think everyone was in agreement you deserved the win and we can only wish you the best for the future".

The League table hasn`t changed much for Durham. They have now played 29 games, scored 18 goals and let in 138, giving them a goal difference of -120. They are still in negative points territory on minus three points, 26 behind the team next to bottom, Ossett Town. But none of that matters, for yesterday was a day to savour, not just for Durham but for all those who know of their problems and can at last rejoice in the triumph of the underdog.