So what do you do when your team's match is postponed due to international call ups? Well isn't it obvious? Head over to a random game and check out some of the ex Leicester lads or players away on loan!! As fortune would have it, young Ricky Sappleton would be just down the road with his Bournemouth team mates for a game against Notts County.
As luck would have it, trains run directly from syston to Nottingham so it was one of the easiest grounds in the country to get to for me and better yet, the opportunity to spend the night in Nottingham with one of my best friends. A short train journey and walk through the city centre and I was at hers for a quick natter before making my way to the County Ground.
Arrived very early at the ground and after quickly browsing the turnstiles, I found one with an old boy who looked likely to let me in for cheaper without to much hastle - the £20 adult price really didnt appeal for a league two clash.
The ground itself is actually of a very good standard for league two and much better than some we will visit ourselves this season.
Sadly however, although this was a good 45 minutes before kick off, the ground never really got much fuller than this.
A few other Leicester boys made their way over for this one and it wasn't long before Lil' Dave, Joe and Tilley arrived and we took our seats awaiting the arrival of one Ricky Sappleton!
It soon came to our notice that the good people of Nottingham have not quite got the hang of this spelling malarkey as they managed to get "Bournemouth" wrong on the scoreboard. Another thing noted before the game was how close the two stadiums in the city are as the club logo of the City Ground can be seen from our position in the away end between the two stands.
The game itself can only be described as awful with very little quality on display. A 12th minute goal from Jamie Forrester volley gave County the lead but it didn't last long as Bournemouth hit back with a quality goal of their own. Some great build up play resulted in a low cross being turned in at the far post by Brett Pitman. And to be honest.... that was it. Nothing much happened in terms of the game.
It was good however to see how other away fans behaved and to watch on as they amuse themselves. One guy in particular who they call "Nonny" gained the seal of approval from us as he started most songs and then managed to walk into a pillar when he wasn't looking! The guy's Bournemouth's Bernie! Legend!
Not really much else to report on the game as Ricky never made it onto the pitch. In terms of Mr Sappleton, the only highlight came when he put his shin pads on as he warmed up. For a second, we really thought we'd see him in action but I guess it was not to be!
So that was Notts County and ground number 48. Awful game but a good laugh none the less and I soon made my way back into the city centre to spend the evening there and complete a quality weekend with Sam. I just hope the international break doesn't ruin City's good run....
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