1 - 1 versus Liverpool in 1967. Ian St John scored for them, and I cheered like a moron because, for some reason, I supported Liverpool at the time. My dad tried his best to distance himself from me. Wyn Davies equalised with one of his characteristic aerial strikes.
One memory I have was what I think was the first time the floodlights were on - a friendly euro game - not sure who against - I was awestruck
My first home game was 1956/7 against Arsenal'Jack Kelsey was in goal for the Gooners and Johnnny Bolland was our new keeper;remember my dad saying Kelsey will be around when Bolland is forgotten./I can't remember which of us was right. First away game was at Sid James's and I remember George Aitken and Jimmy Scoular kicking the f**k out of each other for 90 mins but there was a handshake at the end.
I suppose my love of SAFC began with the 73 cup final - I never really supported a team but I knew I hated the geordie MAGS as I was born an bred in Co Durham. I remember the cup final especially Monty's save and Bob Stokoe dancing doen the pitch - even the commentators seemed pleased we had beat the mighty Leeds. I was 13 at the time. From that day I supported SAFC, but it not until I was 15 before I went to my 1st game. Got the bus from Consett - Sunderland seemed like miles away. It was the 1st game of the season v Chelsea and we wong 2-1, I think someone called Longhorn scored but cannot be sure. My vivid memory was walking to the top o the steps at the back of the Fulwell End and eventually seeing the pitch - IT TOOK MY BREATH AWAY. F*cking brilliant - I knew I was right to hate the scum (who my dad preferred - though is now a converted mackem). Lol Bart
My first game was at St James Park for a game against Leeds in (I think) 1971. Up seeing the relations and Sunderland were away that week