Win or go Bust.

[Footymad]

Our regular feature writer Dave Thornley reflects on the game that ultimately decided the fate of Burnley FC. - External Link

[1959_60]

Great stuff as usual Dave!

That Crewe game proved to be one of the worst days of my life.

It was played on a Bank holiday Monday evening and I decided to bike it. I didn't have a car (or any mates!) at the time.

I left the bike locked up at the railway station and made my way to the ground.

Probably due to the importance of the game (Crewe were nowhere near safe at that time) it was a diabolical match and even though the ref blew the final whistle minutes too soon, we would not have scored if they had still be playing now. We lost 1-0 and I was absolutely devastated. We had to contend with thousands of Crewe fans wildly celebrating because they were now safe.
After witnessing that shocking performance I totally resigned myself to our fate. Perhaps Saturday's match against Orient would be the last time I ever saw my team.
I was in a desperate state when I arrived back at the station to collect my bike for the long journey home.
when I saw that the back tyre had been shredded and I didn't have any repair kit, the time being well past 10PM, I really felt that I was being conspired against by a greater power.
The only option I had was to ride it back flat and hope the wheel stood up to the 60 mile plus journey.
I finally arrived home at around 3.30AM on an egg shaped back wheel, at least it hadn't totally collapsed.

Next up was the Orient game...but I felt so low that I didn't believe things could get any worse , even if we lost.

You never know what's round the corner, do you? the following week was a complete mirror image.

[The Bedlington Terrier]

I kid you not 59er, I thought I was having a heart attack with about two minutes to go at the Orient game. PHEW!