Walking up to Hill Dickinson Stadium felt like approaching a state-of-the-art cruise liner that had just docked into port. Actually, it looked more new-age than that. Perhaps even other-worldly. The pin-lights that circled the upper perimeter and the metallic grey facias made it look like some sort of spaceship that had landed.

Entering into the ground's footprint felt as though stepping into Area 51 with airport-style security checks being carried out once you walked through the nicely-bricked outer walls. That's fine, no-one wants any unidentified flying objects being launched on to the pitch, or worse.

It worked swiftly and thus ensured there was no back-up clogging due to on-the-turnstile checks and, once you were inside the forecourt, there were more than enough food stalls to enjoy and architecture to pose for selfies in front of.

The view of the city skyline from the dockside behind the south stand of the stadium was fantastic. There were plenty of helpers to point match-goers the right way and each turnstile had small screens with clear messaging in the...