We all think we’re football connoisseurs, don’t we? We know our stuff. And especially down here in Trafford, we are home to one of the most successful English football teams of all time, Manchester United. But the fact is that there is another side to the football scene in Trafford, not one always visible to the untrained eye. 

 

Trafford FC are not one England’s most successful clubs and the day they win 20 Premier League titles is the day pigs fly to the moon, plant a flag, and claim it for themselves. But that doesn’t mean they a great club either. And it felt apt on the FA Cup weekend where Maidstone made it to the 5th round – the only time us so-called connoisseurs remember the beauty of non-league still exists – to discover what the lower leagues have in store. 

 

Atmosphere: 

The Manchester United match I experienced was the best for atmosphere this year, that being United’s incredible 3-2 win against Aston Villa that at least one of your colleagues still won’t shut up about. I know I haven't. It was supernatural at Old Trafford in that game, and so raucous when United came back that it actually broke the microphone at one point. 

 

There is a magic to Trafford though. The magic of being able to hear the tactics and tricks of the mangers all while they completely ignore their technical areas, the absolute limbs from the fans behind the goal when Trafford netted a last gasp equaliser, the players high-fiving fans and the subs chatting to supporters. It’s like nothing you’ll ever see from the Premier League. But the sheer loudness of the Stretford End does give United the point, and Amazon a large microphone bill. 

 

Food: 

Let’s be honest what’s better than kicking back with a pie and Bovril at the footy? And on this subject, there’s no question who the winner is. Trafford have all the snacks you need at a football game and have knocked sliced bread off the top of the food rankings with the killer item of the 50p sweet bag. Although I didn’t get to check it out at this match, I’ll never forget those memories. Easily beats United’s very overpriced selections to the point where they might as well put as credit card shredder next to all the bins. 

 

Price: 

Again, Manchester United are absolutely trounced by Trafford in this respect, even getting a forwarded ticket to Manchester United requires forwarding £20 to the club. Tickets at the very cheapest are £30, and good luck getting them and as we established, food is very expensive. Trafford’s tickets are only £10 by comparison. 

 

In conclusion, Trafford does definitely have spots where it can challenge big facilities like Manchester United. And sure, the quality of football and noise is nowhere near United, but as a unique experience do not count Trafford out. And if the ‘connoisseurs’ act above it all, ask where they were when Matty Morgan’s late equaliser went in.