19/42- The Falkirk Stadium, Falkirk

15th December 2018
Ground Number: 19
Ground: The Falkirk Stadium, Falkirk
Home of: Falkirk FC
Match: Falkirk V Morton
Score: 0-0
Attendance: 3775


It had to happen at some point right? We've seen 51 goals so far on the tour but between them today Falkirk and Morton couldn't have the decency to score one! Yes that's right folks it was the first 0-0 draw of the tour on a (frankly) miserable day in Falkirk.


What were we thinking? No really WHAT were we thinking? It was pouring down, it was cold and it got dark at about 3:45pm. If today doesn't show our true commitment to getting this tour done I don't know what will! So yes, off we set to the imaginatively named Falkirk Stadium. In Falkirk. Home of Falkirk FC. Keeping up?


We found the stadium without any issues and were fully expecting to pay for parking at the ground. It even said so on the Falkirk website. But no, it was free! Happy days! After some camera issues (don't ask!) we got the obligatory pictures and hot footed it to the shop for match tickets and pin badge. A whopping £21 for a match ticket took us by surprise but £3 for a pin badge was good value. Controversially, David and I went for different pin badges. I insist my club crest one is the better one!

Off we go to find our seats then and as we emerge from the concourse of the Main Stand we are immediately impressed with The Falkirk Stadium.




From the main walkway in the stand we got a stunning view of the pitch and behind each goal were identical looking stands. The one to the right housing the home fans and the one off to our left home to the small band of Morton fans today. Around us in the Main Stand were home supporters. As we made our way to our specified seats it became clear we had an issue. I'll let the next picture speak for itself.


For £21, and in a fairly modern stadium, we don't expect our view to be obstructed by safety barriers or advertising boards. Sadly this was the case at The Falkirk Stadium. Was it the end of the world? No. Should it happen? No. We found ourselves having to lean forward when the action was taking place on the nearside touchline. Speaking of the "action"...this was a really poor match. Maybe the players just weren't up for it given the miserable weather and the freezing cold temperatures? We struggled to get motivated today so I completely get it!


There were very few chances of note but at least we got a good view of the rain and sleet over the neighbouring countryside due to the missing stand opposite us in the Main Stand. I say missing stand. I should point out that it hasn't vanished or been stolen. It was never there in the first place and it's shame as it would really elevate The Falkirk Stadium from good to great. What is there currently is really smart and modern but sadly it does feel unfinished as it is. Half time then, let's see how the pies are here.


It's another cracker! The Falkirk pie doesn't deserve relegation this season so hopefully Ray McKinnon is able to haul the club off the foot of the Championship before the season is over. David rated the pie 9/10. I agreed. Thumbs up all around really. We took shelter in the concourse for the duration of half time, David didn't even attempt to leave for a cigarette given how cold and wet it was.

I'm trying to think of something positive to write about the second half I really am. It was a great crowd here today. Just under 4000 for Falkirk V Morton is not to be sniffed at! That was positive right? Let's leave it at that because I don't want to be cruel (or bore you!) by talking about the match. It finished 0-0 by the way. I think they could still be playing now and it would still be 0-0.

So ground 19 ticked off. We'll remember it for the wrong reasons probably. Cold. wet, miserable. None of those are Falkirk's fault. Charging £21 to sit in a restricted view seat though? More of a debate on that one. Next up is Montrose. Fingers crossed for goals!
















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