URBAN

8
Cherry Red Records Stadium, Wimbledon
Merseyrail Community Stadium, Southport
A Continental Tyres League Cup clash which saw United
come up against former Assistant Manager Willie Kirk, something
which was the subject of a few humourous chants once
United were in the lead. When we arrived at the ground the
stewards decided to open up one of the terraces for us, so
just like at Cheshunt we were behind one of the goals. There
is a reasonable distance between the pitch and the terrace
so we had an excellent view, but safety was still paramount.
The ground is fairly easy to access, as it is a fairly short walk
from the nearest train station. This helped us as usually
for long away days we book two coaches, so being able to
get the train meant we were able to save some money on
transport. Much like Tottenham, Everton have since moved
grounds. When we visit them in the Women’s Super League
in February, the game is due to take place at their new
ground at Walton Hall Park.
10
Chestnut Stadium, London
Cherry Red Records Stadium, Wimbledon
This was an away day which certainly brought mixed feelings.
On the positive side, we were once again placed
behind one of the goals- to be precise, the goal where
Chelsea’s goalkeepers were warming up! We were also even
closer to the pitch than at Cheshunt or Southport. Unfortunately,
there were a number of negatives. On the pitch,
United were beaten after Chelsea were awarded a hugely
controversial penalty during the second half, which after
being converted proved to be the only goal of a tight game
where a draw would probably have been a fair result. Off
the pitch, there was a row with stewards over the flags we
hang on one of the stands. We have done this at every game
both before and since without any problems. Considering
that men’s side AFC Wimbledon are currently in the third
tier, the ground is of a very good quality. However, due to
what was mentioned above my overall experience was not a
positive one.
9
Merseyrail Community Stadium, Southport
Cheshunt Stadium, London
The first women’s game I attended was the top of the table
clash between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United
in the Women’s Championship. I’d got to know a few match
going fans through social media beforehand and we were
placed in the terrace behind one of the goals, which certainly
helped us generate the kind of atmosphere we have
become known for. Overall the game was very enjoyable,
with United comfortably winning after being given the lead
in just the second minute through midfielder, now captain
Katie Zelem. It was also nice to be able to talk to the players
and get selfies with some of them after the game, something
which rarely happens in the men’s game these days.
The ground unfortunately was not the best with the pitch in
poor condition, so it was no surprise that Tottenham moved
following their promotion to the Women’s Super League at
the end of the season.
23