Trafford on Tour - Lancaster City. FA Cup 08.09.18

It was a busy morning (for me) in the Glinka household; a cooked breakfast, cleaning the bathroom and picking up the babysitter (which would allow us to behave like irresponsible teenagers for the day). All the above was duly done before 10:30. After a leisurely walk and quick pit-stop to purchase the obligatory pack of Doritos, we arrived at the Bird just after 11, where we were greeted by a couple of dedicated supporters (p**s cans) who were already nursing a pint. After doing a couple of lines, it was time to board the coach, not before grabbing some extra strong coffee* to wake us up. 

I knew it would be a good day as Andy opened up his ruck-sack in the Bird to proudly reveal a litre bottle of Jagermeister! When asked what the frig he was doing, he explained that he was buying into my positive thinking - which previously had been dismissed as "a load of rubbish". He had already visualised Trafford winning and the Jagermeister was to share as a celebration on the way home.  -Helen.

Enjoying the strong coffee*

The coffee* option was proving popular

After getting most of the coach to do a few lines, everyone was now in good spirits (nowt to do with having a sip of my coffee*). Upon arrival in Lancaster, we were treated to a tour of the city's one way system before finally being dropped off at one of the local pubs (Merchant's 1688). After a mad dash to the toilet, some real ales were downed, one titled 'Tactical Daydreams', which was another lucky omen for what was to follow apparently, along with prosecco and strawberries. It was a cracking pub with a great atmosphere and lots of banter. I hear they do a lovely homemade Rhubarb Gin 😊 The only downer was that Tom couldn't find a chippy in order to have his ritual away day fish! As a result he is now boycotting the place!

The coffee* was taking its toll

Whatever Helen is showing Paul, he looks happy

After a short walk, we found ourselves outside the ground where Paul tried and succeeded in getting Helen in as a junior (she's forty bloody two!) haha. Now this was not big, nor clever so obviously we went back afterwards and paid the full, adult fair... actually we paid twice as Cappy had already paid the full fair without us knowing (I hope he didn't use his precious coin collection).

More alcohol was consumed and some blokes in yellow kicked a ball about rather nicely. We were in good voice and we even remembered to sing happy birthday to Darbo, although I'm not sure whether or not he could hear us though as he lay motionless on the deck with a busted eye! Darbo loves playing in Lancaster!

Happy birthday Darrrrrrrrrbo

By this point, those blokes in yellow were kicking (and heading) the ball so well, we'd managed to get ourselves 1 nil up, and well deserved. The half flew by with the aid of more alcohol and a rather lovely steak pie, chips, peas and gravy combo. The 2nd half began, and as with the players, us supporters switched ends. It didn't affect matters either on the pitch or off it. Lots of singing was drunkenly performed and there was even a sing off with the train crew, who I'd not met before but are a top set of lads. Lots more quality kicking of that ball by the team in yellow meant a fantastic 2 nil win! Brown and Burns with the final touches to two world class moves.

2nd half support

The emotion of the win is perfectly summed up by Cappy

The proof that we'd won!

Back in the club house and everyone was buzzing, one or four more cans were consumed and I was alerted that young Max (one of Liam's gang) had got all the lines correct and was only waiting on one result to win £75. That result was for an England win. Silly boy! The players proudly, and rightly so came and joined in with the celebrations and player of the day was duly announced to Keven O'Brien. Unfortunately, I'd forgotten to go out and buy a novelty prize so Neil had to make do with a bottle of beer.

Now I'll be honest here... the rest of the evening is a bit hazy. Obviously the Jagermeister took a beating and for some reason it's affected my memory. I think I told Langy he was next up for '21 Questions With...' I can't remember how I arranged this to be done what with him being a dinosaur and not on any social media. There was definitely some initiation singing by the new lads and Lozzy T What's For Tea because my phone provided me with the evidence the next day. Even our very own Cappy had done one - a hilarious version of 'Common People' by Pulp. Believe me, it's cracking.

The coach home, where I look a bit worse for wear

After we got back to Urmston, more beer was consumed in the Bird, I was comparing lankyness with the player of the day, and after that... my brain remembers nothing and Helen was even worse!

The lankyness prize clearly being won by Kyle.

I woke up surrounded by someone else's scarf (again), a half eaten burger - that I do not remember buying - and a massive wedge of chocolate cake. I sifted through my phone, looking at pictures and video's to try and help fill in the gaps. I was reminded that yesterday was not a good day. It was a great day.

Cheers Trafford

Glinks

*Whilst it was defintely 100% coffee that we were drinking, it might have tasted slightly different to your usual brew.

Thanks to Peter Bellis for the splendid black and white photos and well done on winning 20 notes on Lancaster's raffle. See you on Tuesday Pete, there might even be others that turn up this time too.