Prologue - 1/10/11 Man United v Norwich, Old Trafford, Greater Manchester.

We had set the date for our visit to the lowest rung of the football ladder, 15th October and researched the nearest league to North London, Hertfordshire County Senior Premier Division, (bit of a mouthful but probably lucky thay don't have a sponsor to enlengthen the title) but before getting there though I had a trip to Manchester to see United v Norwich planned. Perfect opportunity to gain a yard stick by which to measure our trip through the leagues. So me and one of the proposed fellow non-league adventurers set off. The game was pretty dire and Norwich deserved more but United ran out 2-0 victors in the end and we all left happy enough.

As much as I love going to Old Trafford, aside from the football itself, it was pretty corporate and stoic as usual, stewards were grumpy, pints expensive and burgers grizzly. If it wasn't for that club loyalty, inherant love of the club and it's history I am not entirely sure I'd miss it but maybe that's what this experiment is about to test the BIG football experience against the small. Manchester was fun though and after match drinks elsewhere will have a bit to live up to.

Some stats for comparison:

Ticket price - £40
Beer Price - Bottle Singha £4
Burger/Pie Price - £3.50 cheeseburger.
Crowd - 75,514
Score 2-0 Home Win
Scorers - Anderson '68 Welbeck '87

Facilities
Bar - Yes 2/10
Food - Yes (didn't try in the ground)
Stand - Yes (enclosed all seater)
Programme - Yes £3
Fanzine - Yes £2.50
Club Shop - Yes Megastore (replica shirt £54.99 priced online)
Hospitality - Yes loads - prawn sandwiches a plenty.

Alex Enjoying the After Match Atmosphere in Manchester.