Walsall VS MK Dons

Our latest football adventure took us to Walsall FC, a mere 30-minute drive from home, promising the convenience of a short trip back after the match. We set out a bit earlier than necessary to avoid any potential traffic hiccups. As usual, Google Maps was spot on with the estimated arrival time, granting us a luxurious hour and a half to spare before kickoff.

We were fortunate to find a hassle-free parking spot at Bescot’s Railway station car park, and the best part? It was free of charge, with plenty of spaces to choose from.

Crossing the road and stepping onto the grounds, we strolled around the stadium, marvelling at its transformation from the renowned Sunday Market venue. Our first stop was the club shop, where Liam eagerly grabbed his matchday souvenir scarf and program. I was a bit surprised that the scarf cost £11 and the program was £4, the priciest yet, especially considering it was a League Two game.

As we wandered further around the ground, Liam insisted on his customary matchday hotdog, setting us back £5.90 for the culinary delight.

While Liam enjoyed his hotdog, we decided to watch the Academy team, who were practising on superbly lit all-weather pitches right next to the Poundland Stand.

Once the hotdog was history, we ventured into the stadium, which pleasantly surprised me. Our seats were in the front row, and after our experiences at Hillsborough, I had concerns about Liam’s view. However, we had an excellent vantage point with no towering digital advertising boards obstructing our view.

The stewards were incredibly friendly, with one even playfully pulling Liam’s hat over his eyes – a great way to build rapport with fans. Throughout the match, it was evident that this was a friendly football ground. Many fans interacted with the staff on the pitch during the buildup and halftime and had positive interactions with the stewards.

Despite the attendance being just over 4,000 fans, the lowest yet, the atmosphere was absolutely electric. This turned out to be our best experience so far.

The only dampener of the evening was the result. Walsall FC put in a commendable effort, and if it weren’t for the remarkable saves by MK Dons’ Number 1, Craig MacGillivray, Walsall would have indeed clinched victory.

Considering our parking location, I had concerns about a lengthy exit from the Walsall area, but this wasn’t the case. Remarkably, it took us only 32 minutes to get back home.

A heartfelt thank you to Walsall FC for providing us with a fantastic evening filled with great football and the true spirit of community. We wish them all the best for the upcoming season.