Preston North End Vs Sheffield Wednesday

Matchday 31 turned out to be a last-minute change of plans. Initially, our intention was to visit Vale Park for the Port Vale vs. Blackpool game. However, due to a shift in my work schedule and Liam being off from school, we decided to venture further afield, saving Port Vale for another evening as it’s only an hour away from home. Attempts to contact Port Vale on 28/12/2023 regarding ticket refunds were futile, leading us to explore other options. On the 29th, a reply to our email confirmed the refund, citing that Christmas opening hours were on their Facebook page – a detail not easily accessible. Nonetheless, the refund enabled us to secure tickets for Preston.

Google suggested a travel time ranging from 2 hours and 10 minutes to 4 hours and 40 minutes. To account for potential traffic on the last Friday of the year, we departed just after 14:30, and surprisingly, the journey was smooth despite the dreadful weather. Arriving in Preston around 17:30, we had over 2 hours before kick-off.

After some parking research, we found a spot at Guttridge Medical Centre on St Anthony’s Road, just a 4-minute walk to the ground—a fantastic location. The walk to the ground involved dodging puddles caused by heavy rain. We purchased a program and took a stroll around the stadium, capturing photos along the way. A medical center, “The Minerva Health Centre,” built into the Invincibles Pavilion stand caught our eye. The stadium, holding just over 23,000, is widely recognized as the oldest continuously used stadium globally. A visit to the club shop, however, revealed they had sold out of matchday scarves. Despite seeking assistance via email, obtaining one remains uncertain.

Heading to the turnstiles, it became apparent that folding the print-at-home tickets correctly was a challenge – a matter for Preston North End to address. Once inside, a quick visit to the toilets preceded our rendezvous with a friendly steward who made us feel welcome, unaware of our purpose. Greeting other supporters, we headed to our seats, securing an incredible view given the impromptu ticket purchase.

The atmosphere from both sets of fans was vibrant, yet poor finishing in the final third cost Preston, resulting in Sheffield Wednesday clinching all 3 points with a 1-0 victory.

Unfortunately, we missed our first red card of the challenge as Sheffield Wednesday had a player sent off in the 85th minute. The journey home, however, was smooth, taking 2 hours and 10 minutes. This was impressive, considering our early morning plans to catch a train for a short holiday to Scotland for New Year/Hogmanay.

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Five Interesting Facts about Preston North End:

1. Founding Football League Member: Preston North End proudly stands as a founding member of the Football League, contributing to the establishment of organized football competitions in 1888.
2. First League and Cup Double: In the 1888-1889 season, Preston North End achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first team to secure both the league and FA Cup in a single season—a legendary feat in English football history.
3. National Football Museum Location: Preston North End is closely associated with the National Football Museum, a prominent destination in the city that houses a diverse collection of football-related exhibits.
4. Historical Significance: As the oldest continuously used stadium globally, Preston’s stadium holds immense historical significance in the world of football, witnessing the sport’s evolution over the years.
5. Invincibles Pavilion: Deepdale’s Invincibles Pavilion stand, named in honour of the club’s famed “Invincibles” team of the late 19th century, pays tribute to a remarkable era in Preston North End’s history.