I would have to say that last Saturday was one of the strangest I have encountered as a footballer – by a very long way.

And I am not just saying that because we were playing at Gateshead.

The trip to the North East certainly proved that even the best-laid plans don’t always work.
The only thing that seemed to go to plan on the day was the terrific result!

Unlike those 46 die-hard Dover fans who made the gruelling trip, and mostly by car, which me and lads really appreciated, we made the trip by plane, something we are doing to all long away games this season.

But this flight proved to be anything but, as they say ‘plane sailing’.

And our delayed arrival into Newcastle was not just due to the fog.

All was going well until we got delayed going through security because a few of the lads had forgotten to take their hair products and moisturisers out their bags.

All I can assume is that they were still in the bags after the televised game against Woking!

So after that minor hiccup, we made it to the plane, got comfortable and waited for take off.

And we had to wait a while . . . 45 minutes or so. Not because of fog, but because all the runway lights went out, which closed the airport.

We eventually took off, landed in Newcastle, got stuck in the traffic on the coach before finally making it to the ground about 40 minutes before kick-off.

We had just about enough time to put our kit on and do a few warm-ups before the game began.

Then after the game, we were rushed off the pitch and told to get changed as quick as possible because we had to make sure we landed back at Biggin Hill before the airport closed.

It was the least time I have ever spent at a ground!

But despite all the havoc on the day, we did manage to get one more initiation song done, with Toby Ajala taking the stand.

He needs work on his performance, but the vocals weren’t too bad.

Until next week. COYW!!