It was football, Jim... but not quite as we know it...

326 days after my last visit to FCR and 280 days after that glorious FA Cup night at Tottenham, I felt privileged to be amongst the latest batch of just 5,000 who've paid to see City play in the flesh since March.

There was a reassuringly familiar feel to the drive up and the walk down to the ground; earlier than normal, and less yellow and green bedecked souls treading the same path but, other than that, it all felt like we'd never been away. The arrangements, queuing, temperature taking and other checks were smooth and well managed... but I did arrive bang on the 'required' 90 minutes before kick-off.

Once in the ground it was again all well organised with plenty of markings and signage. Kiosks and toilets were fine and generally everyone was giving everyone else space. The change to wearing face coverings throughout was slightly annoying but not really an issue... apart from frying to drink my vivrions and eat a sausage roll!

Plenty of space between people and 'bubbles' in the Jarrold but it still looked fairly full, but clearly not. Not sure if Saturday was different but the atmosphere was a little muted, for me. A few goes at On The Ball City, but felt like it didn't quite have everyone's energy behind it.

Such a pleasure to be able to go and watch a game again, but there was something missing; 2,000 fans, however passionate, will never feel like 26,000 and the lack of away supporters will always make for a less enjoyable experience. It seems like I'm being really harsh, and I don't mean to be, but it's not quite the same... even though I did enjoy it immensely.

So, to the game! Not our greatest performance, certainly second half was hard going and we struggled against their higher press. Perhaps we sat in a bit too much and the midfield were flagging a little. First half we dominated but they had a Hughton trademark 4-5-1 setup, keeping things tight. Great finish by Sorensen though, just when we thought it wasn't going to come.

Hanley was immense and Sorensen is some player, very impressed by him in person. Martin was also excellent and you'd never know he only has a few first team outings under his belt. Emi was Emi... a whirling dervish of tricks, flicks, silly mistakes and sublime skill... he reminds me of 'Battling Tops' for those of you old enough 🌪

We keep picking up points and wins, without being fully convincing, and we're still top of the league, with a bigger gap, it's all good and we've got injured players coming back. Things look bright.

Great to be there, but the energy and shared emotion of a full Carrow Road isn't yet. Emi's winner and the Farke oles received good old roars obviously... but it wasn't like VRAANNCIIIIIICC, by a long stretch.

Definitely go, if you can, and you feel ok with it. You'll enjoy it and you'll feel safe. I'll go again as soon as It's my turn again, but can't wait until 'normal' when you can be fully immersed with every other person in 26,000... holding breath at the same time, gasping at a near miss together, and going crazy at a late winner.

Night Wrathers, On The Ball City 💛💚

Posted By: Worthing Yellow, Dec 10, 02:38:01