Traveller's Notebook - Falkirk

Date – Tuesday August 31^st 2004
Venue – Falkirk Community Stadium
Competition – Bells Challenge Cup Round Two
Fixture – Falkirk v Stirling Albion
Kick Off – 7.30pm

The locale…The ground is located midway between Falkirk and Grangemouth. The gas flares and cracking towers of the Grangemouth petro-chemical complex dominate the skyline. Don’t forget that Falkirk’s plans for a second stand have been delayed due to problems with the ground being located within the Grangemouth ‘blast zone’. Large crowds of people are apparently not allowed within this zone!

The team…Falkirk supporters will tell you how frustrating their team can be. They have several players of genuine quality such as Russell Latapy. They have added several new faces over the summer including Darryl Duffy who was also on Albion’s shopping list. Yet they have struggled to maintain consistent levels of performance. Many supporters have questioned the long-term future of John Hughes as manager – he would be well advised to avoid defeat to Stirling Albion in this match.

The travel… Take the M9 to the first Grangemouth exit. This take you to a t-junction, where you turn right, past the Grange Manor Hotel and the VW garage to a roundabout. Follow signs for Falkirk, past a umber of other garages and Westfield is on your left. Car parking presents a conundrum. Rumour has it that the official car park has been chaotic at early games and you could still be in it one hour after the final whistle. Street parking is possible in the housing area known as ‘The Bog’ on the Falkirk side of the ground but it is not recommended. Falkirk College have apparently been opening their car parks for use by football supporters and this might well be the best bet. If you are going by train then the ground is a good half hour’s walk from Grahamston Station.

The ground…The one stand looks mighty impressive from behind, although slightly less so from the pitch side. It holds over 4000 with 500 seats reserved for away fans at the south-east end. However, the Bairns have now erected a temporary stand behind the east goal and we may be accommodated there. Falkirk season tickets are valid for this match so it might get a half decent crowd.

Refreshment…Haven’t a clue. Unless you sneaked along to one of Falkirk’s pre-season games without telling any of your Bino pals then you will be in the same boat. Prediction is that it will not be cheap.