So you fancy heading to Croydon to watch Bracknell Town in the FA Vase first round proper.
Why wouldn’t you!
FiB have been previously with Bracknell to Croydon’s ground – the Sports Arena – way back when the clubs met in the Ryman League, but we thought we’d bring in some expert advice by contacting the official @croydon_fc twitter account.
Before we get into that, here’s where the ground (yes it has a running track around it) is and how to get there if you fancy going by train. And who wouldn’t, the scenery is er..
The ground: Croydon Sports Arena, Albert Road, London SE25 4QL
Nearest stations: Arena Tram Stop is a couple of minutes walk to the Croydon Sports Arena. Take a train (SWT) from Bracknell to Clapham Junction, change for East Croydon Station (Southern) and when you arrive it’s a 2 minute walk to East Croydon tram stop.
From there it’s a 10 minute tram ride toward Beckenham to your destination Arena Tram Stop.
And here’s what @croydonfc has to say about your trip.
On where to eat and drink
The Claret off Addiscombe tram stop is recommended with real ales, as is the Builders Arms in Leslie Park Road which also does food and is a short walk from East Croydon station.
Would recommend The Tram Stop Cafe but that’s always packed Saturday lunchtime. If you like a curry and are sticking around after the game there’s Zafrans restaurant near Woodside tram stop.
On the match
As for the football, I think Bracknell can go through. You’ve had good results and we concede to many goals. We only have a small percent of shots are on target.
On who to watch out for
Our favourite is Ghanaian goalkeeper Francis Ameyaw. Partly because he’s our longest serving player and partly because, without being biased he’s the best ‘keeper in our league.
As for our outfield players, its honours even with our strikers so will go for midfield maestro Andy Mott a good passer of the ball.
And our verdict
For us, the only thing stopping Bracknell winning this one is complacency after two very big wins and 17 goals with none conceded in their last three games.
Croydon are eighth in the Southern Counties East Football League Premier and have won two of their last five – one of those was a 5-0 cup win against Lewisham. The Trams top scorer is Jeff Dual-Kessie with eight goals in all competitions.
Main image: Croydon’s Sports Arena ground taken from flysouthbysouth.blogspot.co.uk
2 responses