It was time for another trip to the Madejski, this time to watch The Latics take on Reading. Of course, I went in the away end, optimistic as ever of a Wigan win. Now, you may thinking, has Michael ditched The Yellows? Has he always been a Latic at heart? Fear not trusty blog viewer. My second team is Wigan Athletic.
So I'd just been to an open day at the University of Winchester, it was pretty nice, somewhere quaint where I'd like to retire, but quite expensive. Just like the away ticket I bought at "Student" price - 28 quid! It was pretty shocking.
But hey, it's worth paying that much if you're guaranteed a spot on Match of the Day, if there's a goal at your end that is. So there I was, ready, texting my friends the good news, this was going to be my claim to fame. But suddenly a 'Family Steward' escorts me out of the 'family area' which is just behind the goal. Not only is this bad for me, but it also doesn't look very good when, on Match of the Day, Wigan score in front of the faithful and a flurry of toddlers start clapping.
By the time kick off had arrived I was cold due to my lack of headgear, and was seriously considering wearing the Angora hat my Mum had leant me. In the end, I decided not to, mainly because I didn't want to look like a massive bellend.
The opening exchanges were eye-opening. There was a flurry of chances and every pass was composed, and completed, something of a rarity at the Kassam.
And then, just before half-time, Arouna Kone had poked in the ball. It was one nil. The next few seconds were somewhat a blur. Since I was on my own, I found myself high-fiving random strangers, embracing many a northerner like I'd known them for years. It was awesome.
And two minutes later a sweeping ball across from Jean Bausejour found Arouna Kone, who cheekily chipped it over the onrushing Adam Federici. This time, my arm was around the bloke next to me, and we franticly jumped and fist pumped the air. Such an important goal.
As I went down to get a hot drink and a hot dog the fans were chanting 'Ooohh Arouna Koneee'. It was something I'd never experienced, chanting down beneath the stands.
This may seem a little weird to comment on, but the service at Reading was top notch. I had hot dog in one hand and hot chocolate in the other within a matter of minutes. Well done Reading. Unfortunately this is one of few positives I can take from Reading as a whole, their team was abysmal.
And as an intoxicated Latic spilt his beer over my shoe, I felt it was my cue to return to the stands.
The second half was barely three minutes old and we'd scored a third! Now, this is wear I'd feature on Match of the Day, jubilant behind the goal. Instead I was at the top, with hot chocolate down one sleeve. But we were three nil up, away!
To make matters worse for Reading, Pogbrenyak was sent off, for a stamp. And to make matters worse for Wigan, Jordi Gomez was on.
Wigan could've gone on to score one or two more before the end. And with the Wigan fans ecstatic, and Reading fans leaving in their droves, it was full time.
I was getting a lift home with my friend Sam, he's a Reading fan. The smugness on my face was truly impressive. To be honest, he saw the funny side of it. Fair enough. I mean, Reading's performance was laughable. And as the scoreline was read out on the radio, I smiled, and threw in an annoying comment like "Wahay!" - He wasn't best pleased, and neither was his Dad.
I can't wait to spend another weekend with the Wigan away support. It was a lot of fun, a different, community like experience I suspect you wouldn't feel with many other PL teams. And if we play teams like we did today, we're bound to avoid relegation!
It's back to the Kassam next weekend! I had missed a nil nil at home to York because of this match, and in the words of my Dad "I've never seen a more boring Oxford match in my entire life" - This coming from a man who's supported Oxford for forty years. I'm pleased I went to Reading today.
