BIDEFORD AFC | FIN-TASTIC DAY FOR FISH

There was another over-age mascot on duty in the Southern League on Saturday

It wasn’t just Peter Crouch who played the part of an over-age mascot in the Southern League on Saturday.

Over at Bideford AFC, Michael ‘Fish’ Clarke got to lead the home team out for their Isuzu FA Trophy clash with Mousehole AFC as part of his stag weekend celebrations and he proved to be a very lucky mascot!

Michael and a group of friends headed down to Devon for the weekend, with the Best Man adding an extra surprise to their itinerary.

“The lads were in a pub nearby and it was my job to go and get them and escort them to the ground,” said Bideford AFC Director, Tristan Bannister. “I took them to the dressing room area where Michael was presented with a full kit, including shin pads, that he had to wear for the rest of the day.

“After some pre-match hospitality, including the stag making our monthly draw, the group were taken pitch-side where Michael held hands with our captain, Alex Byrne, to lead the teams out as the rest of the party formed a Guard of Honour for the players.

“For the game itself, the party were given seats in our Main Stand, but instead they decided to join our Ultras where they quickly picked up the lyrics to their repertoire of songs in support of the team.

“Their voices certainly helped the players as we went on to secure our first home victory of the season to make it through to the next round of the competition.

“The drinks flowed after the game as Michael presented the Man of the Match with his champagne before watching the England v Andorra game on our big screen, although that game fell well short of ours in the entertainment stakes, it has to be said!

“Leaving us after the England game for a BBQ and no doubt a few more beers at their weekend accommodation, it’s fair to say that our stag was well-oiled when he left us, so I just hope he can remember what was a great day!

“If anyone is thinking of stitching up a stag or hen and heading down to North Devon, why not give us a shout and we can make your day a memorable one with us!”

Bideford AFC are back on home soil on Saturday when they return to the battle for Pitching In Southern League Division One South points with the visit of Melksham Town.

IMAGE: Sean Gosling

Bideford AFC Web Site