Our second to last away trip of the season takes us to St James’ Park in Devon, the home of Exeter City on Saturday.
The stadium Is currently undergoing renovation and holds just over 6,000, with a new terrace where the old away end was and a 2,800-seated stand on the site of the old main stand currently being constructed. Redevelopment is set to be completed by October when the capacity of the stadium will rise to just over 8,500.
The old away end at Exeter used to be among the worst in the league with its shallow terrace and no roof. On Saturday our fans will be seated in a section of the main stand.
Our trips in the past to St James’ Park have produced mixed fortunes since we have been in the Football League. From our two visits to the West Country, the Reds have won once and drawn the other. We lost there 1-0 in the FA Cup first round in 1994.
Our only win in the Football League came in August 2016 thanks to a brilliant individual Josh Yorwerth goal late on which secured a 1-0 win. The previous season Luke Rooney’s late equaliser rescued a point from a 2-2 draw after Sonny Bradley had headed our first equaliser in the first half.
If you are looking for pre-match refreshment, the Social Club is based at the ground itself and allows away fans inside for food and drink. If it’s a local pub you’re after then St Anne’s Well is the one for you. It offers BT and Sky Sports and local ales as well as home-cooked food and is only a minute walk from the away end. The city centre is only a 10-15 minutes’ walk away with plenty of bars and pubs.
If you’re travelling via the train then the nearest station is St James’ Park which is opposite the ground. Exeter St Davids is the mainline stop and this is a 20-minute walk from the ground, alternatively you can jump on a local train through to the stadium.
The 0947 via Gatwick Airport (1003) and Reading (1131) gets into Exeter at 1328. An earlier service is available at 0847 and arrives at 1206, again via Gatwick and Reading.
Coming back, the 1725 arrives at Three Bridges at 2147 and goes via Clapham Junction. That might be a bit tight so the 1802 via Reading (2034) and Redhill (2200) gets back to Three Bridges at 2214 looks a better service.
Looking to join the travelling fans on the supporters’ coach? GH coaches leave at 8am on Saturday from the Checkatrade Stadium.
Go to www.ghcoaches.co.uk for more details.
