When the Fleet go Sailing in!!

None of the difficulties of last year in getting a ticket for this one - even though Ebbsfleet managed to sell 22,000. I went along with Diane, Andrew and Steve and they all thoroughly enjoyed the occasion. Ebbsfleet had asked all their fans to wear red shirts so I wore my Charlton shirt and met quite a few Addicks around the ground (well, I reckon it's the nearest we'll ever get to being there!) The ground was still impressive, even seeing it for the second time. And although it was less than half full for the game, the fact that all the fans were supporters of the two clubs made for a great atmosphere.

So, what about the game. Well, it was much better than the FA Cup Final I saw last year, but that wouldn't be difficult! Torquay started the better but Ebbsfleet gradually took control, getting a penalty 5 minutes before half-time. Up stepped ex-Torquay striker McGhee for the spot-kick and......it was saved. The Torquay fans loved it as he didn't exactly hit it off down there. I must admit to thinking how can a player possibly recover from such an incident. But recover he did. Shortly afterwards Akinde chased a lost cause into the corner, won possession and centred for, yes, you guessed it, McGhee to score - from zero to hero in three minutes!

The second half was end to end with the closest effort being Akinde hitting the post. The last 10 minutes lasted an age for the Fleet fans, but eventually the whistle went and the celebrations began. And they were celebrations. The players were absolutely delighted and showed it - it was a pleasure to witness. And a great way to end the season. A journey that stretched from Lincolnshire, Derbyshire, Cheshire, North Wales, Staffordshire, Cambridgeshire, Kent and Hamphire through to Wembley was over. And I will miss it - no aggro over tickets, exciting matches and the game played in the proper spirit. It successfully took my mind off a disappointing Charlton season.

Next year might be the FA Vase although weddings of relatives may mean, because of date clashes, that it will be put off for another season - which means I'll be able to see more of Charlton - oh joy!!