AFC Blackpool v AFC Liverpool, 27th September 2008

With the exception of two pre-season friendlies at Marine and Formby, this was my first AFC Liverpool away trip.  Meanwhile, it was derby day back home.  And for me it was a baptism into the pitfalls of travelling a distance by public transport.I had planned to get close to the Blackpool Mechanics Ground in plenty of time to find a pub and watch the derby.  Unfortunately it did not work out that way as I had to endure a long winded rail replacement bus service to Preston.  Then upon arriving at Preston, I had just missed a connection to Blackpool South.When I finally did arrive at Blackpool South, my first perceptions were of a basic station without a taxi rank.  So I had to walk following directions obtained from the internet.  It was a bit of a painful walk, due to a leg strain I was enduring.  The walk was made a bit easier by a couple of texts from my brother back in Liverpool, informing me of each Torres goal in the Reds' 2-0 win.I finally entered the Shovels Pub with 86 minutes on the clock at Goodison, with about 100 Reds in fine voice.  My emotions were mixed.  I was elated on the one hand that Liverpool were winning convincingly, but a bit gutted I had missed virtually all of the derby.  Looking back now, if it were not for the derby then I could have arrived in Blackpool too late for the first of many instalments in what has developed into a bit of a rivalry between the little Reds and AFC Blackpool.I stayed behind a few minutes in the Shovels after everyone else so that I could catch a re-run of the two Torres goals.  I then proceeded in the direction of what I now know to be where the grounds of Blackpool Wren Rovers and Squires Gate are located.  Fortunately someone who realised what I was looking to do, informed me I was heading in the wrong direction!I entered the Mechanics Ground and settled into a very pro-LFC partisan atmosphere.  During the first half I found myself chatting to a German gentleman at times.  I later realised in that first season of AFC Liverpool that his name was Michael.  I recall he contributed an article to an AFC matchday programme later that season.  He was very pleasant to talk with.  Michael had his son with him, who was spending a lot of time during the first half climbing fences.I was especially elated at one point midway through the first half as Dean Thurston put the ball into the back of the net.  Unfortunately that particular effort was ruled out for offside, as Michael and another guy he was chatting to were quick to point out.  I apologised for not doing the linesman's job.  Michael and the other guy both chuckled.On a very hot day, we went on to win 6-3.  Remarkably it was a scoreline that we went on to repeat 4 years later at the Mechanics Ground in an FA Cup tie.  Following this particular satisfying victory, my journey home was a bit smoother.  I did spot a couple of Evertonians at Preston Station who were travelling back home from the derby.  Poor fellas!

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