Wrexham away - memories of the day which started 50 years of supporting Pompey on the road

As 18-year-old lads we had been attending Fratton Park for several years. The five of us, Doug, Chas, Dave, Steve (Piggy) and me, Kev. However, Doug passed his driving test and got a car - this was new and exciting for us all. It broadened our horizons and, talking over a few beers one night, Doug suggested we follow Pompey away. The vote was unanimous and the seeds were sown.

On a fairly good Saturday morning - August 21, 1976 - we all left our mate’s house for our big adventure. His long-suffering Mum and Dad had let the four of us doss down where we could. Having popped to Catisfield Wine Store the previous night to grab three crates of beer we then went to the Lymes Hotel and onto the Sovereign pub which is now Waterstones at the top of Fareham Precinct for a couple of beers then back to the Heathfield Arms at the top of Peak Lane for a few more before settling down for the night.

At 6am on Saturday, we jumped into Doug's Austin 1100 which we put our trust in to get us there. Beers in hand we set off for our first epic journey. First stop Winchester bypass for a comfort break - no toilets there, just the sound of cars and lorry horns as they passed us.... Then back on the journey, more beer passed around, perfect day so far. Route A34 Newbury to M4 to A419 Swindon to M5. Another stop in a service area, too much beer already. Onwards and upwards as they say, on to the M6. We left the M6 at the A41 junction and followed the road towards Wrexham, more beer in hand.

Pubs in those days opened at 10.30am on a Saturday, so as the time approached, we discussed our first real rest break of the day. However, the first pub came into view, and we thought we'd give it a miss as we wanted to get a few more miles under our belts. Across the border into Wales, pub in sight, we pulled into the car park. The landlord was outside when we got out of the car to get inside for a well-earned beer.

“Sorry lads we don't open until 11am,” he chirped. Back into the car and onwards to our destination. Another pub came into view, parked up and in good spirits we opened the door - or not, as the landlord later confirmed the pub didn't open until 11.30am so we started to realise this was not going to plan. Onwards we finally found a pub that was open, a couple of beers later and we were on the final leg of our journey.

Arriving in Wrexham with plenty of time to spare, we found a pub and had a couple more beers then onto the ground. We paid, as you did then, with cash at the turnstile. We then entered the away end, which was just about full already, with more supporters still coming in. So, we had a sizable proportion of the 4,762 crowd.

We started our Pompey away career as we were to carry it on - a 2-0 loss and a pretty average performance. After the final whistle we were making our way back to the car, when we heard a hell of a racket from the other side of a railway bridge that we could not see across. We were discussing our options when a group of five Pompey lads approached us. The leader said “keep walking lads, anyone who runs, answers to me”. Well to be quite honest he was scarier than what we were potentially facing, so like lemmings we duly followed. This huge mob came into view and the shout went up Peeeooortseemuff. Ten lads were very relieved I can tell you.

It was a long journey home with a few "watering" stops on the way. When we got back over the border we found a pub for a quick beer. Once inside we found it was packed, with loads of beautiful women and tiny blokes. We soon started talking to the girls and found out that the blokes were all jockeys and they were returning to Cambridge to have a party. We didn't find out where they were returning from. The girls invited us to this party, and we thought let's get there, could be fun..... We followed them for a few miles then decided that we weren't bothered with a long trip to Cambridge as we had football Sunday afternoon.

Doug, Dave, Piggy and I played for Shedfield Social Club on Sunday afternoons in the Meon Valley league and Chas played for Rowner Rec in the Gosport league, at the time. So, we parted company with the women at the M5/M6 junction. Probably the worst turn we took all season as the night may have got very interesting.

We continued onwards back home, looking for another watering hole. Climbed Birdlip and perched on top was the Air Balloon; once inside we tasted some great pints.

We particularly remember the Air Balloon, a lovely pub with great beer. Then on homewards, finally stopping at the Coach and Horses at Sutton Scotney, again, great pub, great beer, yes, you had to do the double roundabouts at Sutton Scotney in those days. The Coach and Horses became a regular for us on our drives home. Another frequent watering hole was the Bullington Cross on the junction of the A303/A34. Again, another good stop, oh and the White Swan, first pub in Hampshire just south of Newbury, we knew we were home then.

So 50 years of following Pompey home and away and we are still silly enough to be going back to Wrexham on November 28 where it all started. I think the journey will be a little different this time. No five lads up in an Austin 1100, but four up in a Land Rover Discovery.

It's Doug, Chas and me returning to Wrexham, Dave has ill health, and bless him, Piggy the youngest died three years ago of stomach cancer.

Gary, a later addition to our away travels, is representing both Dave and Piggy for us. Incidentally, Gary was Pompey's physio during Frank Burrows and Bobby Campbell’s reign. He also represented Fareham, Gosport and Havant for good measure. I am sure we'll be reminiscing all the way up and back. We may even stop off at the Coach and Horses, I believe that the Air Balloon is now sadly closed, it seems, we, at least outlived a pub.....

As an ending we were also at the return fixture at Fratton Park on January 22, 1977. Wrexham doing the double over us with a 1-0 win in front of an attendance of 13,505.

So we have gone around in a great big circle, that's taken 50+ years to complete. Here's hoping we come back in better spirits this time. Oh, and I think we'll probably reject the offer of a trip to Cambridge before we get back in the car..... haha!

This memory was inspired by News photos of us at Lincoln and Bristol City a few weeks ago. The story is also true in every sense.