FootyWanderer84

And some distance covered in between!

After the stress of the Monday trip to see Brighton and Wolves play out a tepid 0-0 draw (a few days later Brighton are involved in a 7 goal thriller in the FA Cup, typical!) I needed some perhaps less eventful trips off the park at least!

Away tickets for Easter Road have never been easy to get, and for that reason i’d never been to see Rangers play at Easter Road. Much to my surprise, I had not 1, but 2 chances at a ticket for this one though, so it was an easy answer to the first offer. Deciding to take the night off, I had no need to be rushing last minute, so unsure of best places to park close to the ground, I decided it would be the park and ride at Ingliston, then take the tram into the City Centre and take it from there. As i sat in McDonald’s (anything but an uncommon theme on my trips) I was delighted to check out the directions and find that it was only a 1 mile walk from the City Centre out to the ground, so that was great to know, for the night and for future games. Thankfully the rain was off, so it was a pleasant enough walk out to the ground to collect the ticket and head into the stadium, as I saw some familiar faces as I made my way to a seat. As usual, the away fans were in good voice, and with the improvement seen on the park in recent times under the new manager, the spirits were high ahead of a game at a venue that is always tough.

Certainly it looked like it could be a tough watch as Rangers kicked off and promptly launched the ball out of the park, as they started poorly, looking somewhat disjointed for the first few minutes. But they soon grew into the game, and controlled it for the remainder, as they made sure that the pre match pyro did not remain the highlight of the night, with a 3 nil win and some impressive goals scored. I doubt the bookies paid out much money as Ridvan Yilmaz was the surprise name to open the scoring, as he calmly took the ball down and finished from a delightful through ball by John Lundstram, who seems to be returning to ‘Europa League John’ with a significant upturn in form, which is great to see from any of our players. This was added to with a stunning finish from just outside the box by Todd Cantwell, before much maligned number 9 Cyriel Dessers added some gloss in the second half, before it was time to make my way back across the city.

Breaking up the journey some as I chatted with Wilf heading up to where the Supporters buses were parked, I carried on from here to join Princes Street where I grabbed a late bite to eat before catching the tram back to Ingliston, before getting back in the car and heading home, where I was glad to get a good night’s sleep.

While I did try, I struck out on a ticket for St Mirren, a ground that is proving tricky to get any away tickets for, a trip there as neutral may be needed to tick that ground off if I want to do it sooner rather than later. Still stuck on 8/12 of the current Premier League grounds. A short sleep ahead of a long nightshift was a wise choice, as Sunday was bringing an early start for the bus to Aberdeen to see Rangers Women in league action.

Sleeping for under 2hrs before going on the road on a Sunday has been an all too common theme in January, and i’m thankful for some far more local games to come on Sundays in February! But this was an away day i’d been looking forward to for some time, and it allowed me to ‘complete’ my first League, where I had viewed games in all of the grounds in the League. And with Aberdeen women playing their home games at Balmoral, home of Cove Rangers, it also took me to 26 of 41 of the League grounds in the SPFL.

This game also marked the first time that we had been able to put on a Supporters bus for a game with the Supporters Group, so was a big day. Meeting up at Broadwood as a starting point, we were good to go, slightly ahead of schedule as we set off on the road to Aberdeen, making good time as we got to stopping at Dundee for a pit stop, and picking up our tour guide for Aberdeen, Demi! And naturally, this stop offered the chance of a McDonald’s, it’s little wonder i’m unfit and overweight! Heading off refreshed, we got to Aberdeen, and those more familiar with the city were puzzled at the driver’s route, as our tour guide told us about the places we were passing. We soon realised why the route was unexpected, as we arrived at Pittodrie! The driver had been told this was where the game was, not at Balmoral, all that time we had made on the way up was now gone, as we made the 5 mile trip from Pittodrie to make it to Balmoral where the teams were still warming up. My optimism at winning the sweep on the bus for first goalscorer was blown out the water when I saw the team though, with my pick amongst the subs!

The game itself was more notable for the horrendous wind, (hardly a suprise given the exposed nature of the ground) and some utterly abysmal officiating. It surely has to be an inside joke that Scottish Officials are sponsored by Specsavers? Still, the game was enjoyed / endured in good company, and 3 points were secured, which felt like 6 points as we saw the other results arrive shortly after our game had finished!

Game over, and after chatting to some of the others in attendance, and some of the players, as well as the Manager Jo Potter, it was time to get back on the bus and make the way home. The bus was in good spirits, although many, myself included, were tiring after a long day. As a first bus trip arranged though, this had definitely been a success, and encourages us to find ways of making this happen more for the games in the future.

Once home, it was time to get sorted quickly as we recorded our podcast as usual, then it was time to make some dinner before bed, as Monday was another long trip! But thankfully, a good night’s sleep was had this night.

Monday brought game number 14 of the year, as it was back to the FA Cup for me, having been down to Wigan to see Manchester United play in the last round. Not having to work Monday’s unless i’m doing overtime, it’s a good chance to go see some new grounds. It’s a shame that there seems no appetite for Monday night football in Scotland. I’d gotten lucky for this trip to Blackburn, as I managed to secure a hotel room within sight of the ground, as I decided against the day trip option and another late night drive home. Daylight driving is so much better at this time of year.

Needing to fuel up as the petrol gauge was flatlined, I did this and then headed to McDonald’s for my usual breakfast choice, before setting off on the M74. I had had a look at the directions, so knew that the vast majority of the journey was on the 74/M6, so no need for directions for a while. Phone plugged in though, and some podcasts on Spotify kept me company on the way down. For the most part, the drive was uneventful, though the weather was worsening on the way down, and hitting standing water as you pass HGV’s on the outside isn’t particularly enjoyable! No harm done though, just a temporary increase in heart rate. I did stop at Killington Lake, however the rain was absolutely chucking it down, so I decided against leaving the car, setting off again shortly for the last 30 odd minutes.

Before long, I arrived at the hotel and got parked with no issues, but it was too early to check in, so into the adjoining pub to have an early dinner was my plan, as I could only imagine how much busier it would be had I waited until 6pm or so. Once fed, it was time to check in and get my stuff into the room, before heading out in the rain to walk along and check out the ground in the daylight. Always remember finding it a modestly impressive ground from growing up, Blackburn being the first Premier League champions I can really remember from when I was starting to watch and understand football when I was a young boy. I’d get to check out the inside a bit later on. The club shop is behind the Blackburn End in a standalone building, and offers a good range of clothing and merchandise in a good sized shop. While appreciating the club, i’m not a fan so all I picked up was a pin badge, and then a second badge after I had paid the first one, and only then spotted a charity badge which I purchased. Will need to find something to wear to attach random badges to as I go to new places as a neutral. Something to consider.

After a shower and a rest, it was time for the short walk along to the ground for the game. Making my way in with no hassle, it was time to queue for some pre match food. Deciding that the advertised pie, mash, peas and gravy looked the business, I have to admit a tinge of disappointment when they said they had no mash, so it was pies only. Oh well, a steak pie and a cola was far from an unfamiliar choice for me. Up to the seat I went.

Walking out, I had a good look around, and found that this is a well looked after ground, now 30 years since it was redeveloped, it still felt modern and well presented. As seems common for North West clubs, Blackburn don’t enjoy a full ground often, but the away end was certainly packed out with the travelling Wrexham supporters, who were in great voice. The pie was enjoyed, and definitely gets pass marks. The game kicked off, and early on it looked like men against boys, as the gap of 2 divisions seemed clear, but Blackburn didn’t take advantage of early dominance. As Blackburn failed to make the most of their early dominance, they conceded possession cheaply and Wrexham were clinical in punishing the error, as they played through and opened the scoring, sending the Darwen End into raptures. The magic of the FA Cup, the shock could be on! Alas, that wasn’t to be, as Blackburn regained control in the game and went in at half time with a lead.

I did have a moment at half time that I wasn’t expecting, as I noticed the lad next to me was messaging his dad. A nothing spot, but made me think of those who i’d love to be sharing these stories with, and I don’t have that chance anymore, none more so than my dad. Sometimes it hits you when you least expect it. This thought returned to my head on the drive home.

Into the second half, the game remained entertaining as Blackburn added some gloss to the win, as they ran out comfortable 4-1 winners, a 14th unique scoreline from my 14th game of the year. Not bad going. I took my time heading out after the game, knowing it was a short walk back to the hotel. On the concourses, I saw adverts showing that replica kits were available to buy, with both men’s and women’s team versions available (which I checked out for myself the following morning in the club store before heading home). Something that i’d like to see available back home, and hope to see soon. Before heading back to the hotel, I had a quick stop in the supporters bar at the Blackburn end, an impressive looking sports bar, and another nice touch to a very smart ground.

Back to the hotel, I chilled for a bit before getting some much needed sleep. Morning came around all too quickly, and I got myself up and ready, before heading down for a full breakfast, which I only just got ordered in time before the systems went down in the pub! But, fed and refreshed, followed by a quick jaunt back across to the shop at the ground, it was time to clear up and clear out, as I got ready to hit the road. Having secured the night off work, I knew I could relax on the way, so I made the short trip across to Preston to surprise one of my friends who was just starting her shift, and then it was time to hit the road. The decision to stay the night and drive up in the daylight turned out to be a masterstroke, not only was I well rested, but the weather was lovely, as I got to enjoy a relaxing drive up the M6, which in places is a beautiful road to drive. I decided that I had time for a short stoat around Carlisle, so I made my way into town and had a stroll around, before stopping off at Brunton Park to buy their rather garish away top, because sometimes I do like a random football shirt! Naturally, a matching bobble hat was also picked up!

The skies got a bit duller from here, however other than a few short minutes of rain, it stayed dry for the duration. I made it home and had the chance to get changed and have a bite to eat, before heading back out for my final game of the month, a 26th League ground for me in Scotland, New Bayview, home of East Fife, as they hosted The Spartans. 2 teams I had seen earlier in the season, both losing when I had watched them, so something had to give today. There isn’t much to say about the ground, it is basic and functional, with a single stand surrounded by some rough car parking and some playing fields. Not much of a view at night, but i’m sure it’s a bit nicer in daylight.

When I saw The Spartans play earlier this season at Stenhousemuir, I hadn’t been impressed at their brand of football, and this was no different. However, they did fare better on this occasion, as East Fife struggled to make any real headway, despite playing the better football. As a neutral, it looked to me like the lack of pace in the centre of defence was dragging them too deep, and ultimately the 3 goals scored by Spartans were gifts from the East Fife centre backs. It had taken me 15 games to see a scoreline for the 2nd time, as the 3-0 away win matched what i’d witnessed just a few days previously at Easter Road, which does bookend this blog quite nicely.

By 11pm, I was home and most definitely ready for a good night sleep. It was time to get ready for getting back to work, and looking ahead to a very busy week ahead of live games, starting at Ibrox on Saturday!

62 goals witnessed in 15 games in January, how many will February bring?