There’s a chill in the air, people are chanting and you can feel the anticipation in each and every supporter.

Yes, you guessed it. I was at none other than Priestfield Stadium, home to Gillingham Football Club – and it was matchday.

You may be shocked to find this was my first time stepping foot in the stadium. Also, I have to admit, this was my first ever football match.

Myself and my friend arrived hungry, following a 20-minute trudge from a packed residential road where we had parked.

It was 2.15pm, 45 minutes before kick-off and the perfect time to get lunch before the big game – we were at Gillingham vs Salford City.

Some kiosks had their shutters down but a couple were open and had a small queue.

There was no menu or prices that I could see, but I already knew what I was going for – a classic pie and a pint.

After being recommended it several times by my colleagues – many who had fond memories of tucking into one during a match – I had to give it a whirl.

You could have either a steak or chicken pie, which were £4.50.

There were also sausage rolls for £3.80 that looked warm and delicious.

I did envisage doing the full footie tradition, but it looked as though only Fosters was on offer.

They were charging £2.50 for half and £5 for a pint.

Sadly, due to the limited selection and being only partial to a Peroni or San Miguel, I opted for a Coca-Cola instead. A bottle was priced at a standard £2.

I chose a steak pie, while my friend went for the chicken and then we looked around for a place to eat.

Sadly, we soon realised there were no tables or chairs, or even a shelf to rest our purchases on.

The ground was also wet, so instead we had to juggle to get our drinks open and food unpacked before we stood and started eating.

You could tell the pie had been in a warming oven, as the metal casing practically burnt my hands when I was manhandling the wrapper.

The steak chunks were slightly spiced, with onions and gravy inside that warmed me up straight away.

There was plenty of meat and the flaky pastry was the perfect texture.

Despite not having the right tools to eat it with dignity, I followed others by grabbing the whole thing with my hands and munching on what was left.

It tasted like the type of pie that you would get out on a cold and rainy day to have as a quick meal at home.

Now with a full belly, we both headed to our seats for the match to start.

It was half time, and the score was 1-1. We followed everyone out into the hallway with the aim to get a refreshment.

I had on my big puffer jacket but was still absolutely freezing and after scalding my hands on the pie earlier, I looked to get something else that was warm.

We could both barely move as we tried snaking through the crowd. The next kiosk we went to was outside and this time had a list of things on offer.

There was tea, coffee and even Bovril – all priced at £2.

I was slightly confused by the presence of Bovril at first, until I did a quick Google and found out its history with football. Then I was slightly grossed out with what it contained.

Although I didn’t see anyone pick that option, I wasn’t inclined to give the meaty beverage a go.

The staff were friendly, despite the large crowd waiting to order, and I was served by a young boy. He couldn’t pour any pints but quickly got on with making us two coffees.

We received our drinks after a couple of minutes, then were told they didn’t have any sugar and handed us two long-life milk pots.

After giving them a quick stir, we headed back to our seats. The drinks were boiling, but that wasn’t the worst thing.

It tasted like you had scooped up a puddle of dirty rainwater and then heated it up.

There was no taste of coffee whatsoever and other than keeping my hands warm, I could only drink a quarter of it before I gave up.

Now I understand why people were choosing beer. I think I would have done better with Bovril!

After seven minutes of extra time, the Gills came out on top 3-1.

The mood in the stadium was good and we both walked back to our cars in high spirits, along with cold, burnt hands but very warm bellies.

Out of five:

Food: Despite singeing my fingers, the steak pie was very tasty, perfectly flavoured and warming. ****

Drink: Could you call it coffee? I don’t think so...give me the Bovril instead. *

Decor: There was a TV to watch a bit of sport beforehand, but that was it. It would be nice if there was shelf or side table to eat from. **

Staff: Despite having minimal interaction with staff, they were polite and friendly when ordering. *****

Price: £8.50 for a pie and two drinks – not bad for a quick and easy lunch during a match. ****