1. Why you were looking forward to going to the ground (or not as the case may be):

I was looking forward to the game, as Northampton were a point outside the play offs and Grimsby second bottom, in the business end of the season. Easy game? Sounds it. Also our away form which consisted of 6 wins and a draw made the trip more tempting, and as Grimsby was also going to be a new ground for me.

2. How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?

Journey From Northampton was easy (as ever) Up the M1 then the M180 past Sheffield and Scunthorpe. For a Friday bank holiday it was surprisingly easy getting there, with no hold ups or delays and we were there by 6.30pm.

3. What you did before the game pub/chippy.... home fans friendly?

After getting parked up, we decided that being in Grimsby, fish and chips was really the only option. We went to 'Mariners Fish an Chips' a few corners away from the McDonalds by the ground. 1 of our little clan was served and got his food, whilst the other 2 had to wait 20 mins to get their orders. Not being keen on fish I opted for McDonalds, which understandably was full of Grimsby fans


4. What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the ground?

First impression of the ground was that it looke very old, rickety and not somewhere you'd want to get lost around, Probably epitomised by the sign saying WELCOME TO THE FAMILY STAND, with hoards of rusty barbed wire above it. The away end is quite big, but with the low roof and me being 6ft 4, i had to crouch low to see the whole pitch as I could only see the halfway line standing up

5. Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, toilets etc..

Game itself wasn't anything special. Northampton were under some early pressure but was relieved when Liam Davis scored to put us 1-0 up. Both teams had a few chances but Grimsby equalised just before half time with a good goal. Grimsby had a player sent off about 10 minutes into the second half for an elbow. Was 50/50 as to whether it was a red card as it wasn't exactly intentional. Northampton used the advantage to their advantage as Adebayo Akinfenwa headed home after 68 minutes to win it for Northampton. Grimsby had a late penalty shout turned down so it was 3 points for the Cobblers play off push. Didn't have any food inside the ground so can't comment on that. The toilets were like that of an old pub, not very big so if you have a large following, could be a bit of a squeeze.

The annoying thing with Grimsby was unless you're an adult, you have to go to the ticket office for a ticket. When i got there and asked for a junior and said i was 15, i was told my ticket is £12 as opposed to the advertised £8 because apparently juniors only run up to 14 years old. Answers on a postcard.

6. Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:

Getting away from the ground wasnt so difficult as we walked around Cleethorpes looking for a pub which would admit 15 year olds. That plan failed so we eventually set off about 10.30 and back to Northampton by 1am.

7. Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
 
Good day out and a decent win to boot. I'd imagine however if you were stuck in traffic all the way there it'd be the journey from hell but we were lucky there. Pretty good day but with things like tickets and ground, I wouldnt be in a mad rush to go back.