Season In Review 2011/12
8 May
So this is my season in review 2011/12.
I sat here writing this still supporting a Conference North side, although it was a little nail-biting towards the end. It was a position that Colwyn Bay shouldn’t have been in after being on 42 points at the end of January. Nevertheless, a late season wobble, coupled with an incredible set of results saw us dragged into a relegation battle. After a late season rally, we survived on merit. It was a victory made all the sweeter as the team was largely the team that achieved promotion to the Conference North, with a couple of additions. Any spare budget was spent getting the ground upgraded to Conference North standards. By jove we did that too!
So we go into season 2012/13 with confidence. On paper it appears to be a tougher league with a lot of tough teams (Halifax I believe will be the team to beat. Chester, Guiseley & the losing playoff finalist will challenge as well), but hopefully we can put together a decent, mid table Conference North side. For that I will be happy!
And now, onto my end of season awards!

Best Away Day for 2011/12 - Bishop's Stortford
Favourite Away Day
Three days out stuck for me. The first was Gloucester City. A huge ground (they play at Cheltenham), in a nice part of the world and with a great set of fans that I follow on Twitter was great. Altrincham was fun as well as it was a non-league powerhouse, in the easiest ground for me to get to in the league, and meeting some great Altrincham fans (including Jack, who we took under our wings for the game).
However, in terms of the day, my favourite trip was Bishop’s Stortford. Mainly for the pre/post game. Having to get a train at 9am was completely alien to a fan who’d consider Clitheroe a huge away day previously was a novelty. Also spending the day with a good friend of mine was fun. The newness of the Conference North, and ending up drinking in Leicester Square, going to a Casino, and failing miserably to chat up a Polish girl with fantastic breasts. It felt remarkably big time. We are Colwyn Bay, and we are Conference North.

Favourite Match - Altrincham
Favourite Away Match
Seeing Witton Albion produce an amazing display to beat Spennymoor United in the FA Cup was definitely a highlight. They have a fantastic setup, and should be well set for Evostik Premier League. The game away at Stalybridge Celtic was a great performance, though helped with an early sending off, though the Nuneaton Town performance was a crucial point as well. Although it was a losing effort, the 3-2 defeat to Hyde was a cracking match.
In terms of performance and entertainment though, the match against Altrincham was my match of the season. A match that saw us stop a slump, Frank Sinclair’s last minute winner, and 7 fricking goals. Not a day for defences, but a great win against a non-league big boy.
Most Emotional Away Day
A special award, but the trip to Bramall Lane was an emotional day. The first home game for Sheffield United since the death of their former player & manager Gary Speed. Just wished I visit in happier times.
Worst Away Day
Boston United. Though probably wasn’t as bad as what I originally wrote, Boston United was not exactly the most friendliest away day I’d been on. Should’ve got 3 points there, beyond a fantastic goal.
Worst Away Match
A couple of games you’d notice I’ve been on but not talked about. Nuneaton was a nice day and a great performance (I just got a wee bit drunk and forgot to take any photos. Whoops!), but another game was Workington. Nearly in tears on the way home after a wet, dismal day and a drab performance. Plus Adele was on the radio as well.
What Of This Blog?
And yes, what of this blog!
Well towards the end of the season I did struggle keeping it updated. As such I am looking for a few people to help with the load and guest post (click here if you want to guest post). There are a few new grounds for me to visit. As things stand, next season I am due to visit:-
- Chester (though I have been to The Deva Stadium before, when they were Chester City)
- Corby Town
- Hinckley/Darlington (I think Hinckley will probably be repreived)
- Brackley
- Droylsden
- Kettering Town
There will possibly be one more as well, depending on the playoffs. Coupled that with FA Cup & FA Trophy and possible away days, then we could have around 8/9 posts on this here blog.
Over a season, that’s not many!
So – assuming I don’t get any more guest bloggers, this blog will be quieter next season than last. Also I will also be going away less next year (it became very expensive towards the end!) – but should be going to the majority of away games for Colwyn Bay, as well as a few other grounds if I’m bored.
There’s one game that is definite, the Olympic Football that I will be covering. I’ve an idea on how to keep the blog ticking over in the summer. I need to write it though (I’m locking myself in a pub to write it!). Thanks to all the wonderful fans and people I have met in the last 9 months. It’s been a journey.
In Newbs We Trust.
Come on the Bay!
Rhys Wynne
(@ystbah)