If loyalty had a postcode, it’d be halfway to Leiston.
With the Southern League Premier Central fixtures dropping this Friday like a matchday meat pie, it’s time to salute the unsung heroes of the terraces — the fans who rack up more mileage than a 2006 Ford Mondeo just to see Kettering Town in action.
Forget the Premier League’s comfy train hops and expense-account fuel stops. This is the gritty, glorious world of non-league away days, where friendships are forged, formations formulated and loyalty is measured in motorway snacks and numb backsides.
Let’s take a look at the road ahead…
🚐 Longest Journey: Leiston FC: 224 miles
That’s 224 miles of blood, sweat, and service station sausage rolls. It’s practically a European away day, minus the passport and duty-free.
🏠 Shortest Hop: Harborough Town: 35 miles
Just down the road. Barely time to argue over the team sheet before you’re parking up. Still, a derby’s a derby — bring your passport and a Spanish language guide.
🧭 Average Round Trip Mileage: 121 miles
That’s over 2,537 miles across the season if you’re clocking in for every game. You could fly to Istanbul for less — but they don’t have midweek cup replays under the floodlights at Barwell.
These numbers aren’t just stats. They’re a love letter to the red-and-black army who turn every away end into a home-from-home. It’s about loyalty that doesn’t flinch at a 5am start, a foggy A-road, or a 0-0 in the rain.
So, polish your sat navs, pack your snacks, and buckle up, Poppies fans — the away days are calling. And they’ve got your name on the team sheet.
Enjoy your away days this season!
COYP!
