Rotherham United - Millmoor

Millmoor - Rotherham United

It`s cold, damp and not very enjoyable. No not the weather outside, just a reminder of a normal trip over t`pennines to watch the Pool play at Rotherham. Not one of my favourite grounds, the whole day out reminds me of an episode of the League of Gentlemen. Luckily for us, unlike the tv show we do get to leave at the end of the day.

How to get there
By Car
M1 - Leave the M1 at junction 33 then take the A630 dual carriageway towards Rotherham. Veer left at the first roundabout, right at the next, then go straight on at the one after that. You should now see the floodlights over to the left. Home fans should turn left at the final roundabout into Masborough Street, while away fans are supposed to go right round the roundabout, back onto the dual carriageway, and then turn left into the car park of the Zone nightclub.
If you opted to go left at the roundabout, you should now be in Masborough Street with a filling station on the left. You don't have to travel far up here before you come to Millmoor on your left, just before the railway bridge (where the red & yellow bus is on the photograph above). Don't turn left into Millmoor however, instead turn right, over the road. There's a road that runs parallel to the bridge, take it, and then drive under the bridge, into the club car park (£1 fee).
On exiting you can't turn right, out of the car park, so go left, turn next right, then left again at the bottom, back onto Masborough Street.

From A1 (M)
Leave the A1(M) at Warmsworth and follow the A630 all the way to Rotherham. This will take you through Conisborough (watch for the castle to the right), Hooton Roberts, Thrybergh (watch for the speed camera at the top of the hill) and Dalton. Into Rotherham, go straight on at the first roundabout (Asda is on the right) then straight on at the next one. You should be on a duel carriageway which takes you past the bus station on the left, and over the River Rother. You will shortly come to another roundabout, again go straight on. Now either go right round the next roundabout, and turn into Masborough Street (home fans) or straight on, followed by a left into the Zone nightclub's car park (away fans).

For Virgin Lovers - Millmoor is just a five minute walk from the railway station.
On exiting the station go left over the bridge. Head towards the floodlights over (or under via subway) the dual carriageway, and up Masbrough Street.

The Ground
We`ll be sat under cover in the Railway Stand. Room here for over 2000 hardy souls, although I expect the numbers to be around the 500-600 mark.
One good thing about this stand is that we can make some noise.
The ground last year was reminiscent of Vale Park. Half a stand finished / demolished and it will be interesting to see exactly just how much progress has been made since our last visit.

Where to drink
Now last season we parked up and walked away from the ground. We found one of the most squalid pubs that even I`ve ever drunk in. I`m pleased to say that I was so happy I even guided Worsley along to sample the delights. To say it was a spit & sawdust pub would be unkind to both spit & sawdust. Surprisingly remember the name of this delightful ale house wasn`t on the top of my priority list for this season.
The Tivoli club at the ground is a place for both home and away fans, Moulders Rest is a favourite for away fans and despite the name The Millmoor does allow away fans in. No ale on sale in the away end tho`.

Plod & Stewards
The Old Bill had a noticeable and, in my opinion, an overbearing presence at this fixture last season. Be prepared to have your picture taken by the constant videoing that goes on during the entire match.

Fear Factor Rating -3.

Rotherham despite starting like the weather outside this week (-10) have turned in a fantastic first half of the season. A win at a ragged Blackpool on the 2nd Saturday of the season, it`s vital that the Pool don`t miss this opportunity to put some distance between ourselves & the chasing pack.
A disappointing 4-0 drubbing here last season cannot be followed by another under par performance. Rotherham have had to sell to survive during the January transfer window and their form has dipped of late. Here`s hoping for a rare enjoyable day out in this suburb of Sheffield, and 6points from 2 visits to Yarkshire in 3 days. In the words of the League of Gentlemen, "Tell them; tell them the circus is coming to town".


Onwards + Upwards

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