A Grand Day Out - Help Brian House

By Phil Corbett

At the Deepdale Revisited evening, in aid of Brian House Children's Hospice I was lucky enough to win two tickets for a match viewed from the Directors'Box at Bloomfield Rd. I chose the match against Birmingham City on the basis of, even if we lost, at least the blow would be softened by watching from a decent position in the ground plus it was the nearest game to my wife's birthday. I really spoil that woman...

After a false start when the game was postponed, we took our places on 24th January. The facility includes a large room off the balcony where you are able tomeet the opposition Directors and guests of the club on the day. I had a chat with Nigel Clough whose Derby side had played the previous night and was therefore available to do some scouting for their upcoming games against both us and Birmingham.

After an hour or so enjoying the free bar and pre match snacks, we took our places overlooking the half way line, giving a complete contrast to our normal seats in the ground on the Kop. While it lacks somewhat in atmosphere, there is a much better perspective on the overall game, plus I was right in line with Southern's scorcher as it flew into the net.

Following a rip roaring first half, dominated by Blackpool and with a two goal lead secured, we retired back to the warmth of the hospitality suite for a warming coffee and a bowl of soup while watching the half time results come in. Back out for the second half and Blackpool continued to look comfortable in the match, even when Jorgensen was sent off, following his retaliation on Bowyer. How is it that everyone in the ground saw the initial foul from football's Mr Popular, apart from the officials? Regardless of that, Blackpool managed to secure their first double of the season. What a fantastic effort, given Birmingham's resources compared to ours.

We again went back to the bar and had a chat with Alex McLeish's family. Given the result we toasted it with a double! Particular thanks go to all the matchday staff at Bloomfield Rd who helped to make it such a memorableday for us both.

Obviously, the main thanks go to Pickering Hat trick for arranging the original evening and giving us the opportunity to have such a Grand Day Out in aid of such a worthy cause.

If you want to help in any way with the Hospice their website is http://www.brianhouse.inthefylde.org.uk/

Click here to visit the Brian House website.

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