A topsy-turvy couple of seasons for Scunny,
who are back challenging again at the top after a year of struggle and
off-the-field distractions.
Fans certainly expected improvements - and have got them, with the Iron
top of the table going into the Christmas period. The much-travelled Peter
Beagrie is player-coach and still influential, if not a regular scorer
this season. Steve Torpey, now 34, has got a few goals, but it's the former
Norwich City youngster Paul Hayes who has been getting the lion's share,
comfortably into double figures. Boss Brian Laws has gone for more experience
with former Darlo skipper Andy Crosby, goalkeeper Paul Musselwhite and
Notts County midfielder Ian Baraclough all joining in the Summer.
Man
to watch Andy Butler Promising defender, just turned 21.
Anything worth adding?
Please e-mail us any suggestions.
Off the M181 and M180, the ground is
straight off the roundabout on the A18 Doncaster Road, just on the right,
on the approaches to the town. Easy trip for the motorist - parking for
600 cars at the stadium.
DAFTS' Ian White also has this Top Tip: "Take
a couple of Tesco carrier bags. If you fill them with rubbish and leave
them prominently on the back seat, you can leave your car in their car
park and casually wander over the road to the ground, and you look like
a shopper. I've not had a problem in three years. Also take a comb...
the local coppers video you on the way through the turnstiles."
350 Taxis (01724) 350 350
General Taxis (01724) 278888
Excel Taxis 01724 872872
Fast Taxis 01724 855555 Walt's Travel(01724) 276 396, does mini-buses
Trains: It's a long two mile walk from the station,
take a left and across at the lights into Church Lane. Past the church and hospital, turn right onto the A18 Doncaster Rd, then across the roundabout, past The Berkley pub. Keep along the A18, the ground is another half mile on the left. You can taxi it from the station - you may even be able to book one to pick you up afterwards, although hopefully not the bugger who didn't bother coming back for us last time...
There is a normal service bus the other side of the Berkley roundabout,
which takes you within a short walk down Oswald Road to the Honest Lawyer
and the station on the trip back.
Mmmm...difficult one, Scunny is not a usual DAFTS away weekender, so you're left with below...
Real
ale/Near the station
The
Honest Lawyer, 70 Oswald Rd (pictured below) 1.5
miles from the Berkley roundabout, but easily walkable from the station.
Friendly real ale pub in an old grocer's shop, choice of more than
half a dozen beers, a small but cosy bar. No hot food, but sandwiches.
DAFTS recommended. Click for street
map.
Near and at the stadium
The Berkley, Berkley's
roundabout, Doncaster Rd Closer to the ground, away fans
are welcome. Sam Smith's beers.
Tom Colbleigh's Old Farmhouse Doncaster Rd, by ground
large family pub - away fans welcome, but no colours. Food served from lunchtime. This is part of the stadium complex - to be fair, it was a friendly atmosphere last season, with fans mixing and chewing the fat. DAFTS recommended
The ground is best place for food,
with only one pub close by. Unless you feel like a trip into the town
centre. Claret & Blue.co.uk have a good schematic pub and ground map, which includes chippies and the station. Print off - it will save you getting lost.
For those eating out, there is the intriguing Bay
of Bengal 7-9 Robert Street, 01724 844866 which has
Indian, Italian, Thai and English menus.
On the outskirts
The Red Lion, Epworth is recommended by DAFTS member
Steve Blewett, as it's his local and has hosted visiting Darlo fans in
the past. Around 12 minutes drive away from the stadium. Directions:
Take junction 2 off the M180 and join the A161 towards Gainsborough. Epworth
is two miles down the road. Upon entering the village turn left at the
lights and park in the market square. A white coaching inn with John Smiths
and guest beers and an excellent bar menu. Steaks a speciality! DAFTS recommended
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
The official website Scunthorpe
Utd.co.uk is a little bland, as it looks like every Nationwide
club site. So rely on Any
Old Iron, a revamped Rivals site which has all the info you'll need.
Super Steve Torpey and ScunnyFan
are independent sites, though not a lot on them.
Scunthorpe
United v Darlington
Real
ale/Near the station
The
Honest Lawyer, 70 Oswald Rd (pictured below) 1.5
miles from the Berkley roundabout, but easily walkable from the station.
Friendly real ale pub in an old grocer's shop, choice of more than
half a dozen beers, a small but cosy bar. No hot food, but sandwiches.
DAFTS recommended. Click for 
