Directions by Car: Leave the M6 at Junction 14, and follow A34 (Stone) on dual carrigeway to the second roundabout. Go straight over into Beaconside then third right into 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.

Parking: There is a small car park at the ground, priced at £1. Otherwise, try the industrial estate directly opposite.

Train: Trains run to Stafford via Birmingham New Street.  Stafford station is approximately two miles from the ground. On leaving the station, head straight on, over the bridge and turn left at the mini-roundabout. Head directly over the next roundabout and at the large roundabout, head for the second exit (Gaol Road). Proceed along this road, passing the gaol on your right, before veering right onto Sandon Road. Just after the petrol station, turn left at the junction onto Marston Road, where the ground is located. The walk should take around 15-20 minutes. A taxi should not cost more than £5.

Expect minor delays and rail replacement buses between Cambridge and Royston, once again.

The Away Travel Club will be running a coach to the game, priced at £17 for non-members, £15 for members and £9 for Junior U's and children. It is due to leave Ely at 9.15am and The Abbey at 10.00am.  Please call 01223 566500 as soon as possible to reserve your seat.

Admission: £12 for adults, £8 for concessions.

Programme: £2

The Ground: U's fans will be offered, as two weeks ago, the majority of the Lotus side, which runs the length of the pitch. Most of this side is covered, though there is a portion of uncovered terracing for those who might like to avoid the numerous wooden beams. You will be pleased to know that the television gantries have been removed since our last visit.

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, which you should pass on the way, if driving. While train travellers will find a selection on the wander from the station. The town centre is a fairly short walk from the ground - down Marston Road, onto Gaol Road, and over the large 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.

If you missed the 'Festival of Fortune' at Stafford Castle last time, never fear, there will be a Festival of Fortune-West at Marston Road. Ace.

Stafford is twinned with Tarragona in Cataluña, Spain.

Henry Milward

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