When we look back on this game dispassionately, we’ll probably see it as comfortable. It didn’t feel it at the time, even with the two early goals. There was always a nagging doubt that if QPR somehow pulled one back, things would get nervy.

Thankfully they didn’t, the third released the tension and the party started.

That’s it! Back in the Prem… and also my final poem (for this season at least). All 46 league games turned into verse, plus a bonus one for the abandoned game at Blackburn.

Thank you all for reading and for drifting over onto my socials as I started recording them as well (details below). It’s been a fun little project and I’m now hoping to release the full set as a promotion poetry book! Keep an eye on TWTD for details.

If anyone wants to submit a quote that might go on the cover, feel free to leave one in the comments. Real names or TWTD names, either are fine!

https://x.com/TheLinesmanPoet
https://youtube.com/@beardiver
https://www.tiktok.com/@thebea
https://www.instagram.com/thel

Ipswich Town 3:0 QPR, 02/05/2026

We’re Going Up Again!

Anxiety, like grief,
comes in waves.
And on days like this day’s day
it gets frayed,
and afraid,
despite the goal in sight
and the right plans laid.
The plight is that the Rs might like
to gatecrash this bash
with their own smash and grab lowlight,
right?
’No pain, no gain’ has a grain of truth
and is proof that football’s
a funny old game.

But then we came -
out of the traps like a freight train on oiled tracks.
Spoiled. A quick one-two, no chance to relax.
Off-the-cuff-scruffy, but enough,
and like excited puppies,
we’re too chuffed to complain.

Pain eased,
but then seventy minutes teased, like a mistress.
And this is
meant to be a breeze!
A hot day seemed to freeze, wheezed along, squeezed.
Stomach knots, soft shots and hard cheese.
A pay-day yet to be seized.
A swingers party swinging,
but you’ve forgotten your keys.

It’s a disease,
being compelled to second guess
and count the seconds in threes.
Hands in the air, reaching for redemption,
breaching the gap on a one-chance-act
trapeze.
Close to a tear.
And who thought McAteer would pop up here,
his personal story arc not crappy
but the bees’ knees?
Is it possible to overdose on happy?

Dreams skirting the seams of the pitch
were suddenly released like a hard-to-reach itch.
Running to Dara and McKenna’s men.
Job done.
We’re going up again.

armchaircritic59 added 17:45 - May 4 Thanks for the seasonal entertainment that ended on the best note possible and good luck with the book project!
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StowTractor added 16:28 - May 6 Loved this as usual. Will deff be following you on the socials... Good Luck with the book. On the match I felt much more nervous (from about 20 minutes in) than I did v Huddersfield even though we had established a 2 goal lead much earlier. I was in the Sir Alf Upper so had a great view of the goals and that very hectic first 10 minutes. But it had to calm down at some point I guess orthic players wouldn't have been able to walk by half time. Mr Bread and Butter came good with a goal and an assist which was great to see.

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