So another season has drawn to a close for Gillingham FC, a special season that has exceeded all expectations, except one. My season long prediction that we would achieve 83 points, never in my wildest dreams did I think it would be enough to see us crowned as League Two Champions for the first time since 1964. Hence the trip to Burton was ever more special, even though technically it was a nothing game as we were already crowned champions at home against AFC Wimbledon the previous Saturday... please log in to view this image Even though Burton Albion had also already secured a playoff place, no Gills supporter was going to miss the final away day sell out party. I arrived at Priestfield nice and early for the Burton trip with my friend. It appeared there was going to be five to six coaches for the onward journey, with between 1,600 and 1,800 tickets having been sold. We were travelling on coach number one, all well organised to ensure everything runs smoothly for the supporters on the day. Now I have to be honest and say I am not a good traveller, well I absolutely hate coach journeys to put it bluntly. My last trip was away to Fleetwood, so at least Burton would be a much shorter journey. Although my physically aging body would like to suggest otherwise in coping with it mentally, shut in a tin box for x amount of hours is not my idea of a fun day out, obviously I was going to make my companion for the day suffer with my idol chatter. However, I have enjoyed the away games once at our destination more than the home ties. There is something special about away days, we appear much more of a community, vocal, more relaxed, probably drunk and generally a happy fun bunch. The terracing certainly helps, whereas at Priestfield all I see is the row upon row of blue plastic seats. The question being comfort or the old fashioned way, I prefer the latter although my legs at times might disagree. Now my travelling companion had set in our minds that we would be at our destination by 1pm, or so we thought! Having made arrangements to meet up with some of the Gills Northern Elite, at a pub which name now eludes me, I can just remember a brisk but short walk from our drop off point, over a bridge I think and immediately down some steps to the left. The thought of real ale waiting for us at the end of our trip made the journey that much more bearable. It never really helps though when our driver decides to take us on a site seeing tour in the delights of motorway driving, up one side of the carriageway and then off over the flyover and down the other side. Now Iâm sure we passed that power station earlier! Only teasing driver. So our fellow supporters were already propping up the bar at 1pm and we eventually arrived about 2pm, and due to the kindness of our friends the beer was already awaiting our arrival. Obviously the chances of getting another pint appeared slightly limited because for some reason and despite £20 notes staring the landlord in the face. He obviously could not organise that well known phrase in a brewery. Just have the pints poured, what is up with these places. Their loss and these sort of days do not come round that often for them except maybe at Christmas, so off to the bar at Burtonâs ground instead and their gain with a much more prompt service. Now to the game as our group went down B walkway and pushed our way along in an already packed terrace, squeezing through to just behind the goal, near the front. A guard of honour for our players as they came out and then a very short while later a special welcome for Tommy Forecast as he made his way between the sticks. I hope our bench warming keeper has a sense of humour because when the fans are in a merry mood, no one escapes the banter... please log in to view this image Martin Allen had decided to field a young team, electing players such as Sam Muggleton, Bradley Dack, Mahlon Romeo and Callum Davies to name just a few. It was certainly a good start for the Gills when Bradley Dack was brought down in the box and Myles Weston slotted home the ninth minute penalty. But today was not about the result more so the fun of the occasion. With giant inflatable footballs entertaining the crowd. So when the Gills showed weaknesses down the right which eventually resulted in us losing 3-2 it mattered not. Every Gills fan stayed vocal throughout even when 3-1 down. With the first team squad to the left of us joining in...http://www.kentonline.co.uk/kentonl...spx?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter Near the end, the stewards made their customary way along the front of us, to ensure no pitch invasion by the travelling faithful. Shame really but this was after all Burtonâs ground and due respects had to be paid. I was a waiting for the Northern Elite banner to be unfolded with the Dulux painting but instead, there was astounding scenes as the Gillingham supporters applauded and sung Albion, Albion to our hosts who were doing an end of season lap of honour. I said we were a friendly bunch. So much so I think we nearly reduced the Albion fans to tears with such a rapturous ovation, probably never experienced before at the Pirelli. As the final away party drew to a close for another season, our players then came out, with Maddog and Paul Scally for their final bow, one that saw the curtain drawn on a successful season that will go down in history at Gillingham Football Club as the 2012/13, Championees Championees ole ole ole. Time now for a quiet but private tear as I leave you with... please log in to view this image Championees Championees ole ole ole. Championees Championees ole ole ole. Championees Championees ole ole ole. (all pictures belong to brb)
NO The attendance was 5426 of which 1800 were Gills fans. Burton's record at the Pirelli stadium is 6192 v Oxford in 2006 when they got promotion to L2. Before that they had 6191 in an FA Cup game v Man Utd. The capacity is 6912.
[video=youtube;vhF-kvK1loU]https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=vhF-kvK1loU[/video]
