"Derby Time"

It's third division football
During international week
My mate got me a comp for a Mons game
Which is all I really seek.
Not as in the freebie
But a new ground for a 'tick'
Royal Albert Elisabeth Mons
Was his perfect pick.
A former first division club
Fallen on hard times
Stadium only half modernised
As they attempt an upward climb.
The place is still lovable 
A mix of old and new
And thanks to his gratis VIP tickets
We had a perfect halfway view.
I'm not sure if that was a good thing
Some of the skill was rather dire
To be honest it was easy to see
Why they're not going any higher.
Atmosphere manufactured
A full blown brass band
To be fair they were quite good
But failed to gee up our stand.
Over in the far corner
Away fans passionate and loud
Aided by illegal pyro
Doing their reputation proud.
Such a waste of passion
The game wasn't the best I've seen
Constant mislaid passes
Shame the players weren't half as keen.
Wayward shots aplenty
There was some football as well
Not much that will live in the memory
But hardly groundhopping hell.
 
Dulwich Poet 27th March 2017

(Last Saturday a Belgian friend took me to a third division local derby, Mons versus La Louviere. It was a one all draw)