TT No.14: Richie Jennings -  Sat 11th August 2007, MORECAMBE v BARNET, Coca Cola Football League 2, Result: 0-0; Att: 3,63; Prog: 52 pages + 16 page souvenir pullout.

We thought a visit to the newest members of the football league was in order so a 600 mile round trip to begin the season seemed mad enough! The Main stand is around half the length of the touchline centering on the half way line. The stand is elevated above pitch level with a small terrace area in front.  Opposite the main stand is an uncovered terrace around 6 rows deep called the Carwash Stand.  Behind one goal is the covered North stand housing the more vocal home supporters.  Opposite is the covered Umbro Stand which houses the away fans, where Russell and I stood.  The clubhouse at the ground welcomes main stand ticket holders before the game and at half time.  All supporters are welcome after the game.  Catering is available in three areas of the ground. The away end had the usual fare and delicious meat and potato pies at £1.40. A tough game ensued with Sagi Burton of Barnet a particular threat down the left side.  Barnet had a greater amount of possession without creating many goalscoring chances.  Morecambe's attractive interpassing play gave the strikers clear cut chances but their efforts were comfortably dealt with by the Barnet defence and keeper.  Barnet won the bout on points but were denied victory by a late save by Shrimps goalie Joe Lewis. We travelled up from London and our pre-booked return tickets costing £33. On a recommendation, we got off at Lancaster and walked to the bus station, Stand 18, to get the No2A bus which takes 15 minutes and stops right outside the ground (£1.70).  After visiting the portacabin clubshop behind the North stand to get our programme £3, badge £1.50 and mug £4 we followed our friends recommendation to get our pre-match pint at the York Hotel, about 7 minutes walk from the ground.  A superb selection of lagers and ales are on offer and a terrific and friendly atmosphere with a mix of home and away supporters.  It does get very busy from about 2pm however.   The entrance to the ground was £13 adults, £10 concession with under 16s admitted for a fiver. An extra pound allowed a transfer to the Main seated stand. The return train from Morecambe station is a 15 minute walk from the ground. FGIF rating *3 match *4 overall

contributed on 14/08/07