Internet Millers Edinburgh Trip Report

We eventually made the airport three minutes before check-in closed. Scare number 2 came when Dan brought his HOUSE OF FRASER card as Flight Id. What a numpty! Easyjet did not fancy letting him fly, but luckily after a bit of persuasion he was allowed.

The team enjoyed a relaxing pint before take off, and then after a couple of Kroners on the plane and we were sorted out.

Friday night was fantastic. We headed into Musselburgh, just outside Edinburgh, with the intention keeping things light. Spirits were high and everyone was really buzzing and up for the game. We took residence in an Italian restaurant, and as more Millers arrived in Edinburgh, numbers in the restaurant grew, and the food and bar bill rose rapidly. We left the Italian when they wanted rid, and headed to a pub over the road which we hoped would be English-tolerable. There was only four people in, with a combined teeth count of three! The music got cranked up, the beers were flowing, and a good night was had by all. We eventually left and were wished well by the Hibernian-supporting bar staff.

It was an early start Saturday morning before the big game. I wasn’t feeling too fresh after a one hour sleep! Dazza headed over to Edinburgh Airport to pick up Gaz and Paul after their early morning flight. The little chef where we were staying was not serving food as the chef was off(!). Most had to do with a magical pack of WINE GUMS (there’s science behind em, honest!).

We arrived at the pitch via 16 seater taxi. The referee came in and had a good chat with us before the game. We were warned no fighting or it would be a straight red. Paul took note! Steve then managed to clear the dressing room, but I don’t really need to go into that. Skip gave his pre-match team talk which got us all fired up. Onto the game….

The game started and its possible that we were too fired up. The first 15 minutes was an absolute nightmare…..

Hearts got a corner, and while we struggled to arrange ourselves, they took it short, and a shot from a tight angle squeezed in. Minutes later, Hearts got round the back of us, their forward took on young Mark in goal, and it was 2-0. Then again, Hearts played a ball over the top, the offside trap was beaten and their forward got a toe to the ball to make it 3-0.

Finally we got our act together and started holding the ball up and creating chances. Steve had a great run and put in a powerful left footed shot which clipped the bar. Pressure was put on the Hearts defence, and Gaz won the ball, made a tremendous run down the right, and crossed for Steve. Steve controlled on the thigh and then volleyed home. 3-1. More chances were made and it was almost 3-2. The wine gums had obviously started to kick in.

Unfortunately, the wine gums had to much of an effect on Paul! A high ball came and Paul seemed to think he was deeper than he was, leaving it for the keeper. A Hearts player steamed through and made it 4-1. Due to his frustration, Paul made a dire challenge, and then got himself sent off for throwing a punch minutes later. Remember the ref’s pre-match brief?! We held it till half time and still decided that we could get a result.

Yorkshire spirit shone through in the second half, and every player put in a performance that they could be proud of.

We lost another key player, Aggie, through injury, but Kiwi Phil was on hand to come into defence. For the first 20 minutes of the half the score remained 4-1, but shortly later another run and cross by Gaz lead to young Johnny scoring. We sensed that we could get a result, and we threw everything at them. The score remained the same until ten minutes from the end. Gaz took a free kick from the left side of the box, which beat everyone and went in.

We threw everything at Hearts, and in the final minute we got a throw in. Gaz took the long throw, and I was just about to head it when pushed from behind. NO PENALTY! This lead to a corner, which Gaz stepped up to take. After perfect corners all day Gaz did not correct right, and the ball fell straight to a Hearts player, who managed 100 metres in 6 seconds to score. Game over.

Initially players were down at the result, but everyone gave 100% which is all that can be asked. Proud to be a Miller!

On Saturday night it was time to drink the Scottish lads under the table. We met at around 4pm in a hotel bar and cheered on the egg chasers, whilst the Scots were cheering all Englands misfortune. About 7:30pm we taxied into Edinburgh to a place called the three sisters. After plenty of beers in here and failed attempts to pull some ladies dressed as coppers and we moved onto Faith club. In the end Paul got us kicked out :-)

Highlights of the night include:

- a bouncer chasing a lad, trying to trip him up, and then tripping himself up.

- Paul winning in a 2 vs 8 situation (!)

- Winding up a group of Frenchies and then singing Rotherham songs in the middle of Edinburgh.

All in all a cracking weekend even if the result wasn’t right!