Doesn`t quite have the ring of ‘The Old Show Ground` does it? For those of you too young to remember the previous home of Scunny, the Old Show Ground was a throw back to a footballing era long gone. Home also to the greatest miss ever IMO against the Pool. A wet FA Cup tie which saw two Scunthorpe forwards literally pushing each other out of the way to score the winning goal in front of an empty Blackpool net, cue the post and a replay which the mighty won.
The Ground
Now I was surprised to discover that Glandford Park has been the home of the Irons since 1988. One of the first teams to move to a ‘new` ground it has the feel of Walsall`s` Bescott Stadium, with just a little more character. Trying to remain close to footballs roots when the ground was built they kept the home end as terracing. Pool fans are allocated the opposite end behind a goal, where views are restricted by pillars.
All seated the fancily named Caparo Merchant Bar Stand can hold up to 1650 Pool fans. Due to the day + time of the kick off we`ll be lucky to fill a third of this.
How To Get There
From the North West
M62 to J35, join the M18 signposted South. Leave the M18 at J3 and take the M181 for Scunthorpe. At the end of this motorway, you will see the ground on your right. Turn right (3rd exit) at the first roundabout onto the A18, and then right again (1st exit) into the large car park at the ground.
From the South
Use the A1 or M1, follow instructions from M180.
By Train
The nearest station is Scunthorpe which is over 2miles from the ground. Taxi would be the best bet, but if you use the bus then the 341 from Doncaster Rd takes you to the ground.
Where To Drink
The Old Farmhouse is situated right next to the ground, however fans wearing colours will not be allowed in.
The Berkley is a favourite haunt for away fans, head past the ground on the main road towards Scunthorpe, the pub can be found on the 1st roundabout.
Venturing further towards town the Honest Lawyer and the Bluebell are pubs popular for away fans.
Plod & Stewards
Expect a heightened presence and a lack of tolerance from both. Last seasons visit by the Pool won`t be easily forgotten. As you have paid for a seat they expect you to sit on it.
Fear Factor Rating -3.
There has been a lot of discussion about the reasoning behind playing this match on a Friday night at 7.30pm. No doubt last seasons ‘events` will have played a large part in this match being moved to an inconvenient time for the majority of Pool fans to travel to.
Which is a pity, Scunny are right up there and I expect the game between two decent sides to be an entertaining one. Ironically in the week where Larry has been praising the efforts and support of fans in helping the team there will be nowhere near the crowd for this game which it deserves.
Fingers X`d that we can come away with a point in what will inevitably be one of Pools toughest games so far.
Onwards + Upwards
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Informative, as always Essex. Might not apply to many people this week though, sadly.
yeah no way of getting there from manchester on a friday night, i remeber a away game at scunny and it was sooo cold, with all the carpark frozen, but the pitch was ok!
A great read as ever, Dave. Where do you get the time to write such an excellent piece?
Lifes nice + slow at present.
Onwards + Upwards