Manchester City Vs Burnley
Matchday 39 started with picking Liam up from school and a 30-minute drive to Wolverhampton Train Station. We boarded a direct CrossCountry Train to Manchester Piccadilly, with the hope of wearing my Liverpool shirt for good luck hidden beneath layers due to a simultaneous Liverpool match.
Wycombe Wanderers Vs Fleetwood Town
Matchday 38 kicked off with Grandad Steve behind the wheel, affording me the luxury of enjoying the journey. While traffic occasionally slowed us down, particularly along the M40, it didnt significantly impact our travel time, and we reached Wycombe in just under 2 hours. Securing free parking at a nearby business, thanks to the gracious permission of one of the workers, was a pleasant surprise, and a brief 4 minute walk brought us to the stadium.
Leeds United Vs Norwich City
Matchday 37 unfolded with the rush to pick up Liam from school, followed by a brisk journey up the M6. Despite anticipating a three hour travel time, we were pleasantly surprised by manageable traffic, arriving in Leeds with a solid hour before the game. Approaching Elland Road a Football Parking sign near Ultimate Fitness 4 U caught my attention, promising easy access post game. With no specified price on the sign, I parked as instructed by the attendant, who confirmed the fee as £10, ensuring surveillance during the match. This alleviated concerns about the unfamiliar area. The parking spot was a brief 10 minute walk from Elland Road, passing another parking area also priced at £10
Brentford Vs Nottingham Forest
Matchday 36 unfolded with a unique blend of football, friendship, and unexpected challenges. The day kicked off in Bristol, where a music concert the night before set the stage for the football adventure ahead. My sister and her boyfriend, on their way to Taunton, graciously facilitated Liams journey down to Bristol. From Bristol Temple Meads, we embarked on a train journey to London Paddington, where the next chapter of the day awaited.
Sutton United Vs Barrow
Matchday 35, meticulously planned three months in advance, unfolded as a delightful Christmas surprise for Liam.
I extend my profound gratitude to the Sutton United staff, with special commendations to Phil, Sam, and, notably, Ryan. Their collective efforts made this matchday an unparalleled experience, leaving an indelible mark on both Liam and me.
FA Cup Triple Header
The three-match London escapade marked a significant chapter in the ongoing 92 Football League grounds quest, weaving a tale of unpredictability, camaraderie, and vibrant football culture. As we embarked on this ambitious triple-header, the journey unfolded with its highs and lows, encapsulating the essence of football fandom.
The decision to seize the opportunity presented by the FA Cup’s third-round draw was a strategic one. It offered a chance to check off multiple London clubs from the list, presenting a logistical puzzle that required collaboration with a work colleague, Pat, and a newfound friend from the challenge, Dan. The prospect of witnessing three matches within a 24-hour timeframe necessitated a sacrifice—a day cut short from a family holiday. While unconventional, the urgency to complete these matches resonated with the understanding of fellow football enthusiasts.
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 its 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.
Sheffield United Vs Luton Town
Matchday 30 unfolded as a special Boxing Day excursion back to Sheffield, this time witnessing the clash between Sheffield United and Luton Town. I secured tickets a couple of weeks prior, a stroke of luck as the match surprisingly entered General Sale. My initial attempts to purchase tickets through Sheffield Uniteds unhelpful loyalty points system in September proved futile. After a few unproductive email exchanges, I abandoned the effort, hoping an opportunity would arise, which it did.
Tranmere Rovers Vs Swindon Town
Matchday 29 was a journey back to Merseyside, but this time it was a visit to Birkenhead to watch Tranmere Rovers. Another match where Grandad Steve had joined us, and also Steve was the designated driver, enabling me to watch the Liverpool Vs Arsenal match while we travelled back home after the game – so thank you Steve.
Stockport County Vs Notts County
Matchday 28 marked a venture to Greater Manchester, where we witnessed a clash between Stockport County and Notts County at Edgeley Park—a historic team predating our beloved Liverpool FC. Facing the challenges of festive travel, I opted for a strategic 10-mile drive to Wolverhampton, parking near the station and boarding a CrossCountry Train directly to Stockport. Despite concerns about weather-induced train disruptions, the journey, taking just over an hour, proved more efficient than double the time by car. The train, surprisingly not packed, maintained a festive spirit, thanks to the Train Manager sporting a flashing Christmas jumper.