NOTTINGHAM FOREST - MONDAY 24/03/08

REPORT | VIDEO
Another big game in the chase for the play-offs saw an Easter Monday clash as the Albion traveled to the City Ground to face two-times Champions of Europe Nottingham Forest. It was a first train journey beyond London in just under a year, and as such this would mean alcoholic consumption would be at a normal high. This wasn't aided by the fact we left Brighton at 6.30am, arriving in Nottingham for 10.30am, and our train home left the crime capital of Britain at 7.30pm - leaving us with 7 hours in Nottingham, with the play-off battle taking up only 2 of these

We questioned how two people could need this much luggage - the only logical answer we could come up with was 'French' Rumble was unsatisfied with his sandwich as it was nutty - this was hardly surprising given the fact it said on the packet it contained nuts
Lawrence was looking forward to his Crocs on Tour debut Potter takes the sensible option of a cup of morning tea on the 8.30am train

While McCarthy is drinking Old English cider Rumble soon spots this article in The Times

The traditional photo of the M1 power stations - this time up close and personal The Nottingham Eye, which surprisingly no-one had attempted to steal
Wetherspoons is the port of call, as Lawrence enjoys a Full English McCarthy goes for his normal breakfast sandwich
While Potter is once again left waiting for his food Rumble had a collection of vouchers that we were able to use to ensure drinks were even cheaper than Wetherspoons normal prices
It was only right that Robin Hood was advertised in the city where he was made famous We jump into a taxi headed for a pub nearer to the stadium, which was too much of a sizable walk for Crocs fitness levels to cope with

Lawrence and Potter enjoy a pint in our new found pub A few games of pool are taken, including one ludicrous encounter in which the black was potted prematurely twice
McCarthy dishes out some more drinks thanks to our bargain pitcher of Carling Inside the City Ground
McCarthy looks happy to be in a stadium where Ian Woan was considered a God The Crocs flag is erect - for the last time

The Main Stand of the City Ground This impressive structure housed the home fans
The Brian Clough Stand Lawrence is delighted to be at only his second Albion away game
Potter and Rumble look impressed, if slightly dazed While McCarthy appears to be attempting to eat his coat, for reasons unknown
The City Ground is a No Smoking arena The floodlights of Meadow Lane, home of Notts County, can be seen across the river
The flag was at its beautiful best Albion right back Andy Whing sat among the crowd as he served the last game of his suspension
The Albion attack with a corner Half time comes around and it is still 0-0
A Forest player hits the ground, unable to cope with the Albion This bright sunshine was only suitable on such a religious day as Easter Monday
Forest attempt to snatch a goal There was no chance of that happening though with Doug Loft on
A last chance for Forest to grab the three points Its a hard earned draw for the Seagulls
The players troop off at the end, now occupying one of the coverted top six spots Back in the pub we visited before the game

We move onto the city centre afterwards, and visit one of the world famous Hooters bars McCarthy and Potter enjoy a pint
Potter is soon enjoying more than a pint though, despite his look of concern He seems much more at home with this attractive blonde however
Rumble had managed to smuggle this bell from the pub by the ground Potter looks confused, as we finally realise that the flag has gone missing at some point after the game
St Pancras International Station Holidaymakers to  England who had just alighted the Eurostar and were due to head to Brighton were met by this sight on the station plat form
McCarthy is soon asleep after a tiring day that began at 5.30am While Rumble also takes the chance to catch up on some much needed sleep