It’s always good when we have a Saturday away game and don’t have to set off at silly o’clock. It was mid-morning when I rolled up to Pete’s security gates. The weather was bright, with a sneaky breeze. The back seat was empty following a plethora of excuses from the usual suspects. Our 134-mile journey south was just the two of us; you could only imagine my excitement.
‘I recognise you,’ said the old boy behind the counter. He then pointed to a yellow, grainy CCTV picture on the wall. It was a rogues’ gallery, often used to identify shoplifters, but on this occasion, it was used to display images of those who had taken on, and been successful in, the large fish and chips challenge. Pete’s eyes lit up, a rare smile on his face. It’s not often he’s given the credit he deserves, but in the quiet North Leicestershire village of Measham, he’s a legend.
I counted five shovelfuls of chips being added to the pile before the last scrapings of the grill were rounded up for good measure. It was difficult to stop the owner being generous. We asked for a large portion of chips, and we certainly were being served a large portion. A standard portion was only a quid cheaper but probably weighed a kilogram less. The owner ignored me as I left but wished celebrity Pete a good day and looked forward to seeing him again…
We had the usual shenanigans with my car alarm as we arrived in Solihull; it only ever goes off when you know who travels with me. This time, I passed the keys to Pete, instructing him to walk back to the car and sort it. On the second revisit, he finally fixed it and took the adulation of the residents of the quiet cul-de-sac I’d parked on.
There’s a giant orb near the entrance to Solihull’s car park. It now looks neglected, with one side covered in moss. Its current use is for traffic management, stopping people sneaking out of the car park at full speed the wrong way. We all know why it was originally put there: it was to commemorate the landing of Jake Wright’s penalty against us in 2018. The wildest penalty miss in football history. We remember, even if the current locals don’t.
Solihull’s ground now resembles a popular seaside resort that’s been closed for the winter season. The once-popular tuck shop behind the goal at the top end of the ground was boarded up. The masses of green seats, added in recent years down one side of the pitch, are now out of bounds for the home fans. The relatively new main stand was sparsely populated. It was just like the party was over and everyone had left for winter.
The 147 travelling Shaymen were allocated the bottom corner of the ground. With bright sunshine in our faces, we had no choice other than to shield our eyes for 90 minutes. Solihull started the game well, forcing a decent save from our keeper within the first few minutes. Town then took control and dominated proceedings.
With 30 minutes played, there was unexpected activity amongst the stewards, with a small gathering of Town fans being escorted towards the away end. It was the Real Ale Brigade, slightly inebriated and oblivious to the kick-off time. Apparently, they’d set off to visit several pubs in Birmingham. One thing led to another before they got lost on some B-roads on the way to the ground. It’s probably best they have shandy next time.
With the game played almost entirely in Solihull’s half, the only frustration was the lack of goals at half-time. We’d had one disallowed for offside, hit the bar and shouted for the most obvious handball you’ll see all season. Despite Town’s efforts, it was still goalless.
There was jubilation amongst the Town faithful soon after the restart. Two quick goals put Solihull out of their misery. There could have been more too; the bar was rattled again, chances just went wide, and the home keeper got lucky a few times. It was perhaps our most comfortable away win at Damson Park, ever.
The applause for the team at full-time was well deserved. They made the game look easy and sent us all home happy.
Next up, it could be an FA Cup away day, or, failing that, a trip to the seaside in Southend. We’re well overdue a result there.
C’mon Shaymen!
Miles on the road: 2,182 Goals on the road: 7 Points on our travels: 6
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