Murphy
Bloody Nice Chap
- Joined
- Jan 17, 2015
- Messages
- 2,139
- Reaction score
- 1,190
- Points
- 113
- Location
- Norwich
- Supports
- Dagenham & Redbridge and Stephen Mulhern.
- @NickMurphy1995
Victoria Road - Dagenham & Redbridge
How Easy Was The Ground to Get To (from the station, by car, etc)
The ground is mainly accessible by tube, primarily by using the District Line from inner London and getting off at Dagenham East Station. From here you turn left and walk for about 5 minutes with the road leading into the ground on your left hand side, usually marked by a steward standing at the top of it. If you're travelling from Central London and cannot readily access the District Line, changing from the Hammersmith & City Line at Barking, or the Jubilee Line at West Ham is also advised.
If Applicable, How is Parking Near The Ground?
Parking is usually fine due to Dagenham & Redbridge rarely receiving a large home crowd. Although car parking in the stadium car park is not allowed, plenty of on-street parking along Rainham Road and the surrounding side streets is available.
Based on Where You Were Sat, How Was the View?
The view from the Traditional Builders Stand (Away Stand) is impeccable - and is widely considered the best in the ground. You have a full, unobstructed view of the pitch, and with the stand somewhat raised you're able to see both ends with absolute clarity. The stand is fully seated and hosts 1200 supporters, with an extra 300 given in the terrace along one side if demand requires it - although this is only usually for local fixtures vs Leyton Orient or Southend, and big games against Southampton/Sheffield Wednesday in the past. Seating is usually unallocated unless the full 1200 allocation is taken up.
How Were The Stewards on The Day?
Stewards, both in the home and away stands are usually very friendly. Usually ok for a chat if you want to engage with them.
If You Ate at The Ground, How Would You Rate the Food?
Away food at Victoria Road is generally considered pretty good, in particular the burgers and the prices of pot noodles. It's affordable and unless it's a particularly heavy matchday in terms of spectator numbers, you'll be served in good time. The concourse of the stand also houses a bar which is most welcome for away supporters, meaning you can have a drink before the match and during - so long as you do not drink in view of the pitch as per all stadia in England. The concourse is also heated and equipped with Sky Sports - creating a warm, open and welcoming feel.
How Was The Atmosphere At The Ground, From Both Sets of Supporters? Does the Stadium Hold the Noise?
Home atmosphere is usually pretty poor due to the proximity of the home fans to the away fans, and that the North Stand (nicknamed the Sieve) does not amplify noise well towards the rest of the stadia. Noise can be generated very successfully in the away stand however, with the sloping upwards roof allowing noise to travel and a clear and loud atmosphere to be created with the right numbers. This has been known to give away teams an advantage when pushing for a goal, as you may expect.
How Are the Pubs and Local Attractions in The Local Area?
Local pubs are somewhat short in supply. The Eastbrook is the main haunt, located around 10 minutes from Dagenham East Station, anyone wishing to go here should walk past the road that leads into the stadium and continue on for a further five minutes. The Eastbrook is to be found on the right hand side. It has Sky Sports, a garden area, pool table and dart board as well as the obligatory fish stall outside. Elsewhere the Pipe Major is a new Marstons pub that has opened up ahead of the 2015/2016 season, it's located a short walk away from Dagenham East Station and also serves food as well as your normal array of beers on tap. For someone looking to eat and drink before the game, this is the best place to go. Your final option, and one that most fans tend to opt for (home and away), is the Dagenham & Redbridge clubhouse. This is 50p entry, and as with the Eastbrook, is equipped with all amenities including Sky Sports, and more importantly is a friendly place, which makes it perfect for anyone coming with children as well. Away fans are always welcome unless there's a particularly large away following in which case the opposition club will be advised in the week before whether they can use the clubhouse. Your usual array of chicken shops are also available along Rainham Road, although anyone fancying something more local should try the Eastbrook Pie & Mash, located a 2 or 3 minute walk from the Eastbrook Pub. Turn right out of the pub and walk around 100 yards and you should see it on your right hand side.
Overall Score Out of 10?
Although Dagenham isn't much to look at as an area, it retains a charm as a lower league football ground. And that in accordance with it's excellent view and facilities makes it an easy 7/10.
How Easy Was The Ground to Get To (from the station, by car, etc)
The ground is mainly accessible by tube, primarily by using the District Line from inner London and getting off at Dagenham East Station. From here you turn left and walk for about 5 minutes with the road leading into the ground on your left hand side, usually marked by a steward standing at the top of it. If you're travelling from Central London and cannot readily access the District Line, changing from the Hammersmith & City Line at Barking, or the Jubilee Line at West Ham is also advised.
If Applicable, How is Parking Near The Ground?
Parking is usually fine due to Dagenham & Redbridge rarely receiving a large home crowd. Although car parking in the stadium car park is not allowed, plenty of on-street parking along Rainham Road and the surrounding side streets is available.
Based on Where You Were Sat, How Was the View?
The view from the Traditional Builders Stand (Away Stand) is impeccable - and is widely considered the best in the ground. You have a full, unobstructed view of the pitch, and with the stand somewhat raised you're able to see both ends with absolute clarity. The stand is fully seated and hosts 1200 supporters, with an extra 300 given in the terrace along one side if demand requires it - although this is only usually for local fixtures vs Leyton Orient or Southend, and big games against Southampton/Sheffield Wednesday in the past. Seating is usually unallocated unless the full 1200 allocation is taken up.
How Were The Stewards on The Day?
Stewards, both in the home and away stands are usually very friendly. Usually ok for a chat if you want to engage with them.
If You Ate at The Ground, How Would You Rate the Food?
Away food at Victoria Road is generally considered pretty good, in particular the burgers and the prices of pot noodles. It's affordable and unless it's a particularly heavy matchday in terms of spectator numbers, you'll be served in good time. The concourse of the stand also houses a bar which is most welcome for away supporters, meaning you can have a drink before the match and during - so long as you do not drink in view of the pitch as per all stadia in England. The concourse is also heated and equipped with Sky Sports - creating a warm, open and welcoming feel.
How Was The Atmosphere At The Ground, From Both Sets of Supporters? Does the Stadium Hold the Noise?
Home atmosphere is usually pretty poor due to the proximity of the home fans to the away fans, and that the North Stand (nicknamed the Sieve) does not amplify noise well towards the rest of the stadia. Noise can be generated very successfully in the away stand however, with the sloping upwards roof allowing noise to travel and a clear and loud atmosphere to be created with the right numbers. This has been known to give away teams an advantage when pushing for a goal, as you may expect.
How Are the Pubs and Local Attractions in The Local Area?
Local pubs are somewhat short in supply. The Eastbrook is the main haunt, located around 10 minutes from Dagenham East Station, anyone wishing to go here should walk past the road that leads into the stadium and continue on for a further five minutes. The Eastbrook is to be found on the right hand side. It has Sky Sports, a garden area, pool table and dart board as well as the obligatory fish stall outside. Elsewhere the Pipe Major is a new Marstons pub that has opened up ahead of the 2015/2016 season, it's located a short walk away from Dagenham East Station and also serves food as well as your normal array of beers on tap. For someone looking to eat and drink before the game, this is the best place to go. Your final option, and one that most fans tend to opt for (home and away), is the Dagenham & Redbridge clubhouse. This is 50p entry, and as with the Eastbrook, is equipped with all amenities including Sky Sports, and more importantly is a friendly place, which makes it perfect for anyone coming with children as well. Away fans are always welcome unless there's a particularly large away following in which case the opposition club will be advised in the week before whether they can use the clubhouse. Your usual array of chicken shops are also available along Rainham Road, although anyone fancying something more local should try the Eastbrook Pie & Mash, located a 2 or 3 minute walk from the Eastbrook Pub. Turn right out of the pub and walk around 100 yards and you should see it on your right hand side.
Overall Score Out of 10?
Although Dagenham isn't much to look at as an area, it retains a charm as a lower league football ground. And that in accordance with it's excellent view and facilities makes it an easy 7/10.
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