"Have a guess" said Martin. "Fifty-five" said the waiter.
Cue spluttering from Mr Deans who although only three years off this age, continues to delude himself that he's a young looking chap. No tip today then!
And an Oxford United fan was sat at our table as we continued recent discussions about the Conference although she wasn't off to their game. No point I suppose now they're firmly in the play-offs.
It was a beautiful day in Darlo when we arrived and made our way to the Quakerhouse.
A handful of Grimsby fans had beaten us but thankfully they'd decided to sit outside in the sun and left "our" table free.
(right) Lesley in her new Darlo hat
On offer at the bar today were: Dorset Ammonite, Castle Rock Dingy Skipper (part of their Wildlife portfolio), Tyneside Blonde, Green Jack Trawlerboys Best Bitter, Allendale Tar Bar'l, Prospect Blinding Light, Highgate Davenports Bee-zone and Bards Tale and Jarrow Brewery Willie Would've.
Mr Wilson was already waiting for us having travelled up the previous night - and before long Tony also joined us, sporting a black eye which he claimed he received playing 5-a-side. Yeah, right...
Of the beers, the Blonde and Dingy Skipper were very nice - perfect for a warm day - but the Tar Bar'l was very good too - a dry stout.
After a few pints, Howard headed off to get the pies and we three headed up to Number Twenty-2. Relatively quiet today as seemingly the Grimsby fans didn't get this far.
Tony's father-in-law joined us for a quick pint and then we got a taxi to the Arena. The car park was exceedingly quiet - it's probably busier when we have a car boot sale.
(left) Tony trying his luck - Mary sells him a 50/50 ticket
We had a quick scout round the club shop to see if there were any bargains but there wasn't much to be had unless you want Darlo curtains, duvet cover or waste bin.
We met Lesley at the ground which gave me the opportunity to give her the Darlo hat I'd recently bought for her - she'd bought one at the start of the season but it was too large for her petite head but just right for my brainbox-curls combo so she have it to me.
Thankfully the replacement fitted her perfectly even if it wasn't the weather for wooly hats.
Despite the rumours of a huge horde travelling from Grimsby - rumours of 2000 fishy fans coming to the game - it seems that only two or three hundred fans had made the effort.
A pleasant surprise was the appearance of Tadhg Purcell as earlier reports suggested he was out for the season.
And it was Purcell who went closest for Darlo in the first half on a couple of occasions but the Grimsby keeper was in fine form and did well to keep a clean sheet.
Grimsby of course still had their league position to fight for and they were out to win this game from the very start.
They scored after 20 mins when slack marking by Milne allowed Lancashire to head past Liversedge.
Other than the efforts by Purcell, Darlo had little to offer - Diop again flitting around the opposition half to no real effect - and it wasn't a huge surprise when Grimsby doubled their lead just before half-time.
Mark Convery replaced Groves at the restart and was probably our busiest player in the second half - he brought a good save from the Grimsby keeper and worked hard, trying to get things moving but other than Gary Smith, his team mates did not appear interested.
It is hard to be critical given that this seventh game in three weeks but I'm sure it will help Simon Davey make his mind up when it comes to the end-of-season clear out.
As so often this season at home, the final whistle was a blessing and I walked back to the station with John.
I'll miss visiting the pubs in Darlo over the summer break but not going to see the football. I still can't wait for the fixtures for next season though...
(above) South stand concourse
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