Shrewsbury Town vs Walsall
Matchday 17 brought us to Shrewsbury, a relatively short journey of 1 hour and 20 minutes even during rush hour. The drive was uneventful, with Liam amusingly doing about 30 takes for his VLOG. This was a unique match for us as it was the first in which we found ourselves in the away end. Opting to purchase tickets from Walsall due to the cost advantage, we secured both tickets for only £7.00, significantly reducing our overall spending for the challenge.
As we approached Shrewsbury, panic set in when I realized I had left the tickets at home. Fortunately, quick thinking and the wonders of technology allowed my wife to WhatsApp photos of the tickets to me. Arriving at the ground, I secured parking in the main lot for just £5.00, a fantastic deal considering it’s usually open only during EFL Trophy games due to reduced attendance. A helpful work colleague guided me to the ticket office, where, despite the sign stating “Home Supporters Only,” I explained the situation, showed the images on my phone, and was kindly provided with two tickets.
Leicester Women’s Vs Arsenal Women’s
Matchday 16 brought us back along the M6 to Leicester, with the weather offering a typical English welcome of rain and wind. The journey, lasting an hour and 20 minutes, was surprisingly smooth, with only a bit of congestion coming into Leicester. Prebooking car park C proved advantageous, as it was conveniently located just a 5-minute walk from the stadium.
Despite the inclement weather affecting visibility for photos, Liam took the opportunity to try his hand at a couple of blow-up football goal targets. Following this, we headed to grab a program (£2.50) and a matchday scarf (£12.00). The stadium’s exterior walk, even in the rain, built anticipation, and once inside, we made our way to our seats. The view was impressive, and the pre-match atmosphere was lively.
Coventry City VS Stoke City
Matchday 15 unfolded in the vibrant city of Coventry, marking another exciting chapter in our football adventure. Before immersing ourselves in the thrilling match at the Coventry Building Society Stadium, we indulged in a delightful lunch at the renowned Bingley Mega Chippy savoring the flavors that set the stage for the game ahead. The journey to the stadium provided a scenic drive along the M6, and prebooked parking, though a bit muddy, positioned us strategically for a short walk to the football haven.
The pre-match experience included a stroll around the stadium, capturing the bustling energy and making a stop at the club shop for Liam’s cherished matchday scarf and program. Connecting with former colleagues at The Anecdote Pub added a personal touch to the day, making it more than just a football match.
West Ham vs Olympiacos
Matchday 14 brought us to The London Stadium, a venue with a unique history, initially constructed for the 2012 Summer Olympics and Paralympics.
Everton VS Burnley
Matchday 13 took us to Liverpool, but it wasnt to witness the red side of Merseyside; we were there for the blue. It felt somewhat unusual for us, being supporters of the reds, but it was a necessary part of our challenge.
Brighton & Hove Albion vs Fulham FC
Matchday 12 began with an early morning start, hitting the road at 7:00 AM and making a breakfast stop at the famous Tim Hortons.
Derby County vs Exeter City
Matchday 11 marked the beginning of another exciting journey, this time with a train ride by the company is work for, CrossCountry Trains.
Bristol City Women’s vs Arsenal Women’s
Ashton Gate Delights: Arsenal Women vs. Bristol City Our Matchday 10 took an unexpected turn due to major flooding across the country, forcing the cancellation of the eagerly anticipated Bradford City vs. Wrexham game. But we weren’t going to let that dampen our spirits. The very next day, we embarked on a journey to Bristol […]
Wolves U21s vs PSV U21s
Molineux Moments: A Cold Night with the Young Wolves Today, our football adventure took us to the closest match we’ve attended so far, right in Wolverhampton. Despite it being an evening game, we anticipated not getting home too late. However, our journey had a challenging start, with a major road closure due to a traffic […]
England U21s Vs Serbia U21s
Nottingham Forests City Ground A Night of Young Lions Roaring
Our journey continued with back-to-back international games, this time as the England Young Lions faced Serbias Young Eagles. We set off right after Liams school hours, mindful of potential peak traffic. The journey was smooth until we reached the heart of Nottingham. Due to a minor navigation error, we ended up parking at Broad Marsh Car Park, an indoor facility. It was a bargain at just £8 when you arrive after 5 pm and leave before 2 am, even if it meant a 30-minute walk to the stadium.
Our stroll along the River Trent offered us picturesque views, and we couldn’t help but notice another football stadium, Notts County, which we’ll visit in due time. On our way to the City Ground, we mingled with other supporters and explored souvenir stalls selling everything from programs to scarfs and badges.