|
1.
Why you were looking forward to going to the ground (or not as the case
may be):
A new ground for me and pretty much all City fans as we
hadn't played Gateshead in over 50 years! Plus its a fairly local one for
us to enjoy as the Conference is made up of predominantly Southern
teams.
2. How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car
parking:
Travelled up by car. Very easy. Know the area anyway but
Gateshead, and the stadium itself are both very well signposted. Parking
is available in the surrounding housing estate and at the ground itself.
We parked down a side street round the back of the ground. No problems
getting in or out.
3. What you did before the game pub/chippy....
home fans friendly?
Pub of course. Went to the 'Schooner' just
behind the ground. Decent place overlooking the Tyne.
4. What you
thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other
sides of the ground?
A poor mans Don Valley. Very
Red! We were in the side opposite the Main Stand in a large, but open
stand. Stadium seemed very much like attending a game in Poland or another
Eastern European ground.
5. Comment on the game itself,
atmosphere, stewards, pies, toilets etc..
There were problems
getting in as despite our teams poor form, 500 City fans turned up when
Gateshead were only expecting around 200, thereby meaning only one
turnstile was open leading many to miss the kick off. Some got in for free
to as they ran out of change on the 'emergency' turnstile they quickly
opened. Atmosphere- Could see the 'Heed army' trying to get behind their
team, but the sound is lost with the distance involved.
Game
started badly but we ended up winning 2-1 having been a goal down with ten
men! the winner sparked wild scenes of celebration with up to fifty or so
City fans pilling over the barriers to get to the pitch, many of whom
struggled with the distance involved in making it over the long jump track
then the across the running lanes to get to the pitch, all very
amusing.
6. Comment on getting away from the ground after the
game:
Very easy and quick, no trouble at all.
7. Summary of
overall thoughts of the day out:
Very good night. Nice to have a
local game for once. The stadium is pretty good if not a bit surreal and
there were no problems with either the Gateshead fans or police who took
the said pitch invasion with good nature. Definitely recommend as an away
trip especially with the opportunity to drink in Newcastle before and
after if one wishes. |
|
