Sport Park Veldtofte, Friendly, 25/7/23
Me – 284
Esbjerg Eagles
Founded – I wont even pretend to know
Nickname – As above
Honours – As above
Random Fact – I turned up to watch and realised one of my bosses was playing right back
After three weeks offshore and an early chopper the chances of becoming a drunken shape in the hostelries of Esbjerg was a high probability. However, I had plans of being well behaved and being fresh in the morning. Going by the states and stories seen and heard at the airport on Wednesday (three missed flights and a lot of the next day paranoia) my plan to watch a friendly between two Series 5 teams and an early night was a wise decision.
On the edge of town I have passed a huge sports park on the way to and fro the airport for the guts of a year now, and in all honesty I haven’t thought much about it. Then this week when I was told my chopper was early and getting into Esbjerg was for a change not at the ungodly hour of nine at night I searched out a game. Esbjerg Eagles was perfect. I did have my sights on further afield but given one of the my closest offshore pals was on the same chopper a few beers in the afternoon with him in the square was a definite, leaving the trip to the Veldtofte a sound idea. With nuking some jars in Posthuset in the square, the Esbjerg Bryghus then one in the legendary King George, I left the guys to it and headed the thirty or so minute meander up the road with a bag of cans and Haribos. I had no idea what to expect from this. What it turned into I couldn’t have even imagined and in truth it couldn’t have been better.
As I was ten or so minutes early I caught part of the warm up and to my surprise there was a familiar face in the Eagles side. One of my bosses from the office no less. Although I felt the need to shout abuse I made sure it was left until during the game. Once it started it turned out he was right back and and bang in front of me and my carry out on the wing. Early doors I managed to get a “the right backs a horse” to which was greeted with a laugh. But also, ” that’s my dad in the grey jumper, have a yap”. This I did and it turned the night into a highly enjoyable experience. The fitba became second priority and the blethering was excellent. A fine man indeed full of brilliant stories of following Aberdeen inclusive of the 82/83 season. On the pitch Nr. Nebel took the lead and went in at half time 1 v 0 up. Deservedly so/.By half time I mean 1/3 time
The quality conversation flowed as I got stuck into my Carlsberg 1883s (lovely stuff) and again the fitba was secondary. It really was amazing that two teams from the 12 tier of Danish fitba were being watched by one guy from Inverbervie and another from Oldmeldrum while speaking about Aberdeen FC and also juvenile fitba from days gone by. This because Colin(boss man) and myself are the same age, we both played for the same clubs throughout juveniles(Stonehaven and Ellon Colts) and Colin’s Dad was coach of Stoney all the way through. Small world stuff. On the pitch the Eagles turned into a different team and grabbed three. All from inside the box from wide positions. Questions needed to be asked of the defending. One thing that was great to see was the fact the tackling was blood and thunder type stuff. To the extent the yellow card came out a couple of times. At a ground very reminiscent of Monymusk’s Deer Park with the wooded surrounds and the identical creosote stained away dugout I was treated to something I didnt expect. Yes the foreign Haribos were fine, the local Caerlsbergs(not like the pish at home) went down a treat but the chatting with Les was ace and he made me jealous I am not older as I didn’t get to appreciate those days at Pittodrie.
Entrance – Free
Attendance – 11
Pie – N/A
Pint – Brought my own
FITBAWBAG 