Barnet v Morecambe
Shrimps Scene guide to Barnet
Saturday 6th September 2008
The Shrimps make the journey south to an old haunt Underhill, Barnet, on Saturday.
Last season the Shrimps recorded their first win and this fixture should be another evenly matched contest. Barnet suffered a heavy defeat last weekend at The Deva Stadium which surprised many but none more so than Bees manager Paul Fairclough. Quite a few players have left Underhill and I would imagine the loss of Jason Puncheon (who impressed in our inaugural league game) to Bristol Rovers, wont have helped matters.
And so to our travels and one of our favourite away days restored now we have made it into the league and what a reception the Barnet fans gave us in our very first game last season with that fantastic banner. Barnet has always been a popular away day over the years with many of us making the journey down there but god knows why I mean we've only beaten them once and that was last season thanks to a Garry Thompson goal prior to that we got beat 5 1 with a superb goal from Terry McFlynn. That game saw Morecambe fans all dressed up in long coats flat caps and dodgy 30s style moustaches. It was Glen Cooper's stag day away and I still have a cracking picture of Glen and John Norman sinking a pint after the game and of course some really good banter in the essential meeting place The Queens round the corner for the ground.
The following season saw us battle out for a 1-1 draw with Lee Elam scoring both at home and away in two 1-1 draws. After the game at Underhill we stayed to watch Arsenal v Tottenham on the TV in the social club and since then we have maintained some real friendships.
The funniest thing I can remember was Yozzer(Dave Hughes) getting out his acoustic guitar and serenading passing motorists in the nearby BP Station. I'm sure it was a mixture of Ralph McTell's' Streets of London with rock anthem Smoke on the water…..happy days
All you really need to know is book your travel and head for the Queens pub soak in the sky big screen they will even let you park the minibus there and then have a couple of pints in the social club after the game. For more information of course you can check all the details as follows:
Barnet Club Guide
Underhill is at long last seeing some much needed investment with the building of a new South Stand at one end of the ground. The new covered stand will be open early in 2008 and will provide seating for 1,000 spectators. The Main Stand situated on one side of the ground is quite small and straddles the half way line, running barely half of the pitch. This stand which was built in 1964, is seated with a capacity of 800. Opposite is the East Terrace. This covered terrace runs the full length of the pitch and is given to away supporters. On the North side of the Main Stand is a small terrace, whilst on the other side is a small all seated Family Stand. This stand at one time was a small covered terrace, that has now had seats installed. At one end is the North Terrace. This end is so small that it has a large mesh fence at the back of it, to prevent footballs hitting the houses that sit on the other side of Westcombe Drive. The most striking feature of the ground is the relatively new club office building which sits at one corner of the ground, beside the South Stand. Although the slope of the pitch is not as bad as it once was, it is still fairly noticeable, running down the length of the pitch from North to South.
What Is It Like For Visiting Supporters?
Away fans are housed on one side of the covered East Terrace, towards the North End of the ground. This area accommodates around 1,000 supporters. If demand requires it then the open North Terrace can also be allocated, increasing the allocation to 1,500. Normally a relaxing and enjoyable day out, although when you view the slope of the pitch, you almost think that it must be an optical illusion, as it is at quite an angle. As a matter of interest you may hear the home fans singing that Beatles classic 'Twist & Shout' from time to time! Perhaps Mr Dennison needs to take note!!
Where To Drink?
There are a number of good pubs around Underhill. A favourite with away fans is The Old Red Lion, just behind the north entrance to Underhill. Situated up in the town at the top of Barnet Hill are the Moon Under Water and the King John, and down the bottom of the hill (under the Underground bridge) are the Queen's Arms and The Weaver. Away fans are welcome in all of these pubs on the whole - Barnet fans are generally friendly and welcoming'. Steve Smith adds: 'if you come into New Barnet railway station, then opposite is a Wetherspoons pub called the Railway Bell, which has a good selection of beer'. There is a supporters club at the ground, but this is for home fans only.
How To Get There By Car & Where To Park
Leave the M25 at J23. Take the A1081 towards Barnet. Follow this road for about three miles. Continue towards Barnet as the road becomes the A1000. The the ground is at the foot of Barnet Hill near to the junction with Station Road (A110). Street Parking or there is a car park at High Barnet Underground Station (£2), which is well signposted around the area.
Admission Prices
Away Fans:
East Terrace - Adults £15, Concessions £11
Concessions are available to home and away supporters, who are over 60, under 18, or are full time students. However to qualify for the discount you must first obtain a voucher from the Barnet ticket office prior to paying at the turnstiles. Home supporters who qualify for a concession can also obtain a further discount, providing they have become Club members.
