Weaving through a packed crowd on Whaddon road, the songs of local team Cheltenham Town bellow from the voices of excited fans ahead of their crunch match against Morecambe.
‘I’m going for a 2-1 win tonight, nothing less than 3 points for the Robins,’ claims a young lad as he strolls towards the stadium with his friend who seems more pessimistic: ‘really? I think it’ll be a 0-0 draw’.
As I edge closer to the ticket gate, the smell of the conventional football food arises but the scent lasts a matter of seconds after a group of men make their way towards the turnstiles, replacing the aroma with deodorant and aftershave.
I line up behind them, but one guy moves to the side as panic exudes from his face, ‘wait a minute mate, I can’t find my bloody ticket,’ he explains whilst tapping every pocket in hope.
Unzip. Zip. ‘It’s not in either coat pockets, s**t.’ His friend stands and shakes his head whilst letting out a laugh. ‘Well at least you have yours’ shouts the security guard, projecting a slight smirk, before the guy breathes a sigh of relief, ‘got it,’ he exclaims.
The stands begin to fill but despite a great turnout by the home fans, the voices of Morecambe fans begin to echo in cheer after the coach launches an effort, rattling off the crossbar.
With the game underway, the crowd begin to raise their voices urging on their sides, but it was the Robins’ fans who had the first cheer after Morecambe send the ball out the stadium.
With Cheltenham on the attack, sounds of the chairs folding echoes around as fans elevate in hope of celebrating the opener but Ryan Jackson fires his shot wide.
Not long after the Robins are back on their feet once again as Jackson rights his wrongs driving the ball in to Ben Williams who converts to break the deadlock.
The loud cheers bellow around the stadium as the crowd hug one another, celebrating a crucial goal, with many singing the songs of Cheltenham, smiling from ear to ear.
As the autumn leaves fall, masses of people make their way to grab a hot drink as the whistle sounds out for half time.
The smell of hot dogs and burgers guide us through to find a large queue, but the dismay of a fan catches my ear.
‘Three quid for this,’ exclaims a fan as she lifts the lid on her hot chocolate.
‘There’s no chocolate powder in mine,’ replies her friend as she attempts to take a sip but the look of outrage paints across her face.
The dismay continues but this time by the away fans: ‘you’re not fit to referee’ repeated multiple times as they demonstrate their frustrations.
The Robins continue to urge their side on as they hit the advertisement boards and deep thuds ring around the Completely-Suzuki Stadium.
Morecambe fans arise and celebrate after believing they found an equaliser, but the ball nestles the wrong side of the net.
On the final whistle the loud cheers elevate as the stadium erupts after their side earn a vital three points.
As I make my way out of the stadium, the Robins’ fans continue to vocalise their joy as ‘Cheltenham, Cheltenham, Cheltenham’ rings on the streets.
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