Waking up early on Sunday 6th February could only mean one thing; Boreham Wood are playing Bournemouth in the FA Cup 4th round for the first time in their history! It felt unreal.
We were on the 11am “party coach.” Me, my Dad, my friend from Mexico and some friends who we go to the Arsenal with. There was a real buzz on the coach. Lots of singing and chatter. The way travelling to an away game should be. We got dropped off at “The Christopher Creek” pub where I was greeted by my 21-year-old nephew who had made a weekend of it with his friends. We found a nice quiet table upstairs. Some friends of mine who live in Bournemouth came and joined us at the pub and even had tickets for the match!
We grabbed a taxi to the ground. The place was buzzing! I brought a keepsake programme and within 30 seconds I lost it due to being search by the stewards! Doh! We go through the turnstiles and literally the goosebumps came! Everyone was happy, smiling, singing, it was just so good! We had a beer and then it was time to take our seats!
As I was walking up the stairs, a lady was coming down as she needed a little comfort, I took her back to the concourse and gave her some water. Her partner was looking after her, so I left to find my seat. I started to climb the stairs again when my friend’s three young kids came towards me, they were all crying. So, I took them back to the concourse. They had never been to a big game like this before, so it was all new to them. The away stewards were so good and caring and they took us to the disabled section so the kids could watch the game in peace (I did email Bournemouth the next day to say thank you). So, I actually missed the first 20 minutes of the game! Luckily though I witnessed history in Ricketts scoring the only goal of the game. The roar from the Wood Army was just incredible!
When the full-time whistle blew, the noise and the energy of the travelling fans was just immense. We were all hugging and crying. It really is what dreams are made of. This historic win has literally brought the Town together. I had so many messages from friends around the globe congratulating me on my team winning and progressing into the 5th round of the FA Cup! Words do not describe how incredible this moment was. I watched the whole game again on the Monday.
I’m so thankful I got to experience this with my Dad, my nephew and a few good friends. Thank you, Boreham Wood. I will never forget this day!
