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With the fixtures still some weeks away BN takes a quick look at the away grounds that will be added to the list for the coming season.
Gone are Mansfield’s Fieldmill and Newport's Rodney Parade (although it shouldn't be forgotten that RP is actually someone else's Rugby pitch). Also disappearing from the away guide for 2013/14 are a couple that will be sadly missed in Stockport and Telford…both good away days. Joining them on the slide out of Conference National are Barrow and Ebbsfleet, two of the more difficult trips.
From the Football League we gain relegated Aldershot and Barnet. The Rec at Aldershot is well known to established Bulls fans while Barnet will have moved to their new home at The Hive some 7 miles as the car flies from Underhill.
From the regional Conference leagues come promoted Chester, FC Halifax Town, Welling and Salisbury City.
From above, Aldershot and Barnet
The Shots remain at The Recreation Ground where they have been, in various formats, since 1927. A good-sized terrace behind the goal with seating near the halfway line provides perfectly decent viewing whereas a selection of drinking holes both near to the ground and in the town combine to make Aldershot one to look forward too.
Barnet have vacated their old Underhill home and moved west to The Hive which is situated at Canons Park in the London Borough of Harrow some seven miles from the old ground. The new ground appears to offer good facilities but replacing the traditional pre-match alehouses like The Old Red Lion and The Weavers is likely to be less than easy although Moranos Bar on Station Parade shows promise.
From The North, Chester and Halifax
It will be six years since our last visit to The Deva Stadium in Jester and doubtless it will still be at the back end of an Industrial Estate. Despite the situation, The Deva is well equipped and the view is good from the visitor's area. Pubs near the ground simply don't exist but the City centre offers as good a choice as we’re likely to find this season.
Just the mention of Halifax brings back memories of the Play-Of Final at Leicester but also of pubs like The Pump Rooms and The Three Pigeons. Town have gone through t'mill financially and come out with a determination to regain their Football League status. Another to look forward too.
From The South, Welling and Salisbury
Welling. Certainly one that brings back a few heart flutters. Gone are the days of "an allotment and two sheds" that were inherited from the defunct Bexley Town FC. The San Siro of Park View Road now boasts a covered stand on both sides of the ground and floodlights in all four corners. The stadium is just a short walk from several decent pubs and also benefits from a welcoming social club. I wonder if we’ll get there in time for the cricket?
Salisbury's ground is situated in Old Sarum and anyone familiar with the landscape will be pleased to learn that it doesn't require a hike to the top of an old hilltop fort. The ground is modern (opened in 1997) but is a little remote. Parking is good but the nearest pub is a mile away. The stadium includes a Club bar. Salisbury is the birthplace of a certain Martin Foyle so a victory could start a family feud.
Bring 'em on I say.
