Macclesfield Town

by **NIGHTMARE** Sat 26 Jun - 5:03:09

How To Get There By Car & Where To Park
From the South:
Leave the M6 at Junction 17 and turn onto the A534 towards Congleton. On reaching Congleton town centre follow the signs for A54 Buxton. Stay on the A54 for around 5 miles and then turn left on to the A523 towards Macclesfield. You will see the ground on your left after entering the outskirts of Macclesfield. Mostly street parking around and behind the ground and on the A523 itself.

From The North:
Leave the M6 at Junction 18 and take the A54 towards Congleton. On reaching Congleton town centre follow the signs for A54 Buxton. Then as South.

By Train
'Macclesfield railway station is about one and a quarter miles from the Moss Rose ground, about a 20 minute walk away. As you leave the station, at the bottom of the station approach, turn left onto Sunderland Street and follow until the traffic lights at Park Green (War memorial and gardens). Turn left onto Mill Lane (it is probably better to cross onto the opposite side of the road here at the traffic lights) and follow this road which becomes London Road. Just after passing the Catholic Church on the right the ground comes into sight ahead.

Where To Drink?
The ground is located on the outskirts of Macclesfield and therefore there is not a tremendous choice of pubs or even a handy chippy. The Golden Lion is the only close pub, just under a ten minute walk from the away turnstiles. I found the pub warm and friendly and I my last visit there was a 50-50 mix of home and away supporters. It serves real ale and on matchdays they offer Pie & Chips, plus a pint for �5, which can't be bad! The pub also offers free parking for coaches and mini buses if arranged in advance (Tel: 01625 423763). To find the Golden Lion, simply head down Moss Lane, which goes behind the away terrace, and then turn left at the corner of the ground and walk down behind the new stand. Keep straight on this road and you will come to the pub on the left.

What's The Ground Like?
Even with the recent developments at the ground, it is still on the smallish side, with a bit of a non league feel about it. One side is predominantly uncovered terracing, with the small seated Silk FM 'Main' Stand sitting in the middle. This type of stand, is a classic design, once common across the country, but many have since disappeared with re-development. Although it is old looking it was in fact opened in 1968. It is though unusual to see such a stand that doesn't have any supporting pillars running across the front of it. On the other side is the covered, single tiered Alfred McAlpine Stand, which was opened in March 2001. This smart looking all seated stand with a hospitality area to its rear, has greatly improved the overall look of the ground. The Star Lane End is a relatively new covered stand, that is a strange mix of seating and terracing. Strange and unusual in having a terrace area behind the seating area. Apparently seating was added to the terrace in this way, so that the Club could fulfil the then Football League's rules concerning the number of seats that a Club ground needed to be admitted into the Football League. Opposite is the open terraced Silkman End, which is given to away supporters. In one corner of the ground there is a basic looking electric scoreboard which sits on top of the Police Control Box, next to the Star Lane End. The ground also a set of unusual looking floodlights.

What Is It Like For Visiting Supporters?
Away fans are primarily located in the open Silkman End, where up to 1,500 fans can be accommodated. Additionally, 403 seats are made available in the new Alfred McAlpine Stand, which sits at one side of the pitch. The seating may well be a better bet, as this stand is covered and the facilities new. On my last visit I opted for an away supporters seat in the Alfred McAlpine Stand. Oddly you gain access to this relatively new stand by going through a rather old looking turnstile. However, once inside you should be impressed with the excellent facilities on offer. From your seat you can also enjoy the views of the rolling countryside stretching away behind the Main Stand. The view of the playing action and the atmosphere within the ground are both pretty good, with some enjoyable banter between the two sets of supporters. Food inside the ground included Cheeseburgers (2.80), Hot Dogs (2.60) along with pies and pasties.