Brighton Travel - Saturday

Brighton and Hove Albion v Hereford United
Football League 1
Saturday 18th October 2008 Kick-off 3.00 pm.
Withdean Stadium
Tongdean Lane
Brighton
BN1 5JD

Admission: Strictly advance tickets only available 'til 4.00 pm Thursday from HUFC office.
Adults £20, 60+ £14, U21 £16, U16 £13, U10 £1(With Adult).

Even putting aside the memories of the game that saw us drop out of The League all those years ago, a visit to The Withdean is a far from pleasant experience. Firstly, it's twenty squid for the pleasure of sitting a huge distance from the playing surface. Also, the uncovered accommodation means any rain guarantees a good soaking for followers of The Mighty Whites (probably yellow on this occasion). If that was not enough, the very limited parking at the ground is certain to cause problems for anyone who arrives later than the previous Tuesday. The Withdean Stadium is mainly surrounded by a Parking Exclusion Zone of around a mile. To be fair, the lady I spoke to at Brighton was very pleasant and extremely helpful. She strongly advises either a very early arrival or the use of a very efficient park and ride which operates to and from the stadium every ten minutes.

The travel vouchers that come with the match tickets provide free transport to the stadium on Brighton and Hove and Stagecoach buses. When traveling towards The Withdean you need to hand over the voucher to the right of the matchday ticket and the remaining vouchers for the return trip.

This from the Yeovil Ciderspace site...
"The Mill Road Car Park will be the obvious choice of the two for most fans. This is a slightly bizarre state of affairs. You'll end up parking your car sideways across two lanes of a three lane road going up a hill, whilst shuttle buses use the third lane to pick people up. (BN Edit Mill Road is off the A23 as you approach Brighton)All vehicle occupants (not just the driver) must hand their travel vouchers to the car park attendants. Disabled drivers (occupants) have spaces reserved next to the Park & Ride pick up points. The pick-up points weren't immediately clear to us at first - if in doubt; ask the car park attendants where to stand. And when you return to your car via the return bus, make sure you've noted which of the four stops/areas in Mill Road you left your car at; otherwise you could end up walking the length of the hill.The shuttle bus services are accessed through what remains of your match ticket. The service runs from 12.30 p.m. before kick-off, and for thirty minutes after the end of the game. Pick up points post-match are all in London Road. Should you decide to walk back after the game N.B. that the Mill Road car park closes two hours after the game. You will not be allowed to exit with your vehicle after that time.”

Visiting fans are seated in the West Stand at one end of the stadium.

By car: Either take the M4 or A40/M40 to the M25 then continue anti-clockwise (South) before leaving at J7 to join the M23 (Sign Gatwick/Brighton). After passing Pease Pottage Services, continue onto the A23 (Sign Brighton). After 7 or 8 miles, you will pass the Hickstead Travelodge junction. Continue for a further 7 or 8 miles until you reach the Mill Road roundabout. From here, follow signs for the Park and Ride. Postcode for the stadium is BN1 5JD. Distance from Edgar Street is just short of 190 miles and you should allow not less than 4 hours.

HUISA £20 (members £19) Departs Legends 8.30 am. Bookings 08442 761939 - Spaces available.

FUNBUS Departs Legends at 8.00 am. Fare £17ish. Contact Oxo on 07917 695669 or PM Rodders on the forum - Spaces available.

Alehouses: The "Sportsmans" at the stadium does accept visiting fans but it gets very busy. There are four Pubs in close (ish) proximity. The Park View, The Station Hotel, The Crown and Anchor and The Preston Brewery Tap (Not even a brewery). None are of particular note and you may be better off heading for the town itself. The area around the station and the lanes off the seafront offer a good variety of establishments. You will need to be mindful that a number of premises are likely to dispel any rumours that Daffyd is alone in this village. Around a hundred yards from the railway station you will find The Evening Star which is reported to be the best real ale house in Brighton having received several Camra awards. The Lord Nelson at 36 Trafalgar Street offers Harveys and Armada beers along with good food so is well worth a visit particularly if you're on route to The Basketmakers Arms in Gloucester Road where you will find a selection of Fullers including 'Pride and ESB. If the sight of men holding hands is likely to bother you, then you might be better taking a route to Bugle Inn which is on the north side of the town at 24 St Martins Street (BN2 3HJ) where the list includes Directors, Harveys Best and Youngs Special.

Enjoy. The team need to hear our support and you may need a telescope to see them!

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