It was a chilly January weekend in Bridlington back in 2003.

The excitement of the cup was there for all to see.

To reach the last 32 of a national competition was a great occasion for everyone involved – and despite the result (we lost 3-0) what a weekend we had.

We set off early Friday morning on an 8 hour journey up north – players and supporters filling the coach.

We had booked a small hotel for the supporters and another for the players.

Our hotel was fantastic. We were made to feel really welcome – The only issue being they kept running out of beer! – however the owner made several trips to the wholesalers.

Indeed his final words to me as we left, “you can come again, I’ve sold more drink in the last two days than I would in a week in the summer!

The players were supposed to be behaving but I think they also had a beer or two.

We were invited to the football club Friday night. We made our way to the club in a fleet of taxis, where the hospitality was amazing.

The club laid on a huge buffet, and the beer incredibly cheap – I think the cheap beer was to entice the Arundel players to partake, as im sure some did.

We were all up early Saturday morning for breakfast.

We made our way to the promenade to watch the players train on the beach. To say it was bracing would be an understatement! – It definitely blew away the cobwebs, and we did have a drop of brandy to keep us warm.

We arrived at the ground that afternoon (again fantastic hospitality) – but even better was the incredible chip shop over the road from the ground.

Some supporters made a couple of visits that afternoon.

We lost the game 3-0. Infairness we never really got going – our present goalkeeping coach Andy McCarthy was between the sticks and kept the score down.

The beauty of these occasions are the memories you keep.

Would I do it again? You bet!

Come and Support The Mullets on the road this weekend as we travel to VCD Athletic in Rnd 2 of The FA Vase.

There are still a couple of places left on the coach. £20 return journey. Please contact the club socials for more info