It's been more than two games since the White Horse Kimpton slaughter and the autumn cold. And now, as then, the beast approaches again; patient and confident, savoring the meal to come. This beast is made of giants in yellow and black. An army vast beyond imagining, ready to devour tiny Letchworth Albion, ready to snuff out the world's nicest football team. 18 men head to the ragged patch of earth called Kimpton recreation ground to make a stand, three of Albion’s finest are devoured on route by a different beast alcohol in a place called Gantham.
Cries roll across the football pitch from the terraces as Albion prepare for battle, Letchworth will burn! Her men will die at the arms of their women and children will be made slaves or worse!
The enemy are bigger, stronger, faster, more talented, better looking and have far larger packages. The whistle blows and the brave 16 repel wave after wave of attack. Holding the line centre back Treacle leads the charge, “today we rescue a world from mysticism and tyranny and usher in a future brighter than anything we can imagine. No one knows what it means but Albion respond by flying into tackles with disregard for their own safety.
The goalkeeper cries of pain at the dislocation of his finger. As he returns it to its rightful place the screams are more frightening to the enemy than the deepest battle drums. It takes three men to restrain him and bring him back to our own. I trust that "scratch" hasn't made you useless cries the captain, hardly, it's just a finger. The gods saw fit to grace me with a spare.
Eyes as dark as night... teeth filed to fangs... soulless the white horse Kimpton centre back cuts down striker Porno in the penalty area on a gallant solo run. A mysterious man in black points to the spot, the Kimpton hordes snarl. The one known as Curry comes forward, his kit was stifling and he must see far. His boots were heavy. A stiff breeze threw him off balance. It mattered not, 1-0 sang the Albion faithful.
75 minutes passed the White Horse hordes began to turn on themselves; Albion began to dream of a victory. Remember this day, men, for it will be yours for all time shouted the captain. As quickly as those thoughts flowed into the minds it was washed away as a ball was flung into the corridor of uncertainty. 1-1
The enemy smelt blood, Albion fought on bravely giving there all but it was to no avail. 2-1 it ended.
Hours have passed and Doctor Prowse pondered the managers cryptic talk of victory, time has proven him wise, for from free Hitchin league player to free Hitchin league player, the word was spread that bold Albion and their 16, so far from home against the mighty Kimpton, left nothing on that pitch.
Give thanks to Albion and the brave squad of 16.
