Saints head to perhaps the closest ground to the North Sea

You cant get more hardcore that going to Hartlepool away on a cold winter night and thats what Saints fans have to do for this weeks away fixture, obviously  the fixture computer doesnt programme distance into its selections.

The ground itself is small and compact but has been much improved over the past decade or so, overlooking the Marina and the aforementioned North Sea, it does have a picturesque vista but also a freezing cold wind blowing into it, its pretty chilly in August, its going to be freezing on tuesday.

Saints fans will be in the Rink End, a small all seated stand behind the goal that nearly spans the whole width of the pitch, about 10 rows high it holds just under a 1,000 of the grounds 7,787 capacity, although last season they only averaged around half of that.

The Rink End is the farthest end from the Town and is covered, like Southend the low roof provides good acoustics, but simiarly pillars can also obstruct the view, League 1 supporters tell of them selling the largest meat & potato pies in the country.

Getting There

The normal route to the North of England (Eastern side) and heading north on the M1, at Sheffield follow signs to the A1M and the North East, on the A1M continue onwards till you see signs for Teeside and the A19 and continue on that road following signs to Hartlepool. 

From the A19 take the A689 signposted Hartlepool. Follow the A689 towards the Town Centre. Follow Town Centre signs for 2.8 miles, over two roundabouts. Go straight over the next two sets of lights, passing Hartlepool College on your right. The next left takes you to the stadium. If you miss the turning, go past ASDA on your left, left at the next roundabout and then left at the next traffic lights for the ground. There is a fair sized car park at the ground. Otherwise there is plenty of street parking to be found behind the away end.

Hartlepool Train Station is a short walk but I cant imagine anyone will be going by train.

Having A Drink

The Victoria Suite near the entrance to the away end is for members only. At the same end but at the opposite corner, is the 'Corner Flag Supporters Bar' that welcomes away fans. The entrance fee is 50p, but the bar has a good pre match atmosphere and SKY TV.

Popular with away fans is the Jackson's Wharf Pub near the ground at Hartlepool Marina. It has good food and real ale on tap. Otherwise the ground is not far from the town centre where there are plenty of pubs to be found.

Saints havent played Hartlepool before in any competition so hopefully their shouldnt be any trouble, unless that is you bump into a Boro fan still smarting from when we stayed up at their expense in 1997, like any away trip its advisable to be cautious, especially if you are either a monkey or french, but it has a reputation as a friendly place unless they are playing Darlington.
 
       

Photo: Action Images

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