That game against Chelsea was my 1st - won 2-1. I was 16. Still a vivid memory. The noise and the greenness of the pitch. I'm convinced my blood turned into Red black ' White that day. Seeing the likes of Bobby Kerr, Monty and big Dick Malone - still a dream!!! Loved the way each player had their own song. Bart
86-87 (Ish) not sure who we played colin pascoe (sp) hoyed an easter egg at me. Winning 2-0 with 5 minutes to go , left early. Ended up losing 3-2
Can't remember any of my earliest games. I remember exactly where I was when it came over the radio that we'd signed Shackleton (February, 1948) but don't know if I'd been to a game then. I saw Ivor Broadis and Trevor Ford playing for us, which would date that game between 1950 (when Ford came) and 1951 (when Broadis left). Before that, I don't remember.
Mine was hardly epic but my longest journey was to the Goldstone ground Brighton. It was 1985 i think and we left by bus from concord in washington at midnight and got there at 9am. Went for breakfast then went to pub. Goes without saying we lost 3-1. Apparently some sundland fans went on a bit of a rampage through their town centre that day lol.. Just checked it was 26th April 86.
Brighton at home 1976. We won 3-0, I was 9 years old. First derby I went to was at SJP 1977 when we won 4-1. Gary Rowell hat trick. Took my boy to his first game when he was 4 years old. Coventry City & we won that one 2-1.
1977 Orient at home. We drew 1-1 and were truly dreadful. They completely bossed it and we equalised with a late Gary Rowell penalty. I lived in Newcastle and used to catch the "soccer special" from the Central Station and then back again from Seaburn. Avoiding the welcoming committee back at Central Station took some doing.
I think we've all ran into the welcoming commitee at some point lol. We got off at Durham once to avoid them and ran into one there instead
October 20th 1996, St James' Park, Howay 5-0. I had already supported the club a few years prior to attending my first match however having spent time living in France and then MK for 6 months, going to matches was difficult (especially when no one in my immediate family likes football!) A friend and his dad took me and it was electric. My first Sunderland match was with a much loved poster (and very dear friend) on here! It was the 1-0 defeat at home to Everton where after a few bevvies, I got so into the match, I turned into the manager . I also met up with another legend on these boards which topped off an experience. For reference, my favourite drinking plate is The Victory..... Good beer, great price and friendly people. Interesting (maybe not) fact: I have never been to a derby match at the SOL. I have to change this.
7yr old - first full match 1964-65 - first game after promotion in 63-64 season - Leicester (H) - 3-3 draw - 15yr old Derek Foster in goal (i remember being disappointed cos Monty - he was injured) our goalkeeper was magnificant IIRR - hook line and sinkered after then - preparation for life really - I certainly never expect success - work hard yes ........ and KTF but ETU I guess
and gordon banks was in goal for them at the end of the game he came over and congratulated Derek foster
off topic but @The Relic http://www.safc.com/news/club-news/2015/september/win-tickets-to-baxter-screening
The first game I went with my mates was a draw against Leeds at Roker in about 1967ish. However, I do believe I went with my dad to a couple of games before this, but van't recall who against..
That was my first match as well Would have gone the season before, but it took me months to persuade my dad to let me go. He was worried about the effect of bad language on my delicate ears
Hey funky, thanks for this, mate. I won't apply - bit of trouble with one leg these days doesn't allow me to make arrangements like this. But listen, why don't all of you? Because Jimmy Baxter was worth it. Without the trace of a doubt, the greatest passer of a ball I ever saw. Go for it lads. Honour your greats - and Jim Baxter was all of that. I can't any more. Do it. I hope you do. And I hope the winner enjoys it.
