Hmmmm.

[fairweatherfan]

All I’d ask is was the ‘ballot’ a straightforward, honest ballot?

The answer to that is demonstrably no (and don’t anyone try to tell me otherwise; parts of it may have been, but I know for a fact parts weren’t).

Now I don’t necessarily have an issue with that - there are plenty of people who go home and away who should be there, so fair enough.

But what of people like me - no social media presence, largely keep myself to myself - who it feels like didn’t have much chance? I think there are some legitimate lessons to be learned moving forwards if we have realistic national league ambitions.

And before anyone has a go - this isn’t mindless criticism of the club (we do a hell of a lot of stuff right and I don’t take that for granted), but perhaps an opportunity to reflect on what we need to do as we progress (and for my part, buy a season ticket!)

[Josh1873]

That's where my frustration is right now. Maybe it's me being a bit 'thick' but I just can't get my head around why this fixture is being allowed to go ahead as it is, when there is a completely safe alternative that would benefit both clubs and the fans. It's ludicrous. Maybe that frustration is mis-placed. I don't know.

t's just a game of bloody football, ain't it!

I don't necessarily disagree but playing devil's advocate...How would you feel if Kettering had a tough away game switched to a home game in these circumstances? My view would immediately be it's not fair that they get an extra home game just because not all of their fans can go. It's not going to be "unsafe" at Stourbr*dge and it won't be easy for our fans to get tickets in the home end (or any easier than it is for any segregated game) because you need a purchase history on their website.

Re: An extra home game, I think that's a fair point. I do understand why some teams would have an issue with it and it would provide us with an unfair advantage, but I would argue that if we were to win the league by 3 points (very unlikely!) which included an 'away' win v Stour at the Grove, I don't think Kettering or anyone else could really argue. You finish where you finish in the league based on 40plus game. Not because of one result. If a team doesn't get promoted they only have themselves to blame, not us in a one off game due to unforeseen and exceptional circumstances!

Re: Safety. I'm probably overreacting a little there. Although, I don't fear for my safety personally, I am fully expecting to see scuffles, objects thrown, and I wouldn't be surprised to see violence in the stands to a point people sustain injuries. It'll be due to the small minority of idiots (kids) who aren't regulars, and not the genuine fans. I understand this could still happen at the Grove, but it would be less likely and segregation could be easily managed. That's my gripe with the league.

HH made a good point above. There's some great Stourbr*dge fans who I used to love having a natter in the bar after the game, and even during. That's gone now due to segregation caused by idiots. It's sad.

Anyway, it's all done and sorted, one way or the other. Hopefully my fears about idiots spoiling it aren't realised and it's a great game.

[piearce9]

All I’d ask is was the ‘ballot’ a straightforward, honest ballot?

The answer to that is demonstrably no (and don’t anyone try to tell me otherwise; parts of it may have been, but I know for a fact parts weren’t).

Now I don’t necessarily have an issue with that - there are plenty of people who go home and away who should be there, so fair enough.

But what of people like me - no social media presence, largely keep myself to myself - who it feels like didn’t have much chance? I think there are some legitimate lessons to be learned moving forwards if we have realistic national league ambitions.

And before anyone has a go - this isn’t mindless criticism of the club (we do a hell of a lot of stuff right and I don’t take that for granted), but perhaps an opportunity to reflect on what we need to do as we progress (and for my part, buy a season ticket!)

I don't think anyone will have a go, because you're absolutely spot on.

[andy]

HH is quite right, there didn't used to 'forced' segregation and there wasn't any trouble. By keeping fans apart it gives the kids a chance to act all bravado because there is a fence between us. Personally I don't think there will be any trouble anyway, maybe a few dickheads chasing each other up the roads afterwards like a comedy Benny Hill sketch. I suspect the Stour fans are as embarrassed by them as much as we are.

[YeltzDoc]

HH is quite right, there didn't used to 'forced' segregation and there wasn't any trouble.

There was Brother Avery. Mid-late 80's, bloke being lead away across the pitch by a female copper, with the blood running down his back from where he'd been stabbed.

I'm afraid there's always been idiots. Let's hope that it all just kids and verbals on Saturday.

[Laurel Lane Lamper]

There wasn’t when we’d catch the 130, were watching their Sid Nicholls and Buddy Holly’s Raining In My Heart played over the tannoy

[YeltzDoc]

You see Andy? The problem is that your nostalgia isn't old enough.

[andy]

HH is quite right, there didn't used to 'forced' segregation and there wasn't any trouble.

There was Brother Avery. Mid-late 80's, bloke being lead away across the pitch by a female copper, with the blood running down his back from where he'd been stabbed.

I'm afraid there's always been idiots. Let's hope that it all just kids and verbals on Saturday.

Yeah, forgot that. But after that I don't remember any.

[Yeltzbaby]

Excellent points all round, well made everyone.
See you all there I am glad I have my ticket.

[Josh1873]

2 portable toilets between 450 Yeltz fans. I'm pretty sure that breaches legislation!