Exeter fan Rachel has a ball — despite loss

CITY nurse Rachel Gale  made an emotional journey  to watch the Grecians at Oldham on Saturday in memory  of her grandfather.

The 38-year-old Exeter fan,  from Wonford, travelled to  Oldham Athletic’s Boundary  Park to see the League One  clash with her dad Keith  Shaw — a lifelong Oldham  supporter who was born and  grew up in the town.

Mrs Gale and Mr Shaw,  who now lives in Kingsteignton, also sponsored the  match ball in memory of Mr  Shaw’s dad Eric, who was  also a devoted Oldham fan.

Mrs Gale said: “My dad’s  got a picture of him and my  grandad from years ago  when my dad was about 10.  They used to go to matches  together.

“Just before he died, my  grandad didn’t go out at all.  He supported Oldham from  afar in the last few months of  his life.”

 “Sponsoring the match  ball was my dad’s idea really.  It was just because it was  Exeter and Oldham.

 “My dad rang and asked  whether they had any sponsors for the match ball. They  didn’t, so he said he’d do it.”

A presentation was made  to Mr Shaw and Mrs Gale  before the game, while an  announcement was made at  the ground.

During the presentation,  they were also photographed  with an Oldham player and  Exeter City’s French midfielder Bertie Cozic.

And, although Oldham  went on to beat Exeter  two-nil, the experience was  still worth it.

Mrs Gale said: “It was really nice. I was really proud  to be stood up there with my  dad. It got a bit emotional,  but it was a good feeling.”

Mr Shaw collected the ball,  which is signed by players  from both teams, at the end of  the match, and took it home  with him.

 Mrs Gale, who is on the  committee of Exeter-based  charity Dream-A-Way, said  her dad hoped to donate the  ball to a future auction held  by the charity.  Having been  an Exeter City fan for 10  years, Mrs Gale has not continued the family tradition of  supporting Oldham.

 She said: “The only team I  support is Exeter City and  that’s the way it’s going to be.  I have got a season ticket and  go to all the home games and  to as many away games as I  can.

“My dad was a referee as  well, so I was brought up on  football.”