Away days: No ordinary Monday

"Oh baby I'm dreaming of Monday, Oh baby when I'll see you again," as a song by The Jam once said - and today it rings true. For today is no ordinary Monday; this Monday we're off to Swansea.

While some may baulk at the prospect of having to endure a five or six hour trip to South Wales, there are others who'll anticipate that journey regardless.

As it was, there seemed to be a great atmosphere amongst our travelling party, with thoughts of returning to the top of the league high on the agenda. I'm sure I even heard talk of a possible title challenge at one point! 

Nevertheless, the omens were good and as the coach snaked down the motorway in September showers, it made me think of why we as football fans will go to nearly any length to support our team. 

The scramble for tickets, the persistency in begging your boss for that one day off so you can travel up and down the country, and all for a 90 minute event that comes with no guarantee of 100 per cent satisfaction.

Throw in ever-changing kick-off times, and the prospect of not arriving home until the early hours of the morning - and yet the attraction still remains for that minority who will not be put off regardless.

But why is that? For some, it's a chance to visit places they would never dream of visiting in their everyday lives, and for others, a trip away with friends offers the opportunity of a social catch-up and the chance to spend quality time doing what they love best.

But once the Liberty Stadium appeared in full view shortly before 8pm, all those thoughts evaporated as concentration shifted onto the task of another win and three points which would keep our perfect start on track.

But, even the best laid plans often go awry and having not arrived until 10 minutes before kick-off and faced with a huge queue at the turnstiles, I didn't make it to my seat until the game got underway.

If my luck seemed out, I wasn't alone as just two minutes into the match, a former Reds midfielder came back to haunt us with a well taken effort. Yet misfortune appeared to be short-lived as Daniel Sturridge kept up his impressive goal-scoring streak, followed by a Victor Moses strike to put us in front at the break.

Joy was to turn to frustration again thanks to Jonjo Shelvey, whose header teed-up Michu to equalise and share the spoils.

If you were to gain an insight into the trials and tribulations of an away fan, then there would be no better time than to study the 2,000 Reds who left with a point that may not turn out to be a bad point after all.

Following the final whistle and a quick walk back to the coach, inquests were opening up all around me as to what went on with collective disappointment. That said, things could be worse right now and having remained unbeaten at the top of the league, there's plenty of optimism abound (for the next few days at least anyway).

Follow the author @JoelRichards91.