Yes. Don't remember much about the match (0-0) but remember the Ajax bus arriving and the players being absolutely amazed at how many people could come and see a second division team play a friendly match! I have much clearer memories of the first "real" match at the SOL with Niall Quinn (who else?) intercepting a Man City backpass and scoring the first-ever goal at the SOL.
Status Quo did the worst miming act ever seen I recall. Chats - that first competitive game was amazing atmosphere and I remember the build up and excitement I felt at our new home. Those who say the SOL cant match Roker were not there that game. There have been a few since that made the hairs on the back of your neck stand up but sadly not as many as we would have liked, due in main to some pretty dire football in the last 10 years.
I was there and remember hearing Status Quo warming up before the doors opened, When we got in they landed on the pitch in helicopter then mimed, was in the North Stand just behind the goal, lower tier half way up. With my son and we loved it.
it was class celebrating kevin ball's goal which was dissallowed, the 1 thing i remember about the game was thinking paul bracewell needs to hang up his boots. All in all though it was a great atmosphere, 1 of the best i've witnessed at the sol
I was there, and to be honest the match itself was a bit lame. However, my abiding memory of that game is the "wow" factor when I got my first glimpse of the inside of the stadium.
