A SECOND trip in as many months to ‘Nam’s Victoria Road, and this will be the first time we have ever played there in the league. However, due to the proximity of the sides and the pre-season clashes between the clubs over the years, it will be a familiar venue for Shrimpers fans, who will travel to this in good numbers.
One element that will be new to those who did not travel in the JPT is the spanking new stand that has been generously allocated to away supporters. It holds around 1,200 people and has excellent facilities, with a spacious bar underneath the stand complete with Sky Sports, and plenty of grub on sale. Despite its limited capacity it dwarfs the rest of the ground, which remains stuck in non-league.
That said, it’s a decent place to watch football as the crowd are very close to the pitch (Ryan Leonard had to effect a sideways run up for his long throws as there is about a metre between the touchline and the advertising hoardings), there’s terracing and it’s got plenty of charm.
Sadly, it is stuck in the middle of a big post-war housing estate which really does have nothing to offer the visiting supporter. The nearest pub is about a ten minute walk away from the ground further down the Rainham Road (going away from Dagenham East station). The AAS boys are likely to drink in Romford and take the 103 bus.
Unfortunately, the roads are likely to be manic as there is no district line on Saturday, meaning the favoured route to Dagenham East station is not happening. The closest overground station is Dagenham Dock on the c2c line, around three miles away. There is street parking around the ground but you’ll have to arrive early to get a decent spot.
Demand has already outstripped supply for this one. With 915 travelling on a Tuesday night in the JPT, the 1,500 allocation was always likely to go quickly and so it proved, with all tickets sold out more than 10 days in advance of the game. AAS would of course never condone Southend fans going in the home stands. Ooh no. But they do seem quite friendly down at Daggers so as long as you behave yourselves it’s unlikely to be a massive deal.
All At Sea Fanzine 
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