36 hours to Macc & back

In the middle of June 2011, the fixture computer kicks into action before sending Shrewsbury to Macclesfield for an evening kick off on Good Friday.

Forward 8-9 months later and the minds of the Ipswich Shrews - Mike, Andy and Lewis are at full pace as we finalise our own plan of action of taking in Macclesfield differently; and to achieve more than in previous visits and get the all important three points.

Though there was one thing that would be an guarantee - it would rain and we would get wet. 

So what did we do differently? 

Answer: leave Ipswich on Thursday at 3pm. Just short of 29 hours before kick off. We arrived at our first destination at 7pm....Higham north of Alferton on the East side of the Peak District and booked into the Crown pub and B&B..

We rested, dinned on fish and chips and a couple of the local Buxton Ales.

Friday morning, 9am. 10 hours, 45 minutes to kick off.

Breakfast taken in and we are ready for the peak district tour.

Mike confirmed his lucky blue and amber pants had been packed; apparently that's since wearing them in 2012 Shrewsbury have not lost. 

But forget to wear them when we played Torquay, Swindon and Plymouth. Chris Neal is demanding answers.

So where did we go?

Checked into Alfteron Town FC.

They were just about to leave for their league game at Wrexham (which they won one nil, nice!). 

Found out that ex shrews defender Darren Kempson is now on their books.

Came across Matlock Town FC set in the hills of the snowy peaks & managed by ex Shrews Mark Atkins

Who's Twigg?

Before arriving at the 2nd highest pub in the UK for a afternoon refresher at the Cat and Fiddle while checking on the league two scores. Pleased to hear Crawley had only drawn.

Macclesfield 7.45pm. Arrived knowing a win would send us to third.

As predicted the rain did arrive - even effected the fingers of our cameraman (Thanks Tim!).

Good professional performance, saw off Macc's early pressure and started to control the game after 25 minutes.

Excellent individual goal from James Collins on 33 minutes gave the Town a hard earned half time lead.

Further goals from Mark Wright and Collin either side a good strike from Mendes of Macc, concluded a memorable trip at Moss Road.

Cracking atmosphere with plenty of singing with the added Altringham fans which was different.

Saturday morning 2.30am - arrived back home in Ipswich, for sleep and to begin drying ahead of our next trip....48 hours later for Bradford at home on Easter Monday.

This trip will be more routine....though the drama of the chase for promotion will keep us on our toes.

Come on Town let's complete an Easter six point double.

Oh Mike - please make sure the pants have been washed ahead of Monday.