Well its a good few years since I’ve visited York St. and as with Accrington it was way back in their Unibond League days in the early and mid-90’s when I was covering Whitley Bay FC for the local rag up here. First time I went there I had an argument with the team manager on the bus the upshot of which ended with me doing the team-talk. Next year I was just settling down to a pint upon arrival when it came to light that no socks had been packed in the kit bag, and guess who got the job of legging it to the nearest sports shop for 15 pairs of blue socks??

So my memories of the pubs are dimmed both by the passage of time and the wastage of valuable drinking time.

Boston is however a pretty market town, with a river running through its centre that seperates the area between the town and the ground. Bateman’s is the local brewer and they supply The Coach and Horses just off York St. itself, although this pub used to get very crowded even in non-league days when, strangely considering their poor support now, Boston regularly attracted 1500 plus home gates.

If you venture into the town centre or are in search of food, then the Wetherspoons on the High St. (Moon Under Water) sets a standard that so many of its sister pubs have failed to achieve, well worth a visit.

For those arriving by train The Eagle on West St. is worth a look for a quiet pint as you head towards the town centre and the ground. Nearer the ground around the market place near “The Stump” tower on the river there are a couple of decent pubs the pick of which is The Still (food and real ale).

At the ground itself there is a spacious and well appointed clubhouse adjacent to the car-park at the opposite end to what is now the away end, and if you can get in there and get settled its probably the best place nearest the ground to be honest.

Once in the ground you will probably be pleasantly surprised after the Accrington experience, because its a proper four sided stadium with a traditional feel. The Town End where we will be accommodated is a cantilever covered terrace that used to be the home end back in the day when I was running around town hunting for socks, so a good opportunity to create an old-fashioned “Street End” style atmosphere.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone by the way, see you at Peterborough for more beer by the riverside and covered terracing, hmmm lovely.

Young reserve striker Alex Nicholls, recently recovered from a broken leg, became an injury worry again this afternoon.

Nicholls was stretchered off in the reserves 2 - 0 win at Coventry, but the club are now indicating that the injury is not serious and may just be severe bruising. The game was a behind the scenes friendly, in which new signing Geordie Lyall made his debut as an official Walsall player.

In the game, Par Cederquist continued his impressive start, scoring the first and making the second for Manny Smith. Tommy Taylor and former Villa youngster Colin Marshall also figured.

Marshall is is a midfielder and began his career with Villa, for whom he won the FA Youth Cup in 2002. He spent the 2003-04 season on loan at Clyde, before being released in the summer. Over the next two seasons he had short spells at St Johnstone, Falkirk, Airdrie United, Stranraer and Dundee. He signed for Forfar at the beginning of August 2006, but left the club by mutual consent at the end of the month.

Darren Wrack, in the meantime, has given the club a boost by declaring himself fit for the festive programme.

Walsall have, today, completed the signing of Canadian full back Geordie Lyall.

The player has been one of the more successful performers in recent years in his home League. He has been with Vancouver Whitecaps for some years, proving to be extremely popular amongst the fans there. He was their defender of the year in 2002 and was nominated for the League’s defender of the year title last season.

He is described on the League site as a “versatile and speedy defender” who “has established himself as one of the club’s most consistent and valued players”.

The 5 foot 11 inch 30 year old decided to try his luck over here and has been on trial with Walsall, before signing until the end of the season. He will, of course, be unable to play until after January 1st.