BurnSand visited Victoria Park on 27/09/2016

Game watched: Hartlepool United 1-1 Luton Town

I arrived at 2.30 by train from Burnley where I had spent the night. From the train I could see the nuclear power plant as the train was about to arrive at the station. I located my B&B and went up to the souvenir shop to collect my prepaid £10 ticket. 

After dinner at a local pub it was time to get to the ground and take up my seat in the Camerons CK Stand. CK stands for Cyril Knowles, who was manager of Hartlepool when he was diagnosed with a brain tumour that eventually killed him. 

The lively Nathan Thomas gave Pools the lead in the first half. In the second half, the home side's Nicky Featherstone was given a straight red after a high boot. From then on it was one-lane traffic against the Pools goal. Miraculously, only an Alan Sheehan freekick resulted in goal and Hartlepool managed to salvage a point to stay in 15th place in L2. 

Hartlepool's form faded later in the season and they finished 23rd and being relegated to the National League. Luton finished 4th, but were beaten 6-5 by Blackpool in the playoff semifinals.

Overall
3
Atmosphere
3
Location
4
Value for money
3
Pint rating
Not rated
Pie rating
Not rated
Programme
3
Character
4
Stewarding
3
Added 01/10/2019