Away Days - Morecambe (Christie Park)
First Impressions -- Around the ground -- Facilities -- The Stand -- Overall -- Pictures
Fixture: Morecambe
V Preston North End
Competition: Pre-season Friendly
Ground: Christie Park
Date: Wednesday 28th July 2004
Kick off: 7.45pm
Final Result: 2-0
With some of the grounds i've visited mainly being in Division One (now 'The Championship') I had certain expectations of the grounds. Obviously visiting Morecambe I couldn't have the same expectations as they are in the Conference.
Anyway, I had been past the ground before in the past so I knew what to expect - a nice, tidy little ground. I wasn't disappointed either. A new stand had since been built since I last saw the ground and this was a smart-looking terraced stand. The exterior was obviously modern and and lived up to the expectations of a new stand.
Needless to say I wasn't disappointed in my first 'look around'.
I opted to just go straight into the ground instead of looking round the exterior - it would've been impossible anyway.
One one side, to the left was just a long standing area. The only thing that perhaps ruined it was the car wash behind and the derelict club.
At the opposite end to the stand I was in, was another smaller terraced stand. This was perhaps a bit old but otherwise was still in a good condition and also smart in appearance.
Didn't check out the toilet facilities as I didn't have any need to use them anyway, but I assume they were perfect since it was a new stand.
As for the eating facilities, it was just basically a burger bar but this is what I expected anyway. The only negative point I have about it is that it was perhaps too small or that there should've been a second burger bar. Unfortunately there only seemed to be room for one.
I decided to stand in the new terrace and I was very impressed to say the least.
It was smart, clean and probably the smartest terrace i've stood on. The only problem was that irritating kids were running about but a steward soon put a stop to that.
Its without a doubt that this stand, as well as the ground as a whole, puts a few league grounds to shame.
The main stand to the right looked old but still looked smart and in good condition - probably the result of good, regular maintenance.
I was very impressed with
the ground as a whole. Its a very nice little ground and
I would actually rank it as one of my favourites.
Although we lost I still enjoyed the match (it was only
youth team anyway!) and would like to pay another visit
sometime in the future. I'm hoping Morecambe have a successful
season in 2004/2005 as it would be great to see them in
the league.
Ratings
Appearance: 9/10
Facilities: 7/10
Enjoyment: 8/10
Fans: 8/10
Away Stand: 10/10
Overall: 8/10
