11.30 a.m.
Leaving home in south Staffordshire, and a drive across Shropshire to the border with Wales, as today’s match day experience gets underway.
1.00 p.m.
Arrived at Park Hall, the home of The New Saints.
1.15 p.m.
A quick turnaround and we’re on our way to south Wales for the game against Barry Town United.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the players are on a bus, while the staff are together in a smaller vehicle.
It’s very nice, and with just six of us on, I’ve got the backseat to myself. There are also USB chargers, which is very useful.
3.15 p.m.
I’ve done some work on the bus, had a power-nap to catch up on my early morning fishing session, and woken up in Hereford.
3.45 p.m.
Croeso i Gymru. Welcome to Wales.
Just crossed the border from Herefordshire to Monmouthshire. There’s a fly fisherman on the River Wye.
4.30 p.m.
At the hotel in Tongwynlais, just outside Cardiff, for pre-match food with the players.
One of the benefits of travelling with the team, you get to eat well. I’m feeling hungry.
5.30 p.m.
My stomach is nicely full, and we’re now on our way to Jenner Park, the home of Barry Town United.
6.15 p.m.
Arrived at the stadium, so an opportunity to add a photograph to the blog entry.
In the media area, getting ready for the game, which has a 7.45 p.m. kick-off time.
8.35 p.m.
Half-time and it’s 3-0 to The New Saints, courtesy of Ryan Brobbel (26,35) and Adam Roscrow (31).
Taking a break from TNS Radio, which is enforced anyway, due to stadium music. We have speakers directly above us.
10.15 p.m.
On the bus after an emphatic 6-0 victory. Two more for Ryan Brobbel and one for Ryan Astles.
Following the final whistle, I interviewed Anthony Limbrick and Brobbel, so hoping the WiFi is kind and I can get them online during the journey to Park Hall.
11.00 p.m.
The interviews are on TNS TV and shared on the club’s social media platforms, so pleased with that.
They can be viewed here: Anthony Limbrick and Ryan Brobbel.
11.15 p.m.
Just passed Monmouth and I’ve still got a good signal. I’m impressed. Everything done and dusted from a media point of view.
Next stop Park Hall, estimated time of arrival 1.30 a.m. Then it’s the drive home. The night is still young.
3.00 a.m.
Back home and ready for bed. Up again in a few hours to go back to work.
Saw a barn owl in flight on the journey home through Shropshire, this side of Telford on the ‘rabbit run’.
Welcome To My World, welcome to my website. There’s more on the home page and you can comment via the guest book in the menu.