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I have followed the Owls for many years home and away
visiting some superb stadiums and others that are not so superb.
This was a ground I had not visited before, so a few of
us decided to travel by Sheffield Wednesday official coaches. The
journey was only a short one approx 1hr 30mins, but we decided upon
arrival we would find something to eat. The only place we found was a
McDonalds on the retail park which is right at the side of the ground. We
were not the only ones with the idea as other owls upon getting of
the coaches followed. Incidently the coaches park right at the side
of the entrance to the away end and stay there until after
the game (unlike some grounds).
The club had also put a
family fun day on for all fans which meant both sets of fans mingling
together with no problems what so ever. We even sat on the grassed area
around McDonalds with Walsall fans and general shoppers to the retail park
with no problems (a few little Wednesday songs did come from a young group
of lads nothing harmful though).
The ground its self from
the outside looked ok you could see it was ageing, but not all clubs
have millions to spend now. Yet once through the old rusted turnstile it
became another matter. The away end was one tierd with the two sides the
same. Their Main Stand at the other end, looked impressive with its two
teirs.
The amenities were awful. The toilets could be found in the
corner of the away end water could be seen on the floor of the
entrance. I can only comment on the female toilets, which were water
logged so your feet were wet, two toilets one of whch had no handle
to flush and one had no lock on the door. You had to have a sense of
humour believe
me.
The
catering facilities were right outside he entrance of these toilets and
comprised of two windows. The staff were helpful a very cheerful. I had a
pasty for £2.00 and it was not bad at all.
One of the things
I liked about this ground was how near we were to the pitch,
but unfortunately there were some supporting pillars holding up
the roof on the away end, so at times it got annoying and we couldnt see
down by the corner flag. My son ended up standing on his seat.
The game itself was good. Walsall came at the Owls hard in
the first 15 or so minutes scoring on the 10 minute mark, but
Wednesday hit back on 26 mins with Neil Mellor. There were times it looked
like we were in trouble but after half time a second goal was beconning
with brilliant saves by Walsall's goalkeeper James Walker.
Due to the compact nature of the away end every noise was two
fold it sounded at times like the whole of Hillsborough had come with us.
It was brilliant and a good party atmosphere.
After the game
the coaches were in the same spot where we got off them and we followed
each other out of the ground with a usual police escort back onto the
motorway. Incidently, some how our coach got lost and we ended up
back at the stadium!
Glad we went would go again a nice
short run of an away game ideal when taking a young child. In
addition very friendly and we may try the train next time many fans did
this time and reported no problems at
all. |
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