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I ventured to our country’s Capital yesterday on a bit of a wild-goose chase. You see I was hoping to see Plymouth Argyle get through to the fourth round of the League Cup (something they’ve not done in 33 years) at the expense of West Ham United (who we lost 5-0 to the last time we played them!)

Still, ever the optimist, I left Plymouth at mid-day and headed to London full of hope. Unfortunately, I did not reckon with the M25 and the mess that is central london congestion. Most people would allow 3 or 4 hours for a 220 mile journey. However, it took us 7 hours EACH WAY. Yup, 14 hours on the road for 90 minutes of football. It breaks down like this:

Outgoing Journey: Plymouth to M4/M25 junction - 196 miles, 4 hours. M25 to Upton Park - 24 miles, 3 hours.

Return Journey: Upton Park to M4/M25 junction - 24 miles, 3.5 hours. M4 to Plymouth - 196 miles, 3.5 hours.

There’s no way I could put up with that every day - Give me my 2 minute commute and rolling countryside any time!

So, to the game - The whole point of the expedition. Despite leaving my house a full 9 hours before kick-off, we finally got into the ground with just 20 minutes to spare, and took our seats. Upton Park (yes, I know it’s really called the Boleyn Ground now, but it’ll be forever known as Upton Park I think) is a fantastic ground - the pitch is massive, and the stands are very steep, looming high above the action, unlike most of the “bowls” that are built these days.

Argyle can be proud that they more than matched their Premiership opponents, and all on less than 1% of the money the Hammers have spent this summer alone! The only thing lacking was the killer touch to actually put the ball in the back of the net. And just when it looked like we were heading into extra-time and possibly penalties, Dean Ashton rifled a volley in the 92nd of the 93 minutes that ended any green hopes.

So, another cup dream over for this year. There’s always the FA Cup in January of course! And I’ll be cheering on West Ham in the Carling Cup - They’re one of the only premiership sides to have taken the competition seriously (I’m talking to you, Sir Alex!), and Alan Curbishley seems to have installed some wonderful ethics into his team. There was nothing but respect from each and every one of them for Argyle - flicking through the program there were quotes from 4 or 5 different West Ham players, all saying something complimentary about Argyle - either about individual players, or recent results. They have clearly done their homework.

And I read today that Hammers captain Lucas Neill came into the Argyle dressing room after the match and told Ollie that “your lads did really well - I feel for them” - A true gentleman, gracious in victory. I hope he’s lifting the cup next February. Just don’t expect me to come to London to watch the final.

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