atfccfc

A wee trick to save a bit of money. You can get a train from Amsterdam, Eindhoven (Airport was bus into city, then train to Venlo. And switch to a cross border train (RE13) to Dusseldorf. I did this a few years ago when I went on a trip to Nordrhein-Westfalen area for a football trip.

I'll not get tickets through the Tartan army. But I've applied for four games in the ballot for the first week of the Euros (only time I could get off work) Not booked flights yet. But have booked accommodation (not paid and free cancellation) for three of the venues. Stuttgart, Munich and Dusseldorf. I've also applied for a game in Frankfurt, but I've family nearby so will stay with them. As for flights. I'll book for the cheapest in surrounding airports outside of Germany (Paris, Basel, Amsterdam etc, to avoid high costs) and get bus train into Germany. If I'm successful I'll book flights as soon as I get tickets.

The corner at Celtic Park is the best place to have away fans, its single tiered and the main stand is far enough away to the away fans. For European games it holds about 2500/3000 without having home fans too close to them. But at Ibrox. I'd have thought it would make more sense to have away fans in that bit behind the goal closest to the main stand, as the stands aren't joined. So have fans in upper and lower tier for that game. That corner at Ibrox where away fans are looks a nightmare as you have fans from both sides close by and above.

A first visit to Forresters Park for Tranent 1 Cowdenbeath 0. A decent and tidy ground. Attendance 300/400?! Entry £10. No programmes or teamsheet. Cowdenbeath started this game much the better than the hime side and created the better first half chances. They put Tranents high line under a lot of pressure, Number 9 for Cowdenbeath was unlucky as he twice charged down the Tranents goalkeeper with his clearances. Both chances going narrowly wide. He also forced the goalkeeper into a good save in-between that. Tranent did have a couple of half chances. A free kick that Cowdens keeper easy stopped and another deep free kick where the header was saved. A decent first half. But Cowdenbeath will be frustrated at not taken a lead. Second half was more Tranent as it was they who created the better chances. Cowdenbeath switched of at a throw in. The ball was crossed in and Number 8 had a tap in to make it 1-0. Tranent were now on top and started to create a lot more. The Cowdenbeath goalkeeper produced three good saves and the goalscorer should have made it 2-0 when he blazed a shot high over the bar. Cowdenbeath tried hard to come back into the game. But it just wasn't working for them. The management team seemed frustrated at how deep they were, but they didn't seem to have the specific tactical nounce make the changes needed. It was just get higher up the pitch. Tranent comfortably seen out the rest if the match for a deserved win. Only Bo'ness and Caledonian Braves left to complete the Lowland League

After a weeks break, where I had to work a weekend I'm back on my travels today. We'll a short journey to Albyn Park for the South Challenge Cup clash between Broxburn Athletic and Lesmahagow Juniors. Albyn Park is a interesting ground. Its had some work done on it. And the high grass banks around looks like it must have had a much larger capacity in the past. Would be interested to know a bit more about that. This turned out to be a much better and closer game than I imagined before I chose it. Broxburn are top of the East of Scotland Premier. The visitors are 6th in the West of Scotland 3rd Division (4th tier) though both teams were in form. The match as I say was very competitive and went from end to end. Broxburn took the lead on 22 minutes when Brass showed some great skill to lift the ball over the defender, control the ball and fire a shot home inside the box. Lesmahagow though showed great fight and spirit to stay in the game and equalised on 39 minutes when they broke away on a counter attack, Kieran McGuire played the ball out to Andrew Arthurs who's lung bursting run from his own half seen him fire a hard shot at Watt in the Broxburn goal. He couldn't hold it and it went over the line as the Linesman awarded the goal. Broxburn then retook the lead 3 minutes later when a cross from the right found Nimme, who's shot was only half cleared before Brass claimed his second with a shot into the roof of the net. A breathless first half ended with Broxburn leading 2-1. The second galf started a wee bit more calmly, as the home side controlled the early part. But Lesmahagow who looked really up for the game and played as good football as their opponents equalised again, when a short quick passing move found Arthurs free in the box to slot home his second goal. This was a real cup tie now. Broxburn despite looking the better team and creating tge most chances struggled with Lesmahagows work effort throughout the game. And this could have gone either way. Lesmahagow lost their first choice goalkeeper to injury and the sub keeper had to come on, he initially looked a bit ropey but did make a few good saves. But there had to be a winner. And this came when the visitors made a mess of trying to clear the ball, a shot came in and Craig Forbes made a fantastic save to tip the ball over the bar, sadly Forbes is an outfield player so it was a red card and penalty. The penalty was scored by Darren Downie to make it 3-2. Lesmahagow could have capitulated at this point. But kept going forward, despite the danger of losing another goal. They sadly ran out of time in this pulsating tie. But both teams deserve credit for putting on a great game. Broxburn 3 Lesmahagow 2 Entrance £8 Programme and teamsheet £2 Steak Pie and coffee £3.40

8th and Final game of a busy September, You'll all be glad to know.. A first visit to K Park for Lowland League pacesetters East Kilbride for the match against Civil Service Strollers. Ticket £8, programme £2.50. The match was pretty much controlled by EK from the start. But CSS looked dangerous on the break. I was impressed with the good football played by the hosts for most of the match. But the visitors with 5 at the back were determined not to give much away. It took the normally free scoring hosts 35 minutes to break the deadlock when a quick 4 pass move sent Nathan Flanagan through where he shot past Owens for 1-0 at half time. A well deserved lead. The second half was a very good EK performance where they created numerous chances, but Owens in the CSS goal was having a superb game, making save after save. He though didn't have much chance on 76 minutes when Marc Kelly was fouled in the box. He stepped up to send Owens the wrong way to make it 2-0. EK really should have scored a cou0le more in a one sided second half. But excellent defending and good goalkeeping kept the score respectable. A good crowd of about 400 I think. Mostly families and a nice club. East Kilbride look a good team too. And should win the Lowland League with something to spare. My last game now for a couple of weeks, as I now have to work so.e weekends

My busy September continues with a short trip down to Ainslie Park to see Hutchison Vale V Crossgates Primrose in the East of Scotland Premier Division. A very even first half between two midtable teams, though the hosts had a better start to the season. First chance fell to Crossgates early on with Vale creating a couple after that. But the game burst into life just before half time when they broke down the right and number 11 stabbed the ball home at the second attempt. Vale soon had a second in first half injury time when they won a free kick, which hit the wall. But centre half number 4 took a shot which fell to number 6 who tapped home. The second half started with Crossgates attempting to get back in the game, but truth be told the attempts weren't great. Hutchison Vale were in total control and won a penalty on the hour mark, which number 10 finished of to make it 3-0. Vale had several chances to score more goals. But poor finishing and good goalkeeping kept it at three. A well deserved win for Vale. Crossgates will be very disappointed at how they fell apart so easily after an even first half. Final score 3-0. Crowd. Approx 150. £8 entry, £2 for a programme.

Popped down to Easter Road tonight for the Hibernian v St Mirren league cup QF. This one was a slow burner, but birst into life later on. Not much happened for 30 minutes, until St Mirren almost scored Olusanya (I think) chipped Marshall. But his shot went narrowly wide. Hibs responded quickly but nothing came of it. Then just before Half time Hibs failed to clear their lines and Greg Tanser fired a left foot volley home to give Saints a half time lead. Hibs responded at the start of the second half. Hibs equaliser came from a corner when Youan glanced a header home on 51 minutes. Then 3 minutes later Hibs took the lead. A cross from the right from Miller (I think) was met by Vente, who turned and shot past Hemmings. The match had turned into a cracker. Saints though were never out of the game. They came storming back and equalised after 75 minutes when Hibs defence fell asleep. Keanu Baccus picked the ball up on the right outside the Box and fired his shot into the far corner of the goal to make it 2-2. At this point. The game could have gone either way. But it was Hibs who took the lead again 4 minutes later. Substitute Rory Whittaker passed the ball to Martin Boyle in the 6 yard box. He turned and shot past Hemmings to make it 3-2. St Mirren though kept going, looking for the equaliser to take it to Penalties. And nearly scored a couple of times. But Hibs were now playing on the Counter. Boyle almost scored again. But Hemmings saved. But on 94 minutes he wasn't to be denied his brace. He ran through on goal and slotted his shot past Hemmings to sent the Hibs fans home happy. If not a rad breathless. What a fantastic second half. St Mirren though will be gutted after putting so much hard work and effort into the game. Ticket £20, Programme £2. Crowd. 9982. Including about 1000 Saints

Cheers. There's no big games between those 3 when I'm there. There is the League Cup final in Leiria (which I have a ticket for already, as they went on sale at a reduced price at the start of the season!?!) So hoping for a couple of big names in the final.

That looks superb. I'm heading to Portugal (Porto) in January. Any tips about buying tickets etc? Thanks?

Second game of the weekend and Headed down to Brighton for their game against AFC Bournemouth. This was a much better game than the Crystal Palace game. Though Brighton started sluggishly and Bournemouth took the lead on 25 minutes when the Seagulls goalkeeper got caught messing about at the back by Ryan Christie (who had a good game) who set up Dominic Solanke to give the Cherries a deserved lead. Brighton equalised against the run of play in first half injury time when Man of the match Billy Gilmour, who was superb in the game. Sent a cross into the box which the Bournemouth defender should have cleared. But inexplicably ducked...! As the ball went in! 1-1 at half time. Brighton made two changes at half time, one was Evan Ferguson for Mitoma who took seconds after coming on to give Brighton the lead. A Bournemouth player got caught on the ball by Mitoma who fed the ball to Dahoud, who gave it back to Mitoma to slot the ball home. Brighton were much brighter in the second half, but Bournemouth also were good as the game opened up. Bournemouth had a couple of shouts for a penalty. The first I thought was a penalty, but the refund VAR gave neither. Brighton scored the third on 76 minutes with a short, sharp passing move as Mitoma scored again. Bournemouth very nearly and should have scored again as a scramble was cleared of the line moments later. In the end a deserved win based on the second half for Brighton, but Bournemouth deserve credit for making it an entertaining afternoon. Ticket was a reasonable £32 (PDF) And programmes £3.50. Tickets also include travel to and from the game over quite a generous area. Its very well organised both in Brighton and at the stadium. Stadium is a superb for a new build as well, if not a bit out of the centre.

First of a English Premier League double header down south this weekend and what a stinker to start with... Crystal Palace V Fulham 0-0. Both teams lucky to get Nil! Paid £55 plus a membership for the 'privilege' of watching this. Programme was £3.50. The weather was nice and the Atmosphere generated by the Palace support was excellent. That's all the positives I've got for this one. I've been to Selhurst Park back in 1992. When I seen Palace play an Everton team which had Mo Johnston in it. That was a better game which Palace won 2-0.

AFC Fylde V Aldershot Town 0-2 at Mill Farm. Ticket £16, programme and teamsheet £3. Pint £6. Got got to keep the branded cup. Attendance 1384 with approx 200 away fans. Popped down to Lancashire today to see The Shots play away at Fylde in glorious weather today. Haven't seen the Shots since early last season so it was a well over due time to see them. Both teams could score goals. But also both had very leaky defences! So a goal feast was (almost) promised. Well both teams seemed to have spent the week working on defence so the match was tighter than expected. Fylde though seemed to have sacrificed goal scoring to try and tighting up but failed! Shots in the other hand put in a superbly disciplined performance with a change to 3 at the back and a new goalkeeper who marshalled this team mates brilliantly throughout. Aldershot controlled the game throughout and gained a well deserved 2-0 win with goals from Ryan Glover on 69 minutes with a great run on the left win before finishing with a shot to the bottom right of the goal. The three points were secured when Tyler Frost fired a 20 yard shot past the Fylde goalkeeper into the to corner to send the 200+ away fans home to Aldershot and Edinburgh very happy. A great day out

You think that's wild. Here's a story from 13 years ago for Blackburn V Burnley. (Sorry it's the Daily Mail) but I remember it because there was a video of it on the BBC at the time. Mental how football fans are treated https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1216933/Spare-thought-Burnley-fan-living-Blackburn-journey-Ewood-Park-derby-clash-FOUR-hours.html

This is how Swansea City fans have to travel if they want to see Cardiff away. https://www.swanseacity.com/news/cardiff-city-important-ticketing-information

I got mine of a group on Facebook from a 1860 season ticket holder. The Dresden match would've been a harder game to get tickets for and had no general sale.

Went there last season against Dresden. Brilliant experience

. Aye, He refused to sell his ticket for St Mirren away at Love Street...! Moves to Scotland in 1993, got a season ticket for Celtic for most of that time and went to away games, then only hime games for a few years as couldn't always get time of work for every game rather than random games. Now I actually prefer to watch random games as its more enjoyable.

Inverness Caledonian Thistle V Dunfermline Athletic. Championship. Ticket £20, no programme (free teamsheet). Well it's only taken 35 years since my first game on 3rd September 1988 at Douglas Park, when I watched Hamilton Reserves v Celtic Reserves. Though technically you could argue 7th October 1992 for Celtic V Hearts at Celtic Park was my first of the 42. But I've finally completed the Scottish league 42. I've sadly missed out on visits to Boghead, Love Street, Firs Park, Broomfield, Kilbowie and Annfield. But managed to see games at all the rest of Grounds occupied by clubs that have relocated since 1988. Though with ex league clubs I can also add Shielfield, Central Park Cowdenbeath, Meadowbank Thistle and Gretna. Though Glebe Park is one still need to tick off. My last league ground on the list was Inverness Caledonian Thistle today. ICT on a run of 6 straight defeats really needed a result against a slightly better in form. Pars team. The match watched by 2388 including a good support from Fife seen a scrappy game where both teams worked hard to win the game but lacked the bit of quality needed to get the three points. ICT took a 12th minute lead against the run of play when Nathan Shaw fired a 20 yard shot into the corner of the net to take a half time lead. The second half was as even as the first and Dunfermline really should have scored when Owen Moffet when on a many run but his powerful shot was straight at Ridgers. The visitors weren't to be denied though when on 80 minutes a header from a corner luped over Ridgers head for the equaliser by Hamilton. A well deserved point for Dunfermline and frustration for ICT. But the home fans should be happier with a battling performance.

Double header today thanks to the BBC. First up. Beechwood Park for Sauchie Juniors V Broxburn Athletic in the East of Scotland Premier at 2.30. £10 entry, no programme. But thanks to the Sauchie secretary for getting me a team sheet. This match proved to be quite feisty both in the stand and on the pitch. The match was fairly even and entertaining in the first half. Both teams traded early chances before Sauchie broke forward and won a penalty on 16 minutes. Number 10 sent the keeper the wrong way but his shot hit the post and was cleared. On 29 minutes though he atoned for the miss by scoring as the keeper let a shot go under him from 30 yards. Broxburn's discipline let them down at times as they had 3 players booked for dissent over the game. The second half was less even as Sauchie had the best of the play and really should've won comfortably. But on 90 minutes Broxburn equalised with a header from number 14. But it wasn't over as Broxburn won a penalty moments later. But they could not convert as the keeper saved it. Match finished 1-1 in front of 200+ The fiestyness continued in the stands when a Broxburn fan had 'banter' that went too far with the Sauchie Assistant who insulted his wife. Then a Dauchie fan got some kids to stand In front of him during the game, which he then stood in front of the Broxburn fan...! All very childish! I then headed down to Recreation park for Alloa V Falkirk for 5.30. Entrance £18, programme and teamsheet £3. A large Falkirk following roared their team onto a convincing 4-1 win in front of 1334. Half time was 2-0 which was a little harsh on Alloa, but Falkirks second half performance was excellent and the scoreline in the end was a fair reflection.

St Mirren 1 V 0 Motherwell in the League cup today. Attendance 5241 including a near sell out of Motherwell fans. Ticket £18 Programme £3 This was my 5th visit to St Mirren Park but bizarrely this was the first time I'd seen a St Mirren home match. Sadly I missed out on a visit to Love Street before they moved. St Mirren look a very tidy, well organised and decent side, and they won this very comfortably through an absolutely brilliant goal from Caolan Boyd-Munce as he fired an 8th minute bullet into the top corner from the edge of the box. From that point on Daints looked in full control and despite Motherwell battling to get into the game. Motherwell in my opinion look a little of it, not sure they looked particularly comfortable in the way they played unlike St Mirren who look confident and settled. A well deserved win for Saints and into the next round.

Hearts 3 Rosenborg 1 (Hearts 4-3 agg). Att 17942 (sold out?! and not a spare seat to be seen?!) Ticket £20 programme £3.50. Absolutely cracking match and atmosphere at Tynecastle for this Europa Conference league qualifier. Though Hearts started with a wimper they certainly finished it with aplomb! Rosenborg scored in the fourth minute after Zander Clarke made a good save but Hearts failed to clear their lines and Rosenborg scored. But Jearts came roaring back in a very entertaining and open game. A ball was played over the top to Shankland and he fired past the Norwegian goalkeeper to level on the night. Both teams continued to look for goals but it stayed at 1-1 at half time. Hearts started the second half much better than the first when in 50 minutes Rosenborgs keeper made a great save only for the ball to fall to the impressive Cameron Devlin who fired a fierce shot home on the angle! Level on aggregate the game was really on a knife edge. But in the second of seven minutes injury time at the end Cameron Devlin shot from the edge of the box, a deflection took it past the goalkeeper to send the Hearts fans mental! Rosenborg had one last chance to take it to extra time but Zander Clark stood tall and tipped the shot over the bar. A deserved win for Hearts.

Already been to Germany for 10 days in January this year. Spent it touring around the old East German cities as well as a night in Munich. Had planned on going to Nantes in France in June. But sadly our flights got cancelled, so went to Ireland for a few days instead. Nothing else really planned for the year except a weekend in London in September. For next year, I've already booked Portugal for 10 days. Flying into Porto and out of Lisbon

Raydale Park for Gretna 2008 V Albion Rovers. HT 0-0 FT 0-4. Attendance around 200?! Ticket on the gate £8 programme £2 teamsheet free. A poor first half which seen Albion Rovers control the match but not look particularly dangerous, as they were too static up front which made defending look easy for a Gretna side which had conceded 25 goals in four games. They hit a post was the only chance of note. Gretna looked awful though and seemed happy enough to soak up pressure. They didn't help themselves when Ronan Kearney was booked for a foul only to receive a red card seconds later. For what I don't know!? Albion Rovers manager Sandy Clark wasn't a happy man at half time. The second half though started with a more determined Albion Rovers (must have got a kick in the arse at half time!) Joe Bevan picked the ball up on the right wing at ran at the Gretna defence before finishing well inside the 6 yard box. This relaxed Rovers and they soon scored a second from the penalty spot for a push in the box as a cross came in. I'm not sure why the referee only booked the defender as he made no attempt to play the ball? Niyah Joseph scored the penalty. Number three and four where scored by Barry Duncan. The first was a wonderful left footed free kick into the top corner from 20ish yards. The second and final goal was a left footed shot from 2 yard after good play on the right wing again, and was the final touch of the game. Albion Rovers looked decent once they settled down, Gretna are in for a long hard season. Not helped by their lack of discipline at times. An impressive away following from Albion Rovers of 60/70+ fans down from Coatbridge. Had a nice lunch and pint at the Gretna Inn just 10 minutes walk from Raydale Park.

Used to watch Globetrekker back in the day. Hosted by an English guy called Ian Wright, Americans Megan McCormick and Justine Shaprio amongst others. Basically they went around the world to and reviewed off the beaten track types of places as well as fairly well known places. It was fairly backpackers type of travel reviews. Absolutely loved the show.