Hampshire Whites had their trip to Brighton well planned. Tickets - yes, Transport - organised and booked - yes. Drinking and meeting venues arranged.

Cars travelling from some parts of Hampshire - parking booked.

Trains from parts of Hampshire and Sussex carrying members to the Amex - all organised!

It's one of our local matches. What could go wrong?

The 17 seater set off, with plenty of time to spare, to pick up along the coast - Southampton, Portchester, Havant, Angmering.

HORROR of horrors it breaks down just as it gets on the motorway at Eastleigh. Whatsapp travel group starts firing messages. Initial panic then calm heads take over.

DON, our transport manager, VOLUNTEERS TO STAY WITH THE BUS (can't abandon it on motorway!) and miss the match!   

HERO OF THE MONTH

Sussex dwellers decide to take the train. Volunteer driver brings Portchester group to Havant. There are now 14 people at Havant with 3 members willing to drive. Phones in hand trying to find parking! Panic rises again - not a space to be found!

Jacqui thinks '' Brighton were so helpful when we booked our parking space for the minibus - giving us extra information to help us and very importantly, on each occasion answering the phone very quickly. Nothing to lose - phone them''

Millie from Supporter Services answers the phone within 2 minutes - the situation is explained to her in a rather panicky voice. She calmly asks questions, clarifying what happened and that we need parking for 3 cars, including one with a disabled passenger. I hold the line while she sees what she can do - less than 2 minutes later she's back.

"Can you give me the names of the 3 drivers and your name. We have organised for you to park at the ground in a car park allocated for disabled supporters but where we have spaces!"

CHEERS and relief all round - we pile in to 3 cars and set off. Arriving at the ground by 2.30pm (still getting there before Thames Valley).

In another scenario 2 of our members had their car break down and didn't get to the ground until half time - the Brighton stewards waited outside for them and let them in to the turnstile area where I was able to give them their tickets. So helpful.

Unfortunately, that's where Brighton's helpfulness ended as the result didn't really match our effort! So still some disappointment.

So, our easy local game became a difficult game but thanks to DON and Millie from Brighton We know she appreciated the well-deserved flowers.

Footnote - this is the first time we have ever had transport we have hired break down - probably better this match than while travelling to home games!

MARCHING ON TOGETHER

Hampshire Whites