Home Awayday
Everton 3 - 1 Burnley
Well, once again, not wanting to steal Paul Traill's chips, I thought I'd post about my trip for last night's game. To be fair, I suppose I can do a reverse of his fine away reports as I have to do the opposite when I make the 410-mile round-trip to Goodison Park for a home fixture.Apologies in advance if some of this repeats what I posted on some of the match threads yesterday. I'll stay away from the football as that is more than covered by Lyndon's & Michael's reports and the associated comments as always. I said yesterday and have before, but I still don't know how you do it, Michael!
With tickets bought a couple of weeks ago but not declared to my better half, I left myself right in the proverbial dog house by only declaring with 24 hours notice that I was travelling and stopping over in Liverpool. She knows me, she'll forgive me (I think). She'll do what she always does and take the equal amount I expended out of the bank account. Expensive business, Everton. But they're worth it.
So, dogs walked at 6:30 am as always, a nod from both that we were going to win (one more optimistic than the other) and then me heading off to London with my tail between my legs as this really hadn't gone down well. From my perspective, I'm now fortunate enough to be able to go and see Everton more regularly than I have been due to my previous occupation. To my good lady, I'm apparently behaving like the child she knew when she first met me (I was actually 20). To me, I've never changed. Circular argument and discussion.
Wetherspoons, Marks & Spencers at Euston and onto the train. Totally messed up with the type of ticket I purchased, so there's another hit to the wallet. I had arranged to meet a couple of the ToffeeWeb gang at the Saddle Inn, and the plan was to check into the Atlantic Tower first to drop my daypack off but, due to some work stuff, I was a bit later than I wanted to be.
So straight to the Saddle Inn it was and the daypack was going the match with me, laptop and all. Arriving at Lime Street and, in my wisdom, I thought I'd get a train to James Street and catch a taxi. I realised that I am a spoiled London resident who just thinks you can go around tapping your phone or card everywhere to pay for stuff, but the rather robust station lady told me I had to actually buy a ticket. But got there for a swift one with Peter & Co before walking to the ground. Should have just got a taxi from Lime Street.
Now, I'm delighted and excited about our plans to move to Bramley-Moore Dock, but there's something special about Goodison Park at night under the lights. Three days off my 50th, it was as magical to me last night as it was when I was 7 years old. Once we got going, the atmosphere was electric in a way that only Goodison can deliver. We're no choir and we don't have a songbook like our red cousins or others, but on our day we are a wall of noise and sheer passion.
After the match and negotiating a few tricky Burnley fans, I opted for a nostalgic walk across Stanley Park to go to my Grandad's old local, the Arkles. There were a few blues in that red pub, but also a few red locals talking about us getting carried away and how hypocritical we are about Benitez. Whatever. I'll judge him towards the end of the season. Bitter Reds.
Eventually grabbed an Uber and made it back to the hotel for a very late check-in. Quick power nap (4 hours) then a walk across the city centre meeting some interesting characters still finishing their night out and some hard-as-nails Seagulls before catching the early train back to London.
A long and expensive 24 hours but, as always with Everton, worth every penny and every minute. Aston Villa next but, as some of you know, that fixture puts me in even more dodgy ground than defying marital "advice" and "getting down to Goodison Park". Oooohhh!
Reader Comments (18)
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2 Posted 14/09/2021 at 15:13:23
So pleased for you Danny, and myself, made up your trip left you with magic memories and your whole trip was well worth while. I think you are a special supporter, like those who travel hundreds of miles from far and wide to get to Goodison Park for every home game, not forgetting the thousands of fans who go to see all Evertons games, home and away season after season, no matter what state the club is in. Absolutely no glory hunters among them, just solid, genuine true Everton supporters.
Ill say a prayer for you Danny, that your wife doesnt go on too much about your magical trip back home, take care Danny, best wishes.
3 Posted 14/09/2021 at 15:56:08
Like you and your sons, we follow because we love. I did when I was young and used my paper round money to pay for my entrance fee and then convinced my mother to pay for a season ticket as long as I gave her some back over time!
Without getting carried away, it was magic last night and no matter how brief, a trip to the city of my birth is always special and is more so when it's to see Everton. And to see them win is just a bonus. Half time I was impassive. I was concerned when they scored, but deep down I knew we had enough to beat them. I kind of sensed it. Believed it. Hoped it. I don't care, it happened!
4 Posted 14/09/2021 at 16:48:56
I don't see Burnley having many fans like you. They didn't even sell their allocation for the lower tier, did they? And it's only 50 miles away.
Although with their team's time-wasting tactics and overtly physical approach, who can blame the fans for staying away? Perhaps they've switched to the NFL so used are they to just 60 minutes of action and lots of pushing and shoving!
And maybe Atkinson could do with a much bigger team of officials to allow him to perform his job properly.
Keep up the reports, at least till the money runs out.
5 Posted 14/09/2021 at 17:00:48
6 Posted 14/09/2021 at 17:13:49
7 Posted 14/09/2021 at 17:22:37
Upper Bullens in the unused away section. I'm on the waiting list for a season ticket (undeclared but I think there is suspicion), so I just take what I can get right now and some of the kind people on here help out.
Rob - hoping to be there but might be in the home end (family) and yes I know that pub. I have a couple of Villa regular mates who meet there before their matches.
8 Posted 14/09/2021 at 17:46:34
Although I've supported Everton since I was a boy (I'm the same age as you, by the way), I never cease to be amazed by the tremendous efforts of our fans to get along to games, be they home or away fixtures, and it's always interesting to hear/read about the part of the experience that's before and/or after the match.
Last game I got to was pre-Covid, but looking forward to getting along to Loftus Road next week.
9 Posted 14/09/2021 at 17:56:26
"I'm on the waiting list for a season ticket (undeclared but I think there is suspicion)". You mean the dog doesn't know yet?!
10 Posted 14/09/2021 at 18:14:22
Martin, let me know when you're going and we can can travel up.
11 Posted 14/09/2021 at 18:24:02
12 Posted 14/09/2021 at 18:31:13
13 Posted 14/09/2021 at 20:55:47
Are you sorted for the Norwich game, Danny?
14 Posted 14/09/2021 at 22:10:06
15 Posted 15/09/2021 at 06:19:26
Getting there Tony. My cousin's son is thinking he can go, so the option of using his season ticket is looking unlikely. Will have a look today and see what's available, but either way, I'll be at The Bramley Moore!
16 Posted 15/09/2021 at 07:47:33
17 Posted 15/09/2021 at 11:54:58
Lower Gwladys, now if Monday was nostalgic, you'll be taking me back to my teenage season ticket holder days!
18 Posted 16/09/2021 at 14:24:04
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1 Posted 14/09/2021 at 12:28:13