SeasideEssexXile looks at the home of our next opponents Bristol City – Ashton Gate.
Ashton Gate – Fact File
It`s been a few years since I travelled to Ashton Gate, and due to work this weekend it`ll be at least another one before I get there again.
We have ground some results out there over the years but it`s usually a defeat or in more recent times a draw.
What would we give right now for a goal never mind a point?
By all accounts nothing inside the ground has changed since the last time I visited.
Fans are housed behind the goal, where even in small numbers (+ after last the performances so far I`m not expecting hordes to travel) due to the low roof they can make plenty of noise. The view to the opposite goal was and probably still is, distant, so let`s hope that if we score at least the travelling seasiders can see it.
The loos are behind this stand are an improvement on Cheaterfields but nothing compared to our fancy dan breeze block / stainless steel fittings.
I noticed a post last week from a City fan claiming that away fans get ripped off price wise unless they buy a ticket direct from Bloomfield.
This included a pricey phone number with a surcharge per ticket. Tickets apparently can go up by a few quid if bought on the day.
The away end is non-smoking, if you didn`t smoke at the beginning of this season then I guarantee the way it`s going we may all end up being on 40 a day. So be prepared to having settle the nerves by finger nail biting.
Plenty of places to drink, by train apparently there`s a hassle free Wetherspoons less than 5mins from the station. Nearer the ground – The Robin, a pub where both home + away fans drink.
My Forest loving friend went by the` waterfront` for his ale last season, promptly ringing me from every pub he went in. Plenty of choice outside, however no ale on sale inside.
Stewards – apparently not content to let you stand when you should be sat, so any goal celebrations should be short + sweet, if only!
Fans, for all their talk of having a crew I cannot recall having ever seen any trouble either home or away between us. Again my Forest mate said they were quite friendly last season.
Train station is Parson St – a 10 minute walk from the ground, parking wise I`m years out of date but apparently there`s a Hollywood Bowl car park nearby, but unless the resident permits scheme has hit Bristol I remember getting our transit easily parked on the streets by the away end.
One of this seasons favourites to go up, City haven`t had the start to follow their run towards the end of last season, they have however at least scored + won a game.
A crucial game even though it`s only 2 weeks into the season.
Fear Factor rating – 5.
Onwards + Upwards
