Friday 27th July finally arrived and months of persistent asking for fee's to be paid, the boys were off for what one could only describe what was to be a very messy weekend indeed.

The lads started to show up from 1pm onwards wioth a few drinks in The Cricketers Rest before heading to The Nelson & Railway pub for one more pint before embarking on the mode of transport to Blackpool. Some were expecting a luxurious team coach, but in true style, a small mini bus/coach it was to be and it all added to the fun of the weekend which was to be witnessed and very much felt by those on the trip.

It wasnt long before the banter started flying with songs such as 'She said no Gibbo, she said no' and 'every where we goooo, people want to knowwww' aswell as the usual weight issue digs to most of the E&K boys.

3-4 hours down the line and having been stuck in traffic down the M6 for a large part, finally we arrived in Blackpool with the sun on full beam. However, we hit a glitch. We couldnt find the hotel. Thankfully Rhys Watkinson pinpointed a sign no bigger than the E&K flag itself saying 'Ashes Place'.

After parking up and lugging our stuff from the coach to the front door, we were greeted by Ash himself. A man very much loving life and a very welcoming man indeed.

After checking out the rooms and realising we all had bunk beds, it was down to the nitty gritty. Get washed, get changed and get out. In everyones heads it was a case of who would fall first or in standard english terms - who would be sick first. Sam Cresswell went 1st with a sly and silent spew and as we reached the sea front Ant Watkinson was next to go. As the night grew, the more beer and other intoxicating liquids were flowing. Aled Biggs with by the far the most tactical spew ran out a fire exit thinking nobody saw...to his astonishment, we all saw and so did the security of the club and bar staff. all bemused as to how he got through considering a bouncer should have been there.

In all fairness nothing else can really be remembered and it was a wait for the morning stories around breakfast, everyone nursing very sore heads.

When breakfast arrived, a fully cooked english breakfast was set for everyone, all included in the price and its fair to say it was bang on. The small matter of a match was next for the lads and attempting to sober up whilst sharing all the different antics from the night previous was becoming difficult. Just as things were starting to look up, the phone rang...It was our coach driver. The Coach had been pulled over and we had to arrange alternative travel, two minibuses picked us up and were on our way to Mere Park FC...Thankfully.

The weather changed and heavy rain and a horrible gusty wind had picked up - not ideal footballing conditions. Unfortunately for E&K the boys succumbed to a 3-1 loss. For full match report click below:

Match Report

After the match everyone was to head back, chill for a few hours and then it would be round 2. After sampling the local cuisine...fish and chips. we all sdorted ourselves out and headed out to the casino. Many of us losing sums of money and barely anyone actually winning anything. The aim of the night was to get 18 year old Jak Craig a big smile (You can imagine what he wanted) so we headed down to a few bars in an attempt to find one of these 'certain' bars. In true E&K fashion saying the word 'MINE' is a crime aswell as having to jump on someone when someone shouts 'Mount'. This lead to Ant Watkinson splitting his crotch area and having to shout quickly for a taxi.

Again as the night previous things were starting to become messy but nobody was spewing their guts out this time around.

Sunday morning quickly came along and this was time to chill out before the long, drawn out trip home.

In between all the above there was plenty of laughs, banter and flirtatious stories to tell from individuals of which speaking to them will be your only way of finding out but overall a fantastic weekend had by all and we now all look towards summer 2013 where we could well be heading abroad.

Final thanks go to Ashes Place for the hospitality, A&S Coaches for the travel and Mike the driver, Mere Park FC for the match and of course to all the lads for making it a weekend to remember. Everyone must keep a record of the 'Sam Cresswell wake up call with Horn video' and if you get chance to see it...we can promise you that you'll laugh.