Shrewsbury Town vs Walsall

Matchday 17 brought us to Shrewsbury, a relatively short journey of 1 hour and 20 minutes even during rush hour. The drive was uneventful, with Liam amusingly doing about 30 takes for his VLOG. This was a unique match for us as it was the first in which we found ourselves in the away end. Opting to purchase tickets from Walsall due to the cost advantage, we secured both tickets for only £7.00, significantly reducing our overall spending for the challenge.

As we approached Shrewsbury, panic set in when I realized I had left the tickets at home. Fortunately, quick thinking and the wonders of technology allowed my wife to WhatsApp photos of the tickets to me. Arriving at the ground, I secured parking in the main lot for just £5.00, a fantastic deal considering it’s usually open only during EFL Trophy games due to reduced attendance. A helpful work colleague guided me to the ticket office, where, despite the sign stating “Home Supporters Only,” I explained the situation, showed the images on my phone, and was kindly provided with two tickets.

With tickets in hand, we visited the small club shop located at the far end of the carpark, where we picked up a Shrewsbury scarf for Liam. Heading into the ground via the away end, we quickly found our seats in the DMOS People North Stand, right behind one of the goals. The stadium only utilized two sections due to the low attendance, allowing Liam to get remarkably close to the pitch. The atmosphere was subdued until the game reached 3-2, likely due to the low attendance, but it didn’t diminish our enjoyment. Witnessing five goals and a saved penalty, with Liam positioned directly behind the goal, made for an exciting experience.

Half-time refreshments included hot chocolate, a Bovril (£2.50 each), and a hot dog for just £4.00, all of which represented excellent value for money. Exiting the stadium was straightforward, and the drive home took only 55 minutes, allowing us to be back before 22:00 on a school night. The game in Shrewsbury added another memorable chapter to our ongoing football journey.