Bishop's Stortford FC v Darlington

Saturday 9th September 2022, 3pm
Vanarama National League North

 

Bishop's Stortford FC: Woodside Park, Dunmow Road, Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire, CM23 5RG Tel: 01279 306456; Tweet: @BSFCTheBlues Club website information History: The club will be celebrating its 150th anniversary in January. It has long history in southern non-leagues and were winners of the Athenian League in 1970, the year they reached the first round of the FA Cup for the first time, losing 6–1 at Reading. In 1974, they were the last winnerrs of the FA Amateur Cup at Wembley, beating Ilford 4–1. The Blues would be back at Wembley in 1981 to win the FA Trophy, beating Sutton United. The club moved to its new Woodside Park ground in 1999 after a period of ground-sharing and financial problems saw the loss of its Rhodes Avenue home. After playing previously in the Conference South, this isn't the first time the club has found itself in Conference North. It replaced Rushden and Diamonds in 2011 after its expulsion. The 2021–22 season saw a play-off final defeat in the Isthmian League but they secured promotion by winning the title last season. Record Attendance: 6,000 vs Peterborough (FA Cup 2nd round, 1972–73) vs Middlesbrough (FA Cup 3rd round replay, 1982–83) Capacity: 4,525 (525 seats) Last season: 1st - Isthmian League Premier Division champions Honours: Isthmian League Premier champions 2022-23 and Div 1 champions 1980–81 and 1993–94; FA Trophy winners 1980–81; FA Amateur Cup winners 1973–74; Athenian League Premier champions 1969–70 Record victory: 11–0 v Nettleswell and Buntwill, Herts Junior Cup, 1911 Defeat: 13–0 v Cheshunt, Herts Senior Cup, 1926 Nicknames: The Blues or The Bishops Colours: Blue Manager: Steve Smith Chair: Ian Kettridge Admission prices (2023/24 ) Adults £12, concessions £8, students £6, under 16s £1. Under 12s free with an adult.	Distance from Darlington 3hr 20 minutes (222 miles) From the North: Take the A1 south, then join the A14 near Huntington. Then join the M11 near Cambridge. Leave the M11 at Junction 8 for the Birchanger Green services exit. Take the A120 towards Bishop’s Stortford and at the next roundabout take the 1st exit onto the A1250, still heading towards Bishop’s Stortford. Take the next right into Woodside. The ground is at the bottom of this road. Parking: There is a car park at the ground which costs £2, with 150 spaces, although it quickly fills up. Darlington FC Supporters' Club Coach Contact: Darlington FC Supporters Group, call 07376 368 553 to book a seat. Coach leaves at 9am, adult members £26, adult non-members £29, junior members £13, junior non-members £15Details of the supporters' group travel can be found here. The ground is about 25 minutes walk from the town centre and railway station. There is a taxi rank at Bishop’s Stortford rail station. Bishop Stortford's Taxis: 01279 293 079 Associated Taxis: 01279 655666	Trains: Bishop’s Stortford Railway Station is located just under three quarters of a mile from the ground (2o minutes walk), with trains from London Liverpool Street. Turn right up the station approach road, then bear right and cross the bridge over the railway line. Continue to the end of this road and turn left onto the London Road. Walk up to the crossroads with traffic lights (The Cock Inn is on one corner) and turn right onto Dunmow Road (signposted A1250 Colchester). Stay on this road for around half a mile and the stadium entrance is on your left.   The official site is good with some useful travel information.
At the ground: The clubhouse behind the main stand is open to all before and after the game. Town centre: The Belgian Brewer, Unit 11 The Links Business Centre, Raynham Road, Bishop's Stortford, Herts CM23 5NZ There is a tap room at this local micro brewery, which specialises in Belgian-style beers and is on the way to the stadium. The Port Jackson, Riverside Wharf, Riverside Bishop’s Stortford Hertfordshire Wetherspoon's in the town centre, close to the station.
The Star 7 Bridge Street, Bishop's Stortford CM23 2JU A 17th century pub in the town centre. Nags Head, 216 Dunmow Rd, Bishop's Stortford CM23 5HP In a distinctive art deco building, this can be found between the station and the ground. A large range of food, grilled chicken and burgers.	To eat: There is a hot food counter in the main paddock by the grandstand, selling a range of burgers, hot dogs, chips and other snacks, hot and cold drinks.