Middlesbrough Vs Blackburn Rovers
Matchday 47 marked the beginning of our journey to visit three North East clubs, and what better way to kick off our adventure than with a Tim Hortons breakfast, this time accompanied by Mumma Bear (Amanda) before she set off for holiday shopping in Birmingham. We hopped on a train at our local station, Cradley Heath, bound for Birmingham Snowhill, a journey that took about 20 minutes. From there, it was just a short 10-minute stroll to Tim Hortons, where we indulged in our usual food choices. This time, I decided to treat myself to a delightful Frappe. Once we finished breakfast, we made our way to Birmingham New Street, where we awaited the CrossCountry Train that would take us directly to Darlington. As always, the staff on board were exceptional and friendly. The train ran virtually on time, and after a 20-minute wait, we boarded a small 2-coach Northern Rail train bound for Middlesbrough.
Crewe Alexandra Vs Sutton United
Matchday 47 unfolded as a brief yet significant journey to Crewe, where our gratitude for Suttons unwavering support, particularly from Ryan and Phil, continued to grow during this challenging season. Opting for a train from Wolverhampton, rather than driving, was a strategic decision aimed at reducing stress, allowing Liam ample time to return home from school, change, and enjoy a quick meal before embarking on the trip.
Watford Vs Swansea City
Matchday 46 was a memorable journey, as we opted to travel by train. This involved picking Liam up from school and embarking on a frenzied dash into Birmingham amidst the chaotic rush hour traffic. Unfortunately, upon reaching Birmingham, parking the car, and arriving at Birmingham New Street, we found ourselves just minutes late for the train I had hoped to catch. With less than an hour until the next train, I decided to treat Liam to some food at McDonald’s. While there, I checked the train information and noticed overhead line problems affecting services between Milton Keynes Central and Watford Junction, despite our train indicating it was running as scheduled. With time ticking away and the prospect of missing the match looming, we quickly finished our meal and hurried back to Birmingham New Street to seek further advice.
Port Vale Vs Fleetwood Town
Matchday 45 presented a stadium conveniently located for a midweek excursion, with an estimated journey time ranging from 55 minutes to 2 hours, contingent upon traffic conditions.
We departed around 16:15, allowing ample time in case the M6 proved troublesome. Surprisingly, the journey was relatively smooth, encountering minor congestion only on the approach to Stoke On Trent. Arriving near the stadium in approximately an hour and 20 minutes, we found parking nearby, affording us plenty of time to explore the stadium, club shop, and surrounding areas. After purchasing our customary scarf and program and grabbing a bite to eat, we entered through the turnstiles at 18:45.
Gillingham Vs Wrexham
Matchday 44 was eagerly anticipated as we aimed to check another stadium off our 92-list, drawn by its location and the adventure it promised. Once again, Grandad Steve (Liams Grandad) joined us for the journey. We had arranged for him to drive his car, but we decided to split the driving duties, considering the potential four-hour journey each way.
MK Dons Vs Wrexham
Matchday 43 presented a logistical challenge due to a change in schedule. This required me to drive from Birmingham and coordinate with Amanda to collect Liam from school en route to our destination. Despite the stress of the day, timing worked out perfectly, and we arrived at the stadium over an hour before kickoff.
Huddersfield Town Vs Sunderland AFC
Matchday 42 Following a meeting I had to attend in Birmingham, I decided for Liam to meet me there, and we would start our journey to Huddersfield from Birmingham, heading straight onto the Aston Freeway and then up to Huddersfield. Google Maps took us on the journey via Sheffield along the M1, but due to a crash, we were then diverted along some A Roads. However, we arrived in Huddersfield with plenty of time, nearly 3 hours before Kick Off. Neither of us minded this as it gave us plenty of time to get our bearings and find the stadium. We had paid for parking in advance when we purchased the tickets which was only £5 and only a short walk to the stadium. The car park was called Gas Works due to its location near a Gas Works. We took our time getting out of the car, having some food, and then had a leisurely stroll to the ground.
Accrington Stanley Vs AFC Wimbledon
Matchday 22 Revisited After the disappointment of the previous game (Game 41 Cambridge Vs Bolton) being postponed only 8 minutes into the game, we were looking forward to finally seeing a football match, and this was the 2nd attempt of finally seeing Accrington Stanley at the Wham Stadium. Our previous visit on December 5, 2023, ended in the game vs. Lincoln City being abandoned on the stroke of kick-off.
Cambridge United Vs Bolton Wanderers – Postponed
Matchday 41 ended up being postponed due to a waterlogged pitch. We drove through torrential rain, constantly checking for updates during the 3-hour drive, but received no news. Upon our arrival near the stadium, we opted to park in a nearby housing estate. The walk took about 10 minutes in horrendous weather, with pavements filled with water, leaving our coats and shoes soaked.
Norwich City Vs Coventry City
Matchday 40 started off with a very early morning (0100) check of the trains to ensure all was ok. To unfortunately find out one of our trains was cancelled coming home, I could not take the chance of being stick in Norwich should other trains get cancelled or struggle to get on due to the volume of away fans heading in the same direction. So I took the decision to drive the mammoth 3.5 hours to Norwich.