So, in the two games we’ve covered in the ‘Away Day Review’ so far, we’ve witnessed Livi pick up two, 3-0 hammerings. This week, we were hoping for third time lucky – whoops!
A quick visit into the nearby Bowling Club to indulge in a pre-match pie and pint was a nice way to set myself up for the day that lay ahead. A quick wander round the corner and Somerset is there, in all its 130-year-old glory. A sign above the main entrance reads ‘Somerset Park – Home of Ayr United since 1910’. I’ll not lie; it doesn’t look like they’ve done much to it since then either.
Gaining access wasn’t a problem – Ayr had opened two turnstiles and the few travelling supporters were easily and quickly admitted inside. The price did stump me a bit though. I’d normally not bat an eyelid at a £15 admission fee – it’s probably around the average for the division. Difference being, not everyone else houses you in either a falling down shed or some steps in the far corner. There is of course the option of going in the stand but wheres the fun in that?
Where Ayr got it bang on though, was an old-school chip van on the far side. I like a pie at the football, don’t get me wrong, but the chance to go wild and have chips covered in curry sauce really got the juices flowing. Always being one to be exceptionally thorough with my work, it was only right that I sampled a cheeseburger with onions aswell - and that hit the spot too. Everything was reasonably priced, infact, I got change back from £5 for both of those snacks – a rarity these days.
I’m not a huge fan of standing behind the goals so I opted to stand in the corner (yes, in front of the burger van – very good!). The view of the pitch was fine, no horrible pillars blocking you but it was tough at times to judge what way the ball was moving with being so far away. The metal cage and police taped dividers to stop the, ahem, ‘masses’ of fans clashing made you feel more like you were in the jail than at the football – although given the full-time score line, the jail might have served up more fun.
Both sets of fans did manage to serve up a good bit of atmosphere. With us dominating early on and then of course going a goal ahead, the singers and shouters behind the goal were on full volume. The Ayr fans perked up as their side fought back into the game and by the time third goal went in, the noise from the home end circled the stadium. Having not won at home for four months prior to this game, the sound of relief was very clear to hear from the Honest Men.
A good trip, some great, ‘classic’ foods on offer but possibly a bit steep on the entrance price.
Access – 7/10
Admission – 4/10
Pie and Drink – 8/10
Stadium/View – 5/10
Atmosphere – 6/10
Overall – 30/50
First published in 'ROAR' - Livingston FC Matchday Magazine on Saturday 3rd March 2012.
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