The best yet… ❤️🍒

So today was the day, another visit to the Vitality Stadium, this time it is AFCB Men’s team against La Liga side, Rayo Vallecano. We ventured to Dean Court in December last year for an AFCB Ladies game, but it was Andoni Iraola’s ‘Estrella drinking, Paella Eating’ Cherries this time.

We travelled to Dorset with a slight sense of trepidation - I didn’t know how Miss would take to being sat down all game - normally she can roam around as much as she wants. Normally the crowds are small, would she be okay with a much bigger crowd? Would she cope with the noise… she absolutely loved it!

We stopped off at Nanna and Grandad’s house on the way as they live close by and we parked up at Pokesdown and walked across Kings Park to the ground. Miss was distracted by a play park and numerous dogs being walked but she walked un-aided right the way across the park to the ticket office.

We bought the tickets weeks ago, but they weren’t available in the Family Stand in advance, so we were due to go in the South Stand but changed them at the Ticket Office on the day (after a lengthy queue in the boiling sunshine). But at least there were fences for Miss to play with 🤦‍♂️ And we saw the Watkins family on the way to the ticket office (twice in two days!)

We got to the turnstile and were greeted by more lengthy queues. The stewards were very friendly and did the obligatory bag and body searches before we went through the turnstile (Miss found this hilarious pushing the gates!)

We grabbed a pot of Pringles and headed up to our seats. The moment we went pitchside and we first heard the booming music. I paused. I looked at her, she looked at me… and she clapped 😅 first concern dealt with ✅

The pre-match music played and Miss was loving the atmosphere. The players came out, everyone stood and clapped… so did she!

The tub of Pringles kept her entertained for the first third of the game, and as the Pringles were finished, Luis Sinisterra put the Cherries ahead ⚽️ the roar went up - moment of truth… Miss looked around and saw people cheering and clapping - so she clapped too 👏

The second-half petered out as many friendlies do, with both teams trading multiple substitutions.

Bournemouth could have extended their lead, but Dango Ouattara hit the post.

Miss stayed patient, sat in her chair, watched the game, watched people, waved and took everything in. With about 20 minutes to go she started to fidget so she stood, played with her chair, took part in a game of peepo with the family in front, and indulged in YouTube Kids, but she had done so well!

The final whistle went to another roar and lots of applause and once again, Miss knew exactly what to do. We popped into the club shop after the game and then walked back to the car across the park once again. Miss ran off although her weary legs were starting to struggle, but she is stubborn (like Mummy & Daddy) and insisted on walking herself back to the car. Although she stopped at every Bournemouth badge around the ground and pointed - she sees Daddy wearing it often enough, but now she sees lots more of them, she understands 🍒❤️

On a facilities note - there is ample parking at Dean Court but it is a nightmare to get out afterwards so we park a 15 minute walk away. Good facilities in the Family Stand for youngsters with baby changing facilities. Reasonably priced for a pre-season friendly for a Premier League team (£20) - only £6 more expensive than Southern League Division One side, Melksham, figure that one out?!?!?

All in all a great day out in beautiful sunshine, the Cherries win and Miss thoroughly enjoyed herself. On to the next one… Up The Cherries 🍒