What makes a good/bad/great away day, no matter what division you watch your football in?
Is it about the entire day, from the distance that you have to travel and the difficulty of getting there, to the town or city itself, or the ground itself or its immediate environs, and even the cost of a pint.
From grounds that were built with the Premier League in mind to those built for non league clubs who’ve grown since, all life is here.
Darren Stobbs reveals all about his awayday at Grimsby
Time left Bristol and time arrived at Grimsby?
Given the earlier kick off time due to television coverage, we left The Mem at just gone 5.00am. We stopped at Woodall services, which offer ‘The Good Breakfast’ company. We then arrived at Blundell Park for 10:15am.
Distance from Grimsby Town Centre / Train Station?
Although the ground is technically in Cleethorpes, it’s two miles from Grimsby town centre and the train station, although there is a closer station just under a mile away.
When was the ground opened and what are the plans for the future of the ground?
Blundell Park was opened in 1899 and is Grimsby Town’s third home, after their formation in 1878. Grimsby had earmarked a development just outside the town centre for a 14,000 all seater stadium. However, due to local residents and councillors opposition, they have now had to re-look at their options – sounds familiar, doesn’t it!
What options were there for pubs around the ground?
Last season we took a stroll along the coastal path to a pub on the sea front. This time around we walked to The Rutland Arms, which was 10 minutes away. With some Gasheads already waiting for the doors to open, which was only a few minutes later.
On the way to the ground I noted where this pub was and actually thought it was closed down! One of the stewards told us that it was still in business. Not to be deceived from the outside, the pub was a classic type, clean and tidy. With sky sports, a dartboard and pool table, which the Gasheads made use of. Wye Fuggle real ale was £3.70p and was a superb pint. A bargain, even cheaper than some social clubs in Bristol There was a choice of four real ales. Also on offer was Lilley’s cider from Somerset!!
What did I think of the food and drink available inside the ground?
Excellent, one of the best I have tried up and down the country. You could tell that care and attention was put into their efforts. I opted for the sausage roll at a very reasonable £4. The board said ‘Probably the best sausage rolls you have never had’. They weren’t wrong. Chips with beef, gravy and Yorkshire puddings, plus a couple of other well presented dishes were £8 each. Hot drinks were £2.50p. There was also a bar area, separate to the food outlet.
What did I think of the away end and my view of the game?
This season we were located at one end, towards the corner flag. The views from here was decent. The stand is very much ‘old school’, with regards to the seating and toilet/refreshment facilities. There are not many grounds left like Grimsby, with alot of old character both inside and outside the ground.
What was the atmosphere like during the match?
The atmosphere was much of frustration throughout the match. Certainly once the second goal went in for Grimsby, there were questions about how we would get back into the match. The Grimsby fans were surprisingly not in full voice, despite controlling the game throughout the 90 minutes. The noise was impressive though when they scored, under the old low structured stands.
How friendly were the home fans?
The pub that we visited was for both home and away fans and with no issues. The programme seller outside was very friendly. There was plenty of banter inside the stadium. All in all, they seemed a decent bunch!
What allocation is given and can this be increased, and how many Rovers fans were there?
If demand requires it, then 2000 tickets can be made available. The stand behind the goal was also shared with home fans, with a metal fenced segregation. Rovers took a creditable 376 fans to Blundell Park, considering the very early start and the distance from home. The home fans even clapped the Gasheads when the attendance was given out!
The Match:
Considering the last four matches provided some superb football for Rovers, this was a very poor performance throughout. Everything seemed to go wrong all at once in this game. Grimsby took the lead with a chipped shot over Brad Young, through a mix up with Riley Harbottle who was injured in the process, apparently his hamstring, and then stretchered off. Grimsby then scored a superb second goal, with an unstoppable shot into the top right corner from 30 yards. It was questioned about someone closing down the goalscorer, but it was simply a fantastic strike, which will likely win goal of the month. Tommy Leigh was given a straight red card on 75 minutes, for an off the ball incident with an alleged punch.
ATTENDANCE: 6,945.
Any songs/chants that were a little bit different to the norm?
A humorous song of ‘We saw you crying at Wembley!’ was sung towards the Grimsby fans, after they taunted us about being a top of league side (as we didn’t look like it!).
Also, I think the Grimsby medical team need some training on carrying a stretcher. When entering the field one of them nearly tripped over the strap twice. But not only that, Riley Harbottle must have thought he was on a bobsleigh. Going left to right on a 45° angle, as he was taken around the perimeter of the pitch. It’s a good job that he was strapped in!
Man of the match:
It was hard to pick a man of the match, with so many under-par performances. For myself, it was Ellis Harrison coming off the bench and causing some hassle for their defenders. Also forcing the Grimsby keeper into a save, for our only shot on target.
The Referee:
I would say the worst so far this season. He wasn’t the reason we lost this match, however. A lot of his decisions were questionable throughout the match. We should have had a penalty for a clear handball. But looking back on the highlights, Grimsby also had a strong claim for a penalty with a trip which was turned down. Yet no booking was given for a dive either.
Stewards/ground staff:
A big difference from last season, very relaxed and friendly inside and outside the stadium.
How easy did we find it to get away from the stadium after the game/what time did we get
back home?
It took 30 minutes to get away from the stadium and on to the main road, for which we are still not sure the reason why. We stopped for 30 minutes on the way back and got back to The Mem at 7:50pm.