"Knaresborough Town FC - Manse Lane"

Knaresborough is a town I know pretty well as my brother has lived here for about 30 years now, however I have never previously been to watch Knaresborough Town as they have only recently joined Step 6 football in the NCEL Dvision 1. This season is their best ever, with them runaway leaders of the division and looking dead certs for promotion. Perhaps it was because of their success this year, but the club seemd to be very buoyant during my visit - everyone very upbeat, helpful and friendly. The ground itself has limitations and will not be suitable for anything above Step 5 but all those involved with the club were top notch

Location

The Manse Lane ground is in a residential area just south of the A59 York to Harrogate road, east of Knaresborough town centre. The ground itself has a small car park on site which was full long before kickoff for this Tuesday evening visit of Rossington Main. Parking in the roads outside the ground is no problem and more than adequate. Knareborough Station (on the Leeds to York line) is about 15 minutes walk away (through the town itself). The nearest pub to Manse Lane is the Marquis of Granby back on the A59, however a much wider choice exists a ten minute walk away to the historic Market Square, with Blind Jacks, The Hart, The Old Royal Oak, the Market Tavern and Castle Vaults all to chose from. There are also numerous places to eat in the town with a variety of takeaways available.

View

The Manse Lane ground itself is fairly basic. The Main Stand is on the far side of the pitch from the clubhouse and turnstiles and is a modest affair seating about 60 spectators. There is also a small area of covered terrace behind the goal nearest the clubhouse and that’s about it. The areas behind both goals are accessible as is the far side of the pitch. Strangely, however, the side, nearest the clubhouse is only accessible along half of its length

Facilities

Toilets are located in the clubhouse and, whilst there is no clubshop, a limited number of club souvenirs (Badges etc) are available in the bar. The programme is good value for £1.50 and includes a potted history of the visitors, full appearances and goalscorer info for Knaresborough and other bits of league info

Food & Drink

Alcohol is available from the bar, whilst hot drinks and some limited food is available from the snack bar which is also inside the clubhouse. The referee’s assessor from the NCEL had tipped me off that he thought they had the best pies in the league at Knaresborough and I have to say that, having tried it, their Steak pie and gravy is highly recommended.

Atmosphere

The crowd for the game was 118 which is an excellent turnout for a Step 6 match. Not sure how many the Rossington following numbered 9not many I think) but the Knaresborough fans were in fine voice. Everyone concerned with the club was also extremely friendly and helpful

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