Was only ten at the time but mine was SAFC v Gravesend in a FA cup replay at Roker around 1963 always remember it as being magical and exciting even now nearly sixty years later . Take my grandsons to the games now and they were exactly the same as I was all of those years ago . Started this thread as a diversion to the TAKEOVER gossip just wish it was completed sooner rather than later so everyone can move on . Don’t know if everyone else felt the same about their first match under lights , must confess I still think everything seems quicker for some reason . Most memorable matches under lights would have to be 1963 v Man Utd FA Cup replay, 1973 v Man City FA Cup replay, Opening of the SOL v Ajax . What’s yours ?
My first ever game was under the floodlights. We got beat 4-2 off Man City, I guess it was 1989. I remember spending half the game fascinated by the crowd and not the game, and clinging on the the red spikes on the ramps trying to hold myself up so I could see better. Marco scored. I thought he was better than Pele. Still do Unforgettable, but probably ruined my life.
First was at South Shields in about 1968/69. First Lads game under the lights was against Derby County league cup replay in 1973, game was drawn 1-1 and replayed a few days later at Roker and we won 3-1 I seem to remember. Best memory under lights was 1979 v Everton in the FA Cup, we were top of the 2nd Division and they were top of the 1st Division. Atmosphere was great as we were the better side on the night and went 2-0 up, game finished 2-1. We all dashed back to Boldon Colliery and had a few jars in the Wheatsheaf, great night.
Mine was Sunderland v Liverpool 1985 (rearranged game after 1st one was abandoned). Even though we got beat 3-0 this was the game that got me hooked on going to the match with my mates.
Even though I went to Saturday matches when I was 12 on my own on the bus Me mam wouldn’t let me go to night matches I had no one to take me I think I was about 14
No idea what my first floodlit game was in 1959 but remember it was a completely different experience to going at 3pm on a Saturday and that has never changed even though our home venue has.
I think my first fully floodlit game was Weds 20th October 1993. It was Jamie Lawrence's first home game and we beat Luton 2-0. it came 5 years after my first game but up until then I'd only been to Saturday afternoon home games. My main memory of the game was Lawrence, who for me was the main attraction that day, slicing a clearance into the Main Stand Paddock which hit me on the thigh.
My first night away game was the fa cup replay against Sunderland in 1973 I was 6 Frannie lee scored and we lost,I was sat with Helen the mad lady with the bell on the coach Always remembered the atmosphere at Roker,it was deafening
Couldn’t get to night games so my first and all time favourite was the 1973 Man City game. Strange how your mind works watched the highlights so many times can only remember it in black and white
Reading 1998 4-1. SKP scoring for fun, Lionel Perez thinking he was a sweeper keeper. Full house, attacking winning football, no wonder I was hooked
Although this was the best game under floodlights. If you look really closely you’ll be see me in the Roker End flicking the ‘V’ at a certain player
My late dad took me in the 60's to see Southampton my first game at Roker Park...it pi55ed down all evening, it ended 0-0. Been hooked ever since
Not quite sure but it may have been Porterfields Testimonial. Remember nowt about it.....was i even there??
1973 vs QPR after we won the f a cup my mother took me, we lost 0-3 but who cared, the crowd, the floodlights started me off, i remember the roker end (before 1982) from outside, the concrete girders and the massive stand but that roar when the wind was up amazing. went with me mates first about 1976-77 then a 'proper' supporter since April 1981 Leeds at home 0-1 ! how ironic. on another note i am sad i never saw us win a derby match there, but Chelsea at home in both cup games 1985 and 92 were my favourites and both floodlight games.
