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Away Days 23/24: Blackpool - If Brophy Scores, We’re In The Sea

 

Normally when I’m in Blackpool, it’s creds which are on the agenda. There actually is a cred I need here, it’s on the South Pier and it was not open. I knew it was too much to ask for three of my favourite things to come together. Though I’ll take 2/3, those being an away day with a good pub. 

I’ve decided that some parking spaces at The Abbey are cursed. My preferred space is now cursed after that night in Lincoln. To give Cambridge the best chance, I chose a new space at random and hoped it would bring some luck! I also forgot to take my usual photo of The Abbey… 

We set off at 07:45 and stopped at Norton Canes, one of my least favourite places. Norton Canes is a rubbish services, it’s too small and can’t cope with any sort of demand. Therefore I was thrilled to see the coach parking nearly full as we pulled in. Preston and Southampton were already here and in great numbers. It was Gentry day for Preston fans, who dress up in top hats to remember the fans who have passed away. Southampton fans had travelled in such large numbers that a couple of them had set up some sort of Southampton tat stall. Whilst walking from the overcrowded gents towards the only real food option, I heard one Southampton fan say “oooh Cambridge”, which made me chuckle. 

We then arrived in Blackpool and despite assurances from Blackpool FC that we would be told where to park, there was no one in sight. Then a steward ran over and didn’t know where we should park. Great. In the end we parked near this:

I don’t even know what to say about that. 

Kindly, Blackpool Jane (Link) had recommend a pub for me and lads. 

We were given a warm welcome of “trouble has arrived!, I think there’s a couple of other Cambridge fans over there”. There are more than three of us but not many more, I replied, which got me a few laughs. I was delighted to see this in the bar! 

I love Tuck and I miss drinking it in The Live. It was perfect. I had another.


It was clear this place was a favourite of Blackpool fans:

But, the theming didn’t stop there:

Speaking to a Blackpool fan in the pub, you’d thing that their season was already down the toilet!

Pints onboard we made the short walk to Bloomfield Road. 

The away end felt a bit temporary, and is the only stand with pillars. The view really isn’t great. 

I had a decent pie though! 

The match was a bit of a game of two halves. It was clear that Blackpool are a team that possess quality and are rapid going forwards. Other than their goal, they didn’t threaten much. Cambridge, wearing a weird combo of away shirts and home shorts, deserved a point, after a much better second half display. Another game without a Brophy goal though, so no jumping in the sea.  It’s always a shame to lose, but the performances have certainly improved. Results were kind to us and safety is in sight. 

I can’t make Bristol Rovers away so see you at Port Vale! 

Cambridge game: 524

Ground: 31/92

Oh one more thing! Which of these is The Blackpool Tower? 



















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