Well, I'm new to this (also not great at English - punctuation wise, as you'll see) but giving it a try so thought I'd start with how I grew to love Kingstonian FC.
It first started when I was reading a local paper called The Football Pink (aye, a pink paper!) back in 1998 - the season after Kingstonian were promoted from the Isthmian Premier - I was a big Newcastle supporter at the time of this. I just happened to notice this name, it seemed to stand out for some reason, and I began to watch out for their results every time I got this paper.
It wasn't until 2002 that I went down to my first game, my first ever Non-League match as well. A 'gentleman' named Brian Giffard ;) had invited me to come down for a match. (I think it was because my mam wanted a shirt for me or something and he was surprised to hear we were from Newcastle).
So on the 23rd March 2002 I was travelling down to my first ever game which I was also amazingly going to be the mascot for as well vs St Albans City - we even got our taxi fare payed for by Brian himself, which would have cost a bomb coming to the ground from Kings Cross. I was really nervous and excited before we even got there but even worse (more) when we did. They treat me and my mam so well all day, I can't remember her having to pay for a thing (and this is a Non-League side) V.I.P isn't the word for it. It was much (and still is) appreciated. Everyone was so nice to us, the fans, the staff - I couldn't have wished to support a nicer club IMHO.
So 3pm got closer and I got more and more excited - I got to go into the changing rooms for the team talk. Although I had to wait outside before the final team talk, I wonder why ;) I was leading out with Goalkeeper and Captain Lance Key onto the pitch - it was an amazing feeling and one that will live with me forever and a day! Such a lovely sunny day it was as well, I just looked around in amazement when I was coming off for the match to kick-off.
We were sitting in the guest seats of course ;) so at HT we went in 1-0 up and inside we went. A massive selection of biscuits were brought in and my eyes lit up. Me an Nicholas (Brian's son) were too busy chomping away on them with a cup of tea that we missed our second goal - scored by the man who rarely scored as well, Sean Thurgood. We ended up going 4-0 up then my Nanna rang up to see how things were going to me mam...Oh dear, we conceded 2 quick goals whilst she was on the phone and nearly a third - I shouted a them to get off the phone! Wasn't going to have them jinxing our result. The final whistle went and we were all very happy chappies! Kingstonian 4-2 St Albans City.
What a great day, a great club and a great set of fans. They had been through (and were still going through) hell at that time but treat us (and still do) so brilliant - I will forever love Kingstonian FC, and hope to someday live down there or near so I can go to every match home and away!
I will have to learn all the songs and stop being such a shy bugger sometime in the future :)
I'd like a song dedicated to Geordie K one day! ;) jk. Keep up the good work guys, those who invent those great songs and those who sing them every game, it's a pleasure to watch and listen.
Not good with blogs I don't think - but I tried - I'll post more soon and hopefully become better at what I put. Thanks so much if you have managed to not fall asleep and get this far ;)
Rob (Geordie Ks Fan)
