Took Ben along to his first West Ham game yesterday. Had been concerned it might be too long for him but it all went well. Cute to see him yelling c'mon you irons. Other people around us thought so too but Ben was concerned they were laughing at him. Before the game he met the West Ham kids mascots down beside the pitch - Herbie the Hammer and a Bear. Got a good photo but it's on the normal camera so can't post it on the run.
He liked reading the program and a couple of fanzines which kept him occupied and in the 2nd half when his attention wandered a little we cracked open a present we had held back for that purpose. He chewed the ear off the lady he sat beside in the 2nd half and even told her she had a boys name when she said her name was Jamie lol.
On the pitch things weren't so successful with a 0-0 draw and have to say we got what we deserved after starting 4-5-1 with an 18 year old leading the line. We were at home against an average team so the negative tactics were mystifying with Carlton Cole back fit but left on the bench for an hour. We need to get some points from these next few games as there are some tough games after that.
Had a quick drink in the Duke of Edinburgh before the game. Afterwards we caught the tube 2 stops back to Barking and went to the Barking Dog for tea but they said children had to be off the premises by 6pm :( Shame as it's a nice pub with great value meals and cheap pints (several tradition ales at £1.95).
Ended up at the caff across the road and then home to put Ben to bed after a long day...I think he enjoyed his unusual birthday.
