How To Get To Cheltenham

Last updated : 27 January 2006 By Footy Mad - Editor

(Information supplied by our mates over at www.TalkOfTheTyne.net)


 

Cheltenham Town play the biggest match in their 114-year history (only 74 years of which has been as a professional club, and less than seven as a League entity), when six times FA Cup winners Newcastle United visit Whaddon Road. The League Two club have only met top flight opposition in the FA Cup once before, losing 2-1 away to Fulham in the third round in the season before last. They are facing the Magpies for the first time ever in any competition.

John Ward's side are starting a Cup tie for the sixth time, having beaten Carlisle, Oxford and Chester - with replays required against the latter two. Cheltenham are promotion contenders from the fourth tier and stand 60 League places below Newcastle. The midweek defeat by in-form Colchester in the LDV Vans Trophy was only their second loss in 14 in all competitions - five of the last 11 being victories.

The Robins have only reached the last 16 once previously. That was in 2002, when they lost to a Danny Dichio goal for West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns.

GETTING THERE:
Leave the M5 at Junction 10 and take the A4019 towards Cheltenham. Keep straight on through the traffic lights until you come to a large roundabout (there is a McDonald's on the left), at which you turn left. Continue up this road going over a double mini roundabout. Keep going for about 300yds and then turn right into Swindon Lane. Go over the level crossing and straight over the next roundabout (signposted Prestbury) passing the race course on your left. Turn right into Albert Road (signposted Gloucestershire University) and at the bottom at the roundabout turn left into Prestbury Road. The ground is signposted from here.

TRAIN: Cheltenham Station is over two miles from the ground, so best to get a taxi.

GROUND: The away section entrance to the seated area involves walking through the away terrace, as there is no seperate away entrance to the seated area. Other away fans are housed in the Whaddon Road terrace. The Cotswold Hills can easily be seen from inside the ground. 

PUBS: There is a club bar at the ground called the Robin's Nest which allows a small number of away fans in for a fee. The closest pubs to the ground are the Fox & Hounds and the Greyhound. However, if you want a chance of getting served, Toon fans are probably better off heading to the Sudeley Arms or the Conservatory on Prestbury Road on the outskirts of town.