| First
Impressions -- Around the ground -- Facilities
-- The Stand -- Overall
-- Pictures |
Fixture: Barnsley
V Preston North End
Competition: Nationwide Division One
Ground: Oakwell
Date: Monday 1 April 2002
Kick off: 3pm
Final Result: 2-1 (Wijnhard 69)
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First
Impressions
On arrival at the ground my first
glimpse of it was the West Stand (left). I had already read about
the ground previously so I had some idea of what to expect.
Before entering the ground I decided
to have a look round the ground first and I have to admit I was
quite impressed with the smart appearance of the ground and I also
noticed it had better car parking facilities than Deepdale!
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Around
the ground
Upon getting off the coach we took
our usual stroll round the ground. We headed towards the south end
of the ground as we passed the oldest stand at Oakwell - the West
Stand.
We came across the Pontefract Road
End (as it is now called). This was a reletively new stand, although
I thought it was rather bland in appearance.
After taking a couple of pics we
decided to head up back to the North Stand and take our seats. This
is where I could get a better opinion of the ground. I wasnt disappointed.
There was the very impressive East Stand to our left which was rather
imposing and then the much older West Stand opposite. To be honest,
despite the West Stand being old, it didnt look too bad and like
other grounds which redevelopments havent been finished, didnt look
out of place.
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| Facilities
The facilities in the North Stand
were superb. No big 'scuffle' for the toilets and the catering bars
seemed well placed, although I didnt sample any of the food.
Nothing much I can say really other
than they were what I expected of a new stand!
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The
Stand
The stand I was sat in was new and
had excellent facilties, as said above. The leg room was good and
the view from the stand was superb, especially from where I was
sat.
Without a doubt, this is definitely
without a doubt one of the best stands I've sat in - excellent facilites,
good leg room, great view what more could you want?! Shame we put
in a poor performance and lost though!
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Overall
I was very impressed with Oakwell
and enjoyed the day out, even though we played poor and lost. I've
not heard many people comment on Oakwell and in my opinion does
not get the credit it deserves.
Ratings
Appearance: 8/10
Facilities: 9/10
Enjoyment: 7/10
Fans: 7/10
Away Stand: 10/10
Overall: 8/10
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| Pictures



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