Aimee Henry, 30th March 2018 - Middlesbrough v Wolverhampton Wanderers

Travel: Having weighed up the options, we eventually decided on using the club’s official travel, and to make the journey to Middlesbrough by coach. A price of £28 there and back worked out very well compared to petrol if I were to drive, and with it being a bank holiday, we didn’t even consider the trains! We left Molineux at 11:30am and arrived at the Riverside at 4pm. It would have been even sooner but for a 45-minute delay on the M1 just outside Sheffield. As frustrating as that is, my thoughts were with the people involved in the crash, and I hope they’re all okay and unscathed. Although the journey is a long one, in terms of roads it was straightforward, using the A38, A1, M1 and then the A19 to get into Middlesbrough. The coaches parked straight outside the away end, although I noticed plenty of parking space around the ground on the way in.

Refreshments: With it being just over an hour before kick-off, we decided to head into the ground straight away, rather than wander around looking for a pub to, ahem, refresh! There didn’t appear to be any pubs around the stadium itself, and the surroundings weren’t exactly welcoming. Didn’t see too many home fans. I bought a programme, priced as always at £3, and headed inside. To my surprise (and delight), I found that they were serving Strongbow Dark Fruits on the concourse, the first time I have seen this, certainly that I remember anyway! They also had a huge selection of food on offer, much more than was advertised above the kiosks. Adopting the old adage of “when in Rome,”I opted to have a ‘Parmo’, which I found out was basically a chicken breast in breadcrumbs, topped with cheese and sauce. I have to say, it was beautiful! Recommend it if you happen to find yourself in Middlesbrough.The alcohol inside the ground was well priced, and they had a nice range on offer, certainly one of the better grounds this season in terms of choice.

Impressions: Like many towns and cities in the Midlands, my home, Middlesbrough has seen better days. As you approach the ground, the empty, unused industrial areas are a sad reminder of better times. That said, the Riverside Stadium stands out amongst the grey, grim skyline. Although not a new ground, it looks impressive and imposing, without having the blandness of a newly built monochrome stadium. Away fans are housed along the side of the stadium, in the East Stand. As well as a spacious concourse, you get excellent views from your seat, although do be aware that you will be looking into the sun for most of the first half of a 5:30 kick-off. To be honest, after the winter we’ve had, it was nice just to see the sun, I was beginning to think it didn’t actually exist anymore…

Atmosphere: Wow, where do you even begin to sum up an evening like the one we had!? We started brightly, and by half time were 2-0 up, thanks to goals from the Portuguese wing wizards Helder Costa and Ivan Cavaleiro. Costa’s goal was a brilliant team move, with Costa finally slamming home Barry Douglas’ cross, after neat build up involving Matt Doherty, Costa and Cavaleiro. The second goal, Cavaleiro’s 9th of the season, was simpler, with Douglas’ corner being met by Big Willy Boly. Randolph in the Middlesbrough goal superbly saved his header, but Cavaleiro reacted first to nod home the loose ball. At half time, we were all suggesting that ‘more of the same’ would do very nicely. What we got was something else entirely. Enter referee Stuart Attwell. Ruben Neves sliced the Middlesbrough defence open with a sensational through ball, and Costa latched onto it. Just before he could get into the box, he was clipped from behind by George Friend. The referee…waved it away. A couple of minutes later, Neves was sent off for a second booking after a poor tackle. 10 minutes later, we were down to 9 as Doherty also saw red for a second yellow. Now down to 9 men, it was a case of being organised, disciplined, and hanging on. And my word, we did it. Even though Patrick Bamford scored a late goal to give Middlesbrough a glimmer, we clung on to the priceless three points. There were fantastic scenes at full time, as Wolves manager Nuno, captain Conor Coady, and the entire playing squad celebrated in front of the away end. I think they realised the significance of it.

Exit: Fairly easy, as the coaches were parked outside the away end. We left the Riverside at 8pm, and were back at Molineux by 11:30pm. A long day, but worth it.

Enjoy: The kind of game which puts you completely through the ringer as a supporter. I think I must have experienced every emotion during the game, elation, anger, frustration, joy, pride, and everything in between! As we all surmised on the way home, it will be one of the games we remember at the end of the season, and for a long time to come. I enjoyed my first trip to Teesside. Whilst the Riverside is not the best ground in the division, in terms of matchday experience, it offers a nice concourse, fantastic range of food and drink, nice facilities and a really good view from your seat. And when your team wins, what more could you ask for!