'Club Wembley fans are advised that the national anthem will be sung in five minutes,' came the announcement, as I polished off the last of my burger and beer. 'You are kindly advised to take your seats.' I fish out my ticket and find myself in seat 13 of row 13 - just as well I'm not superstitious and have nothing riding on the match! Aston Villa versus the current cup holders Chelsea. Eight previous FA cup matches head-to-head, with five wins to Villa, two to Chelsea and one draw. This could be an interesting afternoon!
The first half, as it turned out, was somewhat uneventful, apart from the cup of Coke which someone spilt several seats to my left. The score at half time was 0-0 – but football, as they say, is a game of two halves. The Blues manage to pull their socks up (to the cries of 'G'waaan Chelsea! Celery, celery!' from the chap behind me) and win the match 3-0 at the final whistle. Drogba (described in the programme as a 'superb all-round striker'), Malouda (who's had 'an excellent season') and Lampard ('at the heart of the club') each scored a goal. There was much celebrating and flag-waving in the blue corner, while the claret corner emptied silently.
On the train on the way back, I overhear a dejected Villa supporter extemporise a lesson in loyalty. 'It's all about sticking with your club, that's all that matters,' said the man to his son, and the two rode on in sullen silence.
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