This was packed, but easy going atmosphere. However at half time they had ran out of all drinks (even soft drinks). There are also signs warning of it being liable to flood!I went for a walk around the ground to get a look at it, stretch my legs and find the club shop, which I eventually found around the other side of the stadium. I thought Buaben and Amoo stood out for them, a lot of Carlisle's dangerous moments coming through these two. While Carlisle were struggling and just two points above the drop zone at the opposite end of the table. The only downside is that stewards deny exit for about 15 minutes at the end of the game to enable pedestrians to make their way out safely. So my son and I decided that this season would be the one where we made the effort.Away fans are housed on one side of the Pioneer (East) Stand (towards the Petterill End) where around 2,000 fans can be accommodated. Each end the terracing was more limited, If Carlisle were to progress up the leagues, then the stadium has room for expansion.The stewards where very reasonable and allowed us to stand all game and where quite helpful. The home atmosphere or fans weren't intimidating at all, so there was no safety concerns from any of us.From the images it looked an interesting stadium and it would be my first trip there. But we had a game in hand of both teams, so the Carlisle game was our chance to pick up three points and put the pressure on. We had endured a solid if unspectacular start to the season under Kenny Jackett, winning most of our games but far from the finished article and playing free flowing football.The ground itself is abit weird looking.
With a sell out crowd, all of the street parking adjacent to the houses on the main road, was full (this should not be a huge concern when playing in League, I'd imagine), so we settled for a paid car park (£3), and were within a stones throw of the ground, which was ideal.It was a pleasant sunny day apart from the odd light rain shower, so we sat in our car for a packed lunch, and listened to sports and football updates on the radio, and read the 48 page official match day programme, costing a reasonable £2.Being late I couldn't meet at the pub my friends and I had planned.
From where we were stood, it looked as though it had hit the post and rolled away, so we were surprised when the players ran off celebrating.
More recently moves have been made to find an alternative site that is more centrally located. However, this had all the makings of a classic cup tie, with a fairytale feeling too it, given the very sad scenes, which resulted in Carlisle being engulfed by a flood, just a month prior to playing this fixture. The toilets were also cleanAfter the game we got away fairly easily from the ground and embarking on the long trip home after a disappointing game. The ground didn't disappoint. The ground also has some strange looking floodlights that don’t have the normal bank of lighting on top of the pylon, but instead have the lights mounted up the side. On the concourse food on offer includes; Steak Pies (£2.80), Meat and Potato Pies (£2.80), Cheeseburgers (£3.60), Burgers (£3.50), Hot Dogs (£2.50), Cheese Slices (£2.60) and Sausage Rolls (£2).
The atmosphere was good, with both sets of supporters singing. I chatted to a few stewards during the game. The most amusing moment of the match was probably when the Everton fans in the seating area decided to start a singing match with the Everton fans on the terrace. Although it was disappointing not to see our first team players, it was interesting to see some of the up and coming youngsters.The game was poor from Argyle's point of view, little chances created, and even poorer at the back.