Away Travel: Weymouth
WEYMOUTH
Saturday 30th August 2008, Kick-Off: 3pm
The Wessex Stadium, Radipole Lane, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 9XJ. Tel: 01305 785558
Please note: Weymouth FC have advised that due to two events this weekend (Blandford Steam Fair and Bournemouth Air Show) there could be traffic delays in that area and they are advising supporters travelling by road to leave earlier than they normally would.
Directions by Car: At Junction 13 of the M3, join the M27 and continue forward onto the A31, and head towards Dorchester on the A35 before electing the A354 towards Weymouth. Approximately two miles into Weymouth, on reaching the Manor roundabout, take the third exit, still on the A354, towards the town centre, following signs for the Wessex Stadium. At the next roundabout (Chafeys), turn right onto Granby Way (B3157). About half a mile ahead is the Wessex Stadium.
Parking: A not extensive amount is available at the ground behind the Hollybush Stand, priced at £1. But with the car park often slow to clear, you may be better off opting for street parking along Radipole Lane or the surrounding roads.
Train: The Wessex Stadium is about 2 miles from the station, with a £5-6 taxi the best option.
The Away Travel Club will be running a coach to the game, priced at £25 for Away Travel Club members, £27.50 for non-members and £14 for Junior U's and Under 16's. It is due to leave Ely at 8.15am and The Trade Recruitment Stadium at 9.00am.
Admission: Adults £14, Over 65's and students £9, under 16's £5, accompanied under 7's - free.
Programme: £2
Pre-Match Refreshment: As another out-of-town affair, there isn't a great deal by way of pubs in the vicinity although the 'John Gregory' pub isn't too far off - turn left out of the stadium car park, take the first right and then the fourth exit at the Wessex roundabout. Elsewhere, the town centre is some two miles away, if you fancy a trek in to find a rather wider range of establishments. Otherwise, away fans are likely to be welcome in the supporters' bars at the ground.
The Ground: The Wessex is certainly sufficient for the Blue Square Premier, with a little over half of the terracing covered. United fans are likely to be allocated an area of terracing behind the goal - Hollybush Stand - as well as the adjacent corner. The corner area is uncovered, but there should be ample dry space should the heavens open. However, the stand is not all that steep, so doesn't afford particularly good views of the action at the opposite end of the pitch.
Local Attractions: We are truly being spoilt this August; first Eastbourne, now Weymouth, both by the sea. So, there's all you might associate with beaches and the English Channel: disappointment, cold, litter, discomfort and everlasting memories. If it's a nice day, just have a wander along the esplanade, taking in some sea air. You could even take your better half along for a romantic stroll before a 90-minute, nerve-wracking tour de force, and then the football match.
Fact (probably): Decent architect Sir Christopher Wren was Member of Parliament for Weymouth in the early 1700's.
Henry Milward
