RECKLESS GUIDE TO POTTERS BAR TOWN FC

POTTERS BAR TOWN FC

Saturday 19th October 2019 

FA Cup 4th Qualifying Kick off 12.30pm

Stadium The Pakex Stadium Parkfield, Watkins Rise (off The Walk), Potters Bar, Hertfordshire.EN6 1QB

Telephone 01707 654833
Club Colours Claret and White

Nickname The Scholars

Key Personnel

The current Gaffer is Lee O'Leary. An ex Scholar, the former Hendon and Kingstonian midfielder is still only 34 and this is his first taste of management. Town's Director of Football is Steve Ringrose who was the manager for three seasons. He had previous managerial experience with North Greenford and Hillingdon Borough.

The Club

Potters Bar Town were founded in 1960 as Mount Grace and played in local Hertfordshire leagues for over 30 years until 1991 when they joined the South Midlands League and their name was changed. Previous managers include Les Eason, a Barnet FC legend for over a decade in the 60's and 70's, Steve Smart, who was on Barnet's books for a couple of seasons in the 1980's and Andy Leese who went onto have success with Chesham United. Les was Director of Football at Parkfield for a number of years too and attends most games home and away – although I know he has amber blood!

LES EASON

Brief Directions by Road 

From the M25 - Exit at Junction 24 take A111 (Southgate Road) towards Potters Bar. Continue to traffic lights and turn right A1000 (High Street) Pass the BP garage on left and the a pedestrian crossing before turning left into the Walk. After 200 yards Watkins Rise and the ground is to your right opposite the Cricket Club. From Barnet - head north on the A1000 and into Potters Bar. Potty's Diner is to your right at the traffic lights where this road meets the A111. Straight on passing the BP station and then follow above.

Car Parking 

There will be no parking at the ground which is reserved for officials. The immediate area is residents only although there is a pay and display in Oakmere Park on the A1000 opposite the top of The Walk. Please do not park in Mayfair Lodge Car Home car park opposite the ground - as you will be clamped. At the time of writing it is hoped that the Cricket Club will open its car park for cars too. 

Directions by Train

Potters Bar station is a 8 minute journey from New Barnet station and served by trains stopping all stations from Kings Cross in the south and Stevenage in the North. A 15 minute up hill walk to the ground awaits - The Walk is opposite the station taxi rank. Follow your nose up the hill and Watkins Rise will be on your left just past the tennis courts and opposite the Cricket Club.

Eating and Drinking Locally

As a resident in Potters Bar for 30 years I can fully endorse the following list of hostelries and eateries – The Istanbul Kebab opposite the top of the Walk is the best Mediterranean take away, the Mixed Kebab is awesome.

The Sea Shell Fish and Chips (opposite the Bus Station a 5 minute walk North from the ground on the A1000) is a quality and very friendly establishment with very generous portions on offer. For a breakfast/brunch sit down the Cafe One is very very good fayre too and value for money (The Liver and Bacon and Onions is a regular “treat” for me!).

The Cask and Stillage is the only real choice of pub as the area has been decimated recently in that regard unless you use the Admiral Byng close to the station which is the Wetherspoons outlet.

It is very possible that the Cricket Club bar which is literally a 2 minute walk from the ground will be opening its doors too from 11.00am. Please double check this before Saturday morning.

Ground Description

The club has played at Parkfield since their formation although the ground has changed beyond recognition since those days with the original East to West pitch now sitting North to South.

There is a small seating area for about 200 on one side of the ground and small covered terraces opposite and at the Church End to the right. The rest of the ground is a walkway hardstanding behind the perimeter fence. The Capacity is allegedly around 2,000. The very smart newly refurbished club house will not be available to visiting supporters for this game.

Admission Prices

The game is a segregated all ticket match and terrace tickets are priced at £15.00 for Adults, £10.00 Concessions and £5.00 for the Under 16. Any remaining tickets after Saturday 12^th October home game with Woking will be available from the Club Shop at the Hive until the day of the game. There is no on line purchasing available.

Our Last Meeting & Memories

To the best of my knowledge we have only played Potters Bar once in a competitive fixture and that was way back in November 2002 in the Hertfordshire Senior Cup. 308 a then ground record witnessed a 2-0 Potters Bar win.

Celebrity Watch

Up until recently a hero of my childhood, Thunderbird 1 pilot Scott Tracy, lived here. At least his voice did in the guise of actor Shane Rimmer. Shane, who was legend in the town, sadly died last year.

Football pundit John Hartson had a house in the Avenue and was a frequent visitor to the Silver Jubilee Turkish restaurant although he used the pseudonym of Mr D Jones - not many people know I know that. Ex EastEnders actors Tom Watt ( and friend of BFC) and Martin Kemp went to Dame Alice Own School.

Ray Park (aka Star Wars Darth Maul) used the gym at Darkes Lane. Football commentator John Motson, Carry On actor Bernard Bresslaw, Last Of The Summer Wine’s Peter Sallis, musicians Spencer Davis and Acker Bilk, Baby Spice, Teresa May's first lover Gordon Marshall, and golfer Tony Jacklin all live or have lived in Potters Bar.