Notts County vs Shrewsbury Town

Matchday 20 took us back to Nottingham for an exciting clash between Notts County and Shrewsbury Town in the 2nd round of the FA Cup. It was a special match, considering Notts County’s historic status as the World’s Oldest Professional club participating in the Oldest Football Competition globally. The journey to the stadium faced its challenges with heavy traffic on the M5, M6, and M42, but despite the odds, we made it just in time for kick-off.

Opting for a more cost-effective street parking solution turned out to be a wise choice, saving both time and money. The weather was bitterly cold, but that didn’t dampen our spirits. A quick stroll around the stadium, grabbing a program and scarf, and we were ready for the match. The lack of queues and security checks inside the Turnstiles was notable, though I remained cautious about bringing a flask following a previous experience at Brighton.

The view from our seats was fantastic, and as the stadium filled up, it was apparent that only two sides were utilized for home fans, with a small section allocated to away fans. Despite the low attendance, the game itself was thrilling, with Notts County unfortunately succumbing to three critical errors, resulting in a 3-2 loss.

Notts County dominated possession but lacked the cutting edge needed for victory. At halftime, we treated ourselves to reasonably priced hot chocolate and Bovril, earning applause for Notts County’s commitment to affordability, especially on such a chilly evening. The atmosphere was lively, with Shrewsbury Town fans impressing with constant singing and drumming.

A quick exit from the stadium to our car under freezing conditions marked the end of a memorable matchday. Despite the challenging journey and bitter cold, the football experience at Meadow Lane was thoroughly enjoyed. Best of luck to Shrewsbury Town in the next round, and here’s wishing both clubs success for the remainder of the season.