Barnet 1-3 Aldershot
The Hive
21/01/14
Att: 1,387
If things were to work out as we all intend, then this game wouldn't have been taking place at the Hive or in the Conference. Rather this would be home of Wealdstone, Barnet would still be at Underhill (or Copthall) and this would've been a football league game. Things don't work at as you intend, however. Instead, Barnet were under the mercy of the local council, meaning a forced move from their beloved home of 106 years at Underhill. They took up The Hive, their training ground from 2006, prior the intended new stadium of Wealdstone, and Saracens are now lodging at Copthall. Well, that's a basic history.
As it is, you can't really fault Barnet for what they've done at their temporary venue, which has just that feel. Walking from Canon's park tube station, you don't get that 'football feel.' Rather you feel as if you're walking across a golf course in the dark. The only saving grace is the floodlights, like something from the lower leagues in Germany, but even then Harrow Borough council want them gone. The turnstiles are another groan of mine, not so much as I don't like them, but more due to Barnet's ticketing policy. If you're a concession, you can only get cheap tickets bought in advance, something not advertised particularly well. If you didn't know your choices would've been to pay £17 for the terrace, or go in the seats, not ideal.
Now we get in the ground, as mentioned, it's a temporary venue. The biggest stand, the West stand exemplifies this best. Backing onto the Tube Line it's an 'up market' version of stands you'd find at golf tournaments. Saying that, it looks pretty good, and from a distance 'un-temporary.' Either end are two small terraces, built by Wealdstone, before they ran out of money. This are small in height, and metal in design. With a decent away following, like tonight, it's possible to make quite a racket, although unnerving when everyone jumps up and down. A couple of times I had to try and keep my balance as the stand shook! The final side is also a remain from the 'Wealdstone project.' A bizare looking stand, loomed upon by the Health Club, or similar, with the roof covering only half the seats.
The game was a fine one for the boys in Red and Blue, and those in white on the pitch. The energy in the terraces being matched, in one of those nights that everyone just seemed to 'go for it'. Aldershot supporters have a habit of 'putting on a show' when we head to London. It was similar in Welling, although it fizzled out with a poor performance on the night. Tonight, however, was different. You'd have been forgiven for thinking that The Shots were the one's targeting promotion, as opposed to safety, and had a fine away form. Goals from Jordan Roberts, Bradley Bubb (Bubb Bubb) and Mark Molseley were only matched by a Bees wonder strike on the stroke of half time. Each one sent the away fans into delirium, with celebrations I hadn't seen since since Middlesbrough away.
Walking from the ground I was overjoyed with what I'd seen tonight, although on the tube home I doubt I'll return other than for Aldershot. This despite Broncos announcing it as their new home. There are many reasons, namely costs, but I don't think I'll enjoy it. Without the vocal away following the place would've been dead, I'd dread to think what'll be like against Salford or Wakefield. Particularly with a poor season. That aside, it turned out to be a great trip!.
As it is, you can't really fault Barnet for what they've done at their temporary venue, which has just that feel. Walking from Canon's park tube station, you don't get that 'football feel.' Rather you feel as if you're walking across a golf course in the dark. The only saving grace is the floodlights, like something from the lower leagues in Germany, but even then Harrow Borough council want them gone. The turnstiles are another groan of mine, not so much as I don't like them, but more due to Barnet's ticketing policy. If you're a concession, you can only get cheap tickets bought in advance, something not advertised particularly well. If you didn't know your choices would've been to pay £17 for the terrace, or go in the seats, not ideal.
Now we get in the ground, as mentioned, it's a temporary venue. The biggest stand, the West stand exemplifies this best. Backing onto the Tube Line it's an 'up market' version of stands you'd find at golf tournaments. Saying that, it looks pretty good, and from a distance 'un-temporary.' Either end are two small terraces, built by Wealdstone, before they ran out of money. This are small in height, and metal in design. With a decent away following, like tonight, it's possible to make quite a racket, although unnerving when everyone jumps up and down. A couple of times I had to try and keep my balance as the stand shook! The final side is also a remain from the 'Wealdstone project.' A bizare looking stand, loomed upon by the Health Club, or similar, with the roof covering only half the seats.
The game was a fine one for the boys in Red and Blue, and those in white on the pitch. The energy in the terraces being matched, in one of those nights that everyone just seemed to 'go for it'. Aldershot supporters have a habit of 'putting on a show' when we head to London. It was similar in Welling, although it fizzled out with a poor performance on the night. Tonight, however, was different. You'd have been forgiven for thinking that The Shots were the one's targeting promotion, as opposed to safety, and had a fine away form. Goals from Jordan Roberts, Bradley Bubb (Bubb Bubb) and Mark Molseley were only matched by a Bees wonder strike on the stroke of half time. Each one sent the away fans into delirium, with celebrations I hadn't seen since since Middlesbrough away.
Walking from the ground I was overjoyed with what I'd seen tonight, although on the tube home I doubt I'll return other than for Aldershot. This despite Broncos announcing it as their new home. There are many reasons, namely costs, but I don't think I'll enjoy it. Without the vocal away following the place would've been dead, I'd dread to think what'll be like against Salford or Wakefield. Particularly with a poor season. That aside, it turned out to be a great trip!.