The ref dribbled...then gave the nod Nov. 14, 2006

As for the match : the pitch was sodden, almost unplayable in the corner. The ref dribbled a ball, twisted and turned… then gave the nod – the match would go on – and the fans, queued between the puddles, backing up out of the car park into the road, hurried through the turnstiles to take their places on either side and in the stand at one end. The other, flattened, awaiting a new stand (Gretna Premiership material).

Doonhamers, as away fans… shoulder to shoulder and on tiptoe in the chicken run, blue & white scarves + old-fashioned rattles in hand… swearing and cursing and smiling and swearing and cursing at the Anvil’s wiley Steven Tosh, lining up on their wing. And the match hadn’t even started. Irene was in the home section, with her sister, forgoing Carlisle at Swindon. The subs stretched their legs on no man’s land. Brooks hobbled to the back of the popular stand : here we go again.

Doonhamers mouths ajar : more swearing – Tosh scoring and making the second… three down in 25 minutes!!! (in a game the Queens thought they could win – a game billed for revenge). Some of their support drifted away to the chip shop. And finally it was 5.

In the boardroom, a Life president of Doncaster Rovers, as guest, plucked photos from his suit pocket, showing Rovers new facility due to open eve of Xmas Eve : a present to the people : 15,000 all-seater. A model for Gretna.

Next door Rowan, manager of Gretna, former Queen of The South man, half-shook the hands of departing Queens directors… then slumped on the couch in a glow. Gretna top again.