Grier's Guide to Potters Bar
When: Saturday 28th December, 3.00pm
The town: Town just to the north of London, originally a small agricultural village but - much like Surbiton - now very much a commuter town since the coming of the railways in Victorian times. Famous residents include actor Martin Freeman, golfer Tony Jacklin and Suede guitarist Bernard Butler.
The ground: The Pakex Stadium Parkfield, Watkins Rise (off The Walk), Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, EN6 1QB. It's one of the league's smaller grounds with a smallish main stand and a covered terrace behind one of the goals.
Directions: A short drive from junction 24 of the M25, with parking available in the streets nearby. The station is about a ten minute walk from the ground - it takes about half an hour from Kings Cross or you can also pick up the train from Finsbury Park, on the Victoria Line from Vauxhall. Remember the strikes on South Western will still be ongoing.
Our record there: Potters Bar were newly promoted last season and their 3-0 win in the second match of the campaign was a rude awakening after our high hopes that our expensively-assembled squad might challenge for promotion.
Recent form: At time of writing they're one place above us in the league in 14th, meaning it will be a tough game between two sides looking to get themselves into the playoff mix.
Players to watch: Skilful attacking midfielder Ben Ward-Cochrane is ex-Ks and already has seven goals this season. The top scorer though is Josh Hutchinson who has found the net 15 times, including a recent hat-trick against Brightlingsea Regent. Manager Lee O'Leary is also a former Ks player.
Crowd: An average of 179 in the league, and in the final qualifying round of the FA Cup they packed the ground with over 2,000 people for the local derby against Barnet. Their fans showed less interest in the Velocity Trophy though, with just 44 people seeing their defeat to Basildon United
Drinking: Right by the station is The Old Manor which, as its name suggests, is in a grand building. It looks like it does traditional pub food and a wide selection of drinks. A little way up from the station there's a Wetherspoons underneath a brutal-looking sixties concrete office building, while Cask & Stillage and a Harvester are on the High Street the other side of the ground.
Food: It's just round the corner from the High Street where choices include the Co-op, M&S, Harvester, a burger bar, a Chinese, a Mediterranean bistro and various takeaways. McDonald's and Subway are opposite the station for those travelling in a hurry.
