Chippenham Town Vs Swindon Supermarine

Matchday 50 was a milestone in our 92 FC Challenge journey, marking our first-ever final attendance with myself and Liam. The Wiltshire Premier Shield Final, held at Swindon Town’s County Road, was the perfect venue for this momentous occasion. We were joined by Uncle Deano for the journey.

Ahead of the game, I reached out to Swindon Supermarine and connected with Martin, the club shop manager, to arrange for a matchday scarf. After a 90-minute drive to Swindon, we were taken aback as we approached the stadium, greeted by the astonishing sight of what is known as The Magic Roundabout – a traffic marvel unlike anything we had ever seen before.

Upon parking in the stadium’s car park, priced at an incredibly reasonable £2, we were still in awe of the roundabout and decided to capture the moment with a few photos. Making our way to the ground, we met Martin and completed the scarf transaction, grateful for his assistance.

Before taking our seats in the Arkells Stand, the designated area for the final, we stopped by the refreshment counter. While Liam and Dean opted for Cornish pasties and beverages, I chose to indulge in a cup of Bovril.

Settling into our seats, which were conveniently located next to the players’ tunnel, we eagerly anticipated the match. To our surprise, Liam was selected as one of the mascots for Swindon Supermarine, a moment of pure excitement for him. As he proudly walked alongside one of the players onto the pitch, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of joy.

The game itself was a thrilling spectacle, with Swindon Supermarine leading 2-1 at halftime. However, Chippenham Town staged a remarkable comeback to clinch a 4-3 victory, leaving us in disbelief.

But the excitement didn’t end there. In an incredible gesture, Swindon Supermarine’s Michael Fernandes personally presented Liam with his runners-up medal, leaving us speechless and grateful for such a touching moment.

Despite the disappointment of the loss, our journey home was filled with fond memories of an unforgettable matchday. Special thanks to Kevin and especially to Michael for his extraordinary act of kindness. Though Swindon Supermarine fell short, their effort and sportsmanship deserved commendation.

Some Facts about The County Ground, Swindon:

Historic Venue: The County Ground, located in Swindon, Wiltshire, has been the home stadium of Swindon Town Football Club since 1896.

Capacity: With a seating capacity of over 15,000, The County Ground is one of the larger stadiums in League Two, the fourth tier of English football.

Renovation: The stadium underwent significant renovations in 2009, including the addition of a new stand, modernizing facilities, and improving spectator comfort.

Memorable Matches: The County Ground has hosted several memorable matches over the years, including Swindon Town’s historic victories and high-profile cup ties.

Multi-Purpose Venue: In addition to football matches, The County Ground has been used for various events, such as concerts, conferences, and community gatherings, making it a versatile venue in the region.