According to the official club website, fans of Leyton Orient and Hull City were among those who made the trip and in a season where gates have dipped as low of 1,174 the move was clearly a success (last season's corresponding fixture just made it into four-figures).
“The extra support was heard and we were very much grateful for that,” said manager James Beattie after a 2-1 defeat left Stanley adrift at the foot of the League Two table and with a battle not only to save their hard-won Football League status but also to keep the club afloat financially.
“It was a good promotion by the club. It’s just a pity that we couldn’t put on a show for them."
At Stanley's level, with so much local competition, even 50 or 100 extra fans through the turnstiles on a regular basis can make a huge difference so hopefully some of those who took advantage will be back at least once more before the end of the year.
Would a few more Friday night fixtures help? Growing up I remember Tranmere Rovers playing regularly on a Friday night to try and attract some of those who would be going to Anfield or Goodison Park the day after.
There is a danger of alienating your hardcore support and it would be counterproductive to do it for a fixture where a big away following is expected (e.g against Portsmouth) but once every couple of months could be about the right balance.
Good luck to Stanley for the rest of the season.
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