Lovely leafy High Wycombe has many a pub to speak of, unfortunately none of them are anywhere near the football ground, perched as it is on an industrial estate in the middle of the rolling Chilterns.

The Hour Glass is probably the nearest at about half a mile, and pretty good it is too luckily enough, which is more than can be said for the pubs nearest the railway station some 2 miles away, which vary from the bland Flint Cottage to the eminently avoidable Finns Irish pub - now Scorpios.

The good news however is that the town’s most atmospheric real ale bar, namely The Hobgoblin is found at the top of the High St, no more than about 5 minutes walk from the Station heading downhill. Well worth a visit and a sample of Hobgoblin bitter. Also recommended in the town centre is The Glass House adjacent to The Hobgoblin heading along towards the Hospital.

At the other side of that little market quadrant, Wetherspoons enthusiasts will find The Falcon for all the usual Wetherspoons type stuff, both good and bad! On the whole not a bad example of this chain. Similarly there is the ubiquitous O’Neil’s to complete a quartet of town centre pubs within tripping distance.

The ground itself boasts a supporters club with a door charge (allegedly £2!!) if you don’t fancy the Hour Glass, while football special busses depart the station at 1.55, and return from the ground in a rather amusing convoy afterwards.

This week’s pub-guide is something of a confessional, as back in the early to mid 90’s I used to be a bit of a closet Darlo watcher (wouldn’t go so far as to say fan, although I did once get quite excited when Phil Brumwell passed to one of his own team).

Back then the delights of Darlo was one of football’s best kept secrets. A ramshackle town centre ground within walking range of some great pubs, a fabulous Victorian station and the world’s cheapest chip-shop.

Cheapness was certainly the order of the day, and to that end Hogan’s bar outside the station was what the Darlington trip was all about. It is still ludicrously cheap, and despite its somewhat dodgy reputation is one of my favourite pubs of all time. Spacious bar, friendly staff, big screen and a crazy juke box that used to have tunes like the theme to Coronation Street.

If sepia-walled eccentricity flops your mop and you want a cheap drink near the station then I guess look no further. However….like all establishments of this type with Hogan’s you can never be quite sure what you are going to get. Cheap drink attracts life’s bottom feeders unfortunately, and its proximity to the station can bring its own problems on a match-day, so proceed with caution. If you have shiny shoes the chances are you’ll be mistaken for a policeman, if you’re talking to somebody with shiny shoes the chances are he is one, its that kind of place.

However, if Hogan’s is having an off day please don’t be tempted into The Speedwell further down towards Victoria Road towards the town, its name is spookily apt. In fact there isn’t really any need to go into the town now of course the football ground isn’t there anymore but if you do then my recommendation would be the not so aptly named “Quaker Coffee House”, a splendid real ale bar.

Like their not so favourite cousins from Hartlepool the Darlo fans have been busy on the message board with information about bars at the new ground, and apparently Bar 66 at the stadium is the pick, boasting both a big screen for the early kick-off and a warm welcome for away fans. Once inside the ground you have the choice of Smiths or Fosters from the concourse, but hey that’s not bad for division 4 where beer is only available in a handful of stadia.

Then its a short journey back to mine for free beer, well for me anyway!!.

The rest, have a safe trip home, and for those staying in Newcastle enjoy your night out.

I always feel that Walsall and Stockport have a lot in common. Despite being amongst the largest towns in the country, they are of course in the perennial shadows of more illustrious neighbours, especially in the football sense. Despite this however both places have an identity distinct from their “city” neighbours, including an independent brewery (Stockport’s being Robinson’s).

Stocky fans are also generally a friendly bunch IMO, and tropical storms apart I’ve always found the trip to be an enjoyable experience.

As this is a night game I’ll keep the guide to those pubs near the ground which is in the separate suburb of Edgeley as distinct to Stockport town centre, in fact to be even more specific Castle Street, which offers just about everything you need for pre-match boozers.

In reverse order of merit The Jolly Crofter, although recently refurbed was so jolly on my last visit that I walked out after waiting 25 minutes to not be served.

The Armoury has always been a pleasant and very traditional Robinson’s pub although again I found the service to be pretty woeful to be honest, while The Robert Peel is also busy and welcoming, but very limited in its choice of ales.

For me the place to go for a good few years has been the Royal Oak on the corner of Castle Street, the one pub that seems able to mix atmosphere, quality and choice, service, and proximity to the ground. A good all round pre-match pub, especially suited to a Tuesday night when time might be at a premium and one doesn’t fancy doing much wandering. Although of course it is a couple of years since my last visit, when we actually won an away game under the previous regime!!

Let’s hope tomorrow night’s nervous pre-match supping gives way to the same euphoric abandonment that accompanied that never to be forgotten occasion.

Well as there is already a pub-guide to Hartlepool this years version is by way of an update!

The long thirst inducing trek North to Hartlepool, which if you are “training” it via Newcastle includes a picturesque coastal bit past Blackhall rocks, scene of the demise Jack (Michael Caine) at the end of the film Get Carter.

Hartlepool has brightened up since those dark days in the early 70’s and is a good day out with a rash of pubs many of which seem to spring up, close down and most confusing of all, actually move around the town – honest! The train station exits onto Church Street which is the main drag for weekend circuit drinking and pre-mating activities.

There is a pub right next to the station called The Vault which is fine for a quick pint and a game of pool. They also sell cans to take away after the match. If you like standardised pub-chains you find all the usual firkin/fibber/sports bar themed stuff hereabouts. Yates’, Huxter’s and the Merchant Stores are mutually convenient when heading right up to Victoria Road, roughly on the way to the ground.

Although last year my advice was to flirt with their dubious charms (and avoid altogether those of The Office and Bikinis Fun Bar) I would like to say that I was pleasantly surprised with The Ward Jackson (Lloyds number 1 Chain) both myself and Booster Cogburn were suitably impressed if I remember rightly.

I always like to head to The Jackson’s Wharf on the Marina, visible via the tall ship mast. Car travellers will also find plenty of free parking here, only 6 minutes walk from the ground. The pub boasts excellent food and a broad selection quaffable beer, delivered via prompt, intelligent service.

There is also a genuine welcome for away fans. Two seasons ago they had window posters with Hartlepool and Walsall crests, a really nice touch. Although the football theme was dampened down a touch last season following a re-fit it was still the pick of the pre-match boozers. If you’ve got the kids with you and don’t mind wasting 8 minutes drinking time there’s an award winning maritime museum on the marina itself that includes the moored ship.

Adjacent to the ground try the corner flag club, again a friendly welcome awaits although there is the usual social club small door charge. It’s also handy for the away end. A few friendly visitors on the message board have recommended the Millhouse opposite the ground, which is traditionally the home pub but has a big screen in the bar for anyone who has egg-chasing inclinations.

The Mansfield trip brings another one of those nearly local derbies that punctuates this season in the basement division, and our first trip to Field Mill for many a year feels all the closer for the construction of Mansfield Town railway station, seven minutes walk from the stadium.

The nearest pub to the station is The Railway Inn which is somewhat tucked away down Station Street. Traditional style pub with food to match and Bateman’s real ale on tap.

At the ground itself there is the American theme Early Doors pub about 50 yards from the home entrance, does what it does reasonably well, proximity to the ground being its main attraction however.

A better bet for those arriving by car and thus approaching from the A38 (Sutton Road) is the Lord Byron, (the last pub before the ground when you get to Quarry Lane off Sheepbridge Lane). Only five minutes walk to the stadium, and boasting well kept ale, food and a friendly landlord.

On Sutton Road itself The John Cockle provides the service of chain pub-eatery which is useful for families although a little bland, while just a little further along and set back from Sutton Road there is the excellent Bold Forrester which offers more variety and a better atmosphere.

On the other side of the stadium the second nearest pub to the ground is probably The Fabulous Talbot (that’s its name not my opinion!). A better bet than the Early Doors, it can be found on Nottingham Road opposite the garish pink restaurant thing that used to be the rather excellent Plough pub, now sadly no more.

The town centre (about 15 minutes walk from the ground) is another one of those that boasts plenty of bars per radius yardage. Personally my favourite has always been The Wheatsheaf next the pedestrianised shopping area near the bus station, which is nice because on Saturday I will mostly be arriving by bus…..don’t ask!!

Enjoy your day… weather permitting.

Even more important than usual, with the need to join in the New Year’s Day festivities, Upthesaddlers.com is proud to bring you the vital information contained in Geordie’s Pub Guide to Peterborough. Please drink sensibly!

Peterborough is something of a contradiction when it comes to the “day out” element of away trips. Many of the town’s bars, particularly those convenient for the football ground are really nice, however as a place it’s just so boring I always feel a bit unfulfilled and glad to get away.

So erring on the side of festive jollity, the hotel opposite the station (some 10 minutes walk to the ground) has a smart public bar that does real ale, and probably the cleanest pub toilets I’ve ever seen.

A little way down Westgate heading towards the town and one encounters The Brewery Tap, a cavernous bar that specialises in world beers and is home to Oakham Ales. The bouncers can be a little picky on match-days but once inside both beer and food are excellent.

Town centre wise there is another unusual pub called the Wortley Almhouse a little further down Westgate which like all Sam Smith’s pubs is very reasonable price wise.

If you fancy something a little more upmarket and pricey then Charter’s bar is moored on the Nene just as you cross over the river en-route to the ground, but like The Brewery Tap don’t expect to get in with colours on. Chinese food and real ale aplenty once more and only a five minute walk to the stadium.

The nearest pub to the ground is probably The Cherry Tree down Oundle Road, off to the right as you head over the river towards the ground. Its always been very a welcoming place for away supporters in my experience, and is well worth a visit.

Well its a good few years since I’ve visited York St. and as with Accrington it was way back in their Unibond League days in the early and mid-90’s when I was covering Whitley Bay FC for the local rag up here. First time I went there I had an argument with the team manager on the bus the upshot of which ended with me doing the team-talk. Next year I was just settling down to a pint upon arrival when it came to light that no socks had been packed in the kit bag, and guess who got the job of legging it to the nearest sports shop for 15 pairs of blue socks??

So my memories of the pubs are dimmed both by the passage of time and the wastage of valuable drinking time.

Boston is however a pretty market town, with a river running through its centre that seperates the area between the town and the ground. Bateman’s is the local brewer and they supply The Coach and Horses just off York St. itself, although this pub used to get very crowded even in non-league days when, strangely considering their poor support now, Boston regularly attracted 1500 plus home gates.

If you venture into the town centre or are in search of food, then the Wetherspoons on the High St. (Moon Under Water) sets a standard that so many of its sister pubs have failed to achieve, well worth a visit.

For those arriving by train The Eagle on West St. is worth a look for a quiet pint as you head towards the town centre and the ground. Nearer the ground around the market place near “The Stump” tower on the river there are a couple of decent pubs the pick of which is The Still (food and real ale).

At the ground itself there is a spacious and well appointed clubhouse adjacent to the car-park at the opposite end to what is now the away end, and if you can get in there and get settled its probably the best place nearest the ground to be honest.

Once in the ground you will probably be pleasantly surprised after the Accrington experience, because its a proper four sided stadium with a traditional feel. The Town End where we will be accommodated is a cantilever covered terrace that used to be the home end back in the day when I was running around town hunting for socks, so a good opportunity to create an old-fashioned “Street End” style atmosphere.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone by the way, see you at Peterborough for more beer by the riverside and covered terracing, hmmm lovely.

For those lagging behind with the Christmas shopping a trip into Europe normally occasions the chance to load up with duty frees. Unfortunately at League Two level it’s a short hop over the border to the Welsh karaoke capital, a town with more than its fair share of hostelries.

Of course it goes without saying that this is a trip where its unlikely Saddlers fans will be welcomed like long lost brothers from League One, so admittance to The Turf, the pub that used to literally overlook the ground is not guaranteed, or best advised.

That said the town centre has plenty of other options. The Plas Coch just off the bypass has traditionally been more welcoming to visiting fans, and is home to a decent pint. While right in the centre itself there are cavernous Wetherspoons namely the Elihu Yale and Lloyd’s No 1, both of which are above average examples of the usual High Street chains.

If you fancy something a bit more traditional then The Horse and Jockey on a pedestrianised area just off the main shopping street offers a couple of guest ales to its patrons, although very compact with elbow room at a premium on Saturdays.

If you decide to take the scenic route via Whitchurch A41 etc. I’ve always found The Kingsmill to be worth a visit, just on the approach to the town centre via Kingsmill Road.

Bury, scene of the greatest 0-0 draw in history is also home to a couple of half decent pubs down Manchester Road, the main Road from the town that takes you to Gigg Lane.

The Waterloo Hotel is a good start for real ale fans heading down from the town or metro link towards the ground, the food is excellent, and the staff and locals generally friendly.

Near the ground two pubs sit side by side, namely The Pack Horse and The Staff of Life.
I would definitely recommend the latter!!

Another very decent option is the Swan and Cemetery which is just off Manchester Road on the other side of the ground. Although mainly a home pub it’s always been away friendly in my experience, and again the food is well worth it.

There is also a large social club at the ground which I vaguely remember gaining access to on that magical night back in 1995, but then most of my recollections of that evening are pretty hazy. I seem to remember having a pint with Alan Knill who now manages Rotherham, but it might have just as well have been dream.

Hereford is another on of those old school “big turnout” away games and as such there can be a bit of an atmosphere in the town centre when we visit.

That said it’s a lovely town, and the ground despite its ramshackle appearance has some redeeming features. Its only 5 minutes from the station, has a bar that on my previous visits has admitted away fans, and wait for it…an away end with a roof!

Heading away from the station towards the ground down Commercial Road there is a half decent Wetherspoons called the King’s Fee, and a quiet bar/restaurant in The Merton Hotel if you fancy something a bit more salubrious.

The town centre has more pubs than you could shake a stick at, but if I had to pick a couple I’d go for The Litten Tree also on Commercial Road, and turning right and heading away from the ground at the bottom of Commercial Road The Victory, a splendidly eccentric establishment that serves its own brews under the name “Spinning Dog Beer”.

I would personally not bother with the rather soul-less Kerry (formerly Farmhand and Firkin) although it’s also handy for both station and stadium.

At the ground there is The Oxford pub which can be a bit tetchy as it’s predominantly a home bar, but I’ve never experienced any problems apart from slow service!

I would definitely recommend the club bar underneath the main stand as you can watch the players warm up through the window, although it’s a fair trek to the away end, and a few stragglers were known to give the match a miss during the dark days of the early 90’s. Surely not now though with such compelling away performances, I’m sure everyone will down their pint, stop moaning and get behind the lads at 2.58 pm sharp.