"Nice, simple ground with nice people"

A standard Step 6/7 ground. Good views, a stand to shelter from the weather and a small welcoming clubhouse.

Location

Nowhere near any public transport. Nearest train station is likely Farnborough, and that's going to be a cab ride away, or a nice walk (two miles I reckon). Situated opposite BMW offices, at the far end of Southwood, there's houses right up to the bottom of the playing field (the ground situated at the top of that), and then nothing but trees beyond that. Plenty of parking for that level (only ever once seen it full, overflow was behind the nearside goal).

View

Standing pitch-side is easy, totally unobstructed views around the ground. Worth noting that there is a big gap between the pitch-side fencing and the actual pitch. Which at least gives you some time to react from wayward clearances/passes - this time is required, as the perimeter barrier isn't filled in, so balls along the ground towards the crowd certainly test your first touch.

From the stand, the only blockage of views are a) people standing pitch-side (there's about 20 yards between the stand and the pitch-side barrier) and b) the large storage container to the right of the stand, does block off one corner of the pitch, if you're sat right over on that side of the stand. Again, this is not usually a problem with their attendances. Probably seats about 100 I guess, and it's benched seating, though there are a couple of flip-down seats for, I dunno, dignitaries I suppse.

Facilities

Simple facilities - toilet in the main clubhouse, and a tea-bar - see below. Worth noting that at the start, half-time and full-time, the "tunnel" between the pitch and dressing rooms is roped off to allow the teams and officials access.

Food & Drink

Really nice, friendly tea-bar inside the clubhouse. Burgers, bacon burgers all made whilst you wait (standard non-league burgers, but they don't pre-make, so you will need to wait). No chips. Really nice hot-chocolate and usual hot and cold drinks. Plenty of sweets for kids as well. Alcohol served in cans.

A few tables and chairs in the tea-bar as well. Sky Sports News usually on the telly in there.

Police & Stewards

N/A - it's the same volunteers, who are unfailingly friendly and helpful.

Atmosphere

They don't get many here (the biggest attendance of last season was a local derby, just after Christmas, and a lot of groundhoppers were there), so the atmosphere is non-existent, you can hear literally every single thing the players call the referee. But it's friendly, and unthreatening - there is one local club who get slightly higher attendances, but it's not a nice atmosphere at all...

Write your own review of Kennels Lane

Have you been to Kennels Lane? Write a review!