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Annan Athletic

Galabank

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Capacity: 2,500 (500 seated)
Club Nickname: Black and Golds, or Galabankies
Year Opened: 1953
Pitch Size: 110 x 71 yards
Address: North Street, Annan, Dumfries & Galloway DG12 5DQ
Phone: 01461 204108
Pitch Type: Artificial 3G
Fax: 01461 204108
Home Kit: Gold and Black
Last Update: May 16, 2024

Welcome To Galabank SignOn one side is the smart looking Main Stand. This small covered stand is all seated and is five rows high and is fairly new looking. It straddles the halfway line on the West side of the ground. The rest of the stadium is mostly comprised of uncovered hard standing areas, apart from the East side which is unused for spectators. This side though does have the team dugouts situated in front which leads to a procession of players and staff at half and full time as the dressing rooms are located on the opposite side. Beyond this side of the stadium there is some high netting to try and prevent balls being kicked out of the ground. The North End of the ground which has been dubbed the Astro End, after the Astroturf training pitch behind, has been designated for away supporters, if segregation is required. The pitch slopes down from this area towards the South (Club house) end of the ground.

During 2013 the ground saw some improvements being made with a new covered terrace being constructed at the club house end of the stadium, whilst the North terrace was also extended. An artificial 3G pitch was also installed for the start of the 2012/13 season.

Special thanks to Alan Price for providing most of the information for this page.

Away Supporters SignDominic Jack a visiting Clyde fan informs me; ‘I was very impressed with how welcoming the club was to visiting fans. The social club was very good and the pies were superb, one of the best that I have had for a long time. Overall it was very worth the trip down, despite the scoreline!’ Derek Hall a visiting Hartlepool United fan adds; ‘The pies were delicious and fantastic value; The Scotch Pie (minced savoury mutton) was only £1.70 whilst the Steak Pie (served in the same pastry as the Scotch Pie) was £2’. Although you have to sign in, as a visitor, at the excellent social club on the ground, there is no charge and the atmosphere is very welcoming.

Annan Athletic Club CrestThere is a club house at the ground itself which welcomes away supporters. Although you have to sign in as a visitor, there is no charge for this. Otherwise there are also plenty of bars half a mile down the hill, on Annan’s High Street. One of these is the Blue Bell Inn, an old 18th Century Coaching Inn, which is situated by the River Annan and is listed in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide.

Also just off the High Street in Lady Street, located in the Corner House Hotel, is ‘The Shed’ bar which is popular with football fans and has SKY Sports. If you’re looking for something to eat, then the Café Royal is recommended either for eat-in or as a takeaway chippy.

From the North Leave the A74(M) at Junction 20 and follow the signs for the B722 Annan. After about five miles, Galabank is on your right as you enter Annan.

From the South and East
Leave the A74(M) at Junction 22 and take the the A75, towards Dumfries. After about eight miles turn left onto the B6357, signposted Annan. After 3/4’s of a mile turn right at the roundabout into Scotts Street and follow this until it becomes High Street. At the traffic lights in the town centre turn right onto the B722 (Lady Street, signposted Eaglesfield); this becomes North Street. The ground is on the left after half a mile, after the athletics stadium.

From the West
Coming west along the A75 from Dumfries, turn right onto the B721 (signposted Annan), and follow into the High Street. At the traffic lights, turn left onto the B722, signposted Eaglesfield, then as above.

Car Parking
There is not a lot of car parking available at the ground; so it is a case of finding some street parking.

Annan Railway Station is located on the Carlisle to Dumfries line. The Galabank ground is about a 15 minute walk away from the railway station. To get there simply keep walking in a straight line away from the station, cross the High Street and keep heading straight ahead. You will pass ‘The Shed’ pub on the left (which is worth a visit) and a further five minutes walk and you will reach Galabank on your left.

Thanks to Kevin Hunter for providing the directions.

Booking train tickets in advance will normally save you money! Find train times, prices and book tickets with Trainline. Visit the website below to see how much you can save on the price of your tickets:

Adults: £12
Over 65’s: £6
Under 16’s: £6
Under 12’s when accompanied by an adult: Free.

Official Programme £2

Queen of the South

The Club has ample space for wheelchair users at the front of the Main Stand.

Annan Athletic FC fixture list (takes you to the BBC Website).

If you require hotel accommodation in the area then first try a hotel booking service provided by Late Rooms. 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 go to help with the running costs of keeping the Guide going.

Record Attendance

2,517 v Glasgow Rangers
Division 3, September 17th 2012.

Average Attendance
2018-2019: 399 (League Two)
2017-2018: 346 (League Two)
2016-2017: 387 (League Two)

If you require hotel accommodation in Annan 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.

Official Web Site: www.annanathleticfc.com
Unofficial Web Sites: Any recommendations?

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

Special thanks to Geoff Jackson for providing the photos of the Galabank football ground in Annan. Check out Geoff’s Cumbrian Groundhopper blog.

Ground Layout

Ground Layout of Annan Athletic

Reviews

Avatar of Lewis Dalgarno Lewis Dalgarno
Game AttendedAnnan Athletic v Edinburgh City
Competitioncinch League 2
Date19/02/2022

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

Ticking off the ground from my list (taking me to 33 of the 42 in the SPFL), had also heard good things about the setup

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

I got the train from Edinburgh, changing at Carlisle. The trains between Carlisle and Annan aren't particularly frequent, however as things stand the timings do work out pretty well for a Saturday 3pm kickoff. It was a straightforward 15 minute walk from the train station to the ground

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

I went to the social club at the ground itself, which was very welcoming, with very reasonably priced drinks (certainly for someone who's used to Edinburgh prices, at least!), the lunchtime game on BT Sport and a selection of Annan merchandise on sale

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

The ground looks very neat and tidy- segregation is very rarely enforced at this level, with the visiting support congregating in the far end of the stand that ran along the side of the pitch. The home support were split evenly between the rest of the stand and the covered terrace behind the goal

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

A rather disappointing result for Edinburgh City, losing 2-1. While they hit the woodwork twice, it would be difficult to argue that the result was egregiously unfair, with one of Annan's goals coming from the lesser-seen indirect free kick. A better-than-average selection of confectionery was available at the pie stall, along with the pies themselves which were well thought of

Comment on getting away from the ground after the game

A straightforward walk back down to the station- no issues getting away from the ground and only a few minutes to wait for the train back to Carlisle

Summary of overall thoughts of the day out

A very enjoyable day out- Annan have a terrific little setup and clearly take great pride in their club. Definitely one of the more enjoyable away days in the SPFL- would recommend
Avatar of toby toby
Game Attendedannan vs queens park
Competitionscottish league 2
Date19/12/2020

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

i wish the ground was a bit bigger

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

easy

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

nothing

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

wish it had more little stands
Avatar of Brian Moore (Stenhousemuir) Brian Moore (Stenhousemuir)

Annan Athletic v Stenhousemuir
League One Promotion Play-Off First Leg Semi Final
Tuesday 7th May 2019, 7.45 pm
Brian Moore (Stenhousemuir)

Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting the Galabank Ground?

A bonus game as after the normal season end and with cheap train tickets and hotel on offer a new ground beckoned!

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

The train up from Birmingham via Carlisle for an overnight stay went smoothly. Galabank is a five minute stroll from the hotel but there looks like there is plenty of car parking for those who need it.

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

I went into the friendly social club at the ground. All keg beers but to be expected. Then into the ground for a good quality pie and a decent cup of tea. The home fans were fine.

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

A decent set up with two neat stands (one seated one terracing). Can’t get high up for a view but a very tidy set up.

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

Stenhousemuir were awful in the first half and lucky to only be two down at half time. A much better second half but relegation beckons I fear. The facilities all fine with an exceptional choice of pre and post-match music (ZZ Top, Alice Cooper, and the Undertones).

Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:

The 637 crowd dispersed easily into the chilly evening air. Off for a quick curry and so to bed. Great little trip despite the result.

Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:

A cracking overnight trip all for under £80 including train, hotel, and breakfast. Well worth a visit to Annan.

Avatar of Colin James (Neutral) Colin James (Neutral)

Annan Athletic v Queens Park
Scottish League 2
Saturday 2nd March 2019, 3pm
Colin James (Neutral but we loan our support to Annan on the day)

Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting the Galabank Ground?
 
Having been a few times over the years and always feeling welcome as a neutral, my friend and I really look forward to going to Galabank.
 
How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
 
From Stafford to Carlisle by Virgin Trains, no changes required. Carlisle to Annan by Scotsrail, then in reverse in the evening.
 
What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
 
We went to the Shed sports bar for a few drinks and then on to the Annan Athletic Social Club, and after the game the social club and on to the Station Bar. Home fans are always friendly and that includes the bar staff and the pie shop.
 
What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the Galabank Stadium?
 
A neat little ground which has developed over a few years. The away end is open with no roof. The main seating stand is shared between home and away fans. With the weather being inclement a portion of the home covered end was given over to Queens Park supporters.
 
Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
 
The pies are superb and well priced, so needs no further comment. It was a pleasant atmosphere with Queens Park adding to it. The stewards were pleasant and helpful. The match was okay considering the gale force winds which had a considerable influence on the game. The facilities are modern and clean and well maintained.
 
Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
 
No problem getting away from the ground, on to the Station bar and caught the train to Carlisle with a fair few revellers. Then onto Stafford.
 
Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
 
A great day out at a friendly club, Neutrals are welcomed. Very well worth visiting.
Avatar of John Meechan (Edinburgh City) John Meechan (Edinburgh City)

Annan Athletic v Edinburgh City
Scottish League 2
Saturday 8th December 2018, 3pm
John Meechan (Edinburgh City)

Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting the Galabank Ground?
 
A part of Scotland I have never been to, therefore, it seemed cool to visit somewhere new, for better or worse.
 
How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
 
I live in Glasgow, therefore, I had to make one change to get to Annan by train. On the way there, I took the Pendolino train from Glasgow Central to Carlisle where I then changed onto the Carlisle to Glasgow slow train which took me back into Scotland and to Annan train station. On the way back I took the slow train to Stewarton where I linked onto the Kilmarnock to Glasgow slow train which took me to Nitshill (near where I live). Annan isn't easy to get too, it is 15mins North of Carlisle by rail but is poorly served by public transport, therefore, timetable checking is a must. 
 
As for the ground, it is located on the other side of the town. The 15-20min walk from the train station to the ground will take fans from one side of Annan to the other, however, don't worry too much as halfway into the walk there is the town cross which has; pubs, bookies, shops etc…
 
What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
 
Nothing, my train got to Annan 14 minutes before kick so I shot across town and just made the kick off, this was due to the poor transport options, as previously mentioned.
 
What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the Galabank Stadium?
 
I liked it, at first sight, the ground had a bit of charm and was modern looking. I took my seat and was rudely asked by an Annan Athletic director to move seats as apparently there is an away seated section. I moved along to the away section where there were 3 fellow Edinburgh City fans, we were then joined by another 2 away fans who were standing behind the goal as they could not find us.
 
Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
 
Edinburgh City did not play well but still found themselves 2-0 up, Annan pulled a goal back which resulted in a nervous last 10mins but we hung onto win 2-1. Usual Edinburgh City performance, no flair or skill but enough ball possession to grind out a win. We finished last season 3rd then got demolished by Clyde in the play offs. This season we are currently 2nd.
 
Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
 
As it was such a small crowd then there were no issues at all, there was a great clubhouse in the ground, was very warm and welcoming, however, the beer selections were poor. I then headed to 2 pubs at Annan Cross that were both poor too only having Innis and Gunn to offer for decent beer options. The first pub was called the Shed which was full off young guys (one of which informed me that he had previous run-ins with the board of directors at Galabank). I can't remember the name of the second pub but it was a very bog-standard. Everyone looked down and the town looks like it needs a new lease of life.
 
Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
 
I really like the ground, the only downside was the lack off quality ales in the clubhouse. If you do go to Annan then have at least 2 different pies and they were fantastic. This was my second favourite part of the day behind the citizens win. As for the town I was expecting it to be nice but it turns out it's just another town that seems to have been left behind. I will be happy to go back but I would put other away days higher up the list. Interesting fact; the town has a population of 8,000 people, however, it must also have the loudest music/pa system in the Scottish leagues, I got a chuckle from that.
Avatar of David Stockwell (Neutral) David Stockwell (Neutral)

Annan Athletic v Albion Rovers
Scottish League Two
Saturday 6th October 2018, 3pm
David Stockwell (Neutral)

Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting the Galabank Ground?
 
I was looking forward to going to my first ever Scottish football match. My friend and I have always liked Annan as a club so we decided to go.
 
How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
 
We travelled from Halifax West Yorkshire the night before and stayed in a hotel. The journey was very easy up the M6. No worries at all and getting to the ground walking from the hotel was easy. The Galabank ground has a decent car park and lots of places to park outside the ground. There was also a campsite next to the ground which was awesome and also some totally different.
 
What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
 
We had a drink in the clubhouse. From the outside, there is a metal door and we couldn't tell if the bar was open. It was and we saw the Annan players having a chat. Both sets of fans were lovely and we had a wonderful chat about Scottish football away days.
 
What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the Galabank Ground?
 
Galabank for its size is of high quality. It has a 4G artificial pitch so the conditions were nice. The stands were of nice quality as well. One stand was all seats and was clean and pleasant. The home-standing area was also clean. The away fans were given an area behind one of the goals and part of the seated stand.
 
Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
 
The game was I thought one of the most entertaining games I had seen in ages anywhere. We had chances, disallowed goals, 4 goals and lots of chances. The matches finished 3-1 to Annan and the attendance was 369.
 
Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
 
We walked about 10 mins back into town and had a few pints in a bar near our hotel.
 
Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
 
It was an awesome day out. Nice people. Nice ground and a decent game of football. I would tell anyone to visit this club for an amazing day out.
Avatar of Andrew Wood (Neutral) Andrew Wood (Neutral)

Annan Athletic v Peterhead
Scottish League 2
Tuesday 20th February 2018, 7.45pm
Andrew Wood (Neutral fan)

Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting the Galabank Ground?
 
I've still got a few Scottish grounds to visit, so with time off work and this fixture rearranged, only an idiot would miss the chance of a February night game in the Borders.
 
How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
 
I booked a hotel in Annan and arrived the day before. The Galabank Ground is signposted from the town centre and is a nice leisurely 10-15 minute walk.
 
What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
 
There isn't a lot to do in Annan, although there is a museum recommended by the Scottish tourist board. Unfortunately, it only opens April-October, so not much use to me. I spent the day in Dumfries before heading to game. I had a quick couple of pints in the Bluebell pub (for real ale fans) and The Shed, which is a Sports Bar just ten minutes from the ground. All the locals I came across in the pubs were amiable enough. Although I don't think many of them went to the match as the crowd was only 267.
 
What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the Galabank Ground?
 
It seems ultra modern which is unusual for lower division Scottish grounds. Earlier in the day, I'd been in Dumfries and wandered past Queen of the South's ground, which from the outside doesn't look to have changed since about the 1970's. The turnstiles at Annan looked brand new and I thought for one awful moment when I was given a ticket, I would have to scan it to enter. There is a separate turnstile for away fans which seems bizarre as there doesn't appear to be any segregation at all inside Galabank. The ground has only three sides in use. A new looking covered terrace behind one goal, an open terrace (basically about 3 steps high) behind the other, and a modern looking seated stand running partway along one length of the ground (opened by Glasgow Rangers in 2008 apparently). The other length of the pitch is unused, just a wire mesh fence with lots of trees behind it. Galabank also boasts an excellent clubhouse if you fancy a pre or post match pint.
 
Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
 
It finished as a 3-3 draw, which makes it sound a better game than it actually was. Nothing happened until the half hour when injury forced Peterhead to put on a substitute, name of Russell Mclean. He scored with his first touch, and added a second before half time. This shocked the Peterhead fans in attendance (about a dozen in all), one of whom informed me 'Mclean can't usually hit a cows backside with a banjo'. Quite! The game already looked over as Annan were hopeless, but in the second half they got one back courtesy of Blair Henderson (a good old fashioned Scottish name) via a brave diving header. A few minutes later Peterhead won a penalty, although no one in the ground could figure out why. That man Mclean (for whom a Scottish national side call up is surely imminent after tonight's display) buried it with aplomb, and it seemed game, set and match to Peterhead.
 
But wait! With about 15 minutes left, Henderson pulled it back to 3-2, and then to everyone's astonishment with about five minutes left, from a corner, Watson headed home an equaliser for Annan. Still time for Annan's goalie to come to the rescue tipping over a header from point blank range, so in the end I suspect both teams were happy with a point.
 
Facility wise: Annan,, rather disappointingly don't seem to produce a programme (or at least didn't for this game) and although' one or two people had team sheets, I had no idea where you could get these from. Certainly wasn't from the club shop, which was closed throughout, begging the question: When on earth do they open it, if not on match days? Loos were reasonably clean as you would expect from a modern stadium. The best thing about Galabank however are the pies. Scottish football grounds excel pie-wise, and Annan are straight into my top five. Steak pies at only two quid, and mince/Scotch pies only £1.50. I had four throughout the 90 minutes, you wonder how I keep my figure. They also do hot dogs at £1.50, but they didn't look very appetising.
 
Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
 
A fair few of the 267 present went straight to the bar at full time as it was getting nippy. I just took a leisurely stroll back to my hotel, stopping off for a pint at 'The Shed 'pub next door.
 
Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
 
Galabank is too shiny and new to have any real character, but is pleasant enough in it's own way, rather like Maidstone's Gallagher Stadium. Disappointing that there wasn't a programme, but worth the visit for six goals and four pies!
Avatar of Andrew Goddard (Neutral) Andrew Goddard (Neutral)

Annan Athletic v Berwick Rangers
Scottish League Two
Saturday 4th November 2017, 3pm
Andrew Goddard (Neutral fan)

Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting the Galabank ground?
 
I was spending a long weekend in Carlisle around a race meeting on the Sunday, so inevitably I had also hoped to take in a suitable Saturday afternoon fixture. The proximity and relative ease of access to Annan by train made the prospect of popping across the border for the afternoon to tick-off another Scottish ground the favoured option. Even if perhaps it would be fair to say my wife was not anticipating the trip with quite the same degree of fervour.
 
How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
 
Annan is a 20 minute train journey from Carlisle, with the Galabank ground about a further 15 minute stroll on arrival. By chance, our section of the two carriage train was also carrying a small group of officials and supporters from Berwick Rangers, who proved to be friendly and welcoming bunch who happily stated their case as to why we should be supporting Berwick for the day rather than the hosts, whilst admitting they rarely pick-up points there!
 
What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
 
We had a brief stroll around Annan town centre, which effectively consisted of one 'High Street' approximately half-way between the railway station and Galabank. We then continued onto the ground, arriving at about 1.45pm to take a few photos and have a nose around. Our preference was to have a couple of pints at the club rather than a local pub as this would enable a bit more time to get a feel for the club during our short visit. This proved to be a good choice, as we were met with a friendly welcome and an efficiently managed bar. There was a nice mix of supporters sharing the humble yet tidy facilities, clad in their respective shades of shared colours of gold and black (as indeed was I, with the Wolves scarf getting an outing for the trip). Given the televised match was the all-too-familiar sight of Celtic humping some poor unfortunates, their tally including one particularly farcical own-goal, there appeared to be little interest in following that one-sided encounter on the various small TV screens around the club house.
 
What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of the Galabank Stadium?
 
Galabank is a small and largely unremarkable ground for a club in the fourth tier. Nevertheless, it would appear to be perfectly adequate for their needs. Spectator areas cover three sides of the ground, with the fourth (lengthways) side of the ground on the road side (therefore opposite the seating stand) not featuring terracing of any kind and thereby preventing the opportunity to walk around the complete perimeter of the pitch. Berwick Rangers brought what appeared to be in the region of about 30 supporters, who gamely spread themselves behind the goal and to the side of the pitch in uncovered terrace areas despite the chilly conditions. The covered terracing on which we stood at the bar end of the ground is marked as being for 'Home Supporters', although whether or not this would be enforced in practice was unclear, and I was not challenged today in any event.
 
Galabank Main Stand
 
 
Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
 
The game was undeniably poor. Very physical, with neither team having the time nor apparently the inclination to get the ball on the deck and seek a more subtle route towards goal. Annan had the better of the chances, but in fairness, Berwick stuck gamely to their defensive duties aside from a couple of lapses a t set-pieces. Finishing 0-0, the tie was somewhat redeemed from a personal perspective by the excellent Steak pie (£2). The referee was taking a fair bit of stick from the home supporters throughout the game, but it was largely born out of frustration and delivered without malice. To our (neutral) eyes he had generally got the big decisions in the game correct in any event, and certainly wasn't to blame for the limited technical quality of the match.
 
Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
 
We left immediately on the final whistle and made it back to Annan station comfortably in time for the 5.20pm train. I chose not to exploit the goodwill of my wife in accompanying me to what transpired to be a pretty abject game yet further by suggesting a return to licensed premises. I suspect that might have proved a bridge too far in the circumstances!
 
Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
 
Despite the fact that Annan hadn't had a 0-0 draw for over 100 games prior to our visit, I enjoyed our visit to Galabank. It's a friendly, homely club and the atmosphere around the terraces reflected that. Even the poor quality match seemed to encourage more in the way of gallows humour than ire, which was rather refreshing. And there were other nice touches about Galabank as well, from holding a minutes silence to mark the recent passing of the long-time Bar Manager to playing (without the unnecessary signposting that sometimes clutters such gestures) tracks by musical greats Fats Domino and Tom Petty, also recently departed. Best wishes to all at the club, and also the Berwick Rangers officials and fans that we shared the train journey across the border with.
Avatar of Phil Armstrong (Neutral) Phil Armstrong (Neutral)

Annan Athletic v Celtic U20
Scottish Challenge Cup 1st Round
Tuesday 15th August 2017, 7.45pm
Phil Armstrong (Neutral fan)

Why were you looking forward to this game and visiting Galabank?
 
This visit to Galabank was a new stadium for me to visit and to tick off my limited 'Doing the 42' grounds of Scotland checklist. Galabank is actually the most local Scottish League team to me.
 
How easy was your journey/finding the ground/car parking?
 
I parked just off the High Street where there are multiple small car parks with a mixture of free, restricted and pay and display parking available. It was then just a ten minute walk to the Galabank football ground.
 
What you did before the game pub/chippy etc, and were the home fans friendly?
 
As I had arrived just 15 minutes prior to kick off, I just went straight into the stadium, there is nothing in terms of shops outside the stadium other than the club bar but the High street has the usual array of takeaways and pubs. I would recommend The Shed.
 
What you thought on seeing the ground, first impressions of away end then other sides of Galabank Stadium?
 
Galabank is a modest ground with two covered stands, one terraced stand behind one goal, the other a long side stand with seats. At the far end of the ground the away terracing is open to the elements but according to home fans in attendance, it is seldom used and only when segregation of fans is required. Otherwise away fans are free to wander about with home fans, which I am not a fan of nor the artificial pitch but with two other teams using the ground and the harsh weather it would not be viable to have a grass pitch at this level. The other long side of the other side of the pitch is open to the elements and has the team dugouts out front.
 
Comment on the game itself, atmosphere, stewards, pies, facilities etc..
 
The game was interesting and very much enjoyable. Both teams were up for the game but there was a clear difference in ability and speed. Celtic had a player sent off with a straight red after 10 minutes which actually leveled the playing field. Catering queues at half time were quite long but highly recommend are the Scotch pies which were one of the best pies I have had at a football ground in a long time, in fact, I went back for a second! In the end the home side ran out 3-1 winners.
 
Comment on getting away from the ground after the game:
 
Simple enough ground to get out of no real traffic leaving Annan once getting back to my car.
 
Summary of overall thoughts of the day out:
 
It was a really enjoyable evening out with a surprise win for Annan. I enjoyed the freedom to be able to move around the stadium but not the mingled cross sections of home and away support a little intimidating with the different factions of fans ‘cheering’ their side on. I would on the whole highly recommend a visit to Galabank though.