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| This is what a wet but warm welcome looks like |
Last time we where over it was sunny and about 25 degrees. This time around it was a bit different. Rain and just about 6 degrees. Last time we won, this time we lost. Last time we were two coming over, this time we were four. The one thing that was exactly the same was the warm welcome from our Preston comrades.
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| On the move from Oslo |
After work friday we all met up at Oslo Central Station and got a taxi to Rygge Airport - the start of all Branch trips to England. Normally we get into friendly arguments with Premiership team`s fans but this time we where pretty much alone. Nico had his priorities straight and made sure we had enough whiskey to last the whole trip. One way at least.
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| Touchdown London |
Getting to London is not much different than going to Preston in our case. Fly time is pretty much the same and what do you know, the taxi time also pretty similar to. Our hotel was ok except some dodgy stains on the carpet, underwear in the staircase and just to many french people. You do understand English, you just don`t want to, twats. Merde!
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| Always show your true colors |
First night out was spent at Burger King several local pubs around Hyde Park.
Max being 27 years old was asked for ID at some point. Nothing wrong
with looking young though but when you are older than the bartender you
don`t tip him much after that do you? After some more or less eventful stays at soulless pubs we ended up at one where we had 4-5 IPAs thanks to Nico. That pub was a bit more alive. Glass broke and stickers was handed out to walls and other places.
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| One big happy family |
But we were not in London to hang out at random bars by our selves. We were in London to hang with our Preston family. And after showing Ben the London Eye, Piccadilly Circus, Oxford Street and the Stone Island flagship store we met up at the Water Poet. And what a meet up it was. When people ask me - Why Preston? The short response to that is - Because it feels so f*cking good! The atmosphere in a Preston faithful get-together is just brilliant. We are proud to call us a part of it all.
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| A packed Water Poet |
Once again happy birthday to Tim. 30 years on the 10th season. Get it this time pal?:-)
After the quality time spent at the Water Poet we moved on to Leyton by tube. The sky kept pissing on us as we made our way to Brisbane Road. The place was buzzing and the expectations were high and we all agreed that we could not loose this one. The boys were going to avenge Scott Laird`s broken leg. Weren`t they?
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| Could we loose this one? |
Kicking off our team looked good and the home team brought nothing until they on a rare visit up the field scored a lucky goal just before halftime. With disbelief we went to half time one goal behind. To be honest the effort was good but the skill both on and of the ball is just not good enough.
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| The thing that pretty much ruins a great day out |
The stadium stewards was keeping a close eye on the crowd from Lancashire. I looked like they felt the crowd could go mental at any time and we could feel their hearts pound all the way from the grass to the terraces. The relieved smiles on their faces when they realized we just wanted to put our flag out and not rushing onto the pitch were very cute. At half time they tried to pull of a stunt by blocking one of the entrances. It did not work out the way they planned. Anyways..
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| Preston faithful at Brisbane Road |
The second half was as result less on our behalf as the first. We had the ball and the will they scored the goal. We had some great chances to not just get a deserved draw but also to win it. After the match we had to admit our first defeat. We are truly sorry and hope to get back on the winning track as soon as possible. This was not the result we wanted for our 7th game.
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| Rich and Nic with a NB stick(er) |
Scott Laird is no longer an unsung hero. With Paul and Tom as lead singers a group of thirsty North Enders entertained the Londoners with a great version of Mr. Harrison`s "My sweet lord". We hope you appreciate the gesture Scotty and that you are back as soon as possible. Keep on getting better. After the the last beer was necked around Euston we went to a party in a part of London I don`t recall unfortunally. Newcastle supporter Rich was a great host and your variety of girls was interesting.
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| Myyyy Scott Laird, my Scott Laird |
Thank you so much for a great weekend lads. Looking forward to making the trip over again. Looks like the next game wil be Brentford away, so London - we`ll meet again.
If you want to see more pictures from Leyton away and other stuff follow @norwegianbranch on Instagram. Probably gonna put out more fotos on the blog later as well.
