On our way.

Extra Preliminary Qualifying Round

Loughborough University (L9) v Ilkeston Town (L8)

Saturday 10th August 2019

We started our journey with a short trip to Loughborough. Actually, it was to Nanpantan, a village on the edge of Loughborough and home to Loughborough Dynamos FC. Due to refurbishment of the University facilities, the game had been switched to their near neighbours.

Arriving at the ground, we joined a small group heading for the turnstiles, mostly in the red of Ilkeston Town. Having spent most of my years as a supporter in league football, it made a welcome change to pay £6 for me and a pound for Samuel to get in. A programme was £2, but was well produced and good quality.

Although dry and sunny, it was a blustery day, so many of the spectators made use of the clubhouse. As well as the usual football fare, there was a well stocked bar offering a small range of draught beers, and Sky TV on a big screen.

We bought a burger, hot dog and two drinks, all for £5. Financially, the day was proving very favourable.

For the first half, we chose to stand by the halfway line on a narrow covered terrace. One of the joys of football at this level is being able to hear the conversations between players, officials and spectators, many of which are hilarious.

Ilkeston started brightly, dominating the opening period, and were physically stronger than their undergraduate opposition. It was only a matter of time before they took the lead.

Or so we thought.

Against the run of play, the University broke forward and, following a rash and clumsy tackle, were awarded a penalty. Up stepped Kel Akpobire and duly gave the hosts the lead.

This upset the visiting fans, who started to berate their players, the officials and probably each other. I heard on strident voice yelling encouragement and criticism in equal measure, recognising it as a friend from my time working near Ilkeston. I waved and, between "Stop being lazy, get in the game!" and "That's better, Alex, use your strength!" she calmly turned, saying "Hi, Ray. Good to see you."

Ilkeston's troubled afternoon continued as, just before the interval, their captain was sent for an early bath for a second yellow card.

Half Time - Loughborough University 1 Ilkeston Town 0

During the break, we moved to a small stand in front of the clubhouse, as the increasing wind threatened to rip the corrugated sheeting off the terrace roof. We caught up with some more friends who were Ilkeston fans, and they had little hope for the second half. Despite winning their league championship the previous season, the new term hadn't started well. However, as the second period got underway, I pointed out that they were only a goal down and football could be a funny game.

They weren't laughing a minute later, though, as the University increased their lead when Ronan Silva finished a sweeping move. This knocked a big dent in the confidence of the visitors and the game swung in favour of the hosts. More pressure followed and, near the hour mark, Akpobire doubled his personal tally, giving the University a comfortable 3-0 lead.

It was at this stage that one of the Ilkeston fans totally lost it when, following a good through ball, one of the Ilkeston forwards was flagged offside. This chap exploded, pointing out to the linesman, referee and anyone else who cared to listen, that one of the University defenders was clearly on the goal line. He failed to spot the advanced position of the goalkeeper as the ball was played, continuing to rant for several minutes while his face turned the same colour as his shirt. Eventually, a couple of elderly supporters took it upon themselves to calmly explain the offside rule to him. When he finally understood, he tucked his hands in his pockets and walked slowly away.

He was able to celebrate not long after though.

With just under half an hour to go, Alex Marshall got one back for Ilkeston, rekindling hope in their fans. Their players responded, creating more chances, and their endeavour paid off with the award of a free kick in a promising position five minutes from time. It took a fine save from the University keeper to maintain the two goal advantage, and that proved to be the last meaningful action of the game.

Full Time - Loughborough University 3 Ilkeston Town 1

So, the Ilkeston fans, who had made up the majority of the 163 attendance, trudged back to their cars and coach, contemplating a long, hard season without an FA Cup run.

Meanwhile, the University team celebrated progression to the next round and an away visit to Maltby Main.

Where?

Ratings - food 8/10; facilities 7/10; atmosphere and entertainment 7/10.

Attendance 163.

Round trip 50 miles.

#FACup

We are not alone!

After a few months we discovered that there were others on their own road to Wembley.

Two friends from London, Jack Dormer, a Tottenham fan, and Alex Rowe, supporting Liverpool, began by randomly choosing a team in the extra preliminary qualifying round.

They got Virginia Water, and their match was away at Croydon Athletic. We will add their journey alongside ours.

The result of their match was a 1 - 0 victory for Croydon.