2013/2014, Burnley away

So we got another local rival in the League Cup - Burnley, better known as the "The Dingles". The hope was that this game would be as epic as the one against Blackpool. Little did we know that this would pretty much be the opposite.
When the Branch is on the move a lot of traveling will go down. Some odd 5 hours on at train to Oslo, another 30 min to the airport, and this time no planes where heading to Liverpool or Manchester so the destination was London and travel by train to Preston.

Before getting on the train going north a short visit to the Stone Island flag ship store was payed. Some hundred pounds lighter a first class seat was waiting on Euston station track 7. Besides eating some sandwiches and drinking whisky not much was done to pass time while traveling on first class for the first time. Not before we were 30 min away from Preston. I felt the need to drop some bombs and went to the WC. After 15 minuts of hard work I opened the door just to find the sweet girl I was sitting right opposite of standing outside waiting. I asked for another whiskey to accompany the awkwardness.

Minty was ready with wheels on when the train stopped at Preston station. A quick drive and some pints at The Sherwood and we got in to a mini buss with the lads heading for Burnley. Before entering the stadium getting some more beers in was in order. At the Dog Inn we got our drink on and some burgers across the street. Some decent burgers to say the least.

 

About here the story should have went on to be an epic legend passed on from father to son through generations. But that will probably not be the case for future Preston generations. Burnley on the other hand might live on the triumph a while. They beat a Preston side that for about 30 minutes played something that reminded me of football. I wish of all my heart that we had beaten the 6 fingered tramps of Turd Moor but they won fully deserved. The bastards.

So was this less than exciting game, played on a rather nippy tuesday night, worth traveling so far to watch? Was the money put in to getting there on time well spent? Was it worth using up two vacation days?

Hell yes. Preston till I die cha.  

2013/2014, Wolves at home

To get to Preston a Branchman may have to travel by car, buss, tram, train, plane and cab. All of the above was taken into use this weekend. And incredibly enough everything went smooth. Not a single delay or shitty experience... apart from the 30 Leeds supporters on the plane.

After landing in Manchester we met up with Minty and the lads at some fancy pub. They had all been to the Ashes and were already in good shape (or what Kearnsey?)

After some not so fancy bars we got on the train to Preston. With no entertainment on the train we needed to create some of our own. To our great disappointment there were no lashers on board which made the banter pretty much a one way thing.

Norwegian beer was served and irish whiskey was spilt.

After a good nights sleep and a decent breakfast we met up with the lads at the Old Black Bull. The flag went up and the beers went down. Weather was amazing and everything was in place for a good day out. Would the football ruin it as it has a tendency to do?

First game of the season is always hard to predict and everything can happen. We all agreed upon the fact that meeting Wolves, the wounded giant, for the season opening was a good deal.

After 3 away matches in a row it was great to be back at Deepdale. The pitch looked stunning so all kinds of cred to the team at Deepdale for making our livingroom carpet look so damn good!

 

The match was pretty decent with Wolves looking the stronger side in the first half and Preston more in the driving seat in the second. No goals but a team that looks strong and happy made the mood stay intact. After the game we good a word in with our man Lairdy. Great to see him fit and ready for a new season. Good luck in the games to come. Leg`s never been stronger pal!

The post game drinks are a great time to catch up with friends and get to talk to new people. Still not met anyone not welcoming us in a heartwarming fashion. Hope the Leeds supporters can say the same after their stay. Not to sure though, when visiting bring your fucking manners.

Besides Nick attempting to catch a beer glass with his head the first couple of drinks went on without any drama. Minty had a tournament on sunday (which his brave lads went on to win!! Congrats pal!) so Clem was in charge of the party patrol heading for the town center.

When you`re out with good people it doesn`t really matter where you are. A lot can be said about the two first bars we went to, but I will address only two things. First of all you do not need more than two birds on the dance floor to speak constantly as a DJ. And secondly every bar and night club needs a small man dressed in a black suit and hat dancing his ass of at the entry. High five old lad!

I could easily have written bits and parts about girls getting sick on each other and women really being men, karaoke and tits out of bounce but I will not. 

It`s been a while Preston and it was great seeing you again. Thanks again our friends for a fantastic stay. Stay safe, we`ll meet again soon. 

- Preston til vi dør -

2012/2013, Brentford away

Heavy metal.

Using an airline that actually gives a damn like Norwegian or SAS the trip over from Oslo went very well and we where all rested and happy when we arrived on friday afternoon. Ossi was in charge of booking hotels and found a gem of an hotell in Sussex rd next to Hyde park. The first room we where given had a triple(!) bed and the bathroom door almost opened due to the fact that there was no space in the entire room not already being filled with bed. This might have been great for a 3 person love couple but the Branch does not swing that way.

This is the golden ticket, Mr. Wonka.

After explaining to the hotel manager that we did not want a room meant for horny hobbits he said they where fully booked the entire weekend and that we had to specify our reservation if we had special needs. After it was explained to him that there where no where to choose "Air to breath" as an requirement and that he would have to get us a room in another hotel he gave us the option to upgrade our room to a bigger one. (Remember that the hotel was fully booked. Not so much really.) So with out any more dicking around we paid 40 pounds and got on with it. The room was still crap but a lot bigger.

Ossi & Ben watching the worlds tallest woman.

When in England we use cabs more than we would back home. Partly because it`s a lot cheaper but also because we tend to get along great with cab drivers. Mabye because a lot of them are x-army. Or so they say. This weekend was no exception and we had a great time. This one cabby in particularly, who once reluctantly had beaten up George Best, asked me a question:

- What is the one thing the English and the Norwegians have i common? No one in this cab have gotten that one right yet.
I found the question quite obvious and replied:
- The hatred for the Germans.

The cabby was impressed and stopped the meter.

At the Fox & Hounds with about 50 lads

As always getting to a bar occupied by Preston lads is a proper treat. Familiar faces all around a beer in hand and a pat on the back. At home at last. Good stuff seing the CSC again - quality lads.

Congrats on getting married to Marshy also by the way. For some reason he was no longer in costume at the game. We only got one beer in at the bar before getting on a train west. But some catching up was done and some news was passed on.

Getting from the bar to the train station is when the buzz gets going. Good times waiting for the train singing songs about Blackpool scum and our own greatness. 

Ben waiting for the train sporting a nice Fjällräven

On the train the walls screamed for Trev`s artwork and we where happy to oblige. We have to thank Mr. T again for making the stickers you now can see all over London. His art is on more walls than Banksy.
Some fans may claim to be gentry but the Prestonians truly are their bowlers and ties worthy. When overtaking a train or subway with songs and ruckus ordinary people getting off or on gets treated with the utmost respect and courtesy.

Sticker by Trev. Fist by Ben. Crime by the Fox.

As a great man once said - Football ruins a perfect day out. And he was right. Once again. The game was not played the way it`s supposed to and the way we have played it the last couple of games. The passing game was of and not many passes up front found a striker. Not sure how many shots we had on goal in the first half but in the second I can`t remember one between the posts.

Rudd wearing Stuckmann`s old jersey.

The penalty put a shit end to a shit game. But what the pitch lacked the terraces made up for. 818 Preston faithful made the experience great with non stop singing through out the game. And when the final whistle blew the singing continued and gave the lads a great start on their way back home to Lancashire. Did they deserve it? Doesn`t matter really... saturday was about the Gentry. For 90 minutes we owned Griffin Park and our colors hang proud from the old terrace walls.

Griffin Park is White & Navy.

So until next time lads - take care and keep the Preston train going. We are back on the right track. Proud to be a part of the hordes this weekend. To all the people we got to talk to - it was great meeting you. To the ones we didn`t get the chance to talk to we`ll have a chat next time we come over.

Hail Proud Preston!

2012/2013, Leyton O away

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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?

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.

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..

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.

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.

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.

2012/2013, Bury away

Representing North End in Manchester

Going to England to watch Preston is a big fucking thing for us. And if you know anything about Preston fans you would know why. A great bunch of supporters who embrace you like their own. They recognize passion and commitment when they see it.

Leaving our mark when leaving Oslo

Getting to Preston is always a little adventure on its own. The old tram, buss, plane, taxi ride never gets worn out. After the friday tacos with gather our stuff and head for the airport. At the airport we normally get into friendly arguments with other Norwegian supporters, normally Liverpool or Manchester United. But sometimes even Leeds, Bolton and Blackburn. This tme around there was no Premier League games so we drank our beers in peace while playing cards.

Going through security

Arriving in Manchester around midnight the trains have stopped running so the best way to reach the heart of Lancashire is by taxi. We bargin a bit on the price before getting in. It`s not supposed to cost 130 pounds to travel less than an hour in a cab. The taxi driver drove breakneck to Preston so we got to the hotel around 01:00.

All you need basically

Before getting on the train Paul swung by the hotel and picked us up and took us to breakfast with Clem and Bamber. A nice English breakfast. Or breakfast as they say over there. Getting on the train we got to see some new and old faces. Good to see Kearnsey, Ted and Tim again. Everyone in a great mood as the sun makes it`s appearance.

On the train to Manchester

Getting to Manchester we all went to the Old Wellington and put up fort there waiting for the rest of the Prestonian army to arrive. And appart from a couple of hen dos we dominated the old pub.

The Preston fort

To entertain the masses 3 groups of Morris men put on a medieval show for us. Armed with sticks and swords dressed in flowers and bells they fought each other leaving no man behind and no eye dry. It`s hard to say how far the 7 pounds the Branch donated will last but hopefully some spare bells will be bought.

Brothres in arms

The weather this saturday was brilliant specially at this point. Later it would turn Gigg lane in to an oven. The beer cooled us down an set the mood. We also got to know that it`s possible for a grown man to to enjoy a pint or two of strawberry cider. The flag was put up and Prestonians kept on coming in. It`s a great feeling to have a drink amongst friends in the sun watching your teams colors hanging high.

Dickie showing off his dog

To get to Gigg lane we took the good old tram. Getting into the stadium was a great experience. Just under 3000 North End fans was standing in two stands making the home fans hear their presents. The stands where packed and we ended up below pitch level. Yes, below. About 3 feet something that made it even more necessary to stand up.

Preston 1 up

To get a good match review you should go to bbc.com or pnefc.net. The heat was on from the start at least in the stands. And when the first goal of the day came it became even hotter. The game was all in all pretty sloppy in our opinion. The passing game was a bit off and a lot of balls being lost both ways.

Preston 2 up

That did not get in the way of the second goal celebration. The crowd went mental on the second goal and we all felt a bit more secure. No thanks to the Greater Manchester Police and their tactical riot squad. Trying to pick a fight with everyone they made a poor impression. We stand as long as your in the fucking way, twat.

Things getting even more heated

When Bury kicked back a goal it got more exciting than we appreciated. The goal came just into overtime and made the 5 min overtime feel like an hour and a half. Finally the ref blew his whistle and we had it in the bag. Three very important points and the road to a great night out was wide open.

Our seat

The atmosphere at Gigg lane was very good and the close to 3000 North End fans made their way back to Manchester to hydrate. After about to hours we where all desperate to neck a couple of cold ones. Along with Paul, Phil, Jonny, Susie, Sam, Dickie, Henri, Gas And Jonsey we went to Bar 21 to cool down.

Leaving Gigg lane with 3 points

After a pint or two at Bar 21 we started on our way home to Preston and the parade. A nice ending to the very well executed 2012 Preston Guild. It was close to impossible to make it back to the hotell with about 100,000 people out in the streets. After a quick shower we went back out on the town and watched the parade before going to the Roper Hall. A very nice surprise was the welcome gift from Trevor - custom made t-shirts and stickers. Thank you mate - a very nice gesture we really appreciate.

Custom made

It was a great ending to a great day. And the choice of curry restaurant did not spoil a day for the history books.
"I hope your meal was nice..?"
"You know it wasn`t mate.. It was pretty shit." :-)
Sunday was spent with Paul and Katie in Sherwood for a sunday lunch before driving to Manchester to do a bit of shopping before going back.

X-footballer Katie wearing the Branch scarf

A special thanks to Paul and Phil for everything. And to the rest of you lot for making us feel at home and always having our backs. The Guild pins are worn proud Sam. Thank you all for a great weekend. And happy birthday again to Foggy.

Long live Preston and it`s brilliant Prestonians!!

2011/2012, Huddersfield at home

NB & CSC fighting under the same flag

Back in Preston

It was time to come back. Back to proud Preston. The pride of Lancashire. After a long time appart two members of the Branch got on the tram, the bus, the plane and in a taxi to once again see North End go to war.

Everything was like it used to be. Get home from work. Get the necessities together. Passports and tickets. Neck a couple of beers befor getting on the crowded Ryan Air flight and grab a cab. Find the Holliday In and go to sleep.

But one thing was going to be different this time around. 10:00 A tweet just in - "Ready for a drink boys?"

Sunny Preston 12:30, a coffee and a sandwich down and off to The Old Black Bull to meet up with the CSC - Civil Service Crew. Present was Paul, Phil, Andrew, Tim, Graham, Tom and Lee. What to expect from the hardcore Preston faithfull?! Would the 19th century vikings be taken kidly to? A couple of beers later and it was pretty clear - the Branch and the CSC is a spot on match. 3-4 more beers down and into a cab. Off to Deepdale!

 All whites holding the line

The match
Allthough the Branch was undefeated at Deepdale nothing looked up before the face off. Huddersfield was gunning for promotion and we where still strugeling to score, or to even create chances to score.
The Huddersfield fans had the entire Shankley Kop to themselves but didn`t put up the wast numbers Preston did at their visit to Yorkshire. A group of Hudds felt like focusing on the far right part of the Invincible stand, where the Branch was located. But like the match on the pitch it did not go well.

Huddersfield lads acting up

Football should be watched standing up, so that you went through all the trouble with old Bill is appreciated, but lads get you flag strightened out. Good luck in the play offs. And if it doesn`t work out - see you next year! Look for the blue cross and the red helmet.

Preston won the game 1-0 after a goal scored by Roberts 10 min into the 2nd half. The Branch went apeshit with John & John when celebrating the goal. Euforic! To be back and still undefeated. Damn good! Also had a nice chat with Mrs. M and her family during half time.

How to raise a flag

The aftermath
After the game we headed towards The Unicorn - a great pub with friendly people who took us in as their own. Here we got our first ever tast of sas, a pink drink that makes you feel like a five year old at his own birthday party. Here we met Ted, former red now Preston season ticket holder. The flag was hung up next to the pool table and the good times kept on rolling.

At The Unicorn

After a couple of pints at The Unicorn we turned are heads towards town and continued the pub run around central Preston, meeting up with Matthew, Mark and Mr. Deepdale. Last mentioned has watched Preston play at 110 different grounds. Respect. At some poor excuse of a bar Ben, the youngest member of the Branch, altough over 18 was denied beer which led to a 10 man strong exit. No questions asked, the CSC stands behind their mates. 

Last memorable event of the night took place when Ben again got denied at some bar because his id card of choice was a Norwegian bank card and not his passport. After being told to go somewhere else Paul got the main gatekeepers attention and he put it all straight: "If you have made this big of an effort to forge a bank card you are more than welcome at this etablishment!". You gotta luv Preston.

From victory to more glory

After the night coming to an end we retired back to the Holiday In with a footlong sub and smiles on our faces. We used to keep to ourselves when visiting Preston, keeping our heads low and staying out of trouble. If possible we will keep out of trouble but we`ll always be drinking with the CSC when coming to town. Great lads giving you the benefit of the doubt and giving you time to show you metal. Looking forward to seeing you all again. Thanks to Paul, Phil, Andrew, Tim, Graham, Tom, Lee, Matthew, Mark and Mr. Deepdale for a great weekend! A special thanks to Paul for having faith in the vikings. And John - we`ll have a beer next time around.