Match Overview
Truro will follow a well-trodden path to Meadow Park as Gloucester City are the side’s final pre-season opposition this afternoon – 3.00pm.
City finished the 2023-24 season ground sharing with the Tigers and despite a hectic run of fixtures towards the back end of the season, Truro retained their Step Two status with ease.
At all times, Gloucester were welcoming hosts and the warmth we received as a club will never be forgotten as without them stepping in and agreeing a ground share, it would have been highly unlikely that all our ‘home’ fixtures last term would have been completed.
But once pleasantries are exchanged pre-match, it is down to business for John Askey’s side as they look to finish their friendly campaign with another positive result and a stern test, ahead of next Saturday’s league opener against Dorking Wanderers.
Our Opponents
Gloucester will be looking for an instant Step Two return after suffering relegation last year from National League North.
It was a disappointing campaign for Mike Cook (pictured below) and his side who looked doomed for the drop from the new year onwards, their fate sealed well before the final day.
But the Meadow Park hierarchy, which has changed over the close season, have stuck with Cook and he has overseen something of a rebuild as Gloucester gear up for life back in the Southern League.
This will be the first time since season 2008-09 that Gloucester haven’t competed in either National League South or North, but Cook is the man that has been handed the task of ensuring their stay at Step Three is potentially only a brief one.
Sir John’s Thoughts…
City boss John Askey, speaking to the club’s media team ahead of this game:
We need a tough test because every team we have played so far, it has been really comfortable.
But that is more because of the players’ attitude and how they have approached each game, opposed to any result being just down to the standard of our opposition.
It will be a bit harder against Gloucester, but we need that going into the first game of the season against Dorking Wanderers.
Admission
Gloucester City have advised that admission prices are as follows:
- Adult: £5
- Concession: £3
- Youth: £2
- Under-12: Free
- Family: £12
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Meadow Park
Gloucester, similar to Truro, have spent time in exile over the years but the Tigers finally returned to their spiritual home in 2020.
With their ‘old’ Meadow Park suffering devastating flood damage in 2007, the club then spent the next 13 years as a nomadic entity, playing games at Forest Green, Cheltenham and Evesham.
But after extensive works were carried out to raise the pitch, a new stadium was built with Arriva House, which housed club offices previously, now occupying the changing rooms and clubhouse.
The ground has seating on one side, with two stands flanking Arriva House. It is unreserved and offers unrestricted views of the action.
At either end of the ground, there is a small covered standing terrace whilst the scoreboard side of the ground is a open, flat standing.
The pitch is an artificial surface.
Food & Drink
As many City fans will be aware after sampling the culinary delights at Meadow Park last year, Gloucester’s matchday food is some of the best in non-league.
A range of hot and cold offerings are available from the serving kiosk which is situated to the left of the main clubhouse, as you are looking towards the pitch.
The main clubhouse will be open before, during and after the match, serving alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
Directions & Parking
The postcode of Meadow Park, is: GL2 5HD
There is parking available at the ground, but this is limited and fills up quickly on a matchday.
Car parks near to the ground are as follows:
-
2 Sainsbury’s on St Ann Way (GL2 5SA), a five minute walk from the ground and free for two hours.
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Castlemeads Car Park (GL1 2NH) is a pay and display car park which is a 10-minute walk from Meadow Park.
- Gloucester Quays Car Park, Baker Street (GL2 5RG) offers up to four hours parking for £5 and is a 10-15 minute walk from the stadium.
Follow the Match
Our official X (formerly Twitter) handle will have all the build-up, in-game action and post-match reaction.
