Grier's Guide to Cheshunt
Follow Ks away - Cheshunt, Saturday 24 October, 3.00pm
The club: The Ambers were formed in 1946, although a Cheshunt FC also existed from 1880-1931 before disbanding when the local cricket club raised their rent. They reached the Isthmian Premier for only the second time in their history in 2019, under the management of ex-Ks boss Craig Edwards.
The town: Hertfordshire town whose former residents include a young Elizabeth I, Cliff Richard and Olympic gold-winning cyclist Laura Kenny. Posh Spice went to school there, and reportedly begged her Dad not to drop her off in the family Rolls Royce as she was embarrassed by the family's wealth.
The ground: The Stadium, Theobolds Lane, Cheshunt, EN8 8RU. When we first visited 16 years ago it was fairly dilapidated but a smart new main stand and terraces behind both goals were installed a few years ago.
Ticket prices: £10 adults, £5 concessions, £1 U16s. Buy them from https://www.tickettailor.com/events/cheshuntfc/441064/
Covid security: Cheshunt is in the borough of Broxbourne, which is currently (as of 2.35pm on Thursday 22nd) in the Government's tier 1 level of Covid restrictions. But residents of Kingston, or other tier 2 areas, must still abide by tier 2 restrictions when visiting. Tickets are available in advance and measures at the ground include hand sanitiser, one way systems, and an expectation to give test and trace details and adhere to social distancing.
Directions: A fairly straightforward drive, it's just off the A10 close to junction 25 of the M25. There's a good-sized car park at the ground. The nearest station is Theobolds Lane, on the Overground, reached from Seven Sisters or Liverpool Street.
Our record there: Our first visit in 2004 saw us win 5-1, Mazin Ahmad's first goal for the club the pick of them after a run from his own half. But last year we slumped to a disappointing 3-1 defeat, Louie Theophanous scoring a goal but then leaving the club the next day.
Players to watch: Edwards counts two former Ks player among his charges - full Antigua international Reece Beckles-Richards and attacking midfielder Taylor Miles, who was among the first of Leigh Dynan's many signings. Reliable goalkeeper Shane Gore joined from Wingate over the summer.
Recent form: After struggling near the bottom last season they're doing much better this time round - third in the league with five wins out of eight.
Crowd: Typically around the 150-200 mark last season they've been doing better than that since the restart and they made a bit of noise behind the goal last season.
Drinking: Unless fans are just within their own household (or don't live in a tier 2 area like Kingston) only outdoor drinking will be allowed, in groups of up to six. The Vine, near Theobolds Grove station, is a spacious chain pub with value food and a good-sized garden. Further from the ground near Cheshunt station The Red Cow has an outside area and Maltsters and The King James (Wetherspoons) have a few tables out the front.
Food: Cedars Park Cafe has outdoor seating in a park near the ground and does sandwiches, burgers, all day breakfasts and cake, among other food. There are a few takeaways just south of Theobolds Grove station.
