Stevenage Travel – Tuesday

Stevenage FC v Hereford United
Football League 2
Tuesday 8th March KO 7.45pm
The Lamex Stadium
Broadhall Way
Stevenage
Herts
SG2 8RH
Phone 01438 223223

It’s been a while since we last visited the artistes formally known as Stevenage Borough. Yes, they’ve changed their name again. No longer a borough, now just plain old Satenage FC. Mind you, name changing has been something of a feature at Broadhall Way with the inhabitants having previously plied their trade as both "Town" and "Athletic" before the recent dropping of the "Borough" tag.

It really doesn't feel like five and a half years since we last sat in the Buildbase Stand to witness the no-score draw in our final Conference season. I doubt much will have changed in the visitors end. The rebranded Lamex Stadium holds just over 7000 with the all-seated Buildbase Stand providing accommodation for up to 1400 visitors (probably around five seats each). Admission is believed to be £18 for adults, £15 for concessions (OAP's, UB40's and students NUS Card) and £10 for U18's.

HUISA – departs from Radford's at 2.30pm with a fare of £20 (Members £18). Seats can be booked in Radford's before Saturday’s game against Bury or through the Club office (08442 761939).

By Car – The slightly shorter route is to go via Oxford to the M25 and then up the A1(M) from junction 23 (South Mimms services) to Stevenage leaving the A1(M) at junction 7. Distance for this route is about 150 miles but you will have the pleasure of the M25 at peak traffic time. My recommendation is to go via Worcester, M5 (North), M42, M6 (South) and M1 to leave at Junction 11. At the roundabout, take the first exit onto the A505 (sign Luton Central). At the next roundabout, take the second exit (sign A505) and then at the next traffic signals turn left into Waller Avenue (no sign). At the roundabout take the second exit onto the A5228. This will take you around Luton without hitting the centre traffic. At the lights, turn right following signs for A5228 (Town Centre) then at the next lights turn left (sign A5228 – Airport, Hitchen, Bedford). From here, follow all signs for Hitchen – A505. At the roundabout in Hitchen, take the A602 Parkway (sign Stevenage). Continue to follow signs for A602, Stevenage until you join the A1(M) south (sign London). Then leave at the next junction (7) following signs for Stevenage, Ware. Cross two roundabouts before the floodlights of The Lamex Stadium will be seen on your right. There is a large free car park on the left just passed to stadium entrance. Distance for this route is about 157 and you should allow three and a quarter hours. Postcode is SG2 8RH.

Refreshments – There is a Retail Park just north of the ground off Monkswood Way, which boasts the usual Pizza Hut, McRonalds and Burger Bin. The Stevenage supporters bar, (Stripes?), usually allows visitors and has always been welcoming on previous visits. If you go a little further along Broadhall Way and take a right at the next roundabout you will find "Our Mutual Friend" pub on Broadwater Crescent. This is a very decent estate boozer with well-priced food and a good selection of hand pumps, which often include a cider. The town centre is a good fifteen to twenty minute walk up Monkswood Way but will provide the opportunity to try The Chequers or The Red Lion in the old town High Street. The local 'Spoons is The Standard Bearer at Unit 1 The Plaza!

Enjoy.

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