Currently 3 more games planned this week, none quite as far as Inverness though! That’s how I ended last week’s blog on Monday. Fast forward a few short hours, and the question popped up on Facebook ‘does anyone want a ticket for the Manchester United game tonight?’ Some frantic last minute planning, and by half past 3 I had collected said ticket from Glasgow, and hit the motorway for the drive down to Wigan for the 20:15 kick off. A strange kick off time, but one that I was glad of, giving me more grace to find my way and find somewhere to park.
I have to admit I was a bit concerned that driving at this time gave me very little margin, anticipating busy traffic through peak times, but I made it to Wigan by the time Google Maps had predicted, even with a short pit stop at Killington Lake (One of my favoured stops on the road south, a lovely setting). The stop was well timed, allowed me to check the group chat and check who Rangers women got in the Scottish Cup draw for the 4th of February, a home game against Dundee United was certainly favourable for a busy weekend. Back in the car, another hour and I was in Wigan, and the search was on for somewhere to park. Driving around a town I don’t know, I was amazed not to see any sign of any kind of car park. Eventually I chose a tidy looking housing estate to park up in, and walked the mile or so to the ground. Fairly simple to find, the ground doesn’t have a great deal around it, other than sports clubs and car parks, but I found a tidy modern ground, and this was a big thing to tick off my list, an away day with United.
Quite telling on how familiar I am becoming with Broadwood, walking along Stadium Way to the ground reminded me of Ardgoil Drive! Possibly the first and last time that comparison will be made by anyone, but it crossed my mind!
Back on track, i made it into the ground. Something ive not seen for a long time was someone making it in without a ticket and making a dash for the crowded stairs, he was long gone by the time the stewards came through! Despite fairly generous sized concourses, it was absolutely rammed. Obviously, unlike here in Scotland, beer can be served on the concourse so many mill around here before going into the stand, where the beer can’t be taken. Into the stand, there was a good atmosphere, with the United fans taking up the full East Stand along the side of the pitch, so was great to be able to experience first hand. The team may be garbage right now, but the fans are class. But as I say, this blog isn’t to discuss in detail the fortunes of the teams on the park, there are many other places for that. Game 5 ended in a 2-0 away win, and it was time to head for the car, assuming I could find where I had parked it!
Within 30 minutes I had got back to the car, and before setting off, it was time to search for a petrol station to avoid being robbed at the services. Fortunately, I found one that was on my way back to the M6, so filled up and then hit the road. Made an early stop at Charnock Richard, only to find Burger King closed, so a quick pit stop then the plan was to get as far as I could. Pushing towards 11pm at this point. It was a long drive, and at times I was regretting being impulsive and shooting down for the game, but I made it to Southwaite, before stopping for some fresh air and something to eat to keep me awake enough for the final push home. Shattered, and freezing cold at this point, it was time to get back in and head home. The closure and diversion from the M74 didn’t help, nor did the knowledge of needing to stop at Asda on the way home for essentials, but once all done, I was back home by 02:30, and it was time to get some sleep. The words ‘none quite as far as Inverness’ had truly came back to bite me!
Game 6 rolled around quickly, Futbology tells me it’s a new ground, however this was actually a second visit to the Falkirk Stadium, having been once before but not remembering when this was to add the match on my new favourite app. A League One clash beckoned, as Falkirk entertained Cove Rangers. Heading to this game was going to mean going in to work late, but sacrifices have to be made sometimes!
Certainly not the most difficult trip i’ll make, the ground is easily found, and I get parked at the ground, giving me a short walk, but also the knowledge of a slow exit. The Falkirk Stadium is one of the nicer of the raft of new build grounds in the country, with so many devoid of any effort at style over pure functionality. It won’t win any architectural awards i’m sure, but it’s clear that a bit more effort was put into this ground than many of the era. It is a shame that there is no 4th stand yet, even though Falkirk don’t need it. It does offer a decent view of the Grangemouth power plant though, which some say is the reason behind a 4th stand not being permitted. (If that is the case, surely a terrible decision on behalf of the planners when the ground was first built?)
A game between unbeaten league leaders Falkirk and promotion chasing Cove Rangers, it was clear that the home side were going to be the more eager to play football, and that proved to be the case for the duration of the game, as the hosts ran out 4-0 winners, much to the delight of the 4,000 plus home crowd, who were vociferous in their opinion on Cove manager and former Falkirk manager Paul Hartley. I wont write what was chanted at him, but it brought a smile to my face!
Saturday I had a plan to go somewhere, with a number of options, however a long week had took it’s toll and I patched any thought of going to a game in favour of some extra sleep before work!
Last game of the week for me was number 7 of the year, and the first trip to Broadwood this year, as Rangers women hosted Dundee United, who have just been drawn together in the upcoming Scottish Cup tie, as mentioned above. A 4pm kick off gave me a rare Sunday lie in this month, with lots of early starts and long trips coming up after Inverness last week! A short trip for me this, as I headed in early to go to the gym on site before the game. My somewhat difficult relationship with the gym is a whole other story mind you, as anyone who sees me can probably tell! Currently with a refurbishment underway, the temporary entrance to the gym takes you pitchside, which gives a great alternative view to what I usually see from the Main Stand. So some new pictures for me to add to my Instagram were obviously taken! Heading out of the gym refreshed, it was time to head to the Main Entrance to check in. Incredibly fortunate to have a 2nd opportunity to be given media access for our supporters group podcast, which is a whole new experience evolving through this season. That’s worthy of it’s own blog in the future though. But the chance to enter the stadium by walking out of the tunnel will always be fantastic!
First in as a result of this, I was joined by my friends as we took our usual seats in the stand, and we were treated to a snowstorm as the match started, before we watched as Rangers stormed the Dundee United goal, running out impressive 10-0 winners.
After the game ended, I got to hang around pitchside, probably looking like I didn’t belong, as I got to carry out the post match media duties for the podcast, then it was time to head home, record and then get some sleep, ahead of planning for the next week.
No Monday travels ahead for this week, the schedule is currently looking at trips coming up every other Monday, but hitting an average of a game every 2 days is wild, and while I don’t see me ending the year on that average, it’s been a cracking start, with no repeat scorelines so far in the 7 games witnessed. Only 1 new ground though, so lots of progress to come there.
All going well, next week I’ll be able to post about 4 games, 2 new grounds and another great week watching football! Hopefully the temperatures start to rise soon though, it really doesn’t have to be this cold, surely?
This is still an early work in progress, that I’ll try to experiment with and develop, but for now you can see some of the pictures that add to these travels, search for footywanderer on Instagram, or find me on Twitter @Alan_B84 and yes, I still call it Twitter!
FootyWanderer84 