By Cuth
April 2 2002

It seems so long ago since we were in the Conference. But it was only 1997/98 when we were last there, and back again we go. But forget that, I have done a story about that great day at Kidderminster. I hope it cheers you up.

That day I woke up early. The nerves were unbelievable. Even though it was only a matter of time before we got the points needed to win the league, the butterflies were still going mad in my stomach.

I did my usual routine. Teeth in, toilet for a wee, grease on the head and sweep the hair over the bald patch. Then downstairs for breakfast.

That morning was different to usual mornings. It is usually hard to wake up Rupe, but the phone rang, and up he was ringing to make sure I was awake.

I had a bit of porridge, I practically had to force feed myself because of the nerves. Then it was back upstairs, teeth brushed, clothes on, and out of the door to meet Rupe and then off to get the supporters coach.

Once we got to the swimming baths we could feel the excitement. There was a real buzz in everyone. There seemed to be thousands waiting for the buses. Then the convoy of buses turned up. 5,6, or maybe 7 of them. There was a mad scramble by people, wanting to get the best seats and hopefully avoid the seats by the toilet. Unfortunately that's where me and Rupe ended up, but the stench of a toilet was not going to spoil our day.

On arrival at Kidderminster we decided to queue straight up to go into the ground. There were camera crews, photographers and thousands of Town fans there.

Once in the ground, I went into a day dream. Wondering how it will feel to see the town win the league. I was thinking about how the team had played all season. With passion, determination, pride, it really was a joy to watch and a joy to be a part of it all.

Rupe gave me a elbow, he had brought me a cup of Bovril and thought that was enough to bring me out of my day dream. Well, I suppose he was right. I don't half love my Bovril.

Anyway, I had a flick through my program while slurping away at my Bovril. I kept looking around in amazement at how the away end was filling up. The singing began before the match and the fans all throughout that season were a credit to the club.

Kick off was approaching. There were now about 2000 town fans in blue behind the goal with quite a few sat down. I just hoped that the team could hold their nerve and get the win.

I cant really remember much about the game. I don't know if that is because of age, or just because the match was like a fairytale. Andy Rhodes saved a penalty after Killer Kilcline had pulled a man down. That was the point when I knew it was going to be our day. Just before half time, a poor clearance by the Kidderminster keeper went straight to super Geoff. He turned and took one touch past the keeper and fired into the net. Never before have the Town fans celebrated like that before.

Half time came and went, and it was straight back into the action. Kidderminster did cause a few problems, but the Shaymen, urged on by the loud away support held firm and controlled the match.

Full time was approaching. Kidderminster were putting pressure on and the town fans were getting nervous. We wanted the three points today. Minutes were left. The Shay fans were on the pitch behind the goal waiting for the final whistle. Paterson picked up the ball in the middle of the park and took it towards the Kiddie keeper. He let rip with his right foot. And in it flew, past the keeper into the onion bag.

That was it. Promotion guaranteed. I could hardly breathe with celebrating so much.

Final whistle came. We were on the pitch. Sir George Mulhall came back out to celebrate with the Town fans.

I cried that day. The pride was so deep that I cried. The way we had played all season was unbelievable. We only just survived from going into the Unibond the season before. What an achievement it was to get promoted the season after.

That night, me and Rupe drank and drank. To this day I do not know how I got home. I don't even know what happened to Sunday. I suppose I slept all the way through.

This is just a recolection of that great day. It seems so long ago, I suppose in a way it is. But it does prove that miracles do happen. Even to Halifax Town.

Keep the faith and keep loyal to the Shaymen.

Click on the links to hear clips from that day against Kidderminster. They take a while to load!

Geoff Horsfields goal at Kidderminster that gave us a goal lead. This after a penalty save by Andy Rhodes.

Here!!!

Jamie Patersons spectacular long range effort that secured the 3 points and claimed the championship for the Shaymen.

Here!!!