Bradley Pritchard column

By Bradley Pritchard
Tamworth midfielder

Oxford's stadium alone seems out of place among the 'one stand and a burger van' places we've travelled to in the last one and a half seasons

First game of 2010, and the first game we've had for about three weeks, and it could not be any more difficult.

On Saturday we travelled to Oxford. When we arrived, it honestly felt like despite the fact that we play in the same league, we are actually worlds apart.

The stadium alone seems out of place among the 'one stand and a burger van' places we've travelled to in the last one and a half seasons.

We entered the changing room and my excitement levels were raised a few notches. Not only did they have showers, but bathtubs as well.

We even had three pegs each to hang up our clothes. It had been such a long time since we played, so in a way it felt like the opening day of the season again.

I think everyone was focussed. The gaffer's shoes were extra shiny, Iyseden's (Iyseden Christie) boots were clean, even Trigger (Gavin Hurren) had stopped talking about every person he knows in football.

As I said before after such a wait, it felt good to warm up again ready to play another 90 minutes.

The game was intense. Sometimes during the corners, you couldn't even hear your own voice. I thought we played well, but the back four and the keeper were outstanding, especially in the second half when Oxford were desperate to equalise.

I spoke to a friend who is an Oxford fan and (through gritted teeth) he said that we played some good football and did deserve the win.

During the game, it was clear that we had put everything we had into the game. Saying that though, I don't think it completely justifies the fact that both Jake (Jake Sheridan) and I got cramp within the first 15 minutes.

Gainsborough's changing room was cramped, the pitch was difficult, and the atmosphere was lacking. We had gone from playing in front of almost 6,000 to several hundred

After our cool-downs, we staggered into the changing room and found Geebo (Darren Gee, assistant manager) making full use of the facilities. He was lying in one of the several baths that were provided, with bubble bath spilling over the sides. I guess it wasn't just the players who were taking advantage of the situation.

Tuesday brought us straight back down to earth. We took a trip to Gainsborough Trinity, on a cold, cold night. The difference could not have been any more apparent.

The changing room was cramped, the pitch was difficult, and the atmosphere was lacking. We had gone from playing in front of almost 6,000 to several hundred.

The game was always going to be more a test of our mental toughness. We had invested so much into the game on Saturday, that in a way, Tuesday's match was much more challenging.

In truth, we didn't play very well, but at least we kept a clean sheet. We now have the replay scheduled for next week Tuesday.

At training on Monday the gaffer was aware that we were still recovering. We had a shorter training session, and we were lucky enough to have some of the masseurs come in and work their magic.

In other news, during the snow-affected period, a few of us decided to have a little competition. Smudger (Chris Smith), Jake, Shawsy (Tom Shaw), Taity (Richard Tait) and I all took part in a ''last man standing moustache-growing' contest.

We all put in an amount, and the last person to shave took the winnings. The moustache was the only facial hair allowed. In theory it was a good idea, but it became clear that we weren't playing on a level base.

Taity takes forever to grow a moustache and Shawsy's facial hair is blonde, so it's pretty much invisible. We decided to continue it despite that. Smudger and I had the best 'taches I think.

After a week or so though, everyone gave up. Smudge was sick of being called Tom Selleck from Magnum PI my girlfriend refused to walk next to me in public if I kept mine, Jake's patchy 'tache looked horrendous and I think the others just got bored.