Of course in the tale of two Hamptons, South is better than North, strange as it might sound, this is our 4th trip to the Sixfields stadium, although with the last one being 16 years ago, this could well be the first visit for many Saints supporters.
Our previous 3 visits were back in the 00's, we visited for the first time in a League cup tie in September 2004, winning 3-0 with goals from Kevin Phillips, David Prutton & Neil McCann.
Then just a few months later we visited in the FA Cup, this time it was 3-1 with Kevin Phillips, Peter Crouch and Jamie Redknapp doing the honours.
Our last visit was in November 2009, in an FA Cup first round tie, we took a 3-0 lead by the 59th minute with goals from Papa Waigo, Adam Lallana & Dean Hammond before the Cobblers pulled one back in the 65th minute and a 90th minute penalty made it a bit worrying at the end but we hung on for a 3-2 win.
The Stadium
Most would consider this a new stadium, but it actually 31 years old, it has a capacity of just under 8,000, the record attendance actually having been set in March this year when 7,947 attended the game against Birmingham.
It is situated on a large retail park on the outskirts of Northampton near the M1.
Eating Drinking & pubs
At Sixfields Stadium itself is Carrs Bar (the entrance to which is at the back of the Main Stand) which allows in away supporters. It is named after club legend, Graham Carr. Other pub options near Sixfields Stadium include:
Sixfields Tavern – Walter Tull Way, Sixfields, Northampton NN5 5QL
Walter Tull – Walter Tull Way, Sixfields, Northampton NN5 5QL
The Sevens – 157 Weedon Rd, Northampton NN5 5BS
On the retail park there are also a number of fast food places including McDonalds & Taco Bell as well as a number of restaurants.
Getting There
By Car
Take the A 34 to oxford and then go north on the M40 for one junction following signs for Brackley/Towcester/Northampton, as you cross over the M1 on the outskirts of Northampton the stadium is signposted.
Total journey from Southampton 108 miles and 2 hours driving time.
By Train
Northampton station is 2 miles from the stadium so you would probably need to get a taxi, however it would be tight to get to the station and then London to make the last train from Waterloo at midnight.
Parking
There is plenty of parking on the retail park and a large car park for football matches that charges £5, if you park elsewhere on the estate be careful of parking restrictions.
More information on the Stadium can be found at the website footballgroundguide.com