When David Hughes was absent from Haverfordwest County's recent cup success against Undy Athletic in the second round of the Welsh Cup, one of those involved at the Conygar Bridge Meadow Stadium expressed the light-hearted view that, the club chairman was in Spain looking for new players to boost the Bluebirds' playing strength.
 
Our friendly wag certainly got the first part right because David was indeed in Madrid but was woefully off target with the second part because the visit did involve football but on a higher plateau because David was watching Real Madrid beat newly-promoted LEGANÉS  3-0 in the Bernabeu Stadium as a special family treat to mark a special  birthday!
 

Surprise treat becomes a reality

 
David knew he was en route for Madrid but it was only the morning of the game that he finally knew for sure what his special treat was.
 
" We got to the ground an hour before the midday kick off time to witness the unique atmosphere,” said David,  “with an operatic feeling  that quickly turned into the wonderful sporting arena with an appreciative crowd and without any hint of trouble.”
 
The surprise present was a special gift from his sons Simon and Charles, plus daughter Rachael, who were all there with him to share his special weekend, and watched the game with him in the second row of the first tier; a first class view in the completely full 85,000 capacity ground.
 

Special moments - and a minor disappointment

 
"The view was amazing and there were special moments in the Real win where Gareth Bale scored twice and wheeled around below us to salute the crowd - and our only disappointment was the fact that we hadn't taken a Welsh flag because it would have been the only one in the ground and he was perfectly placed to have seen it!"
 
But David did have a commemorative scarf which had the names of both teams and the date of the game embroidered upon it, to keep as a memento.
 
David and his children were also quick to praise Gareth Bale and German colleague Tony Kroos because they were the only two players who stayed out to acknowledge their home fans who clearly idolised the two star players who were outstanding on the day.
 

Final thoughts

 
"I will never forget my trip," David told us, "but it was nice to be back at the Conygar Bridge Meadow Stadium before we travelled to play Risca United at Ystrad Mynach in the league!"
 
"As to signing a couple of players in Madrid, sadly I left our club cheque book at home," said David with a typical chuckle!