Part 1 - Bad for Goode

4th Round

Northampton Town v Derby County

Friday 24th January 8.00pm

As soon as the bell went for the end of school, Samuel and I changed and headed south. I had a claret top on,which was sheer coincidence and not in solidarity with the home side.

Just over an hour later, having enjoyed a gentle M1, we arrived at the PTS Academy Stadium and were directed to our very own parking space.

Feeling very special, we received our match tickets and were shown to our table in the hospitality suite. With demand for tickets high, we were in the marquee extension, but felt very much part of the whole restaurant.

Our drink order was taken and, while we waited for our fellow diners to arrive, we were greeted by our host for the evening, Tom.

"So, I hear you've been on quite a journey in the FA Cup this season," he said, much to our surprise. I had mentioned this when booking our places, explaining our reason for coming, but never expected it to be brought up. We spent the next quarter of an hour chatting with Tom about Cup runs, non-league grounds and the Cobblers' recent history. It was a lovely way to start the evening.

Alex and his 9 year old son, James, joined us shortly after, the child being extremely enthusiastic about all things Cobbler. He was already delighted to have met Sam Hoskins, showing his i-phone picture to everyone, and looked forward to many more photo opportunities to come.

As more guests arrived, Tom announced the stadium tour. He led us down a short corridor and, with self-deprecating humour, took us to the home dressing room. A few of the players were present, and we were invited to have photos taken. James didn't need asking twice and set off with his phone. Samuel only wanted a photo with Scott Pollock, as he used to play for Hashtag United, the team created by YouTube star Spencer FC. Unfortunately, the player hadn't appeared before we had to move on, so he settled for a pic with his shirt.

We were hoping to run into the Derby squad as they arrived, as two other targets were Matt Clarke due to his Pompey link and, of course, Wayne Rooney. Sadly, they were delayed on their way.

We visited the pitch side via the tunnel, where we took in the ever increasing crowd, drawn by the prospect of taking on a Championship side on a mild late January evening.

On returning, we met the other five guests sharing our table; two Leicester fans who now live in Northampton, two Northampton supporters who still live in the town, and a Cobblers fan who lives in London. The latter was a walking encyclopaedia of Northampton Town FC, and it was fascinating hearing his many stories of matches through the decades, including his memory of George Best scoring 6 of Manchester United's goals in an 8-2 Cup win in 1970. He was very interested in our FA Cup story, which was charming, and we swapped tales of Pompey and Northampton meetings.

We made our food choices, and the first course arrived promptly. I ordered tomato and carrot soup rather than the ham hock terrine, and it came hot and spicy. Perfect starter. This was followed by hand made Beef and Ale pie, which rivalled those served at Oldham. Steaming, crusty and filled with chunks of tender beef in rich gravy. Mmm!

While eating, Tom interviewed Northampton defender Scott Wharton, who was unable to play due to an 'unfortunate' red card against Leyton Orient on Tuesday. This led to speculation at our table regarding team choices, with rumours that England's top goal scorer would be missing. Rooney or not Rooney, that was the question.

Dessert was a choice between Chocolate Tart or Raspberry Trifle. Both of us opted for the Tart, obviously, which was delicious, although Samuel found his a bit too rich, so I had to help him finish.

Keith Curle, former Manchester City favourite and current Northampton manager, mad an appearance. Following a brief interview, he circulated, meeting and greeting diners and having many photos.A really nice guy.

We ordered a drink for half time, then made our way to the stand, buoyed by the announcement that Rooney was starting as Derby captain. Our seats were in the centre of the West Stand, on comfortably cushioned rows just in front of the gathered press. To our right, the travelling Derby fans were making themselves heard in a packed away end.

The pomp of a televised FA Cup tie had to be observed, with the referee grabbing the match ball from a shiny, black podium as he led the players onto the pitch. They marched out to the strains of 'the Liquidator', with the traditional hand clap ending with a shout of 'Cobblers'. We joined in. It was fun.

The atmosphere was electric. Even the lower tier of the incomplete East Stand was effective, like the second Death Star in 'the Return of the Jedi'. We hoped we were in for a blockbuster of a game.

Northampton started well, getting straight into their Championship visitors, and, as early as the 5th minute, had a fabulous chance to take the lead. From a corner, Jordan Turnbull's effort was blocked, but Vadaine Oliver latched onto the loose ball, only to see it skim off the crossbar.

A few minutes later, a high ball dropped towards Jack Marriott, who was being marshalled by Charlie Goode. Judging the bounce perfectly, Marriott turned the Cobblers' skipper and, as he set off towards goal, was wrestled to the ground. A collective groan ran through the stand, as the fans prepared to witness their second red card in a week.

To be continued.