I received an early Christmas present this weekend, courtesy of Bath City FC – a really fun day out in Surrey and a fabulous win against very strong opposition.

It all started Saturday morning when Claire and I braved the cold to travel east to see City take on Woking – the team we beat 5-0 just two weeks ago.

Upon arriving, we discovered our coach was not allowed to park at the ground due to Woking not having enough spaces. With the Christmas spirit in the air, it reminded me of the Nativity story, where there was no room at the inn.

This meant we all had to trek through the snow to get to the ground. Unfortunately the husky dogs that normally travel to away games didn’t come this week, so I was unable to get them to pull me along on a sleigh.

Before Bath City kicked off, I settled down with a pint to watch the Portsmouth – Liverpool game on TV. I know a lot of Liverpool fans, so the less said about that match, the better. I was intrigued, however, by the channel broadcasting the game. After noticing the strange channel logo in the corner of the screen, I was doubtful as to whether it was a Sky Sports broadcast. My suspicions were confirmed when, at half time, the analysis was introduced by a man in a turban speaking a foreign language. The last time I checked, Andy Gray didn’t look or sound like that!

Having drank beer, I needed food, so went hunting at the burger bar. I have travelled to a lot of away games and eaten a lot of food at football grounds. With the possible exception of Newport County’s divine restaurant, I have to say, Woking FC make the best food in the league. The cheeseburger I ate was delicious – my compliments to the chef.

The game made what was already a good day even better. After withstanding an early onslaught of attacking play from Woking, City grabbed two goals themselves. Woking scored a goal in the second half, which made me slightly nervous, although City’s Lewis Hogg erased any doubts I had with a free kick Sir David Beckham would be proud of, to win the game 3-1.

The journey back to the coach was cold… very cold. However, despite getting frost bite on my feet and almost losing a few toes, it was worth it. A great day out.

The icing on the cake was when I learnt Leeds had beaten Southampton. Southampton are known by many as The Saints. Leeds manager, Simon Grayson, is known by me as The Saint. Only one saint could win. Luckily, Saint Simon Grayson won, proving he is still the God of football.

Enjoy these various pictures of a cold, wintery Woking.

A wintery Woking pitch.
Well done to all those at the club who worked to ensure the game went ahead

Legendary fan, Brian York, enjoying the day…

… before saying farewell to City cult hero, Florin Pelecaci