Stadium left a lot to be desired (From Worcester News)

Stadium left a lot to be desired

10:30am Wednesday 26th September 2012 in Sport Photograph of the Author By Steve Carley, @stevecarleyWN

Stadium left a lot to be desired

FEW grounds leave me gobsmacked by their sheer existence but Gornal Athletic’s Garden Walk Stadium does just that.

Indeed, I’m not sure whether to praise it for epitomising what the FA Cup is all about in the early rounds or ridicule it for being unfit for purpose and bordering on dangerous.

Strangely, despite making St George’s Lane look like Wembley, Gornal’s home had a certain charm to it, something that only those who follow non-league football can fully appreciate.

Facilities were basic and information scarce — you can’t help but smile when a player leans over to the makeshift press box to ask what time kick-off is because nobody has announced the 15-minute delay due to crowd congestion.

But the people were friendly and did their best when confronted by an attendance at least five times what they are used to.

Yet, the ground would also provide enough material for a health and safety seminar and it beggars belief how one turnstile, which also doubles as an exit, and crumbling, weed-strewn terraces are accepted by the FA.

After all, City are being forced to maintain a century-old stadium that is going to be demolished next year.

Comments(7)

gornalgloryhopper says...
2:15pm Wed 26 Sep 12

Steve- rather than patronise or ridicule Gornal Athletic, you could try a third option- how about constructive criticism after checking your facts?

Yes, a crowd of 400 is unusual at this level. But 100+ isn't that uncommon. Incidentally it's rather higher than what might have been accepted on the day, given the long-term weather forecast and City's recent record in the FA Cup...

There could have been more stewarding, particularly on the terrace, and the single access to the ground is a problem, agreed. Although you should know that for the normally much smaller crowds the terrace is safe and comfortable, indeed one of the ground's attractions.

There isn't a public address system because normally there's no need for one. Maybe with the money earned at this game, Gornal can tempt Captain Crazy out of retirement, or even buy a greenfield site near the M5?