Sunday Best

Wembley Stadium around 45 minutes before the start of the FA Cup semi-final between Coventry City and Manchester United last Sunday.

It was to be an occasion that will live long in the memory of both Sky Blues supprters and neutrals too, judging by the number of messages I received afterwards from friends who follow other teams.

Affordable Football? Ticket-wise I would argue that yes it was, with plenty of price categories and I don't think too many Coventry fans would say they didn't get value for money out of the day although of course the relatively pressure-free atmosphere going into the game as huge underdogs was a factor in that.

For those cheering on the Reds it was obviously less of a novelty, before the logistics and costs of getting to and from the stadium (with the game not finishing until around 6:30pm on a Sunday evening after that unexpected 30 minutes of extra-time and penalties) to factor in.

From that perspective it is a positive move to see United subsidising season ticket holding under-16's for the final and for the kick-off time to be set at 3pm once again.

National League Promotion Final

Prior to the pandemic, my dad and I had a good run of attending the National League Promotion Final at Wembley Stadium, attracted by an Early Bird ticket offer that allowed you to sit in a really nice part of the ground at a reduced price.

We saw emotional returns to the Football League for Grimsby Town and Tranmere Rovers, the celebrations after these matches showing just how much it meant to the supporters and officials involved with those famous old clubs.

For fans of the two teams who actually make it to the final, Wembley isn't perhaps the ideal choice given that ticket prices for their respective ends have been much higher and because of the short window to arrange travel as well.

But for the neutral, the National League offer of £20 for adults, £10 for concessions and free for Under 16's (one per adult/concession, additional tickets £5 each), which runs until 23rd April is a good one.

Take A Seat

Take a seat this coming Saturday in the oldest stand in world football, dating back to 1892, at the Wellesley Recreation Ground, home of Great Yarmouth Town FC.

Admission for an important game at the top of the Thurlow Nunn Eastern Counties League First Division, against Stanway Pegasus, is on a Pay What You Want basis.

In the area on Friday evening? The Premier League 2 Under-21 game between Norwich City and West Ham United at Carrow Road (kick-off 7pm) has free tickets available.

Game On!

 

'Game on' - Probably the two most welcome words in football across the UK at this moment as leagues and clubs battle the elements to get season's finished and promotion/relegation issues sorted as soon as they can.

This was the scene at Turriff United on Saturday, their Highland League fixture against Strathspey Thistle going ahead despite heavy overnight rain as some sunny spells and a strong wind helped the pitch survive for 90 minutes.

The hosts will have been pleased with that as they ran out 7-1 winners against the league's bottom club.

Another thrilling Highland League title race is being played out as I write and, if you're ever in the area, there a host of beautiful backdrops to football in the region.

Up For The (Senior) Cup

 

Good to see the finals of this season's Sheffield FA Senior Cups taking place at Hillsborough with the Women's final on Sunday 28th April and the Men's on Tuesday 30th.

Both matches kick off at 7.30pm and on-the-night admission to each game will be priced at £10 adults and £5 concessions.

For balance, here's a picture of Bramall Lane as well...

Sheffield United Under-21's host Nottingham Forest in the Premier League Cup on Tuesday 9th April at 7pm. Tickets are £3/£1 for non-season ticket holders.

At this time of the season there are usually plenty of Under-21 games scheduled for main stadiums, such as free tickets for Norwich City versus West Ham at Carrow Road on April 12th.

The Premier League website has a good fixture guide to upcoming Under-21 games in all competitions.