Although I was close to completing 'the 92' and I was eager to resume my visits as soon as the season started, I still kept an eye out for Southport's away fixtures. Their opening Conference match was away to Dagenham & Redbridge so I made the decision to take in that game rather than visit another League ground.  

I took the tube from Kings Cross on the long ride to Dagenham East station.  Fans who have taken the tube to West Ham's ground know that is a long journey in itself, but Dagenham East was even further away on the District Line and took about 40 minutes to reach. Fans of the TV show 'Big Brother' may wish to note that the tube runs immediately past and slightly around the famous house and I spent a few moments of the journey in each direction gazing at the surroundings.  Once I alighted at Dagenham East I was pleasantly surprised to see signs offering the directions to the Victoria Road ground.  I've rarely seen such notices for Conference venues and found the ground with great ease, some five minutes walk from the station.  Arriving too late to meet my brother-in-law Brett off the Southport team coach - he is the 1st team physio - I tried to find the section reserved for away supporters.  However, entrance to the entire ground was via one side only as the stadium is surrounded by houses and what looks like a warehouse or factory.  With no separate gates for visitors I paid the £8 to gain entry to the terracing at the Victoria Road end.

Once inside I saw that movement was free within the three terraced areas of the ground, allowing fans to 'change ends' with the teams at half-time.  Both terraces behind the goals are uncovered and about ten steps deep, with the popular terrace at the side of the pitch being under cover and slightly larger.  The 50 or so Southport fans mingled in well and there was no sign of any animosity from our East London hosts.  Refreshment kiosks and toilets are situated behind both goals and their is an additional food stall at the rear of the side terrace.  The prices were very reasonable for a London venue and the toilets were clean if a little murky due to a lack of lighting.  However for a Conference standard, facilities aren't bad at all. 

The Main Stand is brand new, having been erected during the pre-season break.  It is slightly raised from pitch level and comprises approximately five or six rows of bright red seating with a handful of executive boxes yet to be completed in the middle of the structure.  The new Main Stand does not run the entire length of the pitch as the existing Family Stand towards the Pondfield End of the ground remains intact.  With a similar number of rows as it's new brother, the view from this stand seemed to be impeded by a few pillars supporting the roof.