Bumped into a Gainsborough Trinity mate at Kings Cross from England games, he had just been on holiday in Canada. Once we got to Sheffield we met another mate from England games, Sheffield United John, and we were soon in the Howard opposite the station with Selby Clive, and Gary from Shirley.
A quick pint then on to the Lord Nelson, a proper traditional football pub, packed, drinking on the street, and everyone in colours. We were joined by Gary from the Isle of Man, Graham and a couple of others from Edinburgh and Gary B from Chester. By now John didnt think any Brighton fans live in Brighton!
Next we moved on to the Cricketers opposite the away end and we had time for a quick pint before joining the ridiculous queue for the away end. 3 gates, 2 for tickets only, they couldn't open another to take cash because they only expect a handful of us to turn up!
Finally they did open a second pay gate and we got in just after the game had started and there was a fair queue behind us.
The match - well we defended very well for 45 minutes, we looked well organised and up for it.
Second half, United stepped up a gear, and soon made the quality count. The first goal was a superb cross, they forward caught it on the half volley and it was in before anyone moved.
Kuipers then gave away the second goal by throwing the ball to Lynch who had a man on him, he was robbed of the ball and Ifill made it 2-0. Strangely we pushed Hart to right wing and left Carole in the middle (why not stick to the Leeds formation) and on came CKR and then a few minutes later Gatting as tried to push forward.
It made no difference as we were caught on the break for 3-0. The finishing from Sheff Utd was quality, we then scored, this time a quality strike from CKR. A well deserved clapping of the players at the end as they were basically beaten by the better team.
I would have guessed at 1,000 Albion fans, but very hard to tell when they are stretched out from corner flag to corner flag.
We caught the 17.36 back to London, which took nearly 4 hours to get to London. Then our Thameslink train caught fire and we had to get off at Norwood Junction and wait for the next one!
We finally got back to Three Bridges and there was just time to get a fabulous Chicken kebab before retiring home! Another great day out following the Albion!
Kuipers - 6 tried to improve his distribution but mucked it up badly and we lost a goal because of it
El-Abd - 7 defended stoutly as ever
Butters - 7 great first 45 minutes, still gives his all and my MOTM again
McShane - 7 100% battler, had a great battle with Deane when he came on
Lynch - 7 defended well, at odds for the goal, but was put under pressure by Kuipers
Reid - 6 was slow tracking back for the 1st goal, but generally OK
Carpenter - 6 on the back foot, but battles
Hammond - 5 didnt do a lot, we didnt push forward until 3 down
Carole - 5 didnt create much
Frutos - 5 as above
Hart - 6 battled, but marked out the game when we did finally get the ball out our half
CKR for Reid (about an hour gone?) - 7 held the ball up well and look dangerous
Gatting for Lynch (20 minutes left?) - 5 didnt really get into the game
Mayo for Frutos (10 left?) - damage limitation as Sheff Utd were now taking us to pieces!