Well, the Irish Gulls made it to the game and I have to say we had a blinding day/weekend. We arrived on Friday afternoon and discovered we were staying in the same hotel as the Accies. Plans were concocted straight away to keep them awake that night but we never followed through on it. Too busy out and about, laughing at Ireland's attempts to match Germany and generally getting p*ssed. A good night.
Had a bit of banter at the hotel with Paul Cook just before leaving for the ground, had photos taken with him etc. He then asked how many of us were going to the ground. 10 came the reply. "Ah, sorry lads. I haven't got room for all of you, otherwise we'd give you a lift." What a gent. Lovely bloke. His day didn't turn out all bad as his old charges in Sligo clinched the league on Saturday.
We got to the ground for 2 and after buying our tickets we popped into Boots & Laces and had a couple before kick off. We got a mention from Simon Baker in the programme, which one or two of the lads spotted, offering to meet us before the game. I thought they were taking the piss and didn't really bother to read it til after the game. When I read it properly (back in B&L after the game) a few of us ran around to the players and officials bar upstairs. Unfortunately he'd already left but we were greeted by another director (Brian Palk) and he introduced us to Martin Ling. Nice fella, cue more photos. Brian's a fine photographer!
We really enjoyed the game. It was great to watch a game of football without players diving all over the shop. It was good honest stuff, a breath of fresh air. How we didn't get 6 I don't know. The ground itself has changed a fair bit since I was last there but it looked great. We also got our flag up behind the goal at the away end, just in time for Rene's penalty. We gave it a good cheer when the goals were played back on Sky in the bar afterwards!
After a bit of dinner we gave it a good lash again and some of us ended up in Back to the 80s down by the harbour. And who should be next to us having a few pints with his mates only Mr Ling! More hand shaking.
All in all, we really had a great weekend. Really enjoyed being in Torquay again and the whole match experience was the icing on the cake. We'll be doing our best to get back sooner rather than later.
