1,307 Chester at Morecambe. We could and should be better at home but I think it's very difficult to criticise what we do away. 5th four figure away following of the calendar year so far.
There was actually a lot of room. Dorking limited the number of away tickets this time, but when we've been there previously we've taken 1,000+ and it has felt a lot tighter. View is still awful though- away stand only goes about three steps deep.
Absolutely there should have had the West Open. I know plenty of people that won't entertain going in the east as it is more cramped. I get the financial side of keeping overheads down, when half the profit is divided between the two clubs concerned in cup games, especially with COSU trying to manage and reduce the running costs to reduce our overall losses. But the atmosphere and a good result encourages new fans in the longer term. The first two games I went to as a kid with my mates, when we were at a loose end, was Newport at home in the 2nd round in '76, 3-1 win, then then Chester at home in the third round 0-4 defeat, but that got me hooked into becoming a Shrimper. I hope that if we get drawn at home in the next round more stands are open.
It's fine if you get there an hour early and get a flat standing spot on the perimiter fence. Otherwise unless you are 6 foot 5, good luck
Over 330 sold so far for Morecambe on Saturday. Not that it's a place with many happy memories for us!
Usually we have quite decent support at York, but I am not so sure this weekend. It will be good to see Mr Maynard who will get a fabulous reception from the away end. Wonder what he will do. On the 7:48am out of Kings Cross, so into the pubs in York before ten. So many to choose from. The No 9 bus I am looking forward to less.
