29/42 - Galabank Stadium, Annan
17th August 2019
Ground Number: 29
Ground: Galabank Stadium, Annan
Home of: Annan Athletic FC
Match: Annan Athletic V Albion Rovers
Score: 3-2
Attendance: 449
Ground Number: 29
Ground: Galabank Stadium, Annan
Home of: Annan Athletic FC
Match: Annan Athletic V Albion Rovers
Score: 3-2
Attendance: 449
Ground 29 saw us visit southern Scotland and the charming town of Annan to take in Galabank Stadium, home of Annan Athletic FC. Football has been played at this ground since 1953 but you wouldn't be able to tell as it's an impressively modern looking football ground.
We aimed for the official club car park on arrival as encouraged to do so by signs close to the ground however it was full when we arrived so local street parking it was just a few minutes walk away from the ground.
We arrived at the ground just as the game was kicking off and the Annan PA system is loud. And I do mean LOUD! The neighbours here most definitely know when the teams are emerging let me tell you. Into the ground we go then (after the obligatory selfie of course) and £12.00 entry is the adult price here. Very reasonable we thought. Disaster though, the Club Shop is closed!
Speaking to the friendly staff it seems there's a chance the shop may open again at full time so we keep our fingers crossed hoping the Annan pin badge will not elude us! You have two choices upon entry to Galabank. You're immediately behind one of the goals where there is covered terracing or you can walk around to the stand where there is ample seats available. That is, of course, where we headed.
We found two seats free very close to the half way line and were very pleased with our vantage point. It's another ground where you feel very close to the action and the stand side linesman (assistant referee if you prefer) certainly took some stick during the course of the match. And what a match by the way! We got served up a five goal thriller here and it was the away side who took the lead after a storming start. By 36 minutes however Annan were 3-1 up courtesy of a glorious fightback and a quite spectacular strike from the evergreen Christain Nade.
Off to the left of us was uncovered and unused terracing and directly opposite the stand was the dugouts and a glorious fence which lined that side of the ground. No fans could access this part of the ground.
Bear in mind if you choose to sit in the front row of the stand at Galabank your view may be obscured by the safety barrier at the front of the stand. We just about got away with it but feel it's worth pointing out.
At half time we visited the Annan Pie Shop located just at the entrance of the ground and the Annan pie was wonderful quite honestly. A solid 9/10 from both of us! Hot, crunchy pastry, tasty filling, no grease. What more do you want from a pie? The less said about the warm juice poured from a bottle into a cup though the better. The Annan "pie garden" is a brilliant concept though. Right beside the Pie Shop there are tables, chairs and it's a genuinely brilliant place to chill before the game and at half time. More grounds should have little places like this! I accept it's probably not much midweek in January however.
Half time offered us the chance to get a few more pictures of the ground from different angles and it really is a charming ground that we liked a lot. It was clear too from sitting among the home fans that they're really passionate about their local team and want to see them do well. Everyone we spoke to and interacted with was really friendly.
Full time arrived (as it tends to do) and off we went in search of a pin badge. Sadly the Club Shop remained closed however a quick chat with Safety Officer David resulted in him going off to locate the keys to the Club Shop for us. Sadly he didn't find them but he did offer to post us out two badges free of charge! Service or what!? Just as we were arranging that the Club Shop door opened and a staff member emerged from inside. It was fate I'm telling you! With that we were able to bag ourselves a rather snazzy Annan Athletic pin badge.
All in all it was a great visit to Galabank and to a club who seem to really appreciate the fans and the matchday experience. The entry prices were fair, the views were good, the pie was awesome, the staff were really friendly and helpful and even little things like the music choices....all contributed to a great experience. We wish Annan well for the rest of the season.
Just open the Club Shop at full time eh? ;)
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