As part of the Everything Orient series 'AWAYDAYS', @QuaneRoman reviews his adventures at football grounds across the country and takes a look at everything from the best ground, the best food and most importantly, the best pubs. Next up, a trip to Maidenhead.
York Road
Capacity: 3,377 (550 seats)
Occupant: Maidenhead United
Town/City: Maidenhead, Berkshire
1. The Journey - 8/10
Despite Maidenhead being located just outside London, we still left for the 8.00 train from my local station, to get the 11:13 Reading service from Paddington. The journey took roughly half an hour, a nice journey that wasn't a drag or too short like some local away days in this league. As we approached Maidenhead we went passed the ground, a sign of things to come.
2. The Area - 8/10
We got out the station and we were told everything was located in the same area, however, despite this, we managed to get lost in a shopping centre looking for a pub - turns out we just walked in a circle and everything was in easy reach.
A really nice area, love how convenient everything is as in the shops, ground, restaurants and station all within 2 minutes of each other, so no rushing back to the station after the game this week.
3. The Pubs - 8/10
We went to the Wetherspoons before the game and spent around two hours in there before the game. Not to far from the ground, a good place to go before the game and their nachos were particularly impressive.
After the game we went to the Bell, on the corner of both the ground and the station. It was a good pub but some chaos as quite large queues advanced on the one server at the bar, it must of took about 15 minutes to get drinks but besides that, all good.
4. The Ground - 2/10
Quite a poor ground in my opinion - one of the smallest I've ever been too, including pre seasons. If I'm not mistaken, when I did my Away Day preview in pre-season, this was the smallest ground in the National League.
I didn't mind the painted 'MAIDENHEAD' sign at the back of the stand where I stood, however, the wet, cold, windy weather gave York Road quite of a negative feel. When we scored there was a huge step from one of the steps under the covered terrace and a few people went flying down from the back as you do (I nearly did).
My dad reckons it was the worst ground he has ever been to and he's followed football for 35 years, even worse than Hornchurch! I can see where he's coming from, why was there a Ford Transit in the Concrete Stand by the dugout, I don't get the scene of that.
5. Food & Drink - 4/10
At half time, I queued 15 minutes for a cheeseburger with chips, getting my food as the O's returned to the pitch. The burger was nice, chips weren't all that - but what got me the most was that it came to £7.50, the most I've ever payed for a burger at a football ground, definitely not worth that money. My dad thought I got mugged when I returned the change!
6. The View - 2/10
Another bad view from the stands, at times you just couldn't see the game. When Bonne scored we all saw the header and waited for people to jump up in jubilation to start celebrating as we couldn't see the ball hit the net.
7. The Programme - 3/10
Another game where the programme's sold out very quickly, my dad managed to get one but someone stole his so I cant really rate it as I didn't read it.
8. The Atmosphere - 4/10
The definition of pathetic fallacy. Quite a poor atmosphere in my opinion, an odd breakout of song but still pretty quiet.
9. Away Support - 10/10
A great turnout, around 1,000 O's at York Road packed out behind the goal. Great numbers once again and it must be the third away game in a row were we have taken over 1,000.
10. The Performance - 8/10
Not the best performance but we did the job, we went there and got back to winning ways which is the main thing, great result.
Total - 5.7/10
AWAYDAYS Standings
1. Maidstone United- 7.3
2. Salford City- 6.9
3. FC Halifax Town- 6.1
4. Braintree Town- 6.1
5. Maidenhead United 5.7
ความคิดเห็น