Travel to The Bescot.

Walsall v Hereford United
Football League 1
Saturday 24th January 2009 KO 3.00 pm.
Bank's Stadium (Bescot)
Bescot Crescent
Walsall
WS1 4SA
Phone 0871 221 0442

The history of Walsall FC goes back as far as the late 1880's and they have had several grounds along the way. The early days were spent at The Chuckery, Wood Green Oval and West Bromwich Road before settling at Hillary Street/Fellows Park in 1901 where they remained until 1990. Currently, the Saddlers reside at The Bank's (Bescot) Stadium, which is less than a mile from Junction 9 of the M6. The Bescot is an 11300 capacity all seater stadium which houses visiting supporters in the Homeserve Stand behind one end. This stand has the capacity to hold up to 2000 visiting fans.

Advance tickets can be purchased from HUFC offices up to and including Thursday of this week at £17.60 for adults and £11.70 for seniors (over 60) and juniors (U18). Office 08442 761939. Admission prices on the day (cash at turnstiles) show an increase of £2. Bulls fans should use turnstiles 21-28.

By Car join the M5 north at Worcester and continue onto the M6 (sign North West/Walsall). Leave the M6 at Junction 9 (sign Wednesbury), then at the roundabout take the third exit onto Bescot Road (A461 sign Walsall). As the road divides, split right into Wallows Lane – A4148 (sign Ring Road, Birmingham A34). At the next set of traffic lights turn right onto Bescot Crescent. The stadium can be seen on the left behind the retail park. There is ample parking behind the away end (cost £3) but you should arrive in good time. Please note that parking in the retail park is not allowed. Distance from Edgar Street is approx 65 miles and a drive time of ninety minutes should be expected. The Postcode is WS1 4SA.

Coaches - HUISA departs from Legends at 12.30 pm with a fare of £10 (members £9). Seats still available. (Office 08442 761939). UPDATE 4pm Tuesday - FULL.
HUMADS - Departs Legends at 11.00 am and travels via the Cross Keys in Malvern 11.40 am. £10. FULL.

RAIL. There are a number of services to Bescot Station via Birmingham New Street with a "Group Saver" offering a four for two price that works out at around £6. Departures from Hereford include 08.40, 09.36, 10.40 and 11.40 with the latest arriving at Bescot at 14.08. Early departures provide for a refreshment break in Birmingham centre or more locally around Walsall. Return trains depart Bescot Station at 17.04 or 18.34.

ALEHOUSES - Birmingham offers a huge choice around New Street with a goodly number offering proper beer including Wye Valley! The Victoria at 48 John Bright Street carries both Butty and WV Bitter (No food AFAIA). Wetherspoons fans have a choice of The Dragon in Hurst Street, the one at 31 Paradise Place or the Briar Rose on Bennetts Hill. The Queens Head at 28 Steelhouse Lane is well worth a visit while New Street, Hurst Street and Broad Street generally provide some thing for everyone. I shall be taking breakfast in The Briar Rose on Bennetts Hill before crossing to the superb Wellington in the same Street. The Wellington is a several time winner of the Birmingham Camra POTY and is likely to have well over a dozen ales including Wye Valley.

Walsall drinking has the problem of the ground being a fair distance from the town centre. However, just short of two miles from the Bescot is the Arbor Lights at 127 Lichfield Street where you'll find a good choice of ale and food which although a little expensive is reportedly delicious. Nearer to Bescot (0.7 mile) is the Queens Head at 100 Brunswick Park Road in Wednesbury, which I believe is a Bank's house with good food. John Barleycorn (of Talking Bull fame) suggests the White Lion in Sandwell Street (WS1 3EQ) or the Marston's owned Walsall Arms at 17 Bank Street while the nearest 'Spoons is The Bell Wether at 3/4 Walsall Street Wednesbury.

Enjoy.

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