The Specials - E-Werk, Köln

The Specials

I waited a long time to see The Specials. One of the few bands from my youth which I missed the first time round. Then when they reformed, the gigs were in the UK and sold out within a few hours, so when I read they were playing 3 hours from me, I just had to get tickets. And I did. In January...for a gig in September. Nothing like being prepared is there?

This would mean me missing yet another Bückeburg game, this time away at bottom club Rotenburger SV. And would you believe it we win 2-1 after being a goal down. So two wins, and both times I have missed it. I think the football gods are trying to tell me something. I shall miss the next home game which for some bizarre reason is on a Friday, as I have tickets for Hannover 96 v Werder Bremen.

So it was off to a city which I despise, namely Köln (Cologne for all those anglophiles out there). Set off on Saturday midday and were staying overnight. 

Köln

 

 Whilst eating a meal, at a truly blinding gaff on the way to the venue, I checked my iPhone to see that Orient were 0-2 down at Huddersfield Town. Couldn't seem to find out how Romford were getting on at home to Needham Market, and Hannover earned a creditable draw away at Augsburg.

Turned off the phone thinking we had suffered yet another defeat, only to find Mrs Reject smiling at me, whilst looking at her phone. We had scored 2 goals in the last five minutes to draw. Kevin Lisbie with his first goal for the O's and Ben Chorley with the equaliser.

Big Ben Chorley

I was happy. May have also had something to do with the copious amounts of Weissenbier I had quoffed in the pub. And finding out that Romford had held one of the favourites at home to a 1-1 draw, Chuck Duru with our goal, I was feeling cock-a-hoop!

Our very own Chuck D

 The gig!


Phenomonal, what more is there to say? Although, I thought the vocals of Terry Hall and Neville Staple could have been cranked up a couple of notches. 


All the favourites were trotted out, complete with an encore. However, I was waiting for "Ghost Town", which they surprisingly didn't play. 


Atmosphere was good, as was to be expected. Venue, was also excellent but I have been there so many times, it is almost like a second home. 


Off to Bückeburg on the Sunday and more good news. In the Essex derby, Romford Raiders beat Chelmsford Chieftains 5-4 to maintain their 100% record. Even AJ Smith played with a mashed up thumb (against doctors orders).

Fellow Karl Pilkington fan, AJ Smith

Fantastic start to the season, and to be honest I can't really see us losing at all. It is bound to happen but to win ugly against your local rivals is pretty darn impressive. 

That's what it means for JJ McGrath