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Match Review
Match Number: 273
Date: Tuesday 12th August 2003
Kick-Off: 7:45pm
Match: Walsall 2 Carlisle United 1
Competition: Carling Cup First Round
Stadium: Bescot Stadium
Attendance: 4,665 (246)
Stadium Stats
No. of visits to stadium: 1
Total no. of stadiums visited: 38
Programme and Ticket
Photos
Review
Travel to match
Method of Travel: Bus
Travelling time: 3hrs 30mins
One full CUOSC bus left a warm Brunton Park at 2.30pm and with traffic fairly light most of the way we arrived at Walsall around 6.00pm. On the journey most of the discussion was about the defeat to York City three days earlier, in between eating home made cookies provided by Bob's Bargains!
Pre-Match
Thankfully, as we had just under two hours to spare until kick-off we
had time to visit the excellent programme shop which was situated at the
back of the away end. They had a section devoted to United, as well as
a good choice of other clubs. After that we picked up our match tickets
from the ticket office, and then made our way to the Saddlers Club that
let in away fans in at a cost of £1. In here you could get your
pre-match pint and food all at reasonable prices.
Stadium
This was my visit to the stadium despite passing it on many occasions
on the way to away games! To be honest I didn't think I'd
be too impressed with the ground as from the M6 motorway it just reminded
me of Glanford Park, home of Scunthorpe United. However, on entering the
ground it was slightly better than expected. The new tier that has been
added onto the far end of the ground (the Purple Stand) stands well above
the rest of the ground that was built in 1990. The stadium is of smart
appearance and is fully enclosed. Toilets were clean and the seats provided
plenty of legroom.
Admission
Entrance to the William Sharp Stand was £10 for adults, and £5
for concessions. Credit must be given to Walsall for allowing families
into the game at a cost of £12. The view from the away end was good,
as long as your view wasn't restricted by any of the supporting
pillars.
Programme
16 pages, full colour, £1.00. A reduced issue from Walsall who didn't
see fit to produce their normal league programme for our visit. Content
included managers notes, club news, community news, links between the
sides, visitors profile, ticket news, statistics and a centre page fixture
list. There wasn't much to interest United fans in this, though
the Walsall fans would be happy with it.
Food and Drink
Inside the Saddlers Club I got a balti pie and chips for £2.75,
which was very good value for money and tasted just as good. They had
a good menu with chicken pies, burgers etc available.
The Game
This was one of the best games of football in a long time. Both teams
played football how it should be played- passing on the deck. It was a
pleasure to watch Paul Merson play with his vision, passing ability and
movement. For us, Foran was excellent in midfield as was Will McDonagh.
Other good performers were Lee Andrews at the back and Brian Wake up front
who was extremely unlucky to see his shot smash against the woodwork.
However on the night every player deserved credit.
Home Fans
As is the norm these days, the home fans were very quiet at times, though
they did get louder once their team attacked.
Away Fans
A good following of 246 made the trip, and as usual gave the players their
full backing. Chant of the day- "Does your bookie know you're
here?!" aimed at Paul Merson, a minute before he equalised for the
Saddlers!
Stewards / Police
I didn't see any police at all, and the stewards were very friendly
(as were all of the staff at the club).
The Ref
I can't remember noticing Mr Evans so he can't have been that
bad!
The Journey Home
Travelling time: 3hrs 30mins
We departed the Bescot Stadium at 9.50pm and turned into Brunton Park at 1.20am with the only delay being at Knutsford.
Statistics
Travel: £13.50
Ticket: £10.00
Programme: £1.00
Total: £24.50
Mileage: 370
Travelling time: 6hrs 0mins
Stadium character: 2/10
Facilities: 6/10
View of pitch: 7/10
Atmosphere home fans: 3/10
Atmosphere away fans: 7/10
Match Rating: 8/10
Wish to go back to stadium: 2/10
Photos
