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Where Do You Think You're Going? Darlington
By Nathan Jackson May 31 2007
Darlington vs Lincoln seems to be a permanent addition on the League 2 fixture list these days and 2008/9 will be no different as City will make their 6th visit to Darlington's new ground. It is usually an enjoyable day though and other than being a virtually empty stadium, is one of the more pleasent trips that we will make during the 2008/9 season.

videos - darloDISTANCE FROM SINCIL BANK TO DARLINGTON'S "INSERT NEW NAME HERE"

120.61 miles (www.multimap.com)

CAPACITY

25,000

ADMISSION FOR THE AWAY ENDS

Adults: £16, OAP's/Students £11, Under 16's £7, Under 11's £5, Under 10's Free

Now, I'm not going to lie, I always dread the weekend that we play away at Darlington....not because of footballing reasons, because I'm usually ill when we play there. It doesn't matter what time of year it is, I'll always have something wrong with me. Then again, we virtually always seem to go there in November. This season will see the fourth time in seven seasons that the Imps will travel to Darlington's arena. I say Darlington's Arena because they change the name every few months.

This season will see City's 6th visit to Darlington's new stadium. City's record there isn't great, picking up 5 points from a possible 15, winning just the once and drawing twice. However, you could argue that one of those draws was a win because Junior Mendes had a header that hit the back of the net, yet none of the officials awarded a goal.

Atmosphere isn't exactly a watch word with the Darlo faithful, whether it be Feethams or this stadium I have yet to hear a single chant from Darlington fans. The only semblence of an atmosphere that you get at Darlington's stadium is the occasional banging of a drum, greeted with no singing whatsoever However, they are very pleasent and this makes the day quite enjoyable. The fact they have no problem with you going into their bars says it all. Infact, several make a decent effort to talk to away fans.

In terms of pubs, there are two excellent ones at the ground and both admit away fans. For this reason I'm not going to list any different pubs because your needs will be easily met here. They have larger screen TVs, a very large bar, restaurant and some rather interesting football memorabilia on the walls. Strangely their club shop sells Tranmere shirts.

To get there from Lincoln head to the A1 and then leave that at Junction 57 onto the A66. Go straight ahead at 2 round abouts and approaching the third you will be easily able to see the stadium. Turn into Neasham Road and then into the stadium from there. There is a LOT of parking at the ground but it is £5. It is really your only choice if you're aiming for a quick getaway, and even then it's pushing it. 

TRAINS TO DARLO FROM LINCOLN

LEAVES

CHANGES

ARRIVES

7:54

2

10:13

9:15

1

11:11

9:27

1

11:32

Trains to Darlo are quite reasonable, with a lot getting there well before kick off. Depending on what time you leave Lincoln, you will arrive at different stations for the first change, meaning it's probably best to check with National Rail which station you are to depart off first.

For the 7:54 you head to Newark and then change to the GNER service to Leeds, getting off at the Doncaster stop and then getting on the Virgin Trains service to Newcastle, obviously getting off at Darlington. For the 10:27 train catch the Northern Rail service to Adwick and get off at Retford, change there onto the Hull Trains service to Hull (surprisingly enough) and get off at the Donny stop. From there just catch the GNER to Newcastle, getting off at Darlington.

TRAINS FROM DARLO TO LINCOLN

17:51

1

21:10

17:56

2

20:38

19:05

1

21:26

With the services back, they again all require you to get the train service that heads to Kings Cross, then it just depends on what time you leave as to where you get off, again I recommend using National Rail to make sure which station you have to get off at. All returns are priced at £29.50.

From the station it is a mile and a half walk, so you could either get a taxi or the bus to the ground. If you do opt to walk then turn right out of the station and ehad to the car park.. Cross the footbridge and turn right onto Neasham road. You will reach the ground after a mile.

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