Away Travel: Ebbsfleet United 24th March
EBBSFLEET UNITED
Monday 24th March 2008, Kick-Off 7.45pm
Ebbsfleet United FC, Stonebridge Road, Northfleet, Gravesend, Kent, DA11 9GN. Tel: 01474 533796
Directions by Car: Head onto the M25, and follow signs for the Dartford crossing. After coming off the Dartford Bridge, keep in the left-hand lanes and after the toll, still in the left-hand lanes, turn left onto the A226 towards Northfleet. Continue along this road until you reach the ground, on the main road, to your left.
Parking: In the past, there has been parking available behind the away terrace, otherwise, opt for street parking off the main road.
Train: It's a bank holiday, so National Rail will be drilling holes and hammering girders between Cambridge and Royston, where a bus (rail replacement) service will operate. If attempting to make a return journey to Cambridge by train, it's rather touch and go; the last train from Northfleet (Cooper Arms) Station departs at 21.39. Alternatively, the last train from Gravesend station (2 miles away, via the town centre - up the hill) departs at 22.07, but does not arrive into Cambridge until 02.30, with buses replacing trains between Hitchin and Cambridge.
Also take note; the Victoria Line on the London Underground will be closed from 22.00 onwards.
The ground is around 300 metres from the station. On exiting the station, head up the slight incline to the main road. Once here, turn left and wander down the hill, where you should see Ebbsfleet's Stonebridge Road home on your right.
The Away Travel Club will be running coaches to the game, leaving Ely at 4.30pm and the Abbey at 5.15pm. Priced at £12 for non-members, £10 for members and £7 for Junior U's and Under 16's. Call the club on 01223 566500 to book your place.
Admission: Adults £13, Concessions (Under 16's, seniors and students) £7. Transfer to seats £2 - to be arranged once inside the ground.
To ease congestion on entering the ground on the day, advance purchase tickets are available from the Cambridge United ticket office, at the above-advertised prices and there will be a 'pre-paid ticket only' turnstile for those already holding tickets. The match is not all-ticket, and there will be admission at the turnstiles as usual.
The Ground: Stonebridge Road is a dated affair, with United fans to be allocated the sufficiently substantial Swanscombe End uncovered terrace, and an area of side-terrace, which is also open to the elements.
Opposite, the vocal home contingent are housed in a covered, part-seated area, with an antique grandstand to the right and, to the left, is more terracing, part of which is 'roofed'.
Pre-Match Refreshment: If you're looking for a swift half on the way, the Cooper Arms, a literal stones throw from the ground, is the pub to head for. If you've a little longer, you may wish to head further into the town centre, past the ground, for a couple more watering holes, as well as a pair of fast food outlets on the brow of the aforementioned hill. There is also a petrol station opposite the ground, where those seem-quite-popular pasties can be found, or a molten bramley apple pie.
Local Attractions: There isn't a great deal in the vicinity, to occupy travelling U's, but apparently there are some decent churches in Northfleet. Bluewater shopping centre isn't a world away, if you arrive early enough, but do remember to remove your hooded jumper.
Henry Milward
