1. Why you were looking forward to going to the ground (or not as the case
may be):

I was really excited about this game, as not only was it my first away trip in the league this season, but a local derby to boot. There was some added spice because it was a 7:45pm kick off, so I was hoping for a lively atmosphere. I was very optimistic leading up to the game as Derby as a club had a new lease of life, with a promising manager in the shape of Billy Davies and a very wealthy board of local businessmen, who were keen to bring  success back to our club, which was in freefall under the previous regime. Davies had begun his tenure in charge of the Rams well, guiding them to a unbeaten pre-season campaign and a 2-2 draw in their opening game of the season against a impressive Southampton side. I was hoping we would
consolidate that result with a win against a hardworking, physical and
organised Stoke team, that I really considered beatable.

2. How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking:

The journey was quick and painless, as Stoke's stadium was between 35-60 minutes away from Derby, depending on whether you travelled by car or coach. Me and my friend who I went with, were only 16 at the time so we hadn't learnt to drive and felt the long and anxious walk from the train station to Britannia Stadium was not a wise move. So we went by coach, on the Roadrider scheme organised by DCFC. We left Pride Park at around 4:45pm, which I felt was somewhat early. And I was proved right as we had the coaches parked up and were outside the turnstiles before the Derby players and staff had even arrived!

3. What you did before the game pub/chippy.... home fans friendly?

As we had arrived long before the turnstiles to open, we settled on the small area of grass yards to the away entrance. As I had ate before I left home, I decided not to squander my money on a burger from the catering vans surrounding the away entrance. As it drew nearer to 6:30pm, large queues began to form, as we waited in anticipation for the turnstiles to open. There must have been a delay, which was quite frustrating. During this time, us Derby fans nearest the green fencing that surrounded the away entrance, were subject to banter from numerous Stoke fans wandering past towards the
Sentinel Stand and Boothen End. Though me or my friend didn't get involved, it all seemed quite harmless.

4. What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the ground?

The ground when you approach it, looks very neat and modern. Though it had no distinguishing features that made you think "wow I'll remember that when I wake up tomorrow morning". There was definitely a lack of originality. A closer look, outside the away turnstiles and you can tell the exterior had been neglected for a few years since being opened. Once inside, after the long wait queuing up, we were met by a very large concourse, that seemed very suitable for large followings. We didn't take much of a nosey around and just headed for the seating area, which was unreserved, so we could pick anywhere we felt like sitting. Ideal as my friend had got entry into the ground through a cash turnstile. From the inside, the ground looked in good shape. The John Smith's Stand stood out to my left, two-tiered and complete with executive boxes in between tiers and the dugouts in front of the seating area. The seating area in the away end offered a fantastic view of the pitch and there was sufficient leg room. We were sitting several rows directly below the commentary gantry, to the left of the goal with the scoreboard tucked away to our far right.

5. Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, toilets etc..

The atmosphere before kick-off was spicy. Us Derby fans were in fine voice and the Stoke fans seemed pumped up, as they were urged on by a giddy announcer. The home turnout seemed a tad disappointing though for their first home game of the season, there was plenty of empty red & white seats around, even some at the front of the away end too, which was partially closed off.

As the game progressed, the atmosphere dwindled. Stoke looked very organised and put Derby on the back foot straight from kick off but only on the two occasions that they scored, did the Stoke fans really sing. The atmosphere in the away end was of frustration and anger at an abject performance as Derby slumped to a 2-0 defeat, courtesy of goals from Pericard after 20 minutes and Darel Russell 10 minutes into the 2nd half. Sweeney & Chadwick were the main tormentors, providing the ammunition for the front two of Sidibe & Pericard. Darel Russell also probed in the midfield. But Derby really were a victim of their own shortcomings, lacking organisation and composure in defence especially as two changes were made (they backfired) and we were also ousted in the midfield, which meant we never settled into a rhythm and were bullied out of possession by aggressive Stoke tactics, which meant as a consequence our chances and service to Steve Howard, the lone striker, was limited.

6. Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:

Getting away from the ground was easy, after a 25 minute wait for our coach to fill up and the crowds to disperse. The traffic flowed out of the ground quickly and we got back into Derby city centre in good time. Though the coach journey home was very depressing, to say the least.

7. Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:

A poor and uninspiring performance from a side in transition ruined what was a essentially a good ground to visit, despite the lack of atmosphere. The result left me & my friend depressed and expecting another season of struggle on our travels. We looked to the televised game at the KC on the coming Saturday we were going to, with apprehension. I hope to visit the Britannia again, next time though hopefully I'll be celebrating a Derby win!