I was
looking forward to the visit to Stockport for what should have been a good
game. We had beaten Morecambe 2-0 the previous week and confidence was
high. However I wasn't looking forward to the visiting the ground because
of the reputation its stewards had managed to build as some of the
strictest in the league and also because in 11 meetings the chairboys
have never won there!
Coming
up from London as I did was a very easy journey on the train, going from
London Euston to Manchester Piccadilly via Stockport in about 2 hours.
From there its about a 10 minute walk to the ground which is easy enough
to find just by following the crowd.
Finding food before the game
is quite an easy task near to the train station with McDonalds, Subway and
various chippys being nearby. I have to say though I didn't see any pubs
near the ground. Any home fans seemed helpful in pointing me in the right
direction and seemed friendly enough in general.
The ground
seemed nice, a typical lower league ground with stands of all different
sizes. The away fans are in the smallest stand (I think!) behind one
goal which is uncovered so hope for no rain! The home end behind the
opposite goal is a very large 2 tier stand where the main atmosphere seems
to come from. The other 2 stands are average size and nothing spectacular.
If it is raining, as it was when I previously went, away fans are put in
one corner of the Popular Stand which has a couple of supporting
pillars which can obstruct your view of the far goal.
The game
itself was dire with neither team having many chances. The atmosphere was
quite flat oweing to the stewards who operate a strict non standing policy
which did not go down well with our fans to say the least. The stewards
aren't afraid to eject anyone either, the total of our previous visit
there being 32 fans ejected so you have been warned! However the seats
have enough leg room to keep people happy and the view is quite
good. What's also good for any plane spotters is that the stadium
is near to Manchester airport so there are always planes flying over
the stadium. The toilets are standard and
kept in a good enough condition compared to others in the league. I didn't
buy any food at half time so I'm afraid I can't comment on that but I know
it sells a variety of things including various pies. Come full time
I had no problems at all with
getting away from the game as there was a small attendance and there where
various exits.
Overall I think I've had much better away days
supporting the team. The ground itself is nice enough but the stewarding
can take a lot of the fun out of a otherwise good day. on the plus side
the ground is easy to get to, the facilities are quite good and the ticket
prices are reasonable. if only Wycombe would finally win
there... |
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