General Information
During the year 2000 D J Clark built a visual record of the Lancaster &
Morecambe district using photographs and information submitted by those that
feature in the pictures. The project was conducted in association with Lancaster
Museum and has been archived for future generations to look back at the district
at the turn of the new Millennium. For more information on the project visit
the information page. If you find a caption is
wrong or there is a fault with the page please e-mail D
J Clark.
Date:
December 4th, 9th, 2000
Location: Christie Park,
Morecambe
Photographer's Diary
December 4th Blackburn Rovers Reserves v Liverpool Reserves,
Christie Park
With rumours of England stars appearing in this match at Morecambe, I frantically
faxed and called Morecambe Football club to get a press pass. At 4.30 PM I got
the OK and drove from Bolton almost straight to the game. There was a good crowd
almost 3,000 in total, but few to no stars to be found. I didn't even recognise
any of the Rovers reserves which was disappointing.
Me and a Liverpool photographer, braced the rain and shot the game. But there
was little of interest and a final result of 1-0 to Liverpool after a Blackburn
own goal. It was a good idea for Blackburn to move their reserve games to Christie
Park but sadly I felt many of the supporters had hoped for a better game.
Saturday 9th December - Morecambe V Cambridge United FA Cup
2nd Round
This was billed as the second biggest game ever for the shrimps. Now a Nationwide
Conference side with great ambitions for the Football league, they drew a second
division team with aspirations for the first. A win would mean the possibility
of a premiership tie and glory for the little club by the sea.
I arrived 15 minutes early and was amazed to see the home stand already full
and chanting. I wandered the sideline snapping at the supporters. This was a
big day for them and I was keen to get some joyful celebrations before things
started going wrong.
I took up my post next to another photographer on the side line and aimed my
camera at the action. It was not far into the game and Morecambe scored, I snapped
a half effort as the ball struck the net and then jumped over the barrier to
photograph the crowds reaction. They were ecstatic and emotion flowed into my
lens. I was beginning to feel the project was becoming a football anthology,
but only at football do you find such passion amongst the general public.
Cambridge scored a few minutes later and the game was left on a knife edge into
half time. I strolled the perimeter to grab the pie shot and the kids who wanted
their chance to be famous. Match of the Day were there with the TV cameras and
everybody wanted to be on the telly.
For the second half, I braved the crowd and stood up amongst them. I was aware
that if Cambridge scored, I would have a strong picture but those around me
would not be as happy. I could see a drummer and set of hard-core supporters
just a few yards from where I stood, but the crowd was too thick to get to them.
I moved down. With few minutes remaining Morecambe pulled off the miracle. A
goal and the crowd went mad. I was nearly out of film, but got some pictures.
If they could only hang on I would be ready this time. They did and I was, jumping
over the barrier with the first brave supporter I went in with the charge to
congratulate the players. The early half hearted streaker, paled into insignificance
and the passion flowed for a small town team done good.
The draw the next day saw Morecambe welcome Ipswitch - a premiership club now
third from the top this was going to be the prize, but unfortunately it would
not happen until next year.