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Boreham Wood

Meadow Park

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Capacity: 5,000 (Seats 1,700)
Club Nickname: The Wood
Year Opened: 1963
Pitch Size: 110 x 77 yards
Address: Broughinge Rd, Boreham Wood, WD6 5AL
Phone: 020 8953 5097
Pitch Type: Grass
Shirt Sponsors: Wood Army
Fax: 020 8207 7982
Manufacturer: Puma
Home Kit: White and Black
Last Update: August 1, 2024

The overall look of Meadow Park has improved with the building of a new covered terrace at the North End of the stadium. Opened in 2019, this medium-sized terrace replaced a former open one. Known as the North Bank, it is quite smart looking, although it is set back from the pitch perimeter.

On one side of Meadow Park is the smart-looking West Stand that was officially opened by Arsene Wenger in 2014. This stand has a capacity of 1,200 seats and is covered. It is quite steep, meaning that fans are kept close to the playing action. There is a ‘plinth’ area above the stand which is used as a television gantry, which gives the stand an interesting look.

The opposite is the Main Stand, which again is a modern-looking all-seated stand, that has a capacity of 500 and is covered. It runs for around half the length of the pitch and sits astride the halfway line. Like the modern West Stand it is free on any supporting pillars, giving a good view of the playing action. The team dugouts are situated in front of this stand.

The South End has portions of open terrace and flat standing areas. In the South East corner of the stadium, there is a rather tall and ugly looking mobile telephone mast, but it has been put to good use, serving also as one of the four floodlight pylons. In the North East corner of the stadium is a small club shop which is housed in a temporary building. On top of this is mounted a small electric scoreboard.

Meadow Park is also used by Arsenal Women and Arsenal U21s for their home games.

Normally fans are not segregated at Meadow Park. If segregation is in force the away supporters are mostly housed in the South Terrace at one end of the ground. This open terrace, which is located close to the playing action, has around eight steps and is split into two areas behind the goal and either all or half the terrace can be allocated.

In addition, half of the modern West Stand (towards the South Terrace) is also allocated to visiting supporters and around 600 fans can be seated in this area. The relatively new West Stand enjoys good views of the playing action, has ample leg room for most and the spectator facilities are good too.

Usually, a visit to Meadow Park is a relaxed and enjoyable day out. However with the Club having generally smaller attendances for this level of football, then the atmosphere within the stadium can sometimes be lacking. Hot food and drinks are available in-between the two sections of the South Terrace from a mobile catering unit called the ‘Lunch Box’.

At Meadow Park itself is the Three Lions Bar, but this is normally for home fans only. However, Meadow Park is only a 5-10 minute walk from the town centre where there are plenty of pubs. Three options include:

  • The Alfred Arms – 22 Shenley Rd, Borehamwood WD6 1DR
  • Mops and Brooms – Nelson Cottage, Rowley Ln, Borehamwood WD6 5PD
  • The Oak – Rossington Ave, Borehamwood WD6 4LA

Leave the M25 at Junction 23 and take the A1 towards London. Then leave the A1 at the first turn off and take the A5135 towards Boreham Wood. Continue along the A5135 towards the town centre, going straight across at the first small roundabout and at the next large roundabout, take the second exit onto Brook Road (signposted Boreham Wood Football Club). Then take the next right into Broughinge Road and the ground entrance is down on the right.

Car Parking

There is a car park at the ground, but this is only for players and Club officials. A few minutes walk from Meadow Park is the Brook Road ‘pay and display’ car park, which typically fills up quite quickly. The car park is free after 6.30pm and on Sundays.

Please be aware that in the streets around the stadium, a residents only parking scheme is in operation, so please check lamp posts for warning signs of this before parking up.

The nearest railway station is Elstree & Boreham Wood which is located just under one mile away from Meadow Park. The station is served by trains from London St Pancras and Luton.

As you come out of the station entrance bear left and walk up to the main road. Turn right into Shenley Road and proceed along the High Street, until you reach a small roundabout. Turn left at the roundabout into Eldon Avenue (there is a McDonalds over on the right of this road). At the bottom of Eldon Avenue turn right into Brook Road and the entrance to the ground is down on the left. The journey from the station should take around 15-20 minutes.

Boreham Wood ticket prices 2023/24

  • Adults: £14-22
  • OAPs: £14-20
  • Under 16s: £7-14
  • Under 12s: £0-8

Official Programme £3

St Albans City and Hemel Hempstead.

Record Attendance

4,101 vs St Albans City
FA Cup 6 December 2021

Average Attendance

2023-2024: 1,217 (National League)
2022-2023: 1,185 (National League)
2021-2022: 1,058 (National League)
2020-2021: N/A (Covid)
2019-2020: 724 (National League)
2018-2019: 718 (National League)
2017-2018: 655 (National League)
2016-2017: 477 (National League)

If you require hotel accommodation in Boreham Wood or London then first try a hotel booking service provided by Booking.com. They offer all types of accommodation to suit all tastes and pockets from; Budget Hotels, Traditional Bed & Breakfast establishments to Five Star Hotels and Serviced Apartments. Plus their booking system is straightforward and easy to use. Yes this site will earn a small commission if you book through them, but it will help towards the running costs of keeping this Guide going.

If anything is incorrect or you have something to add, please e-mail me at: [email protected] and I’ll update the guide.

Special thanks to Chris Hartford and Richard Smith for providing the photos of the Meadow Paek Boreham Wood.

Ground Layout

Ground Layout of Boreham Wood

Reviews

Avatar of Simon Block Simon Block
Game AttendedBoreham Wood v Dagenham and Redbridge
CompetitionNational League
Date29/03/2024

Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting the ground itself?

First visit to this ground, which geographically is one of the closest away trips for Daggers. Game was on Good Friday so expecting a decent crowd.

How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?

Very easy journey around a reasonably quiet M25, traffic not too heavy once in the town. Ground is well signposted, though it kind of appears out of nowhere when you find it!

What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?

There were decent looking pubs along the high road, and spotted a few Daggers fans drinking outside a couple. We instead went to a pub over the other side - The Green Dragon - not recommended!

What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the stadium?

First thing I noticed was how pristine the playing surface is, felt more like a premier league pitch. Probably largely due to it being home of Arsenal Ladies. Stadium overall is clean and tidy. As an away fan, you have a choice of the uncovered terrace behind the goal or one half of the seated stand to the side of the pitch (unreserved seating). There is a good mix of terrace and seated areas for home fans.

Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..

Great game for the Daggers, racing to a 4-0 lead in the first half which was pegged back to 4-1 right on half-time. Second half was a bit of a stalemate, with Boreham Wood never looking likely to make a comeback despite plenty of possession and knocking the ball around. No real atmosphere to note, despite a good sized Easter Friday crowd. Stewards very friendly. Decent food and drink options available in away end. Toilets are in a portakabin in the away end which are about as grim as you'd expect them to be.

Comment on getting away from the ground after the game

Very easy to get out, we had parked about 10mins walk from the ground.

Summary of overall thoughts of the day out

Very enjoyable day, nice stadium, good views of the pitch and a straightforward journey. A shame that it looks likely The Wood will be relegated so unlikely to return next season.
Avatar of Peter Oxley Peter Oxley
Game AttendedBoreham Wood vs Southend United
CompetitionNational league
Date28/10/2023

Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting the ground itself?

Southend on a decent run of results so was hopefull of getting a decent result

How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?

Nightmare journey on the M25 due to lorry breakdown but once arrived at BW parked up fairly easy at the Civic Centre CP

What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?

As it was raining grab a sandwich and went straight to the ground.Southend fans totally outnumbered the home fans so didn't see any home fans

What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the stadium?

Decent little ground clearly heavily supported by Arsenal whose ladies play there.3 sides mainly for home fans are covered unfortunately the away fans aren't so prepared to get wet.

Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..

Southend dominated the first half and took an early lead from the spot and should have scored more than one.BW had better of the second half and equalised early one.The game ended up as a one all draw.Just as well Southend attended in great numbers to bring some atmosphere.

Comment on getting away from the ground after the game

No problems getting back onto M25

Summary of overall thoughts of the day out

Ignoring the issues on the M25 a good day out and a hard earned point
Avatar of Adrian Tanner (Barrow) Adrian Tanner (Barrow)

Boreham Wood v Barrow
National League
Saturday 25th January 2020, 3pm
Adrian Tanner (Barrow)

Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting the Meadow Park ground itself?
 
Both teams are doing well in the league so a good game was guaranteed.
 
How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
 
Very easy. There is a Pay & Display car park located right next to the ground and from there a pathway leads to the visiting supporters gate.
 
What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
 
Went to a Wetherspoons, called the Hart & Spool, which a few minutes walk back to the main road, turn right and it is across the road.
 
What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of Meadow Park?
 
Meadow Park is an impressive ground and the pitch was above standard.
 
Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
 
A good game, a good atmosphere, friendly stewards and great facilities.
 
Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
 
Very easy. I was on the M25 within 10 minutes.
 
Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
 
A good day and worth a visit.
Avatar of Kevin Nash (Neutral) Kevin Nash (Neutral)

Boreham Wood v Solihull Moors
National League 
Tuesday 26th March 2019, 7.45pm
Kevin Nash (Neutral)

Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting Meadow Park?

I have been to Boreham Wood a couple of times with my local non-league team Maidenhead United and I often work in the area. This was the first game where the old terrace behind one goal had been demolished, in preparation for a new stand.

How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?

Easy, there is a fair-sized council-run car park very near to the ground.

What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?

I actually ate at the ground, the lady in the away refreshment hut always cooks me a vegetarian roll, its not on the menu but usually, the chaps behind me in the queue also ask for a veggie patty roll.

What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of Meadow Park?

It is tidy, the training grounds on site are very smart. It has a smart black and white covered seated stand on one side, but a weird/ugly red stand on the other, otherwise it is a nice stadium – Never know why they have such low attendances.

Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..

The game was good, Solihull dominated and somehow could only draw 2-2 that cost them as they were near the top of the league at the time – I stood with the Solihull fans who had good support and made plenty of noise.

Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:

It just a walk down the ally back to the car park, all okay and back on the main A1 in no time.

Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:

It was a good game, pity that Boreham Wood have such small attendances – the ground is well worth visiting. This was my fourth visit. Maybe a sign on the A1 stating the football ground is this way could generate interest considering the amount of traffic that passes along there. I know many people that live or work nearby, didn't know the club was even there!

Avatar of Jim Burgin (Neutral Groundhopper) Jim Burgin (Neutral Groundhopper)
 

Boreham Wood v AFC Wimbledon
Pre Season Friendly
Saturday 28th July 2018, 3pm
Jim Burgin (Neutral Groundhopper)

Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting Meadow Park?
 
One more ground to be ticked off from a very long list.
 
How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
 
I took a train from Eastbourne to Elstree via changes at Haywards Heath and Farringdon. Then a 20 minute stroll along Boreham Wood High Street as far as the Ealing Studios. Then I took a left into Brook Road and the Meadow Park Ground is along on your right.
 
What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
 
I had a beer at the supporters clubhouse behind the Main Stand, only a few people in there at 2pm and they were in a couple of small groups so did not really get to chat to anyone. Plenty of food outlets located on the High Street before the ground if that's your thing, and a Wetherspoons.
 
What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of Meadow Park?
 
It is a nice compact ground, two stands on either touchline and terracing behind both goals, away fans can have both the terracing and some seats depending on away support. Lots of segregation gates in place but not used today.
 
Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
 
A 0-0 draw but not boring, lots of chances. As it was a friendly there was very little atmosphere neither teams fans were singing or chanting and it felt very stale at times, don't know if the "Wood" fans get more vocal for league games. Several stewards on duty although most of them congregated around the players tunnel. Food was over priced as usual with some county clubs thinking they are in London. Toilet blocks in good condition although may be long queues if segregation in place.
 
Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
 
Easy walk back to the station and was home by 8:45pm.
 
Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
 
Another non-league ground ticked and the ground was very good for this level. I'm not sure though if Meadow Park could cope with Football League matches should they get promotion.
Avatar of Paul Dickinson (Neutral) Paul Dickinson (Neutral)

Boreham Wood v Guiseley
National League
Saturday 28th April 2018, 12.30pm
Paul Dickinson (Neutral fan)

Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting the Meadow Park Ground?
 
This was one of only three grounds left to complete the current National League and also the closest to my Leeds home – the other two being Maidstone and Dover. In addition, I've watched Guiseley a few times as they're one of my local clubs and Boreham Wood were aiming for the playoffs, so there was something at stake for them.
 
How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
 
I was on my own for this game, so got the train to Kings Cross and after crossing the road to St Pancras, got a Thameslink train up to Elstree.
 
What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
 
There is a wide range of food choice on the High Street, so I had a sandwich/coffee at Greggs and then went straight into the ground.
 
What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of Meadow Park?
 
I liked the fact that both sides of the ground had covered stands and that both had no pillars to block the view. As there was no segregation in place, I watched one half from each stand to get a different perspective and also read in the programme that one of the ends is also going to have a covered stand for next season.
 
Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
 
Boreham Wood raced into a two-goal lead after 15 minutes and could have had at least two more, but for the Guiseley keeper. Guiseley then pulled a goal back and you could sense the nerves amongst the crowd – but a third goal in the second half gave them a comfortable win in the end and with a bonus of a home semi final game against Fylde next week.
 
Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
 
Despite the heavy rain, it was an easy 15 minute walk back to the station and I was in Kings Cross for just after 3pm, so plenty of time for a beer at the Parcel Yard before my 4pm train back up North.
 
Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
 
I really enjoy trips that I can do on the train and this one was perfect in that regard – new ground 362 safely negotiated! Next stop – Bootle FC on Monday evening.
Avatar of Paul Stone (Maidenhead United) Paul Stone (Maidenhead United)

Boreham Wood v Maidenhead United
National League
Tuesday 13th March 2018, 7.45pm
Paul Stone (Maidenhead United fan)

Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting Meadow Park?
 
After a 7-1 thrashing at Gateshead on the previous Saturday, I really wanted to make this game and get behind the Magpies. Plus my last visit to Boreham Wood was over 25 years ago so I was very much due a return.
 
How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
 
It was a long one – from home in Reading it was a train to London Paddington, tube to Kings Cross/St Pancras and then the Thameslink train out to Elstree and Boreham Wood. It was then a mile or so walk to the ground from the station. Meadow Park was easy enough to find though once off the train.
 
What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
 
I didn't have a chance really as only arrived 25 minutes before kick off. I grabbed a cup of coffee from the food van inside the ground and got myself settled.
 
What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of Meadow Park?
 
Meadow Park is a very tidy set up and a ground that has been developed in readiness if the next level beckons. Both stands were spacious and plenty of leg room. There was no segregation so had a good chance to wander the whole ground during my visit and overall very impressed.
 
Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
 
Not a classic and with the home side dominating the play from the start no surprise when they were ahead after four minutes, Maidenhead scrambled an equaliser on the half hour mark and that seemed to bring them int o the game. At the end it was the away side that could and maybe should have sneaked the three points but it remained 1-1. I found all the stewards and Boreham Wood staff very friendly, helpful and a credit to the club. Possibly some of the cleanest toilets I have seen at a football ground for some time. But what is really lacking here is the crowd. Attendance was 401 with around 100 of those being Maidenhead fans. Apart from a couple of dozen vociferous home fans the atmosphere from the home contingent was very sterile. Such a shame as the stadium itself is set up for bigger and better so they just need the locals to come out and support them now.
 
Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
 
No problems and the walk back to the station was pleasant on what turned out to be quite a chilly evening.
 
Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
 
Really pleased I made a return visit after all those years and won't leave it so long next time. I have no idea what the answer is – but with a very tidy ground, a good side on the pitch, somehow the club needs to get some bums on seats and then even Football League level becomes very viable.
Avatar of Andreas Lemonides (Torquay United) Andreas Lemonides (Torquay United)

Boreham Wood v Torquay United
National League
Saturday 30th December 2017, 3pm
Andreas Lemonides (Torquay United fan)

Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting the Meadow Park Ground?
 
I am a North London based Torquay United fan so this game was easy to get to. Also I had never seen a Torquay away game before this and my Father hadn't seen Torquay play for many years.
 
How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
 
Meadow Park is easy to find. It is on Brook Road which is off a roundabout near the town centre. The local streets were all permit only so we parked in the car park on Brook Road next to the away turnstiles. The car park was council owned and charged £2.20 for 2 hours and £3.20 for 3 hours. The turnstiles was only about a 20 second walk on a path from the car-park.
 
What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
 
I did eat some chips from the Portakabin food stand. They were £1.80 and was a fair amount. There was a large selection of sauces including: ketchup, mayonnaise, chilli, barbecue, burger and Hp. I didn't speak to any home fans as there was segregation in force in an attendance of 640.
 
What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the Meadow Park Stadium?
 
When you walk in you see the North Side. It is an open terrace which is barely visible. On the left there is the West Stand which the closest third was given to away supporters. This stand was seated. On the right there is the East Stand which has seats also but is fully for home fans. The South side has two terraces. The biggest taking about 70% of the side and another smaller terrace which took about 20%. The rest in the middle is where the Portakabin was. The pitch was also a Desso Grassmaster pitch which are semi-artificial and are also used in higher leagues. This pitch was installed by Arsenal as their youth play here. Also there are plans to make a covered North terrace and make a new East Stand.
 
Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
 
Both sides were playing well. Boreham Wood scored quite early. They then added a second through a very controversial penalty later on. The referee wasn't giving Torquay anything, which made him the focus of the Torquay fans attention. The atmosphere was lacking inside the ground. It didn't help that the away support was split between the West Stand and the standing South Terrace. The entry price was also rather high at £18 for an adult and £8 for children.
 
Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
 
The car-park was packed but as soon as we were on the roads the traffic was gone and the journey was fuss free.
 
Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
 
Even though the ref was poor and Torquay United lost, I enjoyed my first away game and enjoyed being at Meadow Park Ground.
Avatar of Richard Mackey (Bromley) Richard Mackey (Bromley)

Boreham Wood v Bromley
National League
Saturday 28th October 2017, 3pm
Richard Mackey (Bromley fan)

Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting Meadow Park?
 
Bromley had won their previous three league games and were in the play off places; Boreham Wood were only a point behind so this was quite an important game in terms of league position. I also like visiting new grounds and hadn't been to Meadow Park before.
 
How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
 
It was an hour on the train to Elstree & Boreham Wood station, then about a fifteen minute walk to Meadow Park. You walk down Shenley Road to get to the ground, which is the main shopping street in the town.
 
What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
 
I had a pint in the Alfred Arms (which shows Sky Sports on a big screen), then ate in a cafe over the road. Didn't see any home fans until I was on the road leading to the ground.
 
What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the Meadow Park Stadium?
 
Meadow Park is a basic non-league ground – eight steps of uncovered terracing behind the goal for the away fans. The seated stands on the touchlines looked decent, then another uncovered terrace at the goal at the far end. Good job it was a sunny day.
 
Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
 
Bromley were being outplayed and were 1-0 down after half an hour; a sudden burst of action saw two goals in quick succession (the keeper looked to be at fault for both) for Bromley, then a Boreham Wood equaliser to make it 2-2. No goals in the second half, and a draw was probably the right result. Not much atmosphere – the lack of roof meant the Bromley fans couldn't make much noise, and it was only the home fans behind the other goal who bothered to sing. There was a basic food stall for the away fans, but I only eat at football grounds if I really have to.
 
Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
 
The crowd was just over a thousand, so no problems here.
 
Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
 
A decent game but Meadow Park is not the best ground – I'd visit again as long as I knew it wasn't going to rain.
Avatar of Peter Laggan (Doing the 92 + Conference) Peter Laggan (Doing the 92 + Conference)

Boreham Wood v Barrow AFC
Conference National League
Saturday 5th March 2016, 3pm
Peter Laggan (Doing the 92 + Conference) 

Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting the Meadow Park ground?

Another ground to tick off and to complete the Watford triangle (Watford, Barnet and Boreham Wood) as they all involve lengthy journeys on the M25 for me.

How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?

I travelled up from Fareham on the south coast. It is a two hour drive via the M27, M3 and M25 – with a short leg on the A1. However the eternal roadworks on the M3 and the equally ubiquitous congestion on the M25 adds at least 30 minutes onto this.

What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?

Traffic delays meant that we got to the ground just before kick off. I followed this guide's advice and tried to park at the ground but was turned away as I was not a member or a player. There is however a convenient pay and display car park adjacent to the North West corner of the ground. The cost is £2 for 3 hours. The away fans entrance is right next to this car park, but home and neutral fans have to walk right round the ground to gain access on the far side. Entrance was £17 for an adult and £3 for a programme.

What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of Meadow Park?

The Meadow Park ground itself is of a reasonable standard for this league. It has two covered areas on the East and West sides. Away fans stand in the uncovered North Stand but, if it rains, they can walk through to the covered East Stand and get a seat.

Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..

The game was a clash between two teams skirting with relegation. Boreham Wood were disappointing and the few home fans had little to cheer. Barrow were more organised and threatening. They scored two good goals without reply and their 50+ travelling fans went away happy. Catering at the ground is at two portakabins. They do not sell pies (grump!) but do sell tasty burgers (£3.30), hotdogs and tea/coffee (£1.30). The toilet facilities are rudimentary, no hot water and the hand-dryer did not work.

Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:

Getting away from the ground is easy. It is a 5 minute drive through town before getting onto the A1 and another 10 minutes after that to the M25.

Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:

I spoke to a 'loyal' (although he left at half time) Boreham Wood fan who was lamenting their poor home performances. I hope it was not people like him the Chairman was referring to in his programme notes when he says "I despise weak minded individuals who have selective memory and who play the blame game" (not quite a rallying call for a team in trouble?). However all is not looking well for Boreham Wood as only 2 of their 12 remaining fixtures are against teams below them and with only 250 regular home supporters, their stay in this league may well be short lived.

Avatar of Steve Herbert (Barrow AFC fan) Steve Herbert (Barrow AFC fan)

Boreham Wood v Barrow AFC
Conference National League
Saturday 5th March 2016, 3pm
Steve Herbert (Barrow AFC fan)

Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting Meadow Park?

It was a ground I hadn't been to.

How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?

I was on a supporters coach, the journey was long (as usual) but the coach was able to access the ground from the motorway quickly.

What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?

Away fans aren't allowed in the clubhouse, so we went in to the nearby town centre. The people were fine but the pubs were pretty terrible. The Wetherspoons was poky and full of Saturday afternoon families, the next two pubs didn't sell any ale and were packed with Arsenal and Spurs fans.

What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of Meadow Park?

Meadow Park is neat and tidy in a modern way, you can see the work has gone in due to their link up with Arsenal. Views are fine. The away end was small but fine for our numbers, though why there had to segregation in a crowd of 330 odd is beyond me.

Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..

The food was good, from a catering van and the stewards were friendly enough. The atmosphere was poor, although the 100 plus from Barrow made a bit of noise as did a small group of 'Wood' fans at the other end of the stand.

Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:

Very easy to get away from, we were back on the motorway in minutes.

Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:

Reasonable modern ground, a bit soulless. For smallish away games where there is no prospect of trouble it's insane not to let away fans in the bar.

Avatar of Kevin Dixon (Grimsby Town) Kevin Dixon (Grimsby Town)

Boreham Wood v Grimsby Town
Conference National League
Saturday 5th September 2015, 3pm
Kevin Dixon (Grimsby Town fan)

Why were you looking forward to visiting the Meadow Park football ground?

Another new one to tick off the list, and hopefully pretty easy to get to.

How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?

It was a steady three and a half hour drive from Grimsby, down the A46 to Newark, then straight down the A1. The ground is then less than five minutes off the A1. It is well signposted for those of us not keen on Sat Nav. There is a reasonably sized car park near the ground, costing £3 for up to 4 hours.

What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?

I wandered up the High Street to the Hart & Spool, which was full of Grimsby fans. It was a Wetherspoons pub, so a decent selection of ales, and not as expensive as some pubs down south. Food looked okay, standard Wetherspoons fayre. There are a number of food outlets in the High Street, catering for all tastes, and a large Tesco nearby if sandwiches and crisps is all you want. I didn't actually come across any home fans, although as there were only 500 or so of them, perhaps that's not surprising.

What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the stadium?

Tidy little ground, with a large new looking stand on one side, half of which was given over to our fans. Another covered seated stand opposite, and open terracing at each end, the South end of which housed the rest of us.

Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..

We took an early lead through a bizarre own goal, then proceeded to waste numerous chances, as we have done regularly so far this season, despite being top scorers in the league. Boreham Wood came out and gave it a good go for the first 15 minutes of the second half, but we then grabbed two more goals. We then conceded from a deep cross into the box, as is usual for this season, but held on for a 3-1 victory. A number of Town fans were sporting wigs and moustaches, and unfortunately one of them decided to run onto the pitch after our third goal, and was duly ejected from the ground. The stewards were very friendly though. I don't imagine they usually have any need for them, but as we had over 700 away fans there, they seemed to have got extras in. Didn't have any food, but it looked okay. Toilets were in a portakabin, new looking and very clean.

Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:

Straight out to the car park, and back on the A1 within five minutes. Back in Grimsby at 8.15pm.

Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:

Easy place to get to, locals welcoming, although it would be nice if the team had a bit more support.

Avatar of Michael Cromack (FC Halifax Town) Michael Cromack (FC Halifax Town)

Borehamwood v FC Halifax Town
National League
Saturday 8th August 2015, 3 pm
Michael Cromack (FC Halifax Town)

Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting Meadow Park?
 
It was the first game of the new season and another ground not yet visited.
 
How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
 
With no underground required it was less time taking 2 trains. Wakefield to London Kings Cross. Then St Pancras to Borehamwood. The nearest station is Elstree and Borehamwood. No more than 10 minutes to the ground.
 
What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
 
I met some town fans on the train and decided to tag along with these boys who seemed a decent bunch. Called at a Wetherspoons on the way to the ground for a bite to eat and some liquid necessities.
 
What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of Meadow Park?
 
The away end was all terracing, open, clean and spacious. The rest of the ground was very clean, bright and modern. It would have no problem meeting Football League standards if that were to happen.
 
Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
 
It was actually a policeman who advised us of a quicker route to the away end. All town fans feared the worst of this season having lost our 4 best players during the summer and this game was just a taster of what was coming……. Relegation. A deserved 3 – 1 victory to the home team. I left for an early train back when the third goal went in.
 
Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
 
A steady 10 minutes walk back to the station and a very unhappy journey home. An innocent bloke seeing me with a football shirt on asked who my team were and how they got on to which I replied: "Don't ask mate, just don't ask!"
 
Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
 
I couldn't complain about the result but town did at least try to compete. But a loss is sore on the opening day of the season. On a positive note, it was another ground ticked off.