Bulls hope to trawl Shrimp nets on Saturday.

Football League Division 2
Morecambe v Hereford United
Saturday 15th September 2007 Kick-off 3.00 pm.
Christie Park, Morecambe LA4 5TJ
Phone (01524) 411797

Saturday see the Bulls, and hopefully a sizable following; make the trip north to former Conference foes Morecambe at Christie Park for the first Football League meeting between the two Clubs. Many supporters will still have memories of their last visit in May 2006 when the first leg of the play-off semi-final finished 1-1 in front of over 1100 travelling Bulls fans.

"The Shrimps" were formed back in 1920 and initially played in The Lancashire Combination sharing a ground with a local cricket club. The following season they moved to a ground known as Roseberry Park and a few years later the then Club President, a Mr JB Christie, bought the ground and the name was changed to Christie Park in his honour. In 1927 Christie bequeathed the ground to the club. After being Conference play-off semi-finalists in both 02/03 and 05/06 they gained promotion to The Football League at the end of last season defeating Exeter 2-1 in the final at the new Wembley Stadium in a game which saw ex-Bull Craig Stanley collect his second winners medal in as many years.

Presently, the ground has a capacity of 6400 including seats for 1200 in the main stand. Visiting fans are mainly accommodated in the covered Umbro stand at one end of the pitch although some seats are available in the main seated stand. The Official Morecambe Website shows admission costs at £13 for adults, £10 for concessions and £4 for under 16's. Concessions include OAP’s, students with a valid NUS card and disabled. All prices increase by £1 if you choose to sit in the main stand.

By car - Leave the M6 at junction 34 and take the A683 to Lancaster then the A589 towards Morecambe. Cross two roundabouts following signs for Morecambe passing McDonalds and at the next roundabout, take the second exit onto Lancaster Road. Continue along Lancaster Road until the ground is visible on your left near a filling station. The main car park is for permit holders only although there is a small free car park behind the Umbro stand otherwise it's street parking. Distance is about 185 miles with a drive time of around three and a half hours. Postcode LA4 5TJ.

HUISA coach departs Edgar Street at 8.30 am. Fare £18. Bookings 01432 276666.

Refreshments - at the ground is a burger van and a short walk along Lancaster Road will take you to the York Hotel where Mick Dennison offers a welcome to visiting fans with a thirst. For lovers of Real Ale, I would recommend the Smugglers' Den in Poulton Road where you’ll find at least four beers plus Weston's Old Rosie on tap. To find "The Den", walk along Lancaster Road then turn right into Kensington Road. At the end of this road, turn right towards Poulton Road. Wetherspoons can be found at 10-18 Euston Road and a host of Pubs and Bars can be found on the seafront. Edit:- Mick tells me he's now got a good range of Real Ale at The York including Everards Beacon, Black Sheep and a local brew called Bryson's (4.2).

COYB

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