THE RECKLESS GUIDE TO
POTTERS BAR TOWN
FA Cup 4th Qualifying
Saturday 19th October 2019
Kick Off 12.30 pm
Live Stream on BBC Sport
Stadium
The Pakex Stadium Parkfield, Watkins Rise (off The Walk), Potters Bar, Hertfordshire.EN6 1QB
Telephone 01707 654833
Club Colours Claret and White
Nickname The Scholars
Key Personnel
The current Gaffer is Lee O’Leary. An ex Scholar, the former Hendon and Kingstonian midfielder is still only 34 and this is his first taste of management. Town’s Director of Football is Steve Ringrose who was the manager for three seasons. He had previous managerial experience with North Greenford and Hillingdon Borough.
The Club
Potters Bar Town were founded in 1960 as Mount Grace and played in local Hertfordshire leagues for over 30 years until 1991 when they joined the South Midlands League and their name was changed. Previous managers include Les Eason, a Barnet FC legend for over a decade in the ’60s and ’70s, Steve Smart, who was on Barnet’s books for a couple of seasons in the 1980s and Andy Leese who went onto have success with Chesham United. Les was Director of Football at Parkfield for a number of years too and attends most games home and away – although I know he has amber blood!
Brief Directions by Road
From the M25 – Exit at Junction 24 and take A111 (Southgate Road) towards Potters Bar. Continue to the traffic lights and turn right onto the A1000 (High Street). Pass the BP garage on the left and the pedestrian crossing before turning left into the Walk. After 200 yards Watkins Rise and the ground is to your right opposite the Cricket Club. From Barnet – head north on the A1000 and into Potters Bar. Potty’s Diner is to your right at the traffic lights where this road meets the A111. Straight on passing the BP station and then follow above.
Car Parking
There will be no parking at the ground which is reserved for officials. The immediate area is residents only although there is a pay and display in Oakmere Park on the A1000 opposite the top of The Walk. Please do not park in Mayfair Lodge Car Home car park opposite the ground – as you will be clamped.
At the time of writing it is hoped that the Cricket Club will open its car park for cars too.
Directions by Train
Potters Bar station is an 8-minute journey from New Barnet station and served by trains stopping all stations from Kings Cross in the south and Stevenage in the North. A 15 minute uphill walk to the ground awaits – The Walk is opposite the station taxi rank. Follow your nose up the hill and Watkins Rise will be on your left just past the tennis courts and opposite the Cricket Club.
Eating and Drinking Locally
As a resident in Potters Bar for 30 years I can fully endorse the following list of hostelries and eateries – The Istanbul Kebab opposite the top of the Walk is the best Mediterranean takeaway, the Mixed Kebab is awesome. The Sea Shell Fish and Chips (opposite the Bus Station a 5-minute walk North from the ground on the A1000) is a quality and very friendly establishment with very generous portions on offer. For a breakfast/brunch sit down the Cafe One is very very good fayre too and value for money (The Liver and Bacon and Onions is a regular “treat” for me!).,
The Cask and Stillage is the only real choice of a pub as the area has been decimated recently in that regard unless you use the Admiral Byng close to the station which is the Wetherspoons outlet.
It is very possible that the Cricket Club bar which is literally a 2-minute walk from the ground will be opening its doors too from 11.00 am. Please double-check this before Saturday morning.
Ground Description
The club has played at Parkfield since their formation although the ground has changed beyond recognition since those days with the original East to West pitch now sitting North to South.
There is a small seating area for about 200 on one side of the ground and small covered terraces opposite and at the Church End to the right. The rest of the ground is a walkway hardstanding behind the perimeter fence. The Capacity is allegedly around 2,000. The very smart newly refurbished clubhouse will not be available to visiting supporters for this game.
Admission Prices
The game is a segregated all-ticket match and terrace tickets are priced at £15.00 for Adults, £10.00 Concessions and £5.00 for the Under 16.
Our Last Meeting & Memories
To the best of my knowledge, we have only played Potters Bar once in a competitive fixture and that was way back in November 2002 in the Hertfordshire Senior Cup. 308 a then ground record witnessed a 2-0 Potters Bar win.
Thanks to Reckless for providing us with this brilliant guide to Potters Bar Town. You can check out his blog HERE
