How I followed Liverpool to London

During an away game, you can normally find me in the local pub with my Liverpool shirt on, cheering our boys on.

I’ve always envied those in the ‘Travelling Kop’ and really depended on them to be my voice too, when showing support in a different setting from Anfield. The away fans represent us all, and I hoped to be one of those representatives at some point.

This season, a major sigh of relief came from me when Liverpool were lucky enough to get home games in all four draws of the FA Cup, and I was even more lucky to be able to go to them, having missed out on all of the Premier League games.

Although our games were at Anfield, I was extremely nervous about our chances. We may have had draws against Oldham Athletic and Brighton, but we also had to defeat Manchester United and Stoke City before advancing. It was rough, but nothing Liverpool could not handle.

I was standing in the Kop against Stoke City when I watched Luis Suarez and Stewart Downing assure our Wembley trip with a goal each against Stoke’s one. After I calmed down about the win in general, it hit me that I might have a chance to go with them.

The anticipation of a ticket announcement nearly killed me. The club’s Twitter feed finally showed me the link I had been waiting for: “FA Cup Semi-Final announcement.”

I fully expected instructions on how to register for a ticket ballot, as they did for the Carling Cup final. But no, this time was different. I read the website twice to make sure I was correct. Because of my attendance to the last four FA Cup, I was guaranteed a ticket.

Immediately I splashed my social networks with statuses on my excitement. Still, the thought of travelling to London to what is arguably the greatest stadium in the United Kingdom was a dream. Not only that, but it would be a Merseyside Derby due to Everton overtaking Sunderland in their replay a fe days prior. The real proof of my trip came when I went to stand in line for my ticket at 5am the day I was qualified for.

My friend, Stephen, was coming with me, and I was grateful for it. I was extremely nervous about booking my first trip away in three years. I must have driven him mad with all of my questions about the travel down there and the area of London anyways, since it would be my first time there as well. I made sure to save up some before booking the coach and hotel, and it was a relief when it was all sorted.

The night finally came to travel down to London. We arrived at the coach station early to claim our preferred seats to be as comfortable as possible on the long overnight journey. It did not go without a few hiccups though, as a stop in Birmingham saw three other passengers kicked off for smoking and drinking. The delay put us back nearly an hour, and we were exhausted after being unable to catch a snooze on the coach.

My adrenaline kicked in a bit when we pulled up to London Victoria coach station at 7am. There were plenty of Reds and Blues scattering one way or another. Some went to straight to Wembley, but as this was my first trip to London, I took advantage of the early morning hours to do some sightseeing.


The famous arch was a sight to be seen for miles



Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, The London Eye…they were all great, but absolutely nothing compared to the extravagance of seeing Merseyside take over the capital. The sea of Red and Blue outside of Wembley was well and truly the greatest sight of them all. Finally, I got to be one of the fans representing those all across the world in the grandest setting Liverpool has seen in awhile.

Fans were absolutely swarming the walkway into the stadium. Reds were to enter on one side with the Blues on the other, but until they got to the entrance, we were all mixed. There was lots of banter, but nothing too harsh, aside from the three-year-old in Blue giving all Reds the finger while sitting stop his father’s shoulders. The most important thing was seeing both sets of supporters show their support for victims of Hillsborough. 

Reds and Blues packed either side



The sight of Wembley on the outside was breathtaking with its distinguished archway inviting all match-goers, but inside it was even better. I sat down in my seat and took in the view. I do not think it could have gotten much better. I was sat 34 rows up near the corner. The amount of people that poured-in in the next hour was incredible and definitely nothing I have ever seen before in my life.

The next 105 minutes were some of the most intense I have ever experienced. The first half saw Everton’s Jelavic gave them the lead with an early goal, and I witnessed the Blue half of Merseyside bounce in celebration on the other side of the stadium. The way Everton were playing, I was sure Liverpool could walk away disappointed. Our side seemed to have quieted down a little bit. I think half time could not have come soon enough. Both the players and fans needed a chance to recuperate.

I suspect Kenny Dalglish gave the boys an earful during that break, because the second half saw a new rejuvenated team. They pushed hard onto the Blues’ defense and it paid off when Suarez brought hope back with his equaliser. I have never shown so much excitement over a goal in my life. The Kopites erupted in cheers. Everyone was hugging and holding onto whoever was close to them, and singing Suarez’s praises with his song and swinging their scarves in celebration.

The voices never died down after that goal. In fact, they probably got even louder as we sang our support. I would like to think it helped spur on spirits of those on the pitch, especially Andy Carroll who headed in Liverpool’s second goal and put us ahead.

I do not think I yelled so much in my life. I shouted encouragement to the players and things like: “Only three more minutes boys!” and “Let’s do this! Keep them Blues away!” Of course, they did not hear me, but it felt good to do it anyways. After all, I was there to support and represent the rest of supporters.



Suarez & Carroll: Cup Heroes



I may have shed a tear or two when the final whistle blew. I looked to Stephen and said, “I am so happy right now, I can’t believe it.” He smiled at me being overwhelmed, as this was something he had already been able to experience before at other games and knew how I was feeling.

The smile did not leave my face for a long time. Reds and Blues stayed segregated until we reached the Tube, but there were no issues, despite Liverpool fans singing all the way from the gates of Wembley to the entrance of the train. I watched an Evertonian sitting across from me during the journey back to Central London. His eyes were red and puffy from crying. Despite the strong rivalry between the two, I felt for him, as I would be doing the same if it had been the other way around.

I crashed in my London hotel room after being on a high for so long thanks to the win. When I woke up the next morning, I smiled again knowing it was not a dream, and Liverpool were off to Wembley again for the third time this season. Not only that, but I get to be there again and be part of this family that represented those fans worldwide.

So on May 5th, I will be making the journey again to London. I will sing just as loud and cheer on my team against Chelsea. No matter the outcome, I have been so thankful for my experience at my first away game and Merseyside Derby, and I am truly grateful to be part of the famous Liverpool family.

Liverpool v Brighton Match Report

Liverpool soared into the next round of the FA Cup winning 6-1, with a little help from three own goals from Brighton.

Defender Martin Skrtel headed a ball from a corner kick in the early minutes to open the scoring. Brighton answered with a goal by Kazenga LuaLua from a free kick just outside the box.

The visitors may have made some intention known with the equaliser, but they seemed to lack any fighting power after that. Liverpool created most of the chances from there on.

Unfortunately for Brighton, they left their mark into their own net. The first of their own goals came just before halftime when a header from Reds’ defender Glen Johnson was cleared but then bounced back into the net by Brighton’s Liam Bridcutt.

In the second half, Andy Carroll stepped up to the plate, scoring from eight yards out after a fantastic pass from Stewart Downing.

Poor Bridcutt got his second own goal of the evening from a corner gone wrong. Reds’ captain Steven Gerrard was initially denied a goal but the loose ball was again bounced back in by Bridcutt, adding insult to injury.

Only three minutes later did Brighton’s final own goal come. Brighton’s Lewis Dunk attempted to keep Luis Suarez’s cross away from the goal with his knees. The consequence would be the ball going into his own net.

Suarez attempted to get on the score sheet finally when Dirk Kuyt was brought down in the box for a penalty. The Uruguayan missed his shot, but a few minutes later he redeemed himself with a goal.

It started out as a cross from defender Jose Enrique to Andy Carroll, who then headed it to Suarez. He then got his name on the scoresheet from one yard out, and ending the rout at 6-1.

Liverpool will now face Stoke City in the sixth round of the FA Cup.

Liverpool v Manchester United FA Cup Match Report

In what is always a tense meeting between the two teams, Liverpool managed to knock Manchester United out of the FA Cup in the fourth round, 2-1.

Patrice Evra was inevitably greeted by boos and chants after the Luis Suarez debacle but despite the negativity thrown that way, United still dominated the ball.

However, it was Liverpool that opened the scoring in the 21st minute and in front of the United fans too.

Chris Smalling headed out an attempt by Liverpool’s Jose Enrique, allowing the Reds a corner. Captain Steven Gerrard took the corner and it was headed into the net by defender Daniel Agger.

But the Red Devils’ persistence paid off not long after. Ji-Sung Park put the ball past keeper Pepe Reina into the bottom right corner of the net from only eight yards out in the 39th minute.

The second half seemed a near repeat of the first. United continued to control the midfield, and Liverpool was giving the ball away too much for comfort. Manager Kenny Dalglish made some changes in the 63rd minute including Charlie Adam on for Dirk Kuyt and Dirk Kuyt for Jamie Carragher. Later, Craig Bellamy would replace Steven Gerrard. After all of the subs were made only then did United begin to falter. Alex Ferguson tried to avoid the prospect of a replay by also making changes including Berbatov for Ryan Giggs and Hernandez for Paul Scholes.

And it was Dirk Kuyt who saved the trouble of a possible replay at Old Trafford. In the 88th minute, the Dutch international easily blast the ball past United keeper David De Gea from a pass off of Andy Carroll. Anfield naturally filled with deafening roars of cheers.

Dalglish spoke highly of Kuyt and the rest of the team’s efforts after the match.

“For Dirk it's a fantastic day and it's a great day for us to go through to the next round of the FA Cup,” he said. “To beat Manchester United is a great achievement for everybody.”

Liverpool will now face Brighton and Hove Albion in the fifth round.

Liverpool v Oldham Match Report

Liverpool triumphed in a 5-1 win at Anfield tonight in the third round of the FA Cup over Oldham Athletic.


Although the Lactics opened the scoring 28 minutes into the game with goal from 30 yards out by Robbie Simpson, Liverpool equalised shortly after with a ball into the lower corner of Oldham's net when Craig Bellamy deflected Jonjo Shelvey's shot.

Maxi Rodriguez was pushed in the box, allowing captain Steven Gerrard to take the penalty and the lead for the Reds before halftime.

Although in the second half, Oldham were as lively as they started in the first, nothing could become of it although Tom Adeyemi shined for the visitors.

Bellamy and Shelvey striked again when Shelvey got the goal this time from Bellamy;s assist, making it 3-1.

Two more goals came from substitutes Andy Carroll and Stewart Downing, his first since arriving from Aston Villa over the summer.

Manager Kenny Dalglish spoke after the match, explaining that some of player on the pitch tonight needed more time out there.

"It's a wee while since some of the players who haven't played as much as the others have had a game," the manager explained. "So it was important for us to give them a run out as well.

"It showed they needed games. There was nothing wrong with their application, but they did lose a goal.

"You can train as much as you want, but you cannot replicate what happens on a football pitch. Everybody will be better off for the game."

Liverpool will now face Manchester United in the fourth round of the FA Cup on the 28th of January.

Manchester United v Liverpool Match Report

Newly appointed Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish may have lost his first game at Old Trafford this afternoon, but he has nothing to be too disappointed about.

Although the Reds lost 1-0 to Manchester United, they have a lot to be proud of showing an improved form from the last few weeks.

The only goal of the match came from a controversial penalty given by referee Howard Webb only 35 seconds into the game.

Liverpool defender Daniel Agger put his hands on Manchester’s Dimitar Berbatov. Although there was a moment between the contact and the fall, a penalty was given.

Ryan Giggs took the shot and put it past Pepe Reina’s left to make it 1-0 in the second minute.

In the 32nd minute, the Reds lost their captain to a bad challenge on Michael Carrick.

Gerrard committed a two-footed tackle against the Manchester midfielder, resulting in a red card and immediate send off, bringing the Reds down to ten men.

Kenny Dalglish subbed Raul Meireles and Maxi Rodriguez with Jonjo Shelvey and Ryan Babel 59 minutes in.

Forward Fernando Torres was also subbed in the 76th minute with David Ngog. The subs were more than likely due to Liverpool’s upcoming midweek game against Blackpool and a desire to improve in the league rather than the FA Cup.

Liverpool failed to secure a draw, sending Manchester to play Southampton in the fourth round.

Although they will now be without their captain for the next three games, the Reds will surely put this loss behind them and look ahead to the rest of their season under their new manager.

Manchester United v Liverpool Match Preview

Liverpool fans will be hoping to see a revival in their team tomorrow at Old Trafford for the 3rd round of the FA Cup against Manchester United.


The Reds will have their first game under newly appointed manager Kenny Dalglish, who was announced today to take over the reins until the end of the season following Roy Hodgson’s departure.

Meanwhile, Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has made suggestions that he will produce a strong team tomorrow against their biggest rivals.

John O’Shea and Paul Scholes will definitely be out with injury. Wayne Rooney and Edwin Van Der Sar will be assessed ahead of the match following an ankle injury and case of the flu, respectively.

Liverpool have no new injuries, but are still without co-captain Jamie Carragher, still recovering from shoulder surgery.

Between the two major clubs, the FA Cup has been won 18 times. However after last year’s surprise early knock out by Leeds United, Manchester United are out to prove themselves again, especially over Liverpool.

The meeting is the only all-Premier League match of the FA Cup. The last time the sides met in the competition was in 2006, when Liverpool beat Manchester United in the fifth round.

Kick-off is at 1.30pm and will be shown live on ITV1.