Drinkers were outside The York and The Clifton which meant a big attendance for the first game of the season. Too busy for me, so I went over to The Sweet Green for a quiet quick half.

It was every man for himself to get on the train, needless to say I arrived at The Reebok in time to take up the new Happy Hour and a free bet! Beer that was always over-priced was now at more sensible prices. There was even more choice of food, in that hotdogs were available where they weren't before, but I still stuck to my old favourite- meat and potato pie. Enough to turn Ipswich into Norwich!

1st half:

What to think? Bolton with so many injuries and suspensions, and newly-promoted Burnley anxious to make an early mark on the league. Bolton dominated this half. Rankin was brought down in the area just before the half hour but despite getting up and putting the ball away, the referee had already given the penalty. Thank you Per Frandsen for drilling it in! More Happy Hour free bets please! Wish I'd payed tax.

2nd half:

If the first half was Bolton's, then this was Burnley's. No surprises then when a Little cross allowed Gray to head home for the visitors, 11 minutes into the second half. Either side could have "nicked it" towards the end but the result was a fair one. Early days and false dawns.

The wait for the trains, and both sets of fans from opposite platforms glared at each other. One drunk came in and set off the abuse. Hairs on the necks of both platform bobbies stood erect. "Keep away from the platform edge, lads please", they shrilled as V signs were thrusted from west to east and east to west. Still it was a laugh as the copper with the Burnley fans got some stick over his tan from an obviously expensive holiday. Not such a laugh when a Bolton fan was escorted off the premises by both policemen as the Burnley train got under way.