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NEXT UP ON OUR TRAVELS...
Market Drayton Town, Greenfield Sports Club, Greenfields Lane, Market Drayton, Shropshire, TF9
3SL
Telephone: 01630 655088
Journey
Time from Bright Finance Stadium: 1 hour 50 minutes*
Journey
Time from Sheffield City Centre: 2 hour 10 minutes*
Directions: It’s a bit of a drawn out one this, so if you’re brave enough
to set out via car, here goes. Aim for Junction 15 of the M6 (personally I’d get here by going on the A38, A50 and A500
through Stoke). Join up with the A53 at the roundabout; take the first exit onto A519/Newcastle Rd heading to Eccleshall/Shrewsbury/A53.
Continue on for approximately ten miles, until you reach the Adderley Road (A529) roundabout, turning left onto the A529 –
take the second right onto Greenfields Lane, the ground is at the end.
Parking:
Everyone I’ve spoken to about this one tells me parking is pretty tight, at the end of the narrow track, even
for a minimal attendance.
What to Expect: According to my sources,
this one is a work in progress and improving each time they go, with little bits being added. There is plenty enough seating
and cover, if the rain comes, and hot refreshments are available in the form of drinks, hot dogs, burgers, pies and POT NOODLES!
As for those who like a drink of a different kind before the game, I’m not sure if a bar is available on the ground
yet, if not the Gingerbread Pub is just a ten minute walk away.
Admission to this one is more in tune
with what is charged at ours, £6 adults, £4 OAPs, £3 kids. The programme is £1.50.
...AND THE REST STILL TO
VISIT
OR WHERE WE'VE BEEN
ALREADY...
AFC Fylde: Kellemargh Park, Bryning Lane, Warton, Lancashire,
PR4 1TN.
Telephone: 01253
794555
Journey Time from Bright Finance Stadium: 2 hours 5 minutes* Journey Time from Sheffield
City Centre: 1 hour 55 minutes*
Directions: Head across to the other side of the Pennines the best way you know –
Snake Pass, Woodhead – and head towards the M60 Manchester Ring Road. Leave the M60 at Junction 15, taking the M61.
Follow this as far as the M6, and leave the M6 at Junction 32, taking the M55. Leave this motorway at Junction 3, taking the
A585 to Kirkham and Fleetwood. Continue to follow the A585, go through two roundabouts, at the third (A583) go straight on
into the B5259 Ribby Road. Follow this for just over a mile, and turn left into Bryning Lane, signposted Warton. The ground
is about a mile along here, on the left. Car parking a bit tricky for latecomers as the only room available is on the approach
road and the bottom of the pub car park - with some additional to be found in an adjacent field. These roads and car-parking,
facilities etc are being improved in the next coming weeks according to Fyldes recent match programme - but unlikely to be
ready for our visit.
What to expect: Inside this one the ground is as basic as you like –
with the new 200 seater stand the ONLY cover in the ground. If it rains, prepare to get cosy. As far as refreshments go there
is a small tea bar behind the goal you enter behind, for those of you that want something a little stronger the Birley Arms
is adjacent to the ground - apparently here the beer is excellent and they serve some pretty substantial bar meals. Admission
for this one is £5 Adults, £3 Seniors, £2 Juniors 8-15 Years, Under 8's are Free. Normally the programme has been included
in the admission costs, but for their FA Vase run they were sold additionally for a £2 sum, so expect it to be the same for
our visit.
One last thing, the seaside is about ten miles away - well Blackpool Pleasure Beach
is anyway - you can get there in 20 minutes… if you want…
Alsager Town: Town Ground, Wood Park, Alsager, Cheshire,
ST7 2DP
Telephone: 01270 882336
Journey Time from Bright Finance
Stadium: 1 hour 30 minutes* Journey Time from Sheffield City Centre: 1 hour 30 minutes*
Directions: I'll bow to
the AA Routefinder for this one, and head over towards and via Buxton. Go out the other side towards Congleton. Take the A53,
before joining the A54 and onto the A537. At the lights turn right onto the A536 (signposted Congleton, Birmingham) and at
the roundabout go straight on to the A536. At the next lights go left, staying on the A536 (signposted Congleton, Birmingham),
before continuing onto the A34 another six miles on. Go through Congleton (following signs for Newcastle), until you reach the
junction with the A50. Turn right onto the A50 at the lights, and continue forward at the end of the road, bearing left
at the lights onto the B5077 - Crewe Road - signposted Alsager. Nearly there now, just turn into the first
road on your right - Moorhouse Avenue, then second right into Woodside Avenue. The ground is accessible via Woodlands Court
at the end. Please allow extra time for this one, coming over the Peak District CAN add an extra thirty minutes easily if
you allow yourself to be delayed by the more leisurely motorists that use this route.
Parking: "Match day parking
is available in adjoining streets to the south of the ground. No cars are allowed inside the ground on match days for away
players or spectators."
What to expect: The ground has one covered
bank of seating at the turnstile side, with a bit of covered terracing alongside. On the opposite side of the ground is the
"Farside Terrace", home to the Farside Ultras, Alsager's own version of the ...erm... insert your own famous mad bunch of
supporters here. Other than this it is one level standing all round. Admission here is £6.00, with the programme costing
£1.50.
Belper Town: Christchurch Meadow, Bridge Street, Belper,
Derbyshire, DE56 1BA. Telephone: 01773 825549
Journey Time from Bright Finance Stadium: 45 minutes* Journey
Time from Sheffield City Centre: 1 hour*
Directions: This one is pretty easy - get into Belper on the main A6 road
and the ground is set back on the right hand side as you are coming in from Ambergate and Matlock. The hard part is telling
you how to get to Belper! Personally I'd come in through Chesterfield on the A61 and drop through Higham just after you get
through Clay Cross - but others like to come in from the A38 turning off at the A610 (signposted "Ripley/Nottingham") 4th
exit at roundabout towards Ambergate. At junction with A6 (Hurt Arms Hotel) turn left to Belper. Ground is on right just past
first set of traffic lights with the giant mill building on your right just before.
Parking: We do have a car park,
it is the training area behind the goal, very rarely fills so not a problem. Just drive down the path to the gate and you
will be let in as normal (after paying your admission), if for whatever reason it is full (or it is too much like a Glastonbury
field after a deluge of rain), then you can effectively drive down to the rear of the Club House and park on what is the Sports
Clubs land.
What to expect: Christchurch Meadow is a nice mix and should suit everybody really. There is a long stand
that runs the length of one touchline, whilst opposite there is a covered terrace. Behind the goals you have one raised terrace
and one flat terrace. The Nailers Club is one of the plushest you'll find, and is definitely recommended for those of you
in need of a pre-match pint.
Thanks to Neil Laughlin down at Belper Toon for his help with the above info.
Blyth Spartans AFC, Croft Park, Blyth,
Northumberland, NE24 3JE
Telephone:
01670
35237
Journey Time from Bright Finance Stadium: 3 hour 10 minutes*
Journey
Time from Sheffield City Centre: 2 hour 55 minutes*
Directions: It’s A big day out – even bigger if you decide to drive. Take the M1 north (as you’d
guess) continuing onto the A1 (M) going up through the rest of the county as far as Newcastle. Pass Newcastle keeping on the
A1, and exit at the A19 towards Seaton Burn and Cramlington; at the Moor Farm roundabout take the second exit onto the A189,
exiting this at the A1061 signposted Blyth and Cramlington. Keep on the A1061 until the 4th roundabout –
here turn left onto the A193 (signposted Industrial Estate), and at the 2nd roundabout (so that’s six in
total after leaving the A189) turn right onto Plessey Road. The ground is on your left.
Parking: For those of you that are driving, there is ample street parking here.
What to expect: This is a classic non-league ground if ever there was one. The main stand has now been repaired since
my last trip up there, and now has two levels of seating. There is covered standing behind one goal (the Carlsberg Stand),
and along the touchline opposite the Main (Port of Blyth) Stand. The only side with no cover is the bit nearest the Social
Club, which I’m sure will be well used on Saturday. Admission should be £9.00, with concessions £5.00 and an extra £1.00
if you want to sit down. Programmes are £1.50 this season; a wide range souvenirs are available from the club shop, which
is in the corner opposite the Social Club, nearest the Carlsberg Stand.
Bradford Park Avenue: Horsfall Stadium, Cemetry Road,
Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD6 2NG
Telephone: 01274 691020
Journey Time from Bright Finance Stadium: 1 hour*
Journey Time from Sheffield City Centre: 55 minutes*
Directions: Get yerselves up the M1, head to Bradford on
the M62, get off at junction 26 for the M606 and get to the last junction (signposted A6036 Halifax) heading up past Odsal
Stadium on your left hand side. At next roundabout carry on towards Halifax on the A6036, signposts for Horsfall Stadium should
start to appear along here. - drive on for a mile untill you see the Kings Head pub, Immediately before here is Cemetary Road,
turn left down here and the ground is on the left.
Parking: There is a car-park, however there is plenty of road parking which
is more convenient.
What to expect: The stadium is one with very little option of where
to watch the game from. The main stand is pretty large, but there is very little in the way of standing, the stewards will
have none of that. Actually it is the regulations of the Bradford council, there is a massive terrace either side of the stand,
but you can't stand there. I reckon we'll all meet together in the middle of the stand then...
Brigg Town: The Hawthorns, Hawthorn Avenue, Brigg, North
Lincolnshire, DN20 8PG.
Telephone: 01652 651605
Journey Time from Bright Finance Stadium: 1 hour 10
minutes* Journey Time from Sheffield City Centre: 1 hour*
Directions: One from the pretty recent past this one folks,
so I'm sure not mny of you need help. But anyway, get yerselves onto the M180 (if you don't know how to do that, there is
no hope) and exit at junction 4 and take A18 to Brigg. Leave Town via Wrawby Road, following signs for Airport and Grimsby.
100 metres after Sir John Nelthorpe School and immediately after bus shelter turn left into the Recreation Ground (signposted
Football Ground) and follow road round into club car park.
Parking: It is a relatively large car park at the Hawthorns,
can't tell you how many spaces, but it is big enough to house our traveling hoardes.
What to expect: Back in the NCEL days this was one of MY
favourites in the league, sadly the same could never be said for the boys on the pitch! The ground has a full length of the
pitch seated stand on the far side from where you come, whilst on the near side there is a smaller not as comfy
version. Other than that, there is no cover to shelter you from any inclement weather, with the spaces behind both goals being
open to the elements. The bar is pretty good here, although from memory I can't remember for the life of me what the food
is like - I think it is more likely to be from a chip van! Admission for this £6, programmes £1.50.
Cammell Laird: Kirklands, St Peters Road, Rock Ferry, Birkenhead,
Wirral, CH42 1PY. Telephone: 0789 1962150
Journey Time from Bright Finance Stadium: 2 hours* Journey Time
from Sheffield City Centre: 1 hour 50 minutes*
Directions: Head towards Manchester on your favoured route (Snake,
Woodhead, M67, M62 etc) and take the M60 clockwise - heading southbound past Stockport. Take the M56 (signposted Chester,
Warrington, M'cr Airport, B'ham), then leave the motorway at junction 15, joining the M53. Leave the M53 at junction 5 (signposted
Birkenhead, Queensferry), then at roundabout take the 3rd exit onto the A41 (signposted Eastham, Birkenhead). Continue along
the A41 for about 4 miles (WATCH THE SPEED CAMERAS) until you reach a roundabout signposted B5136 - take the 2nd exit onto
New Chester Road - (signposted Bebington, New Ferry) and continue along for approx 1 mile until sign for Lairds Sports Club,
turn right down Proctor Road, ground on the left.
Parking: The Lairds Social Club have a pretty large car-park - enough
for at least 50 spaces - and if this is full there is plenty of on-road parking to be had.
What to expect: Kirklands
is another tidy little ground, with a very nice social club alongside. You will be guaranteed a warm friendly welcome, especially
as the home team are pushing this game as a celebration of their own Centenary, so don't worry about a hostile reception! Admission
is £6.00 adults and £3 concessions. Should be a good day out.
Thanks to Paul Mcloughlin over at Cammell Laird for
his help with the above info.
Carlton Town: Bill Stokeld Stadium, Stoke Lane, Gedling,
, Nottingham, NG4 2QS
Telephone: 0115 940 2531
Journey Time from Bright Finance Stadium: 1
hour 10 minutes* Journey Time from Sheffield City Centre: 1 hour 15 minutes*
Directions: Okay, now many of
you went last season, be aware IT HAS CHANGED A HELLUVA LOT SINCE THEN! My mate Brian at Carlton has told me to let everyone
know the new directions, so here goes: most people prefer to get down to that side of Nottingham by getting off the M1 at
junction 29, go along A617, towards Mansfield, then turn right at the lights and take the A6009 (signposted M1 South, and
Derby A38), returning back onto the A617. Turn onto the A614 (heading towards Nottingham, 3rd exit), eventually branching
left onto the A6097 (signposted Leicester) Epperstone By-pass. At the A612 roundabout take the third exit, follow this
towards Nottingham until you reach the new A612 Gedling By Pass (on your left) and follow to the next set of traffic lights
at Severn Trent Works. Turn right on to Stoke Lane. Entrance to Carlton Town is immediate right. (Ground can only be accessed
via this new Gedling By Pass Road). If you are coming from the M1 at junction 26, I suggest you go to the UníBond wébsíte and follow the ones on there.
Parking: It is a decent sized car
park here, and whilst Carlton have seen an increase in attendances, there should still be plenty of room for all of us!
What to expect: The food and drink side of
things are all located in the same place - so if tha' wants some beer wi' thi' chip cob, then it is the same counter! The
thing about the bar I have always found is there are too many chairs and tables rammed in for my liking, and you don't want
to get trapped in the far corner! The ground is very much as before, with the seating behind the goal to your right as you
come in, and other than that, it is pretty open. Take a brolly if it looks like rain! Admission for this one is £6.00 adults,
£4.00 OAPs, £2.00 kiddies and programmes retail at £1.50.
Many thanks to Brian Dennett at Carlton for ramming this info down my neck.
Cheers Bri'.
Colwyn Bay: Llanelian Road, Old Colwyn, Colwyn
Bay, Conwy, LL29 8UN Telephone: 01492 514581
Journey Time from Bright Finance Stadium: 2 hour 30 minutes* Journey
Time from Sheffield City Centre: 2 hour 20 minutes*
Directions: This is yer marathon drive. The best bet is to head
over to Manchester first via your favoured route (Woodhead, Snake, Stockport, M62) aiming towards the M60 Ring Road, heading
south towards Junction with M56 (signposted Chester, Warrington, M'cr Airport, B'ham). Continue to the end to join the A5117
and continue forward at roundabout at the first exit (signposted North Wales, Queensferry), at the traffic lights bear left
onto Welsh Road - A550 (signposted North Wales, Queensferry). Keep on this road, it turns into the A494, and then the A55,
for 35 (yes, THIRTY FIVE) miles until you reach Junction 22. At end of slip road turn left, up the hill to the min-roundabout,
straight across into Llanelian Road. Ground is approx ½ mile on your right.
Parking: There's plenty of road car-parking
around the ground, but with a guaranteed 300+ attendance, how close you get to the ground is a bit of an issue.
What
to expect: Surrounded by hills, the ground is covered along one side of the touchline and behind one of the goals. The other
touchline is uncovered (terracing) and behind the other goal is uncovered also. The ground has a capacity of 2,500 with a
main stand with 403 seats. Admission is £6.00 adults, £4.00 concessions (14 to 17 years old) and a quid for under 14s. Programmes
are £1.50, and are pretty good by all accounts. One little worry is the recent reports of a bit of "hostility" towards visiting
supporters from the local "chav" population; however the club stewards are striving to ensure this trend bites the dust, and
are more than willing to escort you back to your cars if you feel in the slightest bit worried. I am assured they are a great
bunch of lads over there, so long as you don't start with the "Eng-er-lund" chants!!!! Feedback from this one the first time
we went - very friendly and sporting. Best away ground in a long while!
Gateshead: International Stadium, Neilsen Road, Gateshead, Tyne & Wear,
NE10 0EF. Telephone: 0191 4783883
Journey Time from Bright Finance Stadium: 2 hours
40 minutes* Journey Time from Sheffield City Centre: 2 hours 35 minutes*
Directions: If you are brave
enough to set out on this five hour plus round-trip, well done I salute you! As you'll be aware you need to heed north to
the "Heed" (sorry, no more Geordie-isms from hereon in) using the M1 and A1(M) to get into the Tyne and Wear area. To get
to the Stadium, which is well signposted apparently, exit the A1(M) just after the Washington Services on to the A194(M) and
follow this all the way to the end, and at the roundabout turn on to the A184 towards Gateshead. The stadium is on the right
about three miles along.
Parking: Massive car park, with no issues for anyone no matter
what time you turn up.
What to expect: Anyone remember the Don Valley days? Nuff said... Gateshead are playing a great card with the admission prices on Saturday -
admission is £4.00 adults, £2.00 for Under 16s. Programmes are the bog standard £1.50. There is a snack bar, club
shop and a bar for a li'l ol' alcoholic drinky-poo for those who want to partake.
Glapwell:
Hall Corner, Glapwell, Derbyshire, S44 5PZ
Telephone:
01623 812213
Journey
Time from Bright Finance Stadium: 25 minutes*
Journey
Time from Sheffield City Centre: 35 minutes*
Directions: If you are coming from the north of the city, you’ll approach via the M1 (exit at junction
29 “A” on the map) – if you are coming from the south, no doubt you’ll come through Chesterfield.
In both cases take the A617, passing through Bramley Vale, going up the hill at the other side. About two miles up (three
minutes drive), you’ll see the “Young Vanish” pub on your left, turn down here towards Bolsover –
then bear right onto Glapwell Lane. The ground is on your right, with parking through the gate or on the verges.
Parking:
It is pretty tight here, and more often than not (in the past) Sheffield games have the highest attendances at Hall Corner
– albeit normally just over 100 or so – so try and get here early.
What
to expect: Hall Corner is a ground with quite a bit of character, and a slope to match.
Cover is available down two sides, in the form of seating down the left side as you come in, and standing on the right. Behind
the entrance side goal there are literally acres of space to spread out, sadly the other end is now closed. The bar area is
quite small, although very cosy on a cold day, with the very friendly staff serving both hot and cold refreshments from the
same area. Unfortunately “friendly” is not one of the words I’d use for certain factions of Glappy’s
“support”, personally I don’t have a great deal of time for these individuals based on past experiences,
although don’t let that taint anyone’s expectations of a great local derby. Admission £6, Concessions £3, Under
14s free. Programmes are £1.50.
Goole AFC: Victoria Pleasure Grounds,
Marcus Street, Goole, East Yorkshire, DN14 6TW
Telephone: 01405 762794
Journey Time from Bright Finance
Stadium: 1 hour* Journey Time from Sheffield City Centre: 50 minutes*
Directions: If you don't know thias
one then you must be new here! Right then, get yerself onto the M18 - go north and go towards Hull on the M62. Get off at
Junction 36, following the signposts for Goole A614. From here it is fairly well signposted, with "Goole AFC" signs at each
vital turn - but for the ones who always think that these may get moved in a Wacky Races style, the rest of the directions
are as follows: after about 1.5 miles, turn right into Boothferry Road. Continue along here (signposted Town Centre) until
you see the Tesco Express on your left, just before here turn right into Newport Street - the ground is at the end.
Parking: Road only folks, and despite it looking pretty rough, none
of ours (touch wood) have had any issues in all the times we've been.
What to expect: I'll take it you've already been, in which case
"how accurate am I?" Athletics track makes it totally pointless trying to watch from behind the goals, so the choices are
the main stand or the Dunhill Road side. The main stand is half standing, half seated, and can be a bit rowdy with the oldies
who stand there. The Dunhill is a little more civilised and all standing, and it is suggested we all meet there again - superstition
and all that, we won last time! Admission is £7.00, £5.00 and £2.00. Programmes are £1.50. The best thing about a visit
here is food. Yes, the pie is homemade and won the BTF "Who Ate all the Pies" contest the other year.
Grantham Town: South Kesteven Stadium, Trent Road, Grantham,
Lincolnshire, NG31 7XQ. Telephone: 01476 402224
Journey Time from Bright Finance Stadium: 1 hour 15minutes* Journey
Time from Sheffield City Centre: 1 hour 15 minutes* Directions: This one is also pretty easy - Find your way onto the
A1 (your choice) and get off at the A607 exit (signposted Grantham, Melton Mowbray), then at roundabout take the 1st exit
onto Swingbridge Road (signposted Earlsfield Industrial Estate). About half a mile on you come to a "T" junction, Trent Road,
turn left on here (you can more or less see the ground at this point) and about 100 yards or so on your right turn into the
car park.
Parking: There's plenty of space at this one, the car park is pretty big. There are about 400 spaces available,
and their biggest attendance is under 300, so you should have no issues.
What to expect: The stadium is a council owned
multi-sport facility - a bit like a mini Don Valley Stadium - thus has a running track between the pitch and spectator facilities.
Best vantage points are on the far side terracing, or in the elevated main stand. It does have a nice bar behind the main
stand ("Strikers"), which can be accessed from the inside if you want a half time pint.
Gresley Rovers: The Moat Ground, Moat Street, Church Gresley,
Swadlincote, Derbyshire, DE11 9RE Telephone: 01283 216315
Journey Time from Bright Finance Stadium: 1 hour 15
minutes* Journey Time from Sheffield City Centre: 1 hour 20 minutes*
Directions: Follow the M1 south to junction
23a, turn off on to the A42 southbound. Continue on the A42 to Ashby-de-la-Zouch then turn off onto the A511 toward Swadlincote.
At Woodville turn off the A511 onto the A514 toward Church Gresley, follow the road signs to Gresley, the School Street turn
off is second on the right after the Gresley island. Take the first turn on the left in School Street to take you to the ground.
Bit tricky to find I guess, but allow an extra twenty minutes or so than suggested and you'll be fine.
Parking:
There is areasonably sized car-park thingy opposite the main entrance, but if this is filled - well the street parking is
pretty limited given the narrow (and one-way) road system round the ground.
What to expect: This is an odd little ground,
but full of character. The main stand is pretty good, but the rest of the cover is set at odd levels - a bit like Ossett Albion.
The food is excellent here, sadly the faggots weren't available last season.
Guiseley AFC: Nethermoor Stadium, Otley Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire,
LS20 8BT.
Telephone: 01943 872872
Journey Time from Bright Finance Stadium: 1 hour 25 minutes* Journey
Time from Sheffield City Centre: 1 hour 15 minutes*
Directions: The ground is on the A65 Leeds – Otley
Road, so is fairly easy to find. How you get there is a matter of preference really, my personal way of getting there is heading
up the M1, continuing on to the M621 until Junction 2 (Leeds United FC turn off). Head right on the roundabout there, heading
along the A643 (which turns into the A58) and onto the A58 (M), exiting onto the A65 Kirkstall Road (signposted Otley). Turn
left along here, and keep going. The ground is on the right hand side after about nine miles of suburban driving.
Parking: There are two car parks (one small / one large) adjacent to ground plus
on-road parking in Otley Road and Ings Lane. BUT NOT Ings Crescent!
What to expect: Tidy little traditional football ground, with the main stand (sadly
only part open due to fire damage) and two covered terraces the offering shelter from the elements. Refreshments here
are the usual, and you won’t be disappointed if you want your pies and peas. However if you want to make a day of it,
the original Harry Ramsden’s is walking distance of the ground. Admission to this one is £7.00, £3.50 concessions,
with programmes £1.50.
FC Halifax Town: Shay Stadium, Shay Syke, Halifax,
West Yorkshire, HX1 2YS Telephone: 01422 341222
Journey Time from Bright Finance Stadium: 1 hour 20 minutes*
Journey Time from Sheffield City Centre: 1 hour 10 minutes*
Directions: Dependant on which way you choose to come,
either through Huddersfield or up the M1 and M62, you will come in via Junction 24 of the M62. Head towards Halifax on A629
and the Town Centre. After 3-4 miles the ground is on the right (Shaw Hill) signposted The Shay. Turn down here; the car-park
is on your left.
Parking: The car park is quite sizeable at the Shay, for our Presidents' Cup tie they charged £3.
Ridiculous.
What to expect: You’d expect The Shay to be pretty top notch being an ex-Football League ground,
but expect to be slightly disappointed. Okay, size-wise it is big, but the facilities are either dilapidated or unfinished.
The stand shown above is the old main stand, this has many seats either missing or broken, and those which aren’t are
cramped. The “new” stand opposite is unfinished, so don’t expect to be allowed in there, but behind both
goals are huge covered terraces that give a great view of the action. The bar is underneath the nearest of these as you come
in through the turnstiles, with food available at a burger van nearby. Admission? £10 adults, £7 concessions, £5 under 12s!!!
Programmes £2. Expensive! (Note - for this competition FCHT HAVE reduced the admission for this one for £5 maximum).
Hutnik Kraków: Stadion Suche Stawy, 31-979 Kraków, ul. Ptaszyckiego
4 Polska.
Telephone: (+48) 644-33-05, (+48) 644-12-00
Journey Time from Bright Finance Stadium: 2 hours to Liverpool
Airport (1 hour East Midlands) – 2 hours 30 minutes flight – then 25 minutes*
Journey Time from Sheffield City Centre: 1 hour 50 minutes to Liverpool Airport (1 hour 15 minutes East Midlands)
– 2 hours 30 minutes flight – then 25 minutes*
Directions: Find an airport! Easyjet from Liverpool, Ryanair
from Liverpool or East Midlands. Fly to John Paul II International Airport Kraków – Balice (Kraków Airport im.
Jana Pawła II). From there head east on E462 towards Route 7, joining Route 7 at the roundabout
and joining onto Route 79 – follow this until you reach Tadeusza Ptaszyckiego (you got that? Tadeusza Ptaszyckiego!
That’s P-T-A-S-Z… you know what, get a taxi, only 25 minutes from the airport) the
ground is on the right.
What
to expect: Right, this is a 15,000 oval type stadium, with bench seating. Other than that I can’t give you much
info, but if you go… enjoy yourselves!!!
Ilkeston Town, New Manor Ground, Awsworth Road, Ilkeston,
Derbyshire, DE7 8JF.
Telephone: 01159 324094
Journey Time from Bright Finance Stadium: 45 minutes*
Journey Time from
Sheffield City Centre: 1 hour*
Directions:
Take the M1
to Junction 26, then take the A610 towards IKEA, taking the first exit – signposted Awsworth and Ilkeston A6096. Turn
left at the end of the slip-road, and keep on the A6096 signposted Ilkeston at the next roundabout. Follow this for about
a mile or so, looking for a small signpost marked Cotmanhay – turn right here onto Newtons Lane, the ground is along
here after about ½ mile on your left.
Parking: Parking is found with a small car-park just after
passing the ground (which I think costs a quid), or on Awsworth Road on the verges.
What to Expect: The New Manor Ground has one of the most
unusual features in the league in the corner, in the shape of a great big clock tower! There is cover on three of the four
sides, whilst on the fourth side there is a bit of an overhang in front of the clubhouse. As you can see above, the main seating
area is a bit of an oddity, with a low level stand catering for the majority of seats – whilst in the corner there is
an elevated section of seating next to the clock tower. The clubhouse is sizeable enough, and caters for all your refreshment
needs and the souvenir shop. Admission for this is £7.00 and the excellent 44 page “Ilson Review” is £1.80.
Kidsgrove Athletic: The Stan Brown Stadium, Hollinwood
Road, Kidsgrove, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffs, ST7 1BQ Telephone: 01782 782412
Journey
Time from Bright Finance Stadium: 1 hour 40 minutes*
Journey
Time from Sheffield City Centre: 1 hour 45 minutes*
Directions: The AA Routefinder always suggests you go to the Stoke area via Buxton, Leek and the A53 - a hint:
DON'T! Unless you want to have a pleasant little slow (emphasis on s-l-o-w) trundle through the Peak District and North Staffordshire
Moorlands along with the Saturday afternoon pub-lunchers. "Oooh - look at that sheep!" If you want to get there with as little
fuss as possible, get down the A38 and along the A50, it might be longer but there is very little "unknown delay". If you
choose to go along with this one, take the A50 into Stoke, then out the other side past the Britannia Stadium onto the A500
towards the M6. Exit this at the A34 (Talke) turn-off, after about two miles hang a right at the traffic lights by the pub
on the corner, onto the B5371 Cedar Avenue. Take the second right onto Lower Ash Road, following it round to the third left
onto Hollinwood Road, with the ground at the end of the road. Parking is tight, so I suggest getting a nice road spot on your
way up.
Parking:
The car-park doesn't appear to be the biggest, and seems to be big enough for officials and about ten or twenty more cars
maximum. The area around Kidsgrove's ground is a quiet little residential area, and street parking seems to be the
best (and easiest) option for everyone.
What to expect: You aren't going to be stuck for either cover or seats here, this is one of the few grounds at
our level that has cover on all four sides. The club claim to have exactly 1,000 seats, I haven't actually counted
them, but I won't argue - having said that, they are the bench kind, and most people choose to stand at the front rather than
use them. Inside there is a tidy little pub-cum-clubhouse, showing Sky Sports at half time, and a nice little food bar - which
is more like a chippy than your usual UniBond food stall. Admission for this one should be £6.00, with the programme £1.50.
Leek Town, Harrison Park, Macclesfield Road, Leek, Staffordshire, ST13 8LD
Telephone: 01777 710300
Journey Time from Bright Finance Stadium: 55 minutes*
Journey Time from
Sheffield City Centre: 1 hour 10 minutes* With this one add at least another thirty minutes on just to be safe… IF NOT MORE!!!!
Directions: The best way to get over
here is… well erm… SLOW! Head towards (and through) Buxton on the A6 – how you get there depends on where
you set off from, but by and large it is normally throw Baslow – then follow signs for the A53 to Leek. As you approach
Leek, try to keep an eye on signs for Macclesfield (A523), follow these out the other side of Leek and the ground is on your
left.
Parking: Around the ground it is pretty limited, although there are parking bays on the main road on the OPPOSITE side
to the ground – DON’T PARK ON THE GROUND SIDE OF MACCLESFIELD ROAD! The police don’t like it!
What to Expect: Harrison Park is one of the nicer grounds in the league, with cover on all four sides, and a nice big
old grandstand (above). Inside the ground you are catered for with all mod-cons – try the Blues Bar at half-time even
if you don’t want a beer, you can warm up AND watch the results on a big telly. If beer is your thing, then the Blues
Bar can only be entered from inside the ground, and for those of you who want something a bit different the White Lion next
to the ground serves pretty decent meals too. Souvenirs etc are available in the club shop, which is located just inside the
turnstiles. Admission is £7 for adults, £4 for OAPs and children, and £1 for Under 10s if accompanied by an adult. Make certain
you ring before travelling in case of wet weather.
Lincoln
United, Ashby Avenue, Hartsholme, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, LN6 0DY
Telephone:
01522 696400
Journey
Time from Bright Finance Stadium: 1 hour 20 minutes*
Journey
Time from Sheffield City Centre: 1 hour 15 minutes*
Directions:
I reckon everyone will be heading down the A1 in some fashion, and heading towards Lincoln on the A57. On the approach to
Lincoln, turn right onto the A46 at the roundabout, taking the first exit onto the B1378 Skellingthorpe Road. Follow this
for about 1½ miles, turning right into Ashby Avenue.
Parking:
There is a fair bit of parking by the side of the cricket pitch, which usually gets filled by players and officials, but seeing
as United’s attendances aren’t that massive – you should be fine parking here. If not there is enough space
on the surrounding roads for you to get parked up within a short walk of the turnstiles.
What to
Expect: It’s a while since I was last at Ashby Avenue, so you’ll have to be understanding if my memory is a little
hazy. The ground is set in a pretty nice, rural backdrop and is covered on all four sides, so you are sheltered if the weather
turns British, it is also set in a shared complex with Hartsholme Cricket Club
– if I remember correctly they have a nice little clubhouse at the side of the cricket pitch, although it isn’t
that massive. Admission for this one is £6 adults, £3 concessions – programmes are £1.50.
Loughborough Dynamo: Watermead Lane, Nanpantan Road, Loughborough,
Leicestershire, LE11 3YE. Telephone: 01509 237148
Journey Time from Bright Finance Stadium: 1 hours* Journey
Time from Sheffield City Centre: 1 hour 5 minutes*
Directions: Seriously – could this be any easier? Exit the
M1 at Junction 23 and turn towards Loughborough (A512). At the first set of traffic lights turn right on to Snells Nook Lane,
then at the crossroads (the Priory pub is on your left) turn left on to Nanpantan Road. Turn into the right after ¾ miles
on to Watermead Lane. The ground is at the bottom of the lane, with the pay gate just after the gates on the left.
Parking:
A bit of the lane down to the ground is used for parking, if you get there early you can use that, but try and turn your car
round before parking up as it becomes a bit of a three-point-turn fest for everyone getting out after the game. If you are
a bit late or the attendance is a bit on the big size - there is still a sizeable car-park as you come onto the complex.
What
to expect: I’m sure many of our traveling fans will have a good old moan at this one – but to be fair it has come
a right old way to get to where it is today. More or less it is a railed off pitch, with the stand created by seating in front
of the clubhouse / bar and a kind of “awning” giving shelter. Elsewhere there is cover in the shape of a bus-shelter!
Be thankful we have this trip early in the season. The bar is not bad though, with the food being reasonable in both quality
and price. The staff aren’t bad here either, and are very friendly, making you feel more than welcome. Admission for
this one is £6.00, the programme retails at £1.50.
Market Drayton Town, Greenfield Sports Club, Greenfields Lane, Market Drayton, Shropshire, TF9
3SL
Telephone: 01630 655088
Journey
Time from Bright Finance Stadium: 1 hour 50 minutes*
Journey
Time from Sheffield City Centre: 2 hour 10 minutes*
Directions: It’s a bit of a drawn out one this, so if you’re brave enough
to set out via car, here goes. Aim for Junction 15 of the M6 (personally I’d get here by going on the A38, A50 and A500
through Stoke). Join up with the A53 at the roundabout; take the first exit onto A519/Newcastle Rd heading to Eccleshall/Shrewsbury/A53.
Continue on for approximately ten miles, until you reach the Adderley Road (A529) roundabout, turning left onto the A529 –
take the second right onto Greenfields Lane, the ground is at the end.
Parking:
Everyone I’ve spoken to about this one tells me parking is pretty tight, at the end of the narrow track, even
for a minimal attendance.
What to Expect: According to my sources,
this one is a work in progress and improving each time they go, with little bits being added. There is plenty enough seating
and cover, if the rain comes, and hot refreshments are available in the form of drinks, hot dogs, burgers, pies and POT NOODLES!
As for those who like a drink of a different kind before the game, I’m not sure if a bar is available on the ground
yet, if not the Gingerbread Pub is just a ten minute walk away.
Admission to this one is more in tune
with what is charged at ours, £6 adults, £4 OAPs, £3 kids. The programme is £1.50.
Nantwich Town: Weaver Stadium, Water Lode, Nantwich, Cheshire,
CW5 5BS. Telephone: 01270 621771
Journey Time from Bright Finance Stadium: 1
hour 50 minutes* Journey Time from Sheffield City Centre: 1 hour 55 minutes*
Directions: Before we set
off, those of you that use Sat-Navs - the postcode at the top doesn't work, nor does "Water Lode" - so a tip would be to use
the co-ordinates 53°04'18.45"N 02°31'40.45"W. So, head yersel' over to Manchester in your
favourite manner, get onto the M60 going south towards Stockport and at Junction 4, and head along the M56. Leave the M56
at junction 7, then merge onto the A556 (signposted B'ham, M6, Northwich, A556, Lymm, A56), follow this until you join the
M6. Leave the M6 at junction 18, then at the roundabout take the 3rd exit onto the A54 (signposted Chester, Northwich), continuing
until you get into Middlewich. When you arrive in Middlewich the road changes from the A54 to the A530, continue out of town
on this road, and after about ten miles of this turn left onto the A51 at the traffic lights (signposted Stone, Congleton).
At the next traffic signals turn right onto the A530 (signposted Town Centre), and then onto the A534 into the town centre,
at the next lights turn right onto Water-Lode and the ground is on the right at the next set of lights. Alternatively
go via Derby and Stoke on the A38 and A50/A500 joining the A51 as above - it was a good choice for midweek, and based on the
tales told by everyone else who went, probably a good choice for a Saturday.
Parking: There is a huge car park here, nice and
tarmac-ed too.
What to expect: The £4 million Weaver Stadium is a new ground this season, after the club left their old
ramshackle abode of 129 years in Jackson Avenue, so expect a brand-new-still-smells-of-wet-paint-state-of-the-art arena. For
those of you who made the pre-season trip to Curzon Ashton, the ground has been built along the same lines as their ground,
with a nice looking stand with some nice facilities. The rest of the ground is tidy, but underwhelming, with a shed opposite
the main stand that runs for ¾ of the length of the pitch and flat standing elsewhere. Food is readily available from
the "Dabbers Diner", (sadly, tea is £1.00 a go - pretty steep) whilst for those of you who want to get a souvenir of the day
out, the club shop is housed inside the stand alongside a bar and a spacious function room. Admission for this one is £7.00
adults, £4.00 concessions (OAPs and tax-dodgers), £2.00 for kids, with programmes a whopping £2.00. If you get there TOO early
and want to have a wander round, the town itself is a wonderful little gem to explore, with some historical buildings dating
from the Elizabethan era - if you like that kind of thing that is! The chippy location though, it is a mystery... A little "did you know" footnote for you here; when the prep-work was being
done for the new stadium, archaeologists unearthed a wad of ancient artefacts from the site - ranging from Roman coins
to musket pellets from the civil war!
Ossett
Town: Ingfield, Prospect Road, Ossett, West Yorkshire, WF5 9HA
Telephone:
01924 272960
Journey
Time from Bright Finance Stadium: 55 minutes*
Journey
Time from Sheffield City Centre: 45 minutes*
Directions: From M1 Junction 40: Take A638 signposted
Ossett Town Centre. Take first left off A638 onto Wakefield Road, sixth left turn into Dale Street (B6120) to traffic lights.
Turn left at lights. The Ground is in front of you opposite the bus station. The entrance to the Ground is just before the
Esso petrol station.
Parking:
Bit dodgy some of the time here, especially as it is bang opposite the bus station. As it isn’t too busy at midweek
games, you should be okay parking just in front of the ground on the main road.
What
to expect: This is one of our old haunts, and it seems to have a bit more added on each time we go. Firstly you’ll
feel right at home, as there’s a seated stand behind the top goal (above) as you come in, plus there’s further
cover on each of the touchlines. Town have a pretty basic, but sufficient, bar on the right hand side as you get through the
turnstiles. Admission should be £7, £3.50 concessions, with a programme costing £1.50.
Parkgate (Reserves): Roundwood
Sports Complex, Green Lane, Rawmarsh, S62 6LA.
Telephone: 01709 826600
Journey Time from Bright Finance
Stadium: 30 minutes* Journey Time from Sheffield City Centre: 20 minutes*
Directions: Ridiculously
short journey, head towards Rotherham and head out the other side on the A633 (signposted Wath), and go past the Parkgate
retail park. At the third roundabout along here turn right onto Aldwarke Lane (A6123) and at the next roundabout take the
second exit (Barbers Avenue), follow this all the way to the end and turn right onto Green Lane, as the road arcs left there
is a small lay-by with the sign "Roundwood Pavilion" (or something similar) turn right down this lane.
Parking: The car
park is at the bottom of this drive, there must be parking for about fifty cars, with more on the slip road down. I can't
see the car-park being full on Tuesday, although chances are that if there is a function, then it will be full.
What to expect: The bar is
pretty decent, it is on your left as you head up the ramp towards the ground, it is one of the more salubrious in the NCEL.
With this being a RESERVE OUTFIT we are up against, chances are the snack bar will not open, if it does (as on first
team games) it'll be for half time only, and will more than likely sell hot drinks, crisps and mars bars! The ground (if you
haven't been before) is pretty much open to the elements, although if it buckets it down, there is two sets of cover behind
the goal as you come in. If it is your first time - ENJOY!
Quorn: Sutton Park, Farley Way, Quorn,
Leicestershire, LE12 8RB.
Telephone: 01509 620232
Journey Time from Bright Finance
Stadium: 1 hour* Journey Time from Sheffield City Centre: 1 hour 10 minutes*
Directions: Head down
the M1, getting off at junction 23 - A512 Loughborough - following it as far as the Luff Ring Road (A6004), turn right at
the roundabout passing the University on the right hand side heading towards Leicester (signposted A6). Pass over three roundabouts,
at the fourth (junction with A6) take the THIRD exit signposted Quorn. The ground is on the left about 200 yards along.
Parking: Parking here
is inside the ground, same as Belper Town with the paying arrangement too.
What to expect: The
clubhouse is one of the best I've been in, and Sutton Park also has a pretty decent main stand (350 seats), but
as far as everything else goes - pretty basic. Admission here is £6.00, with the programme costing £1.50.
Retford United: Cannon Park, Leverton Road, Retford,
Nottinghamshire, DN22 6QF Telephone: 01777 710300
Journey Time from Bright Finance Stadium: 50 minutes* Journey
Time from Sheffield City Centre: 45 minutes*
Directions: Whichever way you are approaching Retford from,
I'd expect you would be coming from Sheffield or Dronfield by using or crossing the A1. The directions from here are
pretty much easy, with one little kink you need to be aware of, if you get that right you are away. Follow the A620 into Retford,
passing the prison on your left, then after about 4 miles turn right at the roundabout towards Gainsborough, then right again
onto the A638 at the traffic lights just after Morrisons (which used to be the old Retford Town ground, you know). Just a
short way on this road, turn left by the Broken Wheel pub into Leverton Road (that's the dodgy bit, remember the pub's name
or you'll be heading for miles in the wrong direction - no names mentioned) follow this for about half a mile and over a couple
of hump back bridges - the ground is on your right with the car park signposted.
Parking: Car parking a-plenty as you approach the ground. Massive
car-park, if not it's parking on Leverton Road, which IS a bit dodgy.
What to expect: Well I fully expect a fair few of you made the trip to our games last season,
if not here goes... the ground's feature point is an excellent clubhouse, which has some good big screen entertainment if
you get there too early and its cold. The majority of the ground is flat, pitch level standing, very much in a similar vein
to ourselves (without the pub-side shed) or Carlton Town. There is a seated stand if you want to partake in that, which once
was owned (I'm led to believe) by Worksop Town... could be wrong though...
Rushall Olympic, Dales Lane, Rushall, Walsall, West Midlands, WS4 1LJ
Telephone:
01922 641021
Journey Time from Bright Finance Stadium: 1 hour 40 minutes*
Journey Time from
Sheffield City Centre: 1 hour 45 minutes*
Directions: As you have probably gathered, this one is in the West Midlands, so it’s a hey-ho down the M1 and onto
the A38… and drive. After passing through Burton, join the A5148, the one that takes you onto the A5, joining the A5
signposted Burntwood and Walsall. At the roundabout with the A461, take the first exit signposted Walsall, and follow along
this road for about three miles. On entering Rushall Village turn left at the traffic signals, onto the B4154 Daw End Lane,
signposted Aldridge. Go along here, just over the canal bridge you’ll see the ground on your right hand side, the entrance
to the ground is opposite the Royal Oak pub. The ground is signposted from the road, with parking at the bottom of the lane;
the car park is more or less the same size as our own.
What to Expect: The ground has a homely and friendly feel, with the locals more than happy to give you a warm welcome.
The main facilities are at the entrance, behind the nearside goal where the club house and tea bar are located. Alongside
the side to the left is a small seated stand with shallow covered terracing alongside. The rest of the ground is uncovered
standing behind a black and white post and rail fence. Admission for this one is £6 adults, £3 concessions – programmes
£1.50 for a massive 84 pages.
Sheffield & Hallamshire Senior Cup Final 2008: Sheffield
Wednesday FC Ground, Hillsborough, Sheffield, S6 1SW
Telephone: 0870 9991867
Journey Time from Bright Finance Stadium: 20 minutes* Journey Time from Sheffield City Centre: 10
minutes*
Directions: If you don't know by now... A61 out the top end of Sheffield on your left. Allow time for
traffic - it is near rush hour you know!
Parking: Won't be as bad as trying to park when Wednesday play there,
but I would advise the roads up by Herries Road South - or get the bloody tram (YELLOW LINE)!
What to expect: We've all been before - but
as Deano has pointed out - admission is £6.50 including a programme. It has been suggested that the Sheffield supporters all
congregate in the same part of the SOUTH Stand (thank you Mr Bell), which normally is towards the Kop side near the front.
Bring as many friends as you can and sing your hearts out - it will be the culmination of a fantastic season (even if we win
nowt).
Shepshed Dynamo: The Dovecote, Butt Hole Lane, Shepshed,
Leicestershire, LE12 9BN Telephone: 01509 650992
Journey Time from Bright Finance Stadium: 1 hour* Journey
Time from Sheffield City Centre: 1 hour 10 minutes*
Directions: Shepshed is directly off the M1 at Junction 23
– follow the A512 and at the first set of lights turn right. Go straight over one mini-roundabout and at the next (by
the petrol station) take the last exit into Forest Street. Follow down this road (passing the Richmond Arms on the right),
over the speed humps until you reach a sharp left bend. Supporters should turn right here into the school for parking (it’s
a two minute walk from there to the ground). Players and officials should follow the bend round and past the Black Swan pub
(on the left) and then turn immediate right into Butt Hole Lane.
Parking: As stated above, Andy recommends parking in the school.
What
to expect: The Dovecote has been the home
of football in Shepshed for over 100 years, but has only really been developed to any degree during the last quarter century
– seated cover in a hotch-potch of stands is available on three sides of the ground. Admission is £6 for adults and
£4 for concessions (free admission is available to members of our Junior Supporters Club). Programmes
cost £1.50 and raffle tickets are 50p per strip – there are usually two prizes – and these are all on sale just
after you pass through the turnstile. A warm and friendly welcome is guaranteed, whether you buy a programme and raffle ticket
or not! The Clubhouse was redecorated during the summer and comfortably holds 100 people. The TV screen
is normally tuned into Sky Sports News. The bar doesn’t have any real ale on tap – but this is available in bottles.
Lager, cider and John Smiths smooth is available on tap. For those that like their ale to be “real”, try the Black
Swan over the road. The Canteen is rightly renowned for it star offering – sausage, chips and mushy peas (AKA “Top
Of The Shop!). Mint sauce is optional. Also available are hot dogs (real sausages!!), cheeseburgers (real burgers!!), chips
butties, pies and pasties. A range of hot and cold drinks are also on offer. The Club Shop is open before the game, at half-time
and immediately after the final whistle. It stocks a huge range of Shepshed Dynamo merchandise plus a massive selection of
other clubs pin badges and programmes.
Skelmersdale United: Ashley Travel Stadium, Selby Place,
off Statham Road, Skelmersdale, Lancashire, WN8 8EF Telephone: 01695 722123
Journey Time from Bright Finance Stadium: 1 hour 55 minutes*
Journey Time from Sheffield City Centre: 1 hour 45 minutes*
Directions: It’s a bit of a trek, but fairly
straight forward this one. Take your favourite route to get on the M6, take the exit onto the M58 (junction 26) and leave
that at the second exit (junction 4) onto the A5068 – signposted Skelmersdale. Carry straight on at next roundabout
(Hope Island) into Glenburn Road, left at next roundabout into Neverstitch Road (Signposted Stanley Industrial Estate), immediately
right at next roundabout into Staveley Road, take a sharp left hand bend into Statham Road, the ground is 500 yards on left
in Selby Place.
Parking: There is a car-park, but if this gets full there is plenty of street parking on the industrial
estate or on Selby Place.
What to expect: Very similar to Retford this one – or so I was told! The ground has
one covered side, made from two adjacent covered seating areas down the right hand side; the rest of the ground is paved with
grass banking behind. The social club is as you come into the ground, and although it isn’t the best around, it does
have a nice raised patio behind the goal offering a semi-decent view. Admission should be £7.50, with concessions £4.00. Kids
normally go free, as are students on production of NUS card. Programmes are normally £1.50; souvenirs are available from the
same stall.
South
Kirkby Colliery: Millars Walk, Stockingate, South Kirkby, Pontefract, West Yorkshire, WF9 3UZ Telephone: 07733174206
Journey Time from Bright Finance Stadium: 50 minutes*
Journey Time from Sheffield City Centre: 45 minutes*
Directions: Coming from Sheffield
– whichever end you are coming from – the most direct route is by the M1, M18 and A1(M). Exit at Junction 38,
for the A638, heading towards Wakefield. After about three miles along here, just after some industrial warehouses on the
left, there are two roundabouts – take the second one, turning left into Dale Lane (then onto Minsthorpe Lane). Follow
this down the hill, until you reach traffic lights at the junction at the bottom (just after Moorthorpe Railway Station),
bear right onto the B6422 towards Hemsworth. After about half a mile, turn left into Stockingate – just after passing
the church on your left. Follow this road all the way until you see Stockingate Mill Junior School, just before here turn
into Millars Walk, the ground is at the end.
Parking: The car-park is reasonably
sized, and is unlikely to get over filled unless there is a cup final, or a big cup tie. In those cases, park along Millars
Walk, or (if they open it) the school car park.
What to expect: When you get
to the ground, you’ll be met by the clubhouse, which is quite tidy to be honest. At the right of this is the entrance
to the complex; unless it is a cup tie, South Kirkby don’t charge admission. The pitch is at the other side of the cricket
ground, a floodlit pitch fully-railed with some raided terracing cover, behind the goal to your right. There isn’t much
in the way of hardstanding, so if it gets a bit rainy, prepare to take wellies! Hot food and drinks are sometimes available
from the pavilion, which is half-way between the entrance and the pitch, also available from here is the programme –
one of the few who produce them in the County Senior League.
Spalding United: Sir Halley Stewart
Field, Winfrey Avenue, Spalding, Lincolnshire, PE11 1DA
Telephone: 01775 713328
Journey Time from Bright Finance
Stadium: 2 hours* Journey Time from Sheffield City Centre: 2 hours 10 minutes*
Directions: What
better way to spend August Bank Holiday? Depending on where you are coming from there are two ways of getting down here. You
can approach on the A1 (south naturally), head down as far as Grantham (turning off on the A151), head into Spalding and out
the other side until you reach the level crossing - go on for about 200 yards more, at this point turn left into Winfrey Avenue
at the lights and the ground is along here on the left. Alternatively (if you are brave and from the south of Sheffield) head
through Chesterfield on the A61, go through Mansfield on the A617 (you can also pick this up by getting off the M1 at junction
28), pick up the A46 at the roundabout (just north of Newark), go along here for about 12 miles until you cross the A1 (not
joining it - you can also get this way if you want to get off the A1 here) and head on the A17 signposted Sleaford. This one
is another 20 or so miles (watch out for speed cameras - very sneaky) of road, until you get to the Sutterton Roundabout,
take the A16 this time (signposted Spalding and Peterborough) again watch out for them speed cameras! At the third roundabout
take the A151, signposted Spalding, follow this until you reach that level crossing I mentioned earlier - the rest of the
directions are the same.
Parking: Get there early and you might
be allowed to park inside the ground on large grassed area on the far side of the pitch. Otherwise there
is club car park outside the ground and a large pay and display supermarket car park just over the road.
What to expect: The ground is not
much to talk about – one big stand as you come in and exposed on the other three sides – hopefully it won’t
be as windy as last season! The clubhouse is a typical scout hut type construction so favoured in the non-league scene but
with a fine flat screen TV that looks out of place with the surroundings. Very friendly staff and the beer and lager is very
reasonable priced. As for food - excellent burgers, pies and other hot food. You will not be disappointed on the food front.
Other than that, if you get there early, there is a historic (!) water tower outside the ground. Other than that there’s
not much to do here.
Stamford AFC: Vic Couzens Stadium, Kettering
Road, Stamford, Lincolnshire, PE9 2JR
Telephone: 01780 763079
Journey Time from Bright Finance
Stadium: 1 hour 30 minutes* Journey Time from Sheffield City Centre: 1 hour 25 minutes*
Directions: This
one is a long one, but is relatively easy to get here. Head south on the A1, and exit onto the A43, turning left into Stamford.
The ground is along here on the left, just before the Almshouses.
Parking: Not to worry about car-parking, there is a pretty sizeable
space behind the main stand and clubhouse, just depends on the size of the crowd.
What to expect: A new one even for me this one! But my contacts
tell me it is a very decent little stadium, with a reasonably sized seated stand on one side, and a covered terrace along
the other, above the train station. The newly refurbished bar is one of the better ones in the league (allegedly) and does
a roaring trade before the games, whilst inside the ground there is the usual tea and grub bar. Admission is what you might
call PRICEY - £8 adults and £5 concessions. The programme is more than likely going to be £1.80.
Stocksbridge Park Steels:
Bracken Moor, Stocksbridge, Sheffield, S36 5AN
Telephone: 0114 288805
Journey
Time from Bright Finance Stadium: 30 minutes* Journey Time from Sheffield City Centre: 20 minutes*
Directions:
This is the local one this season - so very quick, very easy. Head out towards Manchester on the A616, take the Stocksbridge
turn off and follow to the lights. Turn right along the main road, then at the clock tower turn left - almost doubling back
on yourself. Follow this road all the way round to the top of the bloody hill. The ground is on your left, parking...
Parking: ...you
have a choice of two. Street parking, or the little waste ground car-park opposite the ground. Careful how you park yourself
in this little car-park, some of the locals tend to be a bit dim and have a tendency to block all ways in or out. Best
bet is to get there early, use the road and face downhill for a nice easy getaway without the pain of waiting for some dozey
sod trying to attempt a three point turn.
What to expect: The ground is only three sided, the only one in the
UniBond, so the options are limited. There is a good view by the entrance, elevated quite a way up but away from the action,
whilst below there is a covered terrace set a fair old way from the pitch. The "500 seated" stand is cramped but okay,
don't get yourself sat on the front row, otherwise you'll be having to put up with people trying to get from one end of the
ground to the other. Those of you with accessibility difficulties, this is one to miss, as some of the steps are quite steep,
and getting to the open bit behind the far goal is pretty laboured for the best of us. The refreshment bar is usually
well stocked, if you like Cup-a-Soup you are in luck, whilst it shares the room with a programme collectors' paradise in the
club shop.
Warrington Town: Cantilever Park, Common Lane, Latchford,
Warrington, Cheshire, WA4 2RS. Telephone - 01925 653044.
Journey Time from Bright Finance Stadium: 1 hour 30 minutes*
Journey Time from Sheffield City Centre: 1 hour 25 minutes*
Directions: Head towards Manchester on your favoured
route (Snake, Woodhead, M67, M62 etc) and take the M60 clockwise - heading southbound past Stockport. Take the M56 (signposted
Chester, Warrington, M'cr Airport, B'ham), then leave the motorway at junction 9, then take left-hand lane (signposted Warrington
A50). Continue on the A50 for 2.5 miles or so to the swing-bridge, turn left after bridge (Station Road - B5156) up the hill
- bear left at the end of the road and then right into Loushers Lane and the ground is on your left.
Parking: Warrington
have a small car park - with a business car park opposite - that is available. Other than that it is on street parking, but
no-one has had a problem previously. There is a car park further down the road at the public park, but that is about 400 yards
away. Club are running a coach to this fixture (limited spaces though) leaving the BFS at 10.00 am and Tankersley at 10.30.
Price £6.00 and £2.00 under 16s.
What to expect: Cantilever Park is a neat little ground, holding 3,500 and is made
up of 3,000 standing and 500 seating. Admission is £6.00 adults, £4.00 concession, £2.00 kids under 12. There is a club shop
open inside the stadium just through the turnstile which sells Warrington Town gifts and Matchday programmes. There are catering
facilities inside the ground which normally sells Pies, Chips, Burgers etc.
Thanks to Chris Lord and Rob Markwood
over at Warrington for their help with the above info.
Willenhall Town,
Noose Lane, Willenhall, West Midlands, WV13 3BB.
Telephone: 01902 636586
Journey Time from Bright Finance Stadium: 1 hour 35 minutes*
Journey Time from Sheffield City Centre: 1 hour 45 minutes*
Directions: Head down to the A38 whichever way you prefer, and keep driving…
After passing through Burton, join the A5148, the one that takes you onto the A5, joining the A5 signposted Burntwood and
Walsall. At the roundabout with the A461, take the first exit signposted Walsall, and follow along this road until you reach
the A4148 roundabout. Take the fourth exit, towards the M6, and moving onto the A454 Wolverhampton Road. At the motorway roundabout,
continue on the A454 Black Country Route, taking the 2nd exit A454 “The Keyway”. At the roundabout
take the 3rd exit taking the B4464 Somerford Place, and left at the next roundabout, the B4484 Pinson Road. Go
through three roundabouts, turning left at the fourth into Noose Lane, the ground is on the right.
Parking: Parking is at the front of
the ground, there are ample spaces, more than enough for the expected numbers when we visit.
What to Expect: A
new one in the West Midlands here chaps and chapesses. As you can see from the above photo, Noose Lane has two covered areas,
the larger one at the top is the seated stand – the one at the bottom is standing. The rest of the ground is open standing,
with some banking for an elevated view, so if it rains expect to watch from the halfway line or get wet! The bar is bog-standard
for the area, with the usual fare food-wise outside, with the club having one of the best club shops in the league –
allegedly. Admission for this one is £6 adults, £3 concessions – programmes £2.00 for 40 full colour pages.
Witton
Albion, Wincham Park, Chapel Street, Northwich, Cheshire, CW9 6DA
Telephone:
01606 43008
Journey
Time from Bright Finance Stadium: 1 hour 45 minutes*
Journey
Time from Sheffield City Centre: 1 hour 55 minutes*
Directions: Probably the best way to get to Witton is across
the Woodhead / Snake / M62, and heading onto the M6 southbound. Get off at Junction 19 and head south on the A556 Chester
Road, going through Tabley and The Hut, branching right when you come to the junction with the A559. After a mile turn right
onto the A559, then after another ½ mile turn left into Wincham Lane. After crossing the canal bridge turn left towards the
ground.
Parking:
No trouble with parking, there is a very large free car park on site, at the end of the lane. It is pretty well signposted
too from Chapel Street / Wincham Lane.
What
to expect: I’ll start with the positives; the ground has cover on all four sides, it is very modern and when we
played there a few seasons ago we were made very welcome. It has a plush bar, an excellent food outlet IN the bar, plus tea
bars inside the ground. A club shop is in the corner of the ground (to the left of the seats as you look at the main stand),
plus a little museum (if it’s still there); all-in-all very nice. Now the negatives; admission to this one is £8.50,
£5.50 concessions and £4.00 for kids. Programmes are £2.00. It promises to be an expensive day!
* - okay it's like this, the times given are what the AA suggest on their route-finder,
and therefore should be taken as advisory only. For example it suggests that from Sheffield to Goole is just short of one
hour, yet everyone turns up saying it took them only 35-40 mins. Likewise there is always the unknown - like roadworks or
other jams - that will make time longer. So as we say is advisory only and don't blame us if your late!
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