The time had finally arrived to set off to the lovely north western city of Liverpool. We all met up at Sun Inn, Eastwood to get some snap before heading off. However, with all organised trips there is always likely to be a snag, something unexpected that throws all plans up the dirt pipe.

The night before, the boys played in a friendly and Jack West couldn't play as he got called to work in Hull. We didn't envisage him to still be there come departure time so to find this out threw early plans out the window. Not to mention as I was driving to meet everyone I forgot about gaffer and so had to do a round trip to pick him up.

It became clear that someone else had to drive up to Liverpool and thankfully, Ryan Stocks took this challenge head on and said he'd do the honours (Bare in mind he had never driven out of Awsworth and had only passed his test a few weeks ago).

An hour later and having filled the empty stomachs and after doing yet another round trip to drop Stocksy off at home to pick up his car...eventually we headed off.

2 hours and 30 minutes later we arrived. Albeit a few mishaps with the satnav, going around the same island twice and turning up at Anfield which was a fair distance to where the hotel was situated...we found Formule 1 Hotel.

Doesn't sound the greatest but I have to give it the thumbs up. Cheap, showers were amazing and everyone staying there was there for one sole purpose, no need to explain Im sure.

Strangely the Formule was an extension to 'Ibis Hotel' and this was where the bar and breakfast area was.

It soon became clear that this particular weekend was one for Jehovah's witnesses as there were hundreds of them - some sort of convention or something must have been going on at the Echo Arena which was just across the road.

Round 1...

After doing the usual and hitting the hotel bar it was off to find our 1st port of call, a pub called The Beehive and what a strange little place it was. Dan got offered drugs from a man Rhys seemed to enjoy the company of and I was tasked with finding out where the main bars were.

After leaving the lonely pub, we headed in the direction given. However we came across a Wetherspoons and so had to pop in. Rhys conjured up a new drink which I must recommend to everyone if you've never tried it before...Fruit shoot and vodka. It was that nice, Rhys asked to see management hoping for a lucrative deal, instead all he got was 'hmm that's nice' and that was that. Again we headed off looking for a specific street which was meant to house loads of bars. In all fairness its difficult to try and remember how we managed to find a street renowned for its cheap deals which goes by the name of 'Matthew Street'.

Eventually, we found it and One bar in particular was very cheap and a major highlight were two lasses from Runcorn (one of whom allowed myself for an unknown reason to bask with my face in her chest).

The night started to become messy very quickly and after a cheap bottle of Champagne was handed to us, the cheers erupted. We headed for a square known as 'Concert square' which literally had bars in a square. Once we found this place yet again after hours of searching the streets, it became messier still.

The singletons amongst us found a gentlemans club and so enjoyed the amenities of that and Ill admit I fell in love. Looking to my right at one point giving Kieran Brown a big cheer - but he was fully focused. Dan was a very happy 18 year old also.

The rest of night was history, although a woman ran me over with her bicycle and I threw away an entire quarter pounder with cheese from McDonalds.

Round 2...

The next morning we all awoke to a breakfast buffet and a chance to discuss the nights antics. I was in such a state that I had to go back to bed whilst everyone else headed out to the docks and for a walk (as if anyone needed to do anymore walking). After returning with Rhys wininng over £150 in one of the thousands of bookmakers that littered the streets, it was a chance for a quick rest before heading out again.

It was imperative that we found a bar that had Sky Sports and that sold food. I really am not lying when I say we must have walked every single street in Liverpool trying to find somewhere. We eventually stumbled across a sports bar which had everything a lad could want. Even tables where you could pour your own ale...AMAZING! problem was though...no Jeff Stelling.

So off we went again. Finally Yates's was on hand to supply us with the scores and more despair - QPR being the team the let me down for £299.

With everyone still nursing hangovers it became clear Saturday night wouldn't be a patch on the night before and even after a power nap, people still didn't feel up to it. Everyone hit 'concert square' again but for some it was too much. Gaffer and Rhys bailed early and went back whilst Ryan, myself, Kieran and Dan partied away in flares until the early hours but not in a state witnessed Friday.

There were many other moments that made this weekend a great one, with Rhys putting on his Irish accent which was terrible - almost getting caught out by speaking to someone who knew where Dundalk was and Ryan pulling out some horrendous dance moves.

Knockout...

Overall, looking back it was truly a great weekend and it was a shame that we couldn't have got a squad together to face a Sunday side like we did in Blackpool a year ago.

Liverpool however is an amazing city and a true party town. If anyone is looking for somewhere to hit, then Liverpool would easily be on the list.

Here is to next year, wherever we may venture and to the lads that went this year, Cheers!