A football first

Until last Friday I had never watched BBC’s Match of the Day. That might have some of you spitting out your breakfast with shock but those who know me will understand my love rugby far exceeds my affection for football. I was keen to break the mold last week to support Exeter City in the FA Cup. I am an incredibly proud Devonian, combine that with a chance to get behind the underdog and I was happy to become a temporary armchair supporter.

This game caught the eye of thousands and gave Exeter City the opportunity they were ready to embrace. Through to the third round they were drawn against one of the top Premiership sides, Liverpool, seventy six league places above them. The FA Cup is the one opportunity the lower level clubs have to shake things up against the multimillion pound professional clubs, as Exeter’s manager Paul Tisdale put it “we have nothing to loose”, and they certainly proved it.

The Devon team hosted Liverpool at their central Exeter ground St James Park; the mud bath and nine thousand capacity stadium a million miles apart from Anfield. The Grecians used the home support to their advantage and rattled the visitors cage with an early lead. Liverpool quickly retaliated equalising just minutes later and suddenly looking the more dominant force. Minutes before half time Exeter still unfazed took the score to 2-1 with a single kick from the corner putting the pressure back on.

The game ended with a two all draw, a dream come true for the club and its supporters. The initial disappointment of not maintaining that lead will have soon washed over as the team prepare for the rematch at Anfield, in less than ten days time. Not only is this another opportunity to put Devon and Exeter City on the football map, it is a chance for the club to benefit financially. It has been suggested the club could be up to £1M better off after their trip up North.

Dry January

I sympathise with anyone born in January. Not only is it a dark and dismal time of year, it also falls directly after the party season when most of us are recovering financially and physically. A friend of mine has his birthday on New Years Eve. I used to feel sorry for him losing his special day amidst the nation wide celebrations, I now realise the benefits. There is no need for any forward planning or to even arrange an event, all of your friends will be keen for any type of party. A friend’s sister on the other hand was born only two days later and what a difference that makes. The 2^nd January has to be the most challenging date to arrange a party and entice your guests to let their hair down on the same scale. For starters the trend of a “dry January” is growing in popularity and only two days in most people’s will power should still be holding strong. This is then compounded by money-saving nights in accompanied by the various television offerings we are spoilt with this month. I am speaking from personal experience right now - I am happy to pack away my glad rags for at least a few weeks and replace them with warm pyjamas and a cup of hot chocolate.

The grey wet days we have been experiencing do not encourage you to venture out to the bars and restaurants or don your trainers and stick to those “get fit and healthy” resolutions. I must admit I am a slight fair weather fairy and most notably when it comes to riding my bike. On a serious note, cycling in some of the wind and rain we have seen recently would be irresponsible but thankfully there are still plenty of indoor options - so no excuses.