Away at Loughborough

The BWA Visited LOUGHBOROUGH UNIVERSITY this week for a midweek fixture.

For the first away match of the new league season the BWA travelled the short distance to Loughborough University for the first meeting of the sides in the MFA. First impressions of the ground were very impressive as from outside it looked as though our well earned tax money has been spent well building a nice looking Club house and a fantastic playing surface.

I know that not many of the teams in this division could even dream of the resources of the University but good luck to them as it is about time the town’s biggest employer attempted to build a club that could move higher through the divisions. Unless you are Dave the Dogger or Chappo there were more than enough parking spaces a short walk from the Stadium and you wouldn’t have needed to move your vehicle to prevent it getting locked in.

The entrance fee of £5 for adults and £2 concessions was very reasonable for the facilities that awaited us. A walk up three flights of stairs (or a lift ride) took you up to the bar which was very good with a pint of Larger only costing £2.25 or if you had a meat pie with it you got the pair for only £3.50. You could watch the game from outside the bar area in what can only be described as the biggest Directors box in non league football with lovely seats and a great view of the whole (Wembley sized) playing surface.

Some of the BWA as is with tradition walked (Hoped in Matt’s case) behind the goal and took up their normal positions to chat up the opposition goal keeper. Again there was tied terracing around the three other sides of the ground (maybe a cover over one section would be the only down side to the ground) as if the heavens open I’m sure the people in the posh seats wouldn’t have wanted the BWA to join them with songs of “Buttholes” ringing in their ears.

Maybe a collection at the door or a raffle would have been a good idea as after 58 minutes of the game the floodlights were turned off to save a little cash and remained off for around 15 minutes.

Overall though a nice ground and Bar area with good (cheap) beer and the locals were very friendly

• Entrance Fee: £5 and £2 very reasonable for the facilities
• Bar Area: Very nice and very good prices (£2.25 Larger) with a pie £3.50
• Ground: Very Good (Money and a full time Grounds man helps)
• Pitch: Probably the best looking we will get to play on this year (again due to full time ground staff). The pitch did however seem to dig up easily through the match.
• Car Parking: Lots of it and free.
• Locals: Very Friendly and welcoming

£3.50 for a pint AND a pie? It costs that for either one of the aforementioned items at the Etihad  

Got to pay the over inflated wages somehow though