Directions by Car: Nice and straight forward this one! From the M25 take the M23 southbound and exit at Junction 11(sign posted A264 Horsham, Pease Pottage Services). Follow the signs for A23(N) Crawley town centre. Stay on this road for about a mile until the bottom of the hill and turn left at the roundabout and you will see the ground on your left and entrance to car park.

Car Parking: There is a large car park at the ground which I believe costs £5.00 but getting out quickly after the game will prove a problem.

A spy has told me that free parking is available in the industrial estate close to the ground. Just before the stadium down the hill, turn left. Worth checking out.

Directions by Train: A couple of options open to you. The Crawley area is serviced by two stations. Three Bridges is a fair distance from the ground and your best bet is a 10 minute taxi ride which should cost around £6.00. Crawley Station is around a mile from the ground (calculate your own walking times please). Turn left out of the station and after 1/4 mile turn left into the Brighton Road (A2219) and cross over the railway. 3/4 mile further on you will see the stadium to your right, access via the underpass. The number 10 bus from opposite the station runs to the ground. By Air: Gatwick Airport is the nearest facility to the ground – flights daily.

Eating and Drinking Locally: There is a bar at the stadium at the back of the Bruce Winfield Stand called the ‘Redz Bar’, which allows visiting supporters. Entrance to this bar is gained from outside the stadium. The closest pub to the stadium is the Half Moon on Brighton Road (A2219). This is about a five minute walk. Another pub close by is The Downsman, which is on Wakehurst Drive, just off Southgate Avenue. 

Ground Description: The stadium was opened in 1997 after Crawley had spent many years at the Town Mead Ground. Both end terraces are fully covered and wrap slightly around the corners towards the main stand is which is quietly impressive, occupying most of the touchline. Opposite is the new East Stand, a semi permanent structure opened in 2013. The North Terrace is reserved for away fans.

Admission Prices: Adults £16, Concessions £12, U18s £10.

Previous Meetings and Memories: The last visit was in late December 2011 and a 1-0 defeat. One outstanding visit to the Broadfield Stadium was in our promotion winning season 2004-05. Two exemplary finishes from Giuliano Grazioli were capped but a breath taking volley by Dean Sinclair to win the game 3-1. The goal is available to view on YouTube and frankly it is a stunning finish. Good “stack” from the Bees fans behind the goal too!

At Crawley’s previous home, Barnet fans sampled The Walls of Jericho Experience in 1994 after Carl Hoddle’s stunning Match of the Day, Goal of the Month candidate – it should have won it. The retaining wall directly behind the goal collapsed as hundreds of Bees fans celebrated. The blame has over the years fallen upon long-time supporter Robin ‘The Tank’ and was captured for posterity by the BBC. I hasten to add no one was seriously hurt.

Celebrity Watch: Sporting heroes and villains galore for your autograph books – World champion boxer Alan Minter, gorgeous gymnast and TV presenter Suzanne Dando, gold medal winning athletes Daley Thompson and Sally Gunnell all hail from these parts, How about a dip with swimmer Sharon Davis as well? Gareth Southgate went to school here and 1970s Barnet legend (who also played a couple of games for Chelsea) Marvin Hinton used to live here. The Cure used to rehearse in the social club at the old Town Mead ground between 8.00 and ‘10.15 Saturday Night’ but that was ‘Never Enough’.

I would like to thank everybody for putting up with my ramblings for another season and I am afraid they will be back next season. I also hope these guides have been of some help. I have made the odd error I admit and for those you have my sincere apologies.

Reckless