Shrimps shrug off drop fears Morecambe v Darlington Coca-Cola League Two Saturday 13th December 2008, 3pm A good first season for the Shrimps, who were fairly comfortably mid-table at the finish. Sammy McIlroy's side quickly found their feet and their attacking instincts gave them a chance. Man to watch Carl Baker Attacking midfielder, who joined with Jon Newby from Southport and has got his share of goals. Full match previews on the D@rlo Uncovered website. Away fans will be given the Umbro Stand behind the goal. Ticket prices have been frozen for 2009-2009 and are still: On the terrace£13 for adults, £10 for OAPs, students and disabled and £4 for youngsters aged five to 16. There are also main stand seats for £14 (£11 concessions, £5 under 16). Darlo were given 900 tickets last season, so plenty of room. The club hopes to move to a new stadium for the start of the 2010-2011 season.

Morecambe FC: Christie Stadium, Lancaster Rd, Morecambe, Lancs LA4 5TJ Tel: (01524) 411 797 History: The club was formed in 1920 and started in the local Lancashire League, although it took until the 1940s before Morecambe started enjoying some success. The 1960s and early 70s included a first FA Cup 3rd round appearence and FA Trophy win. After fiinancial insecurity, the club revived again in the 1980s and in 1995/96 reached the Conference. In 2001 and 2003, Morecamble were drawn at Ipswich in the FA Cup 3rd round. After narrowly missing out on the play-offs, they finally won at Wembley in May 2007 to earn league status for the first time. Record Attendance: 9,234 v Weymouth FA Cup 3, 1962. Capacity: 6,400 Last season: 11th Honours: Conference play-off winners 2006-2007, FA Trophy winners 1974, Lancashire Combination champions 1924-25, 1961-62, 1962-63, 1967-68 Record victory: 16-0 v Rossendale Utd (Lanc Comb), 1967; 7-0 v Altrincham, (Conference) Feb 1996 Defeat: 0-7 v Leek Town, Conference, 1998 Nickname: The Shrimps Colours: Red and white Manager: Sammy McIlroy Chairman: Peter McGuigan Players in: Barry Roche (Chesterfield), Ryan McCann (Queen of the South), Diarmuid O'Carroll (Celtic), Andy Parrish (Bury), Neil Wainwright (Darlington) Players out: Garry Thompson (Scunthorpe), Damien Allen, Simon Grand, Neil Sorvel, Jamie Burns, Paul Jarvis, Andy Langford, Jamie Davies and , Jon Newby (all released) Famous fans/players/connections: Click for Streetmap of ground

From South: Leave the M6 at junction 34, then take the A683 towards Lancaster and then the A589 towards Morecambe. Go straight across two roundabouts, passing a McDonalds on the left. At the next roundabout take the second exit into Lancaster Road. The ground on your left. From North: Exit the M6 at junction 35, signposted Morecambe. Turn right onto the B6254. Join A6 then after the second set of lights turn left. Continue along A6 for approx 2.5 miles. You will come to a junction with Morecambe signposted right (A5105) - the coastal road. Take this for two miles, entering Morecambe. Pass the golf course and in distance you will see the Broadway Hotel. Turn right here into Broadway and go over bridge. Take the first right and continue to the end of this road, turning left to find the stadium. The distance from Darlington is about 87 miles, allow 1hr 45 mins travelling time. Parking: There is a small car park behind the Umbro Stand, plus there is street parking. ABC Taxis 01524 410884 424242 Taxis 01524 424242 Coastal Tazis 01524 424424 Go Cabs 01524 400030 Darlington FC Supporters Club Coach TIME TBC. Contact: 01325 243911. See Supporters' Club website for more details.

A 10 minute walk to the ground - turn right down Central Drive and then along Euston Road. This leads into Lancaster Road. Trains -TIMES TO BE CONFIRMED:

Real ale The local CAMRA has a website and a full list of pubs. If staying over though, you might prefer Lancaster as an alternative for a night out. The Smugglers' Den, 56 Poulton Road, Morecambe Not a lot of real ale in Morecambe - this historic pub promises some rotating guest beers. Eric Bartholomew, 10-18 Euston Road, Morecambe A Wetherspoons, carrying the real name of comedian Eric Morecambe. Town centre pub, within walking distance of the station and the ground. Ranch House Marine Road West (01524) 851531 A wooden seafront bar, which used to be part of an amusement arcade, which usually has a few - up to four - real ales on. Other near the ground The George, 302 Lancaster Road, LA4 6LY. Thwaites pub - further down the road out of town, past the ground. York, 87 Lancaster Road, LA4 5QH (01524) 418226 Not far from the ground on the walk from the town centre. You might even find some real ales on here.

Lancaster real ale pubs Ye Olde John O’Gaunt, 53 Market Street Historic pub, town centre, lots of real ale (Jennings, Taylor’s Landlord, Deuchars IPA etc.), a marvellous selection of Polish vodka, and often has live music. The Sun Hotel, 63 Church Street Refurbished old pub, six to eight real ales (including Lancaster Brewery). Good food. The Water Witch, Canal towpath, LA1 1SU near Penny St bridge Next to Lancaster Canal. Usually has about eight real ales. Lots of European beer too. Good food. You can sit outside and feed the ducks. The White Cross, Canal towpath, LA1 4XT, South Rd A bit further along the towpath. Usually has about six real ales (Deuchars IPA, Dent, Old Peculier etc.). Good food. The ducks might follow you if you dangle some bread in their direction. Golden Lion, Moor Lane Next to the Dukes independent cinema/theatre. Serves Deuchars IPA and Theakstons. Sir Richard Owen (Wetherspoons), Common Garden Street The Green Ayre (Wetherspoons), Damside Street Like any other Wetherspoons. Or go to St Georges Quay, which has three pubs overlook the River Lune and the Millennium Bridge. All have real ale and are within staggering distance of each other. Thanks to Dave Horseman, a Darlo fan in Lancaster, for these recommendations. At the stadium Bell's Bar, Christie Park. This is for home fans only - with access from the Paddock and main stand. The old JB's bar at the ground has now been turned into a sponsor's lounge. .

A good excuse for a trip to the seaside. Morecambe is known for its sands, beautiful views across the Bay, with also a statue of one its most famous sons, Eric Morecambe (named after his home town) on the promenade. If staying over, it's worth trying the local seafood or "just" the fish and chips. The local tourism website has accommodation booking and details. The local council has produced a town centre tourist map on PDF, which includes the football club. Tourist Information office, Old Station Buildings, Marine Road Central, Morecambe, LA4 4DB Tel: (01524) 582808 Rail timetables Virgin Trains GNER National Express Online map Hotels/B&Bs Morecambe website Lancaster council/ Morecambe Citizen, Visit Lancashire Surfing there... There's the official website,, which is independent , easy to read and loads very easily. There are other sites from the Supporters Club, and also MegaShrimps Next away match: Bury (December 26th, 3pm) No responsibility is taken for accuracy, if in doubt check before travelling. © DAFTS 2008 Anything worth adding? Please e-mail us any suggestions. Back to index page If you'd like to be e-mailed a regular bulletin with the latest updates on this site - including details of DAFTS members known to be travelling then E-mail DAFTS