Bull Fires Back At Cumbria Shame

Last updated : 12 May 2005 By Stray Shots Team
Aldershot News reporter Rebekah Wheller spoke to the Shots number one - Nikki Bull (pictured) and he claims it was a situation that he should never have faced.

Carlisle fans had already spilled onto the pitch twice after celebrating their goals, before a mass invasion as Jon Challinor saw his spot-kick saved — despite the fact that the home side had yet to score their winner.

The Shots keeper said: “Challers stepped up to take his penalty, missed it and the fans started running on the pitch. I was pushed, shoved from behind, spat at and had stuff thrown at me.

“I had to stay on the pitch and try and save another penalty, it didn't help but I don't want the mindless supporters of Carlisle to take away anything from their team. They scored their penalties, we didn't and I wish them all the best in the final.”

After a first half that saw some Carlisle fans burst out from the stands after the home side went 2-1 up on aggregate, a flare was also thrown onto the pitch as trouble always seemed to be brewing.

Bull continued: “When they were all on the pitch I felt quite intimidated, it was a situation I shouldn't have been put in. I'm there to play football, had it happened at a higher level I'm sure more would be made of it but it seems like because we're non-league players it's all right.

“I had no problems in the first half, there were very few fans behind the goal, but right from the start of the second half I was hit by coins and lighters.

“After about 20 minutes of it I even told the referee what was going on and he said he would include it in his report but that there was nothing he could do about it.”

Although the officials were well aware of the problems, it seems they were powerless to stop the fans from flooding onto the pitch.

“When we were winning 3-1 on penalties, the linesman actually said to me ‘when you have won, make a run for it' because he knew they would come onto the pitch and try to cause trouble.

“Throughout the second half I found it amazing that our fans, who were being well behaved, were caged in by so many stewards yet the Carlisle fans were able to do as they pleased.”

This time last year the 23-year-old saved two penalties against Hereford United in the Play-Offs to send them into the final, where they ultimately lost out, on penalties, to Shrewsbury Town.

Bull said: “It's a bitter pill to swallow, going out on penalties two years in a row. Carlisle started very well and in some ways we were lucky to go into the break only two down, they fully deserved their lead.

“When we scored it was a moment I'll never forget, we were in the last minute and I thought there was nothing to lose by me going up. I'd run all the way up there then when it was half cleared I started running all the way back, then when we scored I had to run back to celebrate with the fans.

“By the time I got back into my goal I was pleased the ref was blowing up because I was shattered!”

But the joy was shortlived as despite saving two penalties once again, the Shots players were denied by the crossbar and keeper Matt Glennon.
The victory saw another mass invasion and once the Shots players had made their way to safety down the tunnel, they were not allowed to return onto the pitch.

“The biggest disappointment for me with regard to the trouble wasn't the fact that I was spat at or hit by things, it was that we didn't get the opportunity to show our gratitude to the supporters. They had travelled a long way and they didn't stop singing throughout, if the league was decided on fans, we wouldn't be bothering with the Play-Offs.

“I was especially disappointed for Ray Warburton as it was his last match for the Shots and I felt that he and the fans should have had the chance to show their appreciation to one another. He has been magnificent for the club and players like me. I wish him all the best.”

Despite the rumoured interest in the talented keeper, Bull maintains that he will still be an Aldershot Town player next season: “As far as I am concerned I will be at the Recreation Ground for pre-season training, I am an Aldershot player and am under contract for another year,” he added.

With thanks to the Aldershot News.