I was looking forward to the visit to Stockport for what should have been a good game. We had beaten Morecambe 2-0 the previous week and confidence was high. However I wasn't looking forward to the visiting the ground because of the reputation its stewards had managed to build as some of the strictest in the league and also because in 11 meetings the chairboys have never won there!

Coming up from London as I did was a very easy journey on the train, going from London Euston to Manchester Piccadilly via Stockport in about 2 hours. From there its about a 10 minute walk to the ground which is easy enough to find just by following the crowd.

Finding food before the game is quite an easy task near to the train station with McDonalds, Subway and various chippys being nearby. I have to say though I didn't see any pubs near the ground. Any home fans seemed helpful in pointing me in the right direction and seemed friendly enough in general.
 
The ground seemed nice, a typical lower league ground with stands of all different sizes. The away fans are in the smallest stand (I think!) behind one goal which is uncovered so hope for no rain! The home end behind the opposite goal is a very large 2 tier stand where the main atmosphere seems to come from. The other 2 stands are average size and nothing spectacular. If it is raining, as it was when I previously went, away fans are put in one corner of the Popular Stand which has a couple of supporting pillars which can obstruct your view of the far goal.

The game itself was dire with neither team having many chances. The atmosphere was quite flat oweing to the stewards who operate a strict non standing policy which did not go down well with our fans to say the least. The stewards aren't afraid to eject anyone either, the total of our previous visit there being 32 fans ejected so you have been warned! However the seats have enough leg room to keep people happy and the view is quite good. What's also good for any plane spotters is that the stadium is near to Manchester airport so there are always planes flying over the stadium. The toilets are standard and kept in a good enough condition compared to others in the league. I didn't buy any food at half time so I'm afraid I can't comment on that but I know it sells a variety of things including various pies. Come full time I had no problems at all with getting away from the game as there was a small attendance and there where various exits.

Overall I think I've had much better away days supporting the team. The ground itself is nice enough but the stewarding can take a lot of the fun out of a otherwise good day. on the plus side the ground is easy to get to, the facilities are quite good and the ticket prices are reasonable. if only Wycombe would finally win there...