I put on an Albion video - 126 games from the Goldstone 1980-1997. I finally fell asleep at 2.30am and was woken by my alarm clock at 4.30am. The others managed nearly all night, but everyone was ready and waiting for the taxis booked at 4.50am!
We arrived into Stoke at just on 10am. Cafi time, wrong, none about, so taxis to Longport station, nothing so we headed to The George and met up with the overseas seagulls. Met Paul Webster first who got us into the CLOSED bar, but after much persuasion they agree to open the bar at 11.30 instead of midday. More talking by Paul and the bar was open at 11am.
Met up with the following listees Gary (& wife), Michael and Sharon, Pete 'not drinking today', Callum, Phil, Jon 'Roadrunner', Miles , Darren & Suzie, Ben, Phil (Phil I will be in touch about meeting up in Tokyo), Rob, Peter, Judith and Emily (wearing a blue wig!), Drew and Gary.
As people mentioned it was difficult getting in pubs other than the Roebuck and the Vine. We went to the Queens head near the George and got in fine. The pub had all its windows grilled up, on Police advice as apparently expecting WW3 with Stoke fans added to Brighton and Port Vale! After that it was on to the Swan. The landlord was a top bloke and invited us in.
By about 2pm it was full of Stone Island clad 'idiots' obviously Port Vales low life, so we drank up and moved on, but we were stopped outside the pub by the Police and searched under section 66 (?) before being allowed on our way.
We went past a pub called the Post Office once again inhabited by some sad fools looking for trouble and went to the pub next door. This one was full of Albion and much more relaxed. I bumped into an old work colleague but sadly it was soon time to move on.
As for the game, not a classic but who cared! It was party time from entry to the ground, We arrive about 2.50 and the Police had given up on seat numbers, so we stood down the front behind the goal. Our end was so noisy, the Port Vale fans (the few that had turned up) very quiet.
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When we scored (Brilliant free kick by Watson - very tight angle but he curled it into the far top corner - unstoppable) our end went ballistic as usual, a few sadly did go on the pitch and Port Vale decided to come over as well.
It led to Police in riot gear lining our end and half the Vale stand. One person I know who did go on the pitch was arrested, held for 3 hours and has to go back to court on Tuesday. I hope they dig out video and do the same to the Port Vale w*****s who invaded the pitch at the final whistle and mooned at us.
What for? Why? Division 2 can kiss our a**s were in Division 1 at last. Port Vale will be lucky to be in Div 2 next season!
It took an age for the Police to clear the ground, get all the Brighton fans back over the wall (Bob Booker came out and told them to get back). The players finally appeared and it was a very pumped up and joyous group of lads, the Port Vale tannoy announcer played 'We are the Champions' (Bob Booker playing air guitar it!!) & 'You'll never walk alone' he then added a special touch read out the squad players. Sadly he got to number 10 before he stopped reading out the Bournemouth squad.
Zamora appeared after the other players, hobbling slightly but was soon leaping about like a mad man infront of the fans. Peter Taylor was last and every player bowed down on their knees to him. It was a brilliant end and Port Vale should be congratulated for making the effort.
We waited for the crowd to clear, shook hands with Dick Knight on the way out and wandered past the 17 coaches and many many minibuses and headed back to Stoke Station. The place was soon heaving with singing, celebrating supporters.
We caught the 7.14 back to Watford and ended up back home about 1am. The train back was a continuation of the party.
Its never dull supporting the Albion, and our support is brilliant. Saturday from start to finish was one big party.
Roll on Division 1
Mark R