Plymouth Argyle v Hereford United
Football League 2
Saturday 17th December 2011 KO 3.00pm
Home Park
Plymouth
PL2 3DQ
Phone 01752 562561
Ticket Office 0845 338 7232
It's fifteen years since The Bulls played The Pilgrims so this one will be a first for many of our younger fans. The Club traces its history back to 1886 as Argyle FC. Explanations regarding the origin of the name vary from a connection to the Argyll and Sutherland Highlands regiment to the name of a local hostelry "The Argyle Tavern".
Their Home Park ground was rebuilt after the destruction caused by German bombers during The Blitz and was further re-developed in 2001/2002 to make it, at least on three sides, a modern well-equipped stadium. An interesting aside is that John Newman (Hereford born and former Bulls manager) was their Player of The Year in 1966.
Visiting fans are accommodated in the Barn Park End, which is all-seated. Admission prices are believed to be £20 for Adults, £15 for over 65's and £7 for U18's. The Pilgrims also offer a family ticket for £25 but this is only available in the home section family area.
HUISA departs from Radford's at 9.00am with a fare of £19 (non-members £21). Seats can be booked through the Club office (08442 761939).
FUNBUS (reportedly in fancy dress) departs from Radford's at 9.00am. Fare TBA.
BY CAR Head for the M5 and follow signs for The Southwest (Bristol). I’m inclined to do the Monmouth and through the tunnels route to Junction 24 on the M4 then join the M5 after crossing the Severn Bridge. Follow the M5 south to Junction 31 (about 4 miles after Exeter Services) where you join the A38 (sign Plymouth). Continue on the A38 (Devon Expressway) to the Manadon junction where you branch left and then take the second exit off the roundabout onto the A386 (sign City Centre, Torpoint). Stay on this road for about a mile. Home Park will be on your left. Distance from Hereford is about 173 miles and you should allow three hours and fifteen minutes. Postcode is PL2 3DQ.
PARKING there is a large FREE car park at the ground but you will need to be in at least 45 minutes before the game and it can take fifteen minutes or so to get out afterwards. Otherwise, street parking is available as you drive away from the centre.
The City of Plymouth has plenty of history to interest those who arrive in time to take in the sights. It's not often this guide can recommend a visit to a Hoe but the one at the waterfront is well worth a visit. The Visitors Centre at the Barbican provides information on The Pilgrim Fathers trip to the new world of Big Macs and Harley Davidsons. You can even take a boat trip from the very same "Mayflower Steps" that witnessed the departure of the invaders. A walk along "The Hoe" will take you to the spot where Sir Francis Drake is claimed to have played his game of bowls before defeating the Armada. Oh, and there's a match at Home Park that kicks off at 3.00pm.
ALEHOUSES Probably the best bet near to the ground is The Britannia (Wetherspoons) in Wolseley Road. They accept visiting fans but take exception to the singing of football songs (you are likely to be ejected if you do). For those fond of traditional boozers, I would commend the Dolphin Hotel at 14 The Barbican…Bass and Betty Stoggs straight from the cask! Another that takes my fancy is The Duchy of Cornwall in Anstis Street (just off Union Street). In fact, a walk down Union Street will take you to more Pubs than is good for your health.
CHIP SHOPS There are a couple of chippies not far from the ground. Walking away from the stadium, take a left turn down Outland Road (the A386) and at the junction turn right into Wolseley Road. Francine's Fish and Chips is on the right by the roundabout near The Britannia Pub and Shirley's is a little further on the left.
Enjoy