Going to Stafford Rangers, 13th October?
STAFFORD RANGERS
Saturday 13th October 2007 - Kick-off 3pm
Marston Road, Stafford, ST16 3BX. Tel: 01785 602430
How To Get There:
By Car: Leave the M6 at Junction 14, and at the roundabout, take the first exit towards Utoxeter. Proceed straight over two roundabouts, then at the next roundabout take the third exit onto Common Road. Follow this for around a mile, as it becomes Marston Road. The ground, of the same name, can be found on the right not far along.
Parking: there is a small car park at the ground, priced at £1. Otherwise, try the industrial estate directly opposite.
By Coach: The Away Travel Club will be running a coach to this game, priced at £17 for non-members, £15 for members and £9 for under 16s. It will depart Barton Road coach park in Ely at 9.15am and the Abbey Stadium at 10am. Please call 01223 566500 as soon as possible to reserve your seat.
By Train: Trains run to Stafford via Birmingham New Street. Stafford station is approximately two miles from the ground. On leaving the station, bear left towards the mini traffic island, and after crossing the bridge, veer left then proceed straight ahead until reaching the prison. Keeping the prison to your right, ramble onwards, then take a right turn at the foot of the old railway bridge towards the industrial estate. Marston Road is located a little further up this road. The walk should take around 15-20 minutes, but a taxi will not prove too dear.
Expect minor delays and rail replacement buses between Cambridge and Royston, once again.
Admission: £12 for adults, £8 for concessions.
Programme: £2.00
The Ground: U's fans are likely to be offered a good portion of the Lotus Side, a shallow covered terrace, but ample for most away followings. Additionally, half of the Social Club End is available for away fans - this area is not terraced, simply uncovered concrete.
Pre-Match Refreshment: The Social Club at the ground is open to away fans, and a pleasant enough place to pass the minutes before kick-off, with Sky Sports and a big screen (or one of those projectors, at least) installed. Alternatively, the Albion pub is on Marston Road, with the Rifleman also not far up Common Road, you should pass it on the way if driving. Train travellers will find a small selection of pubs on the wander from the station. The town centre is a fairly short walk from the ground - down Marston Road, as it becomes Gaol Road, and over the roundabout.
Local attractions: There are some decent buildings in Stafford, including the Shire Hall, which is a Grade 2 listed building and open to the public. You'd have to be keen to visit, but why not combine a bit of culture with following the U's? Now I've convinced you, St. Chad's Church in the town centre is the oldest building in Stafford, in fact, the oldest complete building of any kind in the borough.
Finally, Stafford Castle, off Newport Road - near the station - is holding an event, called 'The Festival of Fortune', which includes "a light hearted look at various methods of fortune telling". If you pop in, ask what the score will be, won't you? Stafford is twinned with Tarragona in Cataluña, Spain.
Henry Milward
