So, part of the plan to visit Wembley was to take my two lads to London, so they could do some site seeing. Both had never been to London, my youngest couldn't wait to see Big Ben and the London Eye. We set off from Stourport on Severn, Worcs around 07.30am and after some 130miles approx arrived at Stanmore Underground Station Car Park at 09.30am. Being that it was Sunday, parking was cheap, a crazy £1.50p for all day!
We then purchased tube tickets from Zone 5 to Zone 1, it's worth pointing out that Kids travel for free if under 10 years old.. Both my kids were really excited as we travelled down Jubilee Line to Westsminster, and it was great to see big smiles on both faces as they got to see Big Ben, and the London Eye, we even walked over Westminster Bridge, which was really hard, due to tourists taking photo's.
Well we didn't stop then, a quick meal at MacDonalds then off to Buckingham Place, this was a bit of a disappointment, as there was a guards parade inside, and it was totally packed out. Next we went to Piccadilly Circle, then Oxford Street for a very quick look in HMV megastore, then back on the tube to Wembley. My kids loved it, it was a shame it was a flying visit, but we plan to all go back, with more of a plan, rather than a trolly dash!
After walking around outside Wembley we stop at a Ice Cream van that was outside Wembley Arena, it made myself laugh, the Ice Cream seller couldn't stop praising both Wrexham and Newport Supporters, saying we are so friendly, it reminds himself of being back home in Turkey.
So fast forward, and we are now in the Stadium, the first thing I noticed was the poor turn out from the Newport Supporters, with only 16,000 ish Wembley and Wrexham bringing 10,000 we where really outnumbered, not that it bothered me. One of the downsides to the play off were, only five days notice and it's also on May Day Bank Holiday and a price rise from £36.00 to over £40.00p on a ticket, I'm pretty sure this was the reason for the low attendance, I know of people would just couldn't arranged the time off due to short notice, or they had a plannned holiday booked.
The match itself was a nervous affair, Wrexham missing a number of chances, and with thankfully Newport's keeper playing a blinder. It wasn't to the until 87 minute that Newport broke the deadlock, with Christian Jolley managing to get a yard on Wrexham defence, to be honest it was when substitute Arron O'Conner came on that made the difference, Wrexham defence,with all there experience, simply tired, and lucky for Newport, there two forwards where just to fast, which resulted in the 2nd goal from Arron O'Conner. Yes, it was smash and grab win for Newport, and it's not very often a goal keeper gets awared man of the match! Newport's keeper Lenny Pidgeley had an outstanding match, and that just shows you how hard Wrexham tried.
I can tell you, I was simply on cloud 9, when 1st when in, you don't get carried away, then when the second came, every Newport Supporter went crazy, I am still buzzing 5 days later! Having followed the club through thick and thin, I still have to pinch myself, we are back into the football league, some 25 years later. And to think, Newport County will now appear on FIFA 14!
I feel I should also say a thank you to both parties of fans, no trouble, fighting etc that I was aware of, a perfect day if you are a Newport fan. My heart does go out to my fellow Welshmen, Wrexham.... I am pretty sure that you will be up in the football league soon, don't give up hope!
The following day, my phone rang with congratulation messages via text and facebook. Being that it was a Bank Holiday, we had a family picnic at Holt Near Worcester, yes...it's really was a perfect weekend.
My next blog will be back to normal, less football...honestly! And more of a general mix of comments on music,film radio and life.
I will leave you with a 30 second video clip, taken by myself at Wembley while in the crowd, as all the Newport Fans Celebrate. Just click on the link below.
73's
Damien
La la la lalalalaaaa lalalalaaaa Newport!
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