Long time the92.net member Tim Dove makes his blogging debut. A veteran in the ground-hopping stakes, Tim recounts ticking the 80th ground off his 92 as he heads to Accrington Stanley… who are they?

Ground: The Crown Ground 80/92
Game: Accrington Stanley 1-0 AFC Wimbledon
Date: 13/09/2014

Thoughts on the ground:
Very much a traditional ground in that it is surrounded by houses but in that sense and with its close interaction with the fans, Accrington Stanley are proud to be a club in the community. On approaching the ground it does look on the small side and the surrounding hills and countryside are visible behind the Sophia Khan stand at one end of the ground.

On one side of the ground is the Main Stand, which at first impression looks like one stand, but is in fact two small stands; the Main & Thwaites Stands. They sit on either side of the half way line, with an open gap between the two. Unusually the dugouts for each side are in the middle of this stand. Both are all seated covered stands and have a row of floodlights at the back of them. Opposite is a very small covered seated area, called the Whinney Hill side. The newly built houses behind this stand overlook the ground.

Both ends behind the goal seem more recent developments than the stands along the pitch. The home end is called the Sophia Khan Stand and is covered. The Sophia Khan Stand is quite a small structure and is unusual in that it has terracing at the rear and seating at the front. The Coppice Terrace opposite is for away fans and is open to the elements.

Thoughts on the game:
After mystery surrounded Accrington manager James Beattie’s resignation on the Friday evening, Accrington Stanley responded with a hard-fought and determined display to earn consecutive home league victories within a week.

James Gray settled a tight affair with few clear-cut goalscoring opportunities by scoring his fifth goal of the season with a well taken finish into the far corner in the 83rd minute. This was created by Buxton who outmuscled two Wimbledon challenges to supply the ball to Gray on the edge of the penalty area.

The Dons created more of the opportunities overall and went closest in the 56th minute when Sean Rigg’s effort from a corner was finger-tipped onto the bar by Joe Lumley and bounced down leaving Piero Mingoia to clear in the ensuing goalmouth scramble.

Atmosphere 3/5: Only 1238 fans at the game but as the game drew on then Accrington fans grew more vocal to spur their side on.

Location 3/5: Just a few miles from the motorway but not in the town centre and frequent signposts also. Good parking facilities.

Value for money 3/5: Not the most entertaining League 2 game but the seat had reasonable leg room and had a good view of the action.

Pie Rating and Pint Rating n/a

Programme 2/5: The usual manager and captain’s notes, with a feature on the away side and ticket information for forthcoming matches. A generic offering with no remarkable features.

Overall 3/5: An enjoyable day out despite a tight match with few clearcut chances. Friendly locals and good facilities.

Thanks to Tim for taking the time to share his experiences of Accrington. You can follow Tim on Twitter @dovet1975. Have you ticked the Crown Ground off your list? Rate / slate and review your experiences here or if you’re thinking of going plan your visit here.

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