Hereford United supporter Tom Milward attended last night's Paint Trophy game between Yeovil and Exeter, two clubs for whom Adam Stansfield was a player.
Below he reflects on the evening.
So the reasoning behind going was obviously because of Adam Stansfield. I think everybody's ears pricked up when they heard the draw for the Johnstone's Paint Trophy and that these two sides had been drawn against each other. There was no denying that some Hereford fans were going to go to this game after we received our bye into the next round.
Stansfield only played for three professional clubs, he himself probably never thought he'd see the day that a set of fans (albeit we had the smallest obviously) from each club would be at one game, and one game that in our (the 6 Hereford fans) minds would be one to remember Stanno by.
When I arrived, I felt a sense of pride, a pride that was carried by Lisa thoughout his career. I also noticed a steady stream of people walking over to the Adam Stansfield memorial garden, just standing there for two to three minutes and walking away - without saying a word.
After buying my programme and reading through it, I was a little dissapointed to read that they were treating their forthcoming league game at Huish Park as the main memorial game. At the same time, I could understand why they had chosen too do this. Nevertheless, it was clear from the minutes applause that the fans were always going to use both games to remember Adam.
As I walked through the turnstiles I saw a 'RIP Stanno' flag in the Yeovil end and I'm pretty sure I saw something on the terrace as well (which at the time was shut off). Yeovil didn't expect as many Exeter fans to turn up as they did. The end terrace was then opened and the Exeter fans (and Hereford) flocked to get in.
The sound of 'One Adam Stansfield' rang out throughout the game from both sets of supporters, a song us Hereford fans joined in with.
Then when a 'stand up' for Adam Stansfield song started and you could see people leaving their seats to stand and join in, the hairs on the back of my neck definately stood on end. Adam truely was a great guy, a footballer who was loved by all three clubs sets of fans that he played for. It's plain to see that this 'legend' will never be forgotten by any of the fans that were able to watch him play wearing their clubs shirt.
I only hope that come the 25th when Yeovil and Exeter face each other in the league, the day goes well and lots of money is raised for Adam's families chairties.
RIP Stanno.
Gone but NEVER forgotten.
Tom Milward,
Stratford-upon-Avon Bull.
Text at top (next game etc)
Next Game: Scarborough In The League At Edgar Street On Tuesday 19th November At 7.45pm