Traveller's Notebook - Stranraer

Traveller’s Notebook – Stranraer
Bell’s Scottish League Division Two
Stranraer v Stirling Albion
Saturday 18^th September, Kick Off – 3.00pm

Stranraer were promoted along with ourselves last season.  The Stair Park side took the Division Three title after trailing us for most of the season.  Our two visits to the Wigtownshire town ended in a win and a draw.

The locale…Stranraer is a typical ferry port – sounds nicer than it actually is.  To see the nicest parts of the town you should really head past the town centre and start doubling back on yourself heading north on the West side of Loch Ryan.  The town centre has little to commend it.

The Team…Neil Watt has proved himself to be a wonderfully astute manager and he has built a very strong side at Stair Park.  The only player they have lost from last season’s title winning squad is striker Michael Moore who joined St Johnstone.  To replace him they have signed local lad Gary McCutcheon from Berwick Rangers although the main goalscoring responsibility seems to be falling on Stirling-based Davie Graham.  John Fraser elected to join Stranraer in preference to Stirling during the summer.  Stranraer are a very strong side who are well organised.

The travel…If you’ve never been before prepare yourself carefully.  Seasoned travellers regard this one as one of the least enjoyable journeys of the season.  By road it means taking the M80, M8, M77 and A77 through Cumbernauld to Glasgow and then down through Ayrshire.  Once you are on the Ayr by-pass Stranraer is well sign posted.  Beware of major roadworks at Auchenkilns Roundabout (Cumbernauld) and the length of the A77 from Renfrewshire to Kilmarnock.  And that’s just the ones we know about.  Potenial food/refreshment stop in Girvan.  It is possible to travel by train via Glasgow Queen Street, walking over th Central, and then taking the Stranraer train.  Not a brilliant service but it does get you there.  Eventually. 

The ground…Segregation has been enforced on our past three visits.  Away fans get the east end of the ground, including the old stand and the terracing behind the goal.  Home fans have access to covered terracing behind the other goal and the impressive main stand.

The fans…Good atmosphere generated in the stand provided there are enough travelling fans.  A spot of coin throwing by the tome fans livened things up last time.  Stranraer have a hard core support of around 400 but can pull out significantly more fan major games.

Refreshment…Pie hut in the away send is of the garden shed variety.  Sausage rolls were particularly good on previous visits.

General Information

 Car Parking – At the ground
Coach Parking – Port Rodie, Stranraer
Railway Station – Stranraer (1 mile)
Bus Station – Port Rodie, Stranraer
Club Shop – At the ground

Admission Information

Adult Standing – £8

Adult Seating – £10

Child/OAP Standing – £4

Child/OAP Seating – £6

Programme – £1

Disabled Information 

Wheelchairs – 6 spaces each for home and away fans in the North and South stands.
Helpers – Please phone club for details.
Prices – Please phone club for details.
Disabled Toilets – One in each stand.
Contact – (01776) 702194