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

Well as an optimistic fan the first game of the season means even more to me. I was looking forward to Rochdale kicking of their campaign with a winning start  against the League 2 favourites Peterborough.

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

I travelled by train and booked my tickets well in advance and saved a lot of money.

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

Me and my son took a trip to Riva a restaurant under the Key Theatre which did some expensive yet beautiful food. It was a 10 minute walk from the station and we saw a sign for the Theatre and restraint and took a detour which was well worth it. After this we walked up the town bridge and went to Charters which is a Pub on a barge which I got in a few drinks before the game.

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

The ground itself is one my favourites after doing a good 60 odd different grounds. Its unique and a proper traditional English ground with terraces behind each goal where the majority of the atmosphere is generated. The family stand is relatively new and is very smart looking with Corporate boxes along the middle of it. The Moyes End terrace where we stood was good for atmosphere but the toilets where bad and there were several pillars impeding view but at times Rochdale's performance wasn't worth watching. Peterborough's pitch was the best I had seen in a while it looks better than a lot of pitches I have seen including the New Wembley.

5. Comment on the game itself.

Peterborough are a good footballing side who like to pass it around, and will in my opinion be in League 1 this time next year. Consequently we lost three goals to nil with an impressive player who caught my eye Aaron Mclean who should be playing in the Championship.

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

We left two minutes early to beat the traffic of people. And we head for the  station and got sleep on the train. As the other Rochdales where not too noisy!

7. Summary of overall thoughts of the day out

Great ground, good atmosphere, bad result.


Tommy Maddison and Son David