Hornchurch Away

[standupsitdown]

Hornchurch are my local club – I never thought they’d be playing a league game against Torquay. I usually go there once or twice a season.
Here’s some bits of information that may be helpful.

For starters, they play in Upminster not Hornchurch.

The ground is a couple of miles from the M25 (Junction 29), 15 minutes walk from Upminster station (C2C from Fenchurch Street or West Ham, or District Line ) and 5 -10 minutes from Upminster Bridge (District Line).
From Paddington take Elizabeth Line to Whitechapel then District, or Jubilee to West Ham then C2C or District.

There is a car park at the stadium but it will get full early and can be slow to get out of.
There is street parking but best arrive early for a space close to the ground, or paid car parks in Upminster.

The Windmill pub is almost opposite Upminster Bridge station and The Junction next to Upminster station.
There is a bar at the ground and a kiosk (maybe two) which sells good burgers.

It is a strange stadium. The pitch is surrounded by an athletics track so supporters are some way from the action. There are no stands at either end. There are several small seated stands on the sides (total 1,000 seats apparently), a covered terrace on half of one side and other bits of uncovered terrace.

The only games that I’ve ever been to that were segregated were FA Cup against Tranmere and Darlington (they put up a temporary stand for the former and were live on TV) but for the Chelmsford game in September they had ‘soft’ segregation. This they said was in preparation for forthcoming big games – us! The segregated area was in the far corner of the ground from the entrance – a few seats and a rubbish bit of terrace. Not big enough if we take about 800 as went to Hampton & Chesham. There was no segregation at the turnstiles and apparently a lot of Chelmsford fans went where they wanted anyway. There’s no need for segregation and hopefully they will be sensible so home and away fans can share the covered terrace – the only decent standing accommodation.

Crowds this season have been 500 – 1,000 – average around 600 home fans - they tend to get more when West Ham aren’t playing!

Tickets will be available to purchase from midday 16th October until midday on the day of the game, after which it will pay on the gate (cash or card).
Prices are:
£15 adult
£10 student & over 65
£5 under 16

Happy to answer any questions.

[United62]

Worst. Stadium. Ever.

[SuperNickyWroe]

Worst. Stadium. Ever.

......Apart from Sid James' Park........

[numpte]

I saw the stadium from google maps and the running track has put me off going. Saw us play Chelmsford a few years back and barring a very important game, never again for a running track stadium. Bleddy miles away from the action.

[United62]

I saw the stadium from google maps and the running track has put me off going. Saw us play Chelmsford a few years back and barring a very important game, never again for a running track stadium. Bleddy miles away from the action.

I take it you won't be at Donkey Lane on 30th November then... yep, another 'running track' stadium.

[United62]

......Apart from Sid James' Park........

Trust me. It's bad. And I've been to Whitehawk!

[standupsitdown]

I saw the stadium from google maps and the running track has put me off going. Saw us play Chelmsford a few years back and barring a very important game, never again for a running track stadium. Bleddy miles away from the action.

It's worse than Chelmsford. At least that ground has four sides with terraces (albeit small) at both ends.
Havering Council own Hornchurch Stadium and as far as I'm aware don't spend money on it.
A bit like West Ham down the road, Hornchurch have the financial advantage of not owning their ground but have a rubbish stadium that wasn't designed for football.

[numpte]

I take it you won't be at Donkey Lane on 30th November then... yep, another 'running track' stadium.

No, but i will be at Boreham Wood.

[standupsitdown]

Tickets for sale now.

https://hornchurchfc.ktckts.com/event/h ... orquay-utd

[musicgull]

I used to go to Hornchurch FC when they were in the Athenian League as a child, around 60 years ago, when West Ham were away. I'm making a nostalgic trip there on Saturday., meeting an old school friend for a pint in The Windmill. (I knew it as The Bridge House)
My route will be Paddington to Romford on the Elizabeth Line, then the 248 bus to Upminster Bridge.
As previously stated, an athletics ground with a pitch stuck in the middle. We used to have our school sports day there.

[United62]

Looks like Hornchurch are doing something called 'soft segregation' for our visit.

Yep, so buy a ticket online for 'away'... then enter the ground at the same turnstiles as the home fans (makes sense so far...) then make your way to behind the away dugout... yep, past the home fans. Why are they even bothering. The views from ANYWHERE in this 'stadium' are awful (don't forget your binoculars people) and having to stay in one spot 90 mins makes no sense at all...

[standupsitdown]

Looks like Hornchurch are doing something called 'soft segregation' for our visit.

Yep, so buy a ticket online for 'away'... then enter the ground at the same turnstiles as the home fans (makes sense so far...) then make your way to behind the away dugout... yep, past the home fans. Why are they even bothering. The views from ANYWHERE in this 'stadium' are awful (don't forget your binoculars people) and having to stay in one spot 90 mins makes no sense at all...

They did this when Chelmsford played there but I understand it wasn’t compulsory and many away fans went where they wanted.
It’s a rubbish ground and this is one of the worst bits allocated for away fans.

[HornchurchFC_Media]

Hi All,

I am the chairman of the Hornchurch FC Supporters' Association and thought I'd drop you all a message regarding your visit on Saturday.

Firstly, we are really looking forward to your visit. You are by far the biggest support/team we will have had at our stadium in a very long time and looking forward to a great day.

Just wanted to explain what "soft-segregation" means.

As mentioned above, our stadium isn't the best due to the running track, however you will be pleased to know you will be closer than Chelmsford City on the sides as we only have a six lane track! It also provides a very complex issue with security at our games when a large away support arrives. We are actually currently seeking a new stadium for the future but we are currently stuck between a rock and a hard place at the moment.

We have three sides to the stadium which in theory you can watch the game from. One is the bar and associated decking labelled "Hasbeens Hill". However it is a significant distance from the pitch. The other is to the two sides of the stadium, labelled the Eastside and the Riverside. The stands on each side are as close as possible to track, which means the walkways can become crowded during a big attendance. That's why we implement this "soft segregation" to assist our volunteers with security/crowd flow with larger groups of away supporters. Please do not take this as a slight on your support. This measure is simply just during the match and you are free to use the remainder of the facilities throughout your time with us. This includes all bars throughout (i.e. the clubhouse, the Jimmy Mac Bar and the Temper Gold Bar). In addition, we will also be providing a temporary bar within the Torquay United supporters zone which will serve Real Ale, beer, cider alongside other beverages. We are also looking to provide an additional food outlet as well. We would just like you to stay in your fan zone to watch the match.

RE: ticketing, I would highly recommend purchasing in advance as we are limited with our turnstiles. Due a council ruling, we are unable to open an away entrance currently so everyone needs to come through the main gate. We have arranged for additional volunteers to support this to reduce queues.

Purchasing online will speed up entry into the ground as we’ll have a dedicated entrance for online tickets. Your ticket will be scanned on entry so make sure you either print off your ticket or have the QR code available on your mobile.

Note: Online tickets will only be available until midday (for 3pm kick-offs) or 5pm (for 7:45pm kick-offs) on the day of the game. After which, entry will be via pay on the gate via either Cash or Card.

RE: Car Park, The car park will be allocated to players, officials and disabled parking only. If you require a disabled space, please email the club on [email protected] with your name and registration.

Looking forward to having a drink, or two with you on Saturday.

Thanks,

Jordan Newman
HFCSA Chairman and Hornchurch FC Media.

[torregull]

Despite the ground having very obvious limitations seems Hornchurch are doing everything they can to make our supporters welcome and the experience as enjoyable of possible.

[AdrianC]

Many thanks for the message, best of luck with the new ground

Hi All,

I am the chairman of the Hornchurch FC Supporters' Association and thought I'd drop you all a message regarding your visit on Saturday.

Firstly, we are really looking forward to your visit. You are by far the biggest support/team we will have had at our stadium in a very long time and looking forward to a great day.

Just wanted to explain what "soft-segregation" means.

As mentioned above, our stadium isn't the best due to the running track, however you will be pleased to know you will be closer than Chelmsford City on the sides as we only have a six lane track! It also provides a very complex issue with security at our games when a large away support arrives. We are actually currently seeking a new stadium for the future but we are currently stuck between a rock and a hard place at the moment.

We have three sides to the stadium which in theory you can watch the game from. One is the bar and associated decking labelled "Hasbeens Hill". However it is a significant distance from the pitch. The other is to the two sides of the stadium, labelled the Eastside and the Riverside. The stands on each side are as close as possible to track, which means the walkways can become crowded during a big attendance. That's why we implement this "soft segregation" to assist our volunteers with security/crowd flow with larger groups of away supporters. Please do not take this as a slight on your support. This measure is simply just during the match and you are free to use the remainder of the facilities throughout your time with us. This includes all bars throughout (i.e. the clubhouse, the Jimmy Mac Bar and the Temper Gold Bar). In addition, we will also be providing a temporary bar within the Torquay United supporters zone which will serve Real Ale, beer, cider alongside other beverages. We are also looking to provide an additional food outlet as well. We would just like you to stay in your fan zone to watch the match.

RE: ticketing, I would highly recommend purchasing in advance as we are limited with our turnstiles. Due a council ruling, we are unable to open an away entrance currently so everyone needs to come through the main gate. We have arranged for additional volunteers to support this to reduce queues.

Purchasing online will speed up entry into the ground as we’ll have a dedicated entrance for online tickets. Your ticket will be scanned on entry so make sure you either print off your ticket or have the QR code available on your mobile.

Note: Online tickets will only be available until midday (for 3pm kick-offs) or 5pm (for 7:45pm kick-offs) on the day of the game. After which, entry will be via pay on the gate via either Cash or Card.

RE: Car Park, The car park will be allocated to players, officials and disabled parking only. If you require a disabled space, please email the club on [email protected] with your name and registration.

Looking forward to having a drink, or two with you on Saturday.

Thanks,

Jordan Newman
HFCSA Chairman and Hornchurch FC Media.