The Bees are back on the road in the Vanarama National League – travelling to Eastleigh on Saturday 23rd April.
Reckless has created this Away Guide packed full of all the key details you need to know if you’re supporting the Bees at the Silverlake Stadium.
STADIUM
Silverlake Stadium, Stoneham Lane, Eastleigh, Hampshire, SO50 9NT
NICKNAME
The Spitfires
COLOURS
Blue & White
KEY PERSONNEL
Lee Bradbury has been the Manager at Eastleigh since February after replacing Ben Strevens.
Bradbury had a long playing career for the likes of Portsmouth, AFC Bournemouth, Manchester City and Oxford United.
Since retiring from playing, the 46-year-old has had spells of managing AFC Bournemouth, Havant & Waterlooville and Eastbourne Borough.
BRIEF DIRECTIONS BY ROAD
Take the M3 before heading onto the M27 which is signposted for Portsmouth. You will then need to exit at Junction 5 signposted Eastleigh.
Rather confusingly you will see the stadium to your left, but continue on as there is no left turn into Stoneham Lane from this direction. When you reach a roundabout go back on yourself and when you reach the Concorde Club on your left turn, you will see the stadium on your right.
Eastleigh have recommended away supporters to park at the Concorde Club – SO50 9HQ – which is a five-minute walk from the ground, at a cost of £5 per car.
BRIEF DIRECTIONS BY TRAIN
The closest station to the stadium is Southampton Airport Parkway, which is about a 20 minute walk to the ground. Southampton Airport Parkway station is served by trains from London Waterloo.
From Eastleigh Bus Station you can catch the Blue Star Number Two service towards Southampton City Centre, which passes near to the stadium.
GROUND DESCRIPTION
The Stadium is in a period of transition in that two of the sides are possibly of a temporary nature. The Appletons Signs Stand was extended in 2017 and can seat around 1,200.
The Reign Terrace is opposite and has been there since 2014 – the structure formerly of Exeter RFC. The Nuffield Health Community Stand behind the south goal is all seated and the Silverlake Stand is a small covered terrace behind the north goal.
EAT AND DRINK
The Concorde Club is just north of the ground and should welcome away supporters. Alternatively, the Cricketers on Chestnut Avenue is one of the only other pubs nearby.
There will be a bar available in the Away end which opens from 1:30pm. Pints are priced at £4.50, with bottles at £4. This bar will only accept cash.
Opposite Eastleigh Station is the local Wetherspoons outlet called the Wagon Works.
PREVIOUS MEETINGS AND MEMORIES
The Bees stormed to a 3-0 win in April 2019 courtesy of Shaq Coulthirst (2) and Ephron Mason-Clark.
Barnet also had a successful trip in March 2015 with goals from John Akinde and Curtis Weston sealing a 2-1 win. That game began a nine match unbeaten run which took the club to the Vanarama National League title.
CONNECTIONS
Ben Strevens, Mark Marshall, Bondz N’Gala, Martin Allen and Andy Hessenthaler, Warren Goodhind, Lee Cook, Ross Flitney, Richard Graham, Graham Stack are amongst those who have associations with both clubs.
CELEBRITY WATCH
Comedian Benny Hill lived and worked in Eastleigh. His early job as a Milkman here inspired his Number One hit record in 1971 “Ernie”.
Click HERE to buy tickets.
Enjoy the match, Reckless
