Well what a day. Up at 7.00 , thought about knocking on for Jeep as I strolled past his gated abode.
Early morning rattler from Howfen. Met Early Dart on the train , grabbed a coffee at Piccadily, plenty of Wanderers Fans mooching about waiting for the 9.30 to Shrewsbury. As soon as it turned up grabbed a couple of table seats , Ashbourne Street Market Stall , Pensioner (sputnik)Stan , Pinocheo's Dad , Grump Bat , Mr Smith, Woody and young Phileas Fogg in attendance.
Train was packed but with mostly vintage fans . Boltons youth unwilling to get out of their pits at an ungodly hour.
First pit stop in Shrewsbury was the Bulls Head , doors were shut but unlocked (schoolboy error from the landlord) . " Are you open ? "
" I wasn't, but you lot look like you need a drink "
Excellent beers flowed .
Moved onto the ancient Three Fishes , after deciding to forego a Spoons breakfast. Turned out to be a good decision. Devoured double egg , home made chips and slices of delicious ham. Locals a friendly bunch went above and beyond welcoming us , within 40 mins Ashburner St got an invite to a swingers party.
Moved onto The Wheatsheaf , as soon as we got through the doors the management locked the doors . ( Bolton's Youth had started to desend on the town). Turns out the pubs have a watts app group.
We pitched up in a corner spot ( felt sorry for the couple sat trying to avoid eye contact whilst supposedly have a quiet Saturday meal ).
A few man's best friends knocking about. Cockapoo named Lemmy. Couldn't resist it , whilst it's female owner was oh a toilet break offered the husband a fiver he accepted it !!
The look on her face when she returned as he explained the situation was a joy to watch. Pub was in uproar .
Turns out it was a neighbours dog.
Fiver and dog exchanged again.
Shrewsbury is a great drinking town but it's a bloody route march to the ground . On route found The Bell View ( cash only) , resulting in Early Dart negotiating how much of a pint he could purchase with the few coins in his wallet. (3/4 pint ).
Onto the stadium, great atmosphere, Wanderers fans in full voice . First half both sides cancelled each other out . Not good but nice to achieve 0-0 at half time.
Half time presentation on the pitch to the legendary Tony Kelly from the Wanderers Remembrance Group . A visibibly moved Mr Kelly a credit to our great club . The guy has been through a very tough couple of years.
Bumped into Jeep and Mikkey D ( not the famous Motorhead drummer)
Back to the football , Wanderers came out looking to attack more . Vela was being a nuisance all over the park for Shrewsbury.
It was nice to see alot less passing the ball amongst our defenders and keeper.
As the clock ticked on , I convinced myself that a draw was a good result. Then the ball smashed into the net , a sublime one touch followed by a rocket of a shot . The place went mental, players jumping into the fans . This is the moments we all live for .
The rain sodden disappointments of Fleetwood and Accrington forgotten in an instant.
Limbs everywhere at full time . Bumped into Mr Kelly as I walked out , the grin on his face once again proved " once in never out ".
Back to the Bell View , walk back interrupted by a phone call from home , " have you bought a bloody dog ? "
The joys of social media !!!!!
Got settled into the Bell View . Soon packed with Bolton fans good atmosphere. Away Win , last minute goal , it doesn't get any better . Even Grumpy Bat had a smile on his face whilst in a Rocking Chair looking like a modern day Cyril Fletcher.
Mr Smith had battled on for the day but was not ready for another route march to the station for the 7pm train.
Not 1 taxi available in Shrewsbury. A few good souls stopped with him and eventually got the 9pm.
The rest of us set off , arrived at the station. No sign of Ash !!!
Looks like he took up the earlier invite !!!
Train back was rammed but the journey flew by .
Bolton Youth in great voice.
Roll on next Saturday.
