Football League 2
Saturday 26th September 2009
Kick off 3.00pm

Stadium Don Valley Stadium Worksop Road, Sheffield, S9 3TL

Telephone 01709 512434

Club Colours Red and White
Nickname The Millers

Official Club Website www.themillers.co.uk

Impress the Locals

When Rotherham County amalgamated with Rotherham Town to become United in 1925 they played in an amber and black kit!

Rotherham appeared in the final of the inaugural League Cup competition in 1961 which in those days was contested on a two leg home and away basis. They narrowly lost 3-2 to Aston Villa after being 2-0 up from the first leg. The locals don't enjoy the old gag that only two teams entered that year!

Brief Directions by Road

'Appen nice and straightforward tha' knows! Leave the M1 at its Junction 34 (Sheffield, Meadowhall) and follow the A6178 towards Sheffield City Centre and Attercliffe. Basically stay on the A6178, which is called Attercliffe Common Road until you see the stadium on your left. You will see the floodlights quite a way in advance. After passing the stadium turn left at the next traffic lights into Worksop Road B6085 and then left again to find the stadium entrance.

Car Parking

There is matchday car parking available at Pic Toys, which is on Worksop Road. The car park, which costs £3 per car, is clearly sign posted. Off street parking is also available but not in close proximity to the stadium.

Directions by Train

A mid morning train from St Pancreas will take approx. two and half hours to reach the nearest railway station to the stadium which is Sheffield. This is located around two and a half miles away. The simplest option from here is probably the 15-minute journey on the Supertram from the station to the stadium. Adult fare £3.00 return. Other options include mini cab, approx. £6.00 or the 20-minute ride on the number 69 bus route, which stops a couple of minutes walk away from Don Valley. The 69 route is very frequent and you will often find these buses end to end.

Supporters Coaches

The BFCSA is running a coach to this fixture and the Fare Band is 'E' which is £30 for adults and £25 Concessions. The coach will depart from outside the Barnet Odeon. For further details about supporters coach travel and how to book check out the BFCSA website at www.bfcsa.co.uk. You can also phone the Coach Travel hot line on 01707 647365. Please remember that you must be a member of the Association to travel - don't worry you can join on the day. The club wishes me to point out that supporters' coach travel is entirely organised and operated independently by the Barnet FC Supporters Association. Barnet Football Club Limited cannot be held liable for any losses occurred.

Eating and Drinking Locally

May I recommend the Area Square pub/restaurant (on Area Court just a ¼ mile before the stadium on the right if travelling via the above route) for a classy pre match meal. It is not an olde worlde pub like most of my suggestions but in fact it's very modern. However my spies tell me the real ale is first-rate and the menu extensive and good value. The Cocked Hat is near to the stadium and is without equal for Marsden beer and cheap food while the Cutlers Arms or Fara's is directly opposite and again offers decent beer and value for money food. Both these pubs can be found on Worksop Road near to the Car Parking area. "Best until last as always eh Reckless?"- The Carbrook Hall at 537 Carbrook Street, parts of which are 13th century, is allegedly the most haunted pub in Sheffield! I don't know about that but the spirits are good value. Seriously the menu is of extraordinarily good value and quality but you only have a 2-hour window - between 12.00 and 2.00pm - to order. After half a mile of leaving the M1 you will find this establishment on the right opposite the Retail Park.

Ground Description

A posh Withdean? In my opinion Track and Field/Football stadiums have never worked but needs must, as Rotherham vacated their Millmoor ground after over 100 years two seasons ago unable to agree a future with their landlords. To compound things the Don Valley Stadium, capacity 25,000, is in point of fact in Sheffield! It was built in 1991 to host the World Student Games and designed from blue prints from University facilities in the United States. It is basically an open bowl shape arena with a partially covered large main stand. This stand is able to cope with some 10,000 and is presently the only area open for Rotherham United games. The atmosphere suffers as result of this it has to be said. The roof has an appearance rather like a canopy, similar to the Mound Stand at Lords Cricket Ground. Visiting supporters are housed in a section at one end of the stand parts of which are unfortunately uncovered.

Rivals

Both Sheffield clubs, Doncaster Rovers and Barnsley.

Admission Prices

Main Stand: Adults £18, Senior Citizens/Students £10, Under 16's £6, Under 12's £5, Under 8's Free if accompanied by an adult. I believe that up to four Under 8's can be admitted free with each adult.

Our Last Meetings& Memories

The Bees achieved the "double" over the Millers last season with a 2-0 win at Underhill thanks to a brace from Paul Furlong. The 4-3 win at Don Valley featured goals from Luke Medley, Albert Adomah and two from Cliff Akurang. One of which was the fantastic solo effort when he beat every player on the pitch twice - Poetic licence.

The opening game in the 1997-98 season saw a rampant Bees run out 3-2 winners thanks to Michael Harle, Sean Devine and an own goal. However the most memorable for many older supporters was the final game in the infamous 1993-4 season when an already relegated Barnet pulled off a 1-1 draw courtesy of Mark Newson in front of a boisterous conga dancing, fancy dressed away following intent on just one thing, enjoying every single minute remaining of what was then 2nd Division football.

Overnight Stay Factor

Unless you are planning to watch the final of the World Snooker Championships what other reasons are there for staying in Sheffield? No me neither! 2/10.

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