Whenever someone asks me what has been my favourite match as a Manchester City fan, many would expect it to be either QPR at the end of the 2011/12 season, or one of the many Manchester Derbies or one of the trips to Wembley. However, none of these occasions come even close to my favourite game as a Manchester City fan. It was a trip to Notts County in the 2010/11 FA Cup run that sticks in my mind eventually becoming my favourite game.
An away day in a domestic cup competition is always something special. With a domestic cup match simply being ‘winner takes all’, as a fan, there seems to be a shot of adrenalin every time you visit an opposition ground. This combined with nerves is why the FA Cup is still a great competition with the feeling that teams of a lower ability could knock you out of the cup. That was exactly the feeling I felt as I made the one hour journey to Meadow Lane from my house in Yarnfield. The travelling party was my father, two friends and myself and little did we know that this will be day out and match we will never forget.
Obviously, there was clear difference in the stadium with Meadow Lane being a ground for a League One side. There were the traditional four stands painted in dark grey paint and with the weather being overcast, there was a slight feeling that there could be a giant killing on the cards. As I made my way into the stadium, I had shuffle through the turnstiles, giving my ticket to the member of staff situated in his red cage and then my father and I were in the narrow, dark corridor where there were two bars. One serving pies and the other was serving drinks. After buying our refreshments we made our way up the stairs to our seats. We were given a prime spot in the away section, on the halfway line and three rows from the back giving us an elevated view on the game. Plus, the formation of the rows in front meant no one could obstruct my view of the match. The pitch was not in the best condition. Again, Notts County’s League One status played a part in this, but the winter weather also contributed to it with frequent patches of mud and frost. This was a perfect scene for what was going to be a difficult match for City.
The team contained many players which are still present in today’s Manchester City line-up where amongst the starting line-up. The likes of Toure, Zabaleta and Hart being a few. When the team was first announced, many of the travelling City fans were hoping for an easy win. This was not the case however as there were certain players in the team who did not give City the ‘spark’ to tear apart Notts County. Jo, the Brazilian striker, gained cult status after that match as his poor touch and poor playing ability resulted in many City fans including myself laughing at him and he brightened up our day and still showed that the phrase ‘typical city’ was still relevant despite the millions that have been invested in the team.
In the 58th minute it seemed like City were going to crash out of the FA Cup as Neil Bishop put Notts County into the lead. The main stand went crazy, confetti; balloons and fans were falling over each other in celebration whilst the City fans in the stand opposite stood there, motionless and feared the worst. Edin Dzeko, who had just arrived from Wolfsburg in January, scored the equalizer in the 79th minute, tapping in a simple cross from Micah Richards. The celebrations were subdued as there was still enough time for County to cause another upset. As the final whistle blew there was a sigh of relief as a replay at the Etihad (or Eastlands or City of Manchester Stadium as it was still known as) would mean an easy win for City. This was the case as Manchester City came out 5-0 winners in February.
The experience of going to Meadow Lane was a crucial factor in why this was my favourite game as Manchester City fan so far. Travelling with 2000 or so City fans creates a feeling of camaraderie and whatever the result, it will always be a great day out. If you are not a fan of going to away matches, I thoroughly recommend doing one per season as they are something to enjoy and it is an experience like no other.
