So, here it is. I'm finally writing about a visit to Wembley. The home of football, the hallowed turf, a place where dreams come true, and hopes are smashed. Some of the greatest players of the modern era have graced the carpet at Wembley Stadium, and finally, after a long wait, I can say my arse has graced one of the 90,000 seats in the place.
My final game of the season I'm sad to say was to take place at the heart of the English national game, and I don't know whether to be disappointed or downright appalled that my season has now finished. Which famous names would be applying their trade before my very eye on this momentous day then? Lionel Messi? Cristiano Ronaldo? Good guesses, but even better. The likes of Ellis Harrison and Craig Disley were to entertain me for the afternoon in the Vanarama Conference play-off final, between the European giants Bristol Rovers and Grimsby Town. Walking my way to New Milton train station that morning, tickets safely stashed into my jacket pocket, I couldn't be more excited. To London I went, with a skip in my step.
The skip in my step may have come because I was slightly hanging from the night before, and my brain was trying to remember how to walk properly. I don't know, but bumping into a tree in the mile or so between my house and the station told me I had a battle on my hands. Thankfully, there weren't to be any further problems with my fragile position, and I jumped on the train to catch James, a Notts County fan by his own admission, but we all know he's really just looking for the attention.
We caught up with Pete and Andy on the train to London, with all things football discussed. As you do. Unfortunately, getting off the train proved one step too difficult for James, who decided that nearly having his face slammed shut in the doorway was a brilliant idea. It probably wasn't, but he had the carriage in stitches.
The rest of the journey was free from any potential A&E visits, and we arrived at our first, and only, pub 'The Liquor Station' well before 1. The place was a Bristol Rovers allocated drinking hole, and the lads from the West were in fine voice as we enjoyed our drinks. Looking up and down the streets on the way to the ground, it was evident that the Rovers contingent was higher than their fish loving counterparts from up North. It was immediately noticeable that a decent attendance awaited the game, and an atmosphere that only non-league could provide.
My final game of the season I'm sad to say was to take place at the heart of the English national game, and I don't know whether to be disappointed or downright appalled that my season has now finished. Which famous names would be applying their trade before my very eye on this momentous day then? Lionel Messi? Cristiano Ronaldo? Good guesses, but even better. The likes of Ellis Harrison and Craig Disley were to entertain me for the afternoon in the Vanarama Conference play-off final, between the European giants Bristol Rovers and Grimsby Town. Walking my way to New Milton train station that morning, tickets safely stashed into my jacket pocket, I couldn't be more excited. To London I went, with a skip in my step.
The skip in my step may have come because I was slightly hanging from the night before, and my brain was trying to remember how to walk properly. I don't know, but bumping into a tree in the mile or so between my house and the station told me I had a battle on my hands. Thankfully, there weren't to be any further problems with my fragile position, and I jumped on the train to catch James, a Notts County fan by his own admission, but we all know he's really just looking for the attention.
We caught up with Pete and Andy on the train to London, with all things football discussed. As you do. Unfortunately, getting off the train proved one step too difficult for James, who decided that nearly having his face slammed shut in the doorway was a brilliant idea. It probably wasn't, but he had the carriage in stitches.
The rest of the journey was free from any potential A&E visits, and we arrived at our first, and only, pub 'The Liquor Station' well before 1. The place was a Bristol Rovers allocated drinking hole, and the lads from the West were in fine voice as we enjoyed our drinks. Looking up and down the streets on the way to the ground, it was evident that the Rovers contingent was higher than their fish loving counterparts from up North. It was immediately noticeable that a decent attendance awaited the game, and an atmosphere that only non-league could provide.
With about an hour to go until kick off, I made my way through the streets with James, and we came to Wembley. I was finally at Wembley, my stomach did a somersault. I can't quite remember if that was out of excitement, or because I'd just spotted a Manchester United shirt heading towards the ground with ticket in hand as well, but it most definitely flipped. Clearly the United boy didn't get the memo. I somehow managed to resist the temptation to pick up a scarf of either side for the day's football (if anyone has one going feel free to send it my way) and scanned my ticket through the turnstile. I felt like a kid all over again, it was brilliant. Stepping out into the stands, I was immediately in awe. The place really is incredible. The pitch looks immaculate no matter where you look, and the place had the general buzz of a football area designed specifically with heaven in mind. It really is great. |
I took my seat, and took in my surroundings. Both sets of fans were already in fine voice in their respective ends, and they didn't stop for 90 minutes. Tell me now, in any other country, where a 5th tier game could possibly attract an attendance of just under 50,000. The game itself really took the cliche of 'game of two halves' under its belt. We went into the break at 1-1, following both goals, a 22 man brawl, and both 'keepers could easily have received their marching orders as well. The second half wasn't an entertaining, nor was extra-time. Penalties however provided their usual nail-biting entertainment for the neutral, with Lee Mansell tucking home the winning penalty for the Bristol side.
The aftermath of the game was spent back in 'The Liquor Station', having realised that we couldn't actually find another pub. A bit useless that, but was a nice enough place to chill with a few drinks. The journey home bought it's own advantages, as I sampled a spicy kebab wrap at Clapham Junction, easily the best £4 I've ever spent on food. No question. I will be returning.
So, that's it then. My 2014/15 season has come to a close. I'm off for a month doing exams, and then I'm back again next year, writing the same nonsense for you lovely lot to read and realise you don't give a toss. (Take that with a pinch of salt, I love you all really). Wembley was an ideal way to seal my first full campaign groundhopping, and the adventures before me next year can only get better.
Thanks for the support as always ladies and gents, catch you soon.
Sheridan
So, that's it then. My 2014/15 season has come to a close. I'm off for a month doing exams, and then I'm back again next year, writing the same nonsense for you lovely lot to read and realise you don't give a toss. (Take that with a pinch of salt, I love you all really). Wembley was an ideal way to seal my first full campaign groundhopping, and the adventures before me next year can only get better.
Thanks for the support as always ladies and gents, catch you soon.
Sheridan